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  • Presidency proposes stricter sanctions on airlines over flight delays, cancellations

    Presidency proposes stricter sanctions on airlines over flight delays, cancellations

    The Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Bala Usman, has proposed a review of the draft policy on sanctions for airlines to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

    Usman argued that, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and their impact on affected passengers, revisiting the policy was necessary.

    She made this recommendation during the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on implementing presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

    Disclosing this via its Twitter handle, CRDCU stated that Usman also recommended revising the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints.

    She said it was unrealistic and needed urgent amendment to align with global best practices.

    The statement reads: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

    “The first engagement of the day was held at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, where the Special Adviser met with the Minister, Festus Keyamo; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and other Heads of Departments and Agencies under the Ministry.

    The Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Bala Usman, has proposed a review of the draft policy on sanctions for airlines to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

    Usman argued that, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and their impact on affected passengers, revisiting the policy was necessary.

    She made this recommendation during the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on implementing presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

    Disclosing this via its Twitter handle, CRDCU stated that Usman also recommended revising the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints.

    She said it was unrealistic and needed urgent amendment to align with global best practices.

    The statement reads: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

    “The Special Adviser commended the Minister and leadership of the Ministry for ensuring progress within the sector. However, she expressed concerns with the Ministry and its agencies over their submission of incomplete information, which hinders the independent assessment of progress towards achieving specific deliverables. She also highlighted the Ministry’s stakeholder and customer engagement shortcomings, a key deliverable requiring urgent improvement.

    “The Special Adviser recommended that the Ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines. She described this as critical given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers. She further recommended revising the current target of 224 days to resolve customer complaints, describing it as unrealistic and needing urgent recalibration to align with global best practices.

    “Following the presentation of the Ministry’s performance scorecard for Q1–Q3 2024, the Minister expressed his appreciation to the Special Adviser for her diligent work and guidance.

    “He assured her that the Ministry would address the highlighted challenges and intensify efforts to improve performance and service delivery in the aviation sector.”

  • NBA apprehends fake lawyer impersonating its member

    NBA apprehends fake lawyer impersonating its member

    In its bid to rid the profession of quacks, vigilant members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Udu Branch, Delta State led by David Omage Esq and others yesterday apprehended a fake lawyer, Olubuwe Ossai Silas, who has been impersonating Barr Simon Sabuke.

    Vanguard reports that Silas was caught red-handed at a business centre at Orugbo plaza, Ovwian, while transplanting a scanned lawyer’s seal on a document and preparing legal documents using lawyers’ names.

    He was quickly apprehended while attempting to fight the lawyers, who overpowered him and called in police from the Ovwian Police Division.

    Celebrating the feat, the Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, Edmund Odohisi, noted that he had reported the incident and filed a formal complaint at the Ovwian Police Station, where Silas is currently cooling off.

    According to Odohisi, “The Divisional Police Officer has assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and used to deter others who engage in similar acts.

    “This incident highlights the NBA’s zero-tolerance policy towards quacks and infiltrators in the legal profession. As Odohisi emphasized, The full length of the law must be exhausted in this instance.”

    “The NBA Udu Branch has been proactive in addressing impersonation issues, previously warning against the unlawful use of NBA car stickers by non-lawyers.

    “With this latest development, the branch reinforces its commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession.” The Chairman added.

    Simon Sabuke, Esq., in a chat with Vanguard, said that a senior lawyer called him to come urgently because someone was impersonating him.

    “When I got there, I saw three of my senior Colleagues with another man. They asked him if he knew me, but he said no; they now told him that I was Simon Sabuke.

    “He attempted to fight Omage, but we overpowered him and called the police, who came to take him away.” Sabuke narrated.

  • NLC rallies Nigerians against 50% telecom tariff hike

    NLC rallies Nigerians against 50% telecom tariff hike

    Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday rallied Nigerians to reject the 50 per cent telecommunication tariff hike approved by the federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

    According to NLC, the 50 per cent tariff hike approval, “at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.”

    In a statement titled “50% Telecom tariff hike: Another burden too harsh!” NLC’s President, Joe Ajaero, said: “The NLC expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, of a 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs.

    This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.

    “Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 percent of their wages on telecom charges. For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 percent of his salary—a cost that is unsustainable.

    “This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ welfare. It is shocking that the government approved this 50 percent tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.

    “This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality. The government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.

    “We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?

    “We call on the government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around the hike. If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50 percent hike.

    “The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is a fight for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests.”

  • Tinubu spends over N300b on FCT Satellite towns in 17 months — Wike

    Tinubu spends over N300b on FCT Satellite towns in 17 months — Wike

    Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday disclosed how President Bola Tinubu expended about N300 billion on the six area councils in the FCT within the last 17 months.

    The minister stated this in Ibwa village, Gwagwalada Area Council when he commissioned the 9-kilometer Paikon Kore — Ibwa road, which cost N8.5 billion.

    He said, “Mr President committed N8.5 billion to construct this road. The Aguma Palace — Market Road is N22 billion, and it will be commissioned in May this year.

    “We have completed and are still renovating the School for the Gifted Gwagwalada, Government Secondary School Gwagwalada, Government Secondary School Anagada, Government Secondary School Tunga Maje, and Government Secondary School, Giri. The total value for these is N16.5 billion. I haven’t added the three police divisions we are building in Gwagwalada.

    “If you calculate the total value of what Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone, it is over N50 billion in less than two years.

    “If you add all the six Area Councils, you will see that Mr President has committed not less than N300b to develop satellite towns.

  • Alake appeals to northern elites to support Tinubu’s policies

    Alake appeals to northern elites to support Tinubu’s policies

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, yesterday, appealed to northern elites to support programmes and policies of President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    According to a statement signed by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake made the appeal while delivering his acceptance speech following the conferment of the award as the ‘Most Impactful Minister’ of the current administration by the Arewa Think Tank. In it, he (Alake) said the impact recorded was made possible by the collaborative style put in place by the President.

    The Minister asserted that under the Tinubu-led administration, sanity had been established in the nation’s solid minerals sector, where the government went ahead to establish the Mining Marshals through the joint efforts of the Ministries of Interior and Defence and the success of marketing the mining sector abroad through the support of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Investment as evidence of Tinubu’s style of governance in action.

    However, he pointed out that single-outing the most impactful Minister may not tell the whole story, as each Minister’s success results from the collaboration of many ministries.

    Meanwhile, the Minister went down memory lane as he told the audience, including Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, former Defence chief, Retired General Martin Luther Agwai, former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, and Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications, Sunday Dare, about the remarkable feats achieved by President Tinubu. At the same time, he served as a Senator in the Third Republic and Lagos State Governor between 1999 and 2007.

    He said, “As Governor, he (Tinubu) brought his skills as a visionary development strategist and financial tactician to the governance of Lagos. He restructured the domestic economy to create wealth for those who could take the risk and welfare for those left behind.

    “His 25-year projection for the Lagos State economy has recorded a roaring success and given birth to a new economic template. If logos are working, Nigeria, in his hands, is destined to work better.”

    Meanwhile, he (Alake) maintained that the current pains Nigerians are going through arising from the policies of the Tinubu administration entailed sacrifices to secure the future of generations unborn, adding that citizens of the countries where Nigerians are emigrating to today made similar sacrifices.

    The Minister also reiterated that the Tinubu administration’s policies seek to transfer power to the people by liberating their energy for wealth creation and plugging the loopholes that stalled the nation’s development.

    “He has taken the battle to the profiteers of the subsidy regime in the downstream petroleum sector, cabals who took advantage of the cheap fuel meant for the masses to become rich by smuggling them across the border.

    “Now that the margin has become unprofitable, he has taken the elephant from the room. You can bet that the next challenge of bringing down the cost has already started with the resumption of petroleum production at the Port Harcourt Refinery. It is a testimony to his doggedness to put smiles on the faces of the masses at all cost”, he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Gen Martin Luther Agwai (Retd), urged the Tinubu-led government to prioritize agriculture in view of the threats posed by climate change and insecurity.

    In another remark, the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Sani Uba, who represented, and other governors commended the Arewa Think Tank for its consistency.

    Uba also highlighted several achievements of his administration in agriculture. According to him, the standard of living of farmers in his State has significantly improved due to the policies implemented.

    In a poignant moment, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, reiterated in the Hausa language the achievements of the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that it needs the support of all Nigerians to succeed.

  • Telecom tariff hike: Labour berates FG for prioritising corporate cartels over citizens’ welfare

    Telecom tariff hike: Labour berates FG for prioritising corporate cartels over citizens’ welfare

    ABUJA — THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has berated the Federal Government over the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, tagging it as an additional burden too heavy to bear by the suffering masses.

    President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in a statement on Wednesday, decried the hike, stressing that the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, came at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses were grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.

    Ajaero also threatened that all Nigerian workers and masses will unite to reject the unjustifiable tariff hike.

    He said, “We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.”

    He also described the decision, as a clear assault on workers welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.

    According to Ajaero, telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 per cent of their wages on telecom charges.

    Lamenting the situation, the NLC President argued that for a worker earning the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, this means an increase from ₦7,000 to a staggering ₦10,500 per month or 15 per cent of his salary is a cost that is unsustainable.

    He said the hike exemplified the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.

    Ajaero said, “It is shocking that the government approved this 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.

    “This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.

    “We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?

    He insisted that NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase.

    He however urged the Federal government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it.

    His words,” If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50% hike.

    “The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests”.

  • Nigeria to collaborate with Russia on space technology, others

    Nigeria to collaborate with Russia on space technology, others

    Nigeria is to collaborate with the Republic of Russia in the areas of Space Technology, Agriculture, Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to strengthen the nation’s socio-economic development.

    The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, who announced this, said the collaboration will also focus on Agriculture, Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to strengthen the country’s socio-economic development.

    According to Esuabana, Science does not operate in isolation, hence the need for nations to collaborate to strengthen Bilateral relationships.

    The Permanent Secretary said this when officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation, led by the Senior Counselor on Trade and Economic Section, Sergei Pliushchov, paid her a courtesy call today in Abuja.

    She informed the delegation that the Ministry is interested in attending scientific Officer and other research-related field training, especially in the area of Space Technology in Russia, if the Russian government can sponsor such officers.

    To this end, the Permanent Secretary commended the Russian Republic for her good gesture in extending her training request to the Ministry, noting that Russia is interested in Nigeria’s development.

    Earlier, the Senior Counsellor, Trade and Economic Section of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Nigeria, Serei Pliushchov, said that the Republic of Russia is ready to collaborate with Nigeria in the training and re-training of scientific experts to improve productivity in the country.

    He further said that the Republic of Russia, through the Embassy in Nigeria, is engaging Russian online experts to develop Nigerians’ technical skills in various fields.

  • Ekiti welcomes Shari’ah as panel holds maiden sitting

    Ekiti welcomes Shari’ah as panel holds maiden sitting

    The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State held its maiden public sitting in Ado Ekiti to provide arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence.

    The panel, presided over by three Kadhis, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde, adjudicated two marriage-related disputes.

    In the first case, the panel’s head, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the couple’s dispute was resolved through a consent judgment.

    This resolution was facilitated by earlier interventions from family members, which paved the way for a peaceful settlement.

    However, the second case, involving allegations by a wife accusing her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities, was adjourned until January 30 for further hearing after listening to both parties.

    The panel explained that the adjournment would allow additional investigations to ensure a fair outcome.

    Imam Abdul-Mutolib emphasized the importance of the couple fearing Allah and adhering to His injunctions in marriage, urging wives to be submissive to their husbands and content with their provisions.

    Speaking on the panel’s significance, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Alhaji Hammed Bakare, emphasized that the Shari’ah adjudication process is voluntary and adheres strictly to Islamic principles.

    He clarified that litigants can choose to use the Islamic Arbitration system but are not obligated to.

    “Shari’ah adjudication is not compulsory for all; it is meant for Muslims or those who willingly choose to submit their grievances to it. Non-Muslims may also participate, but it remains entirely voluntary.” Alhaji Bakare clarified.

    The council’s Deputy President, Barrister Tajudeen Hammed, also highlighted that the Shari’ah panel operates in harmony with the state’s civil jurisdiction.

    He stressed that its rulings are based strictly on Islamic scriptures, including the Qur’an and Hadith, and do not conflict with existing civil legal frameworks.

    “Submitting grievances to the Shari’ah panel is an integral part of our faith as Muslims. However, it is not mandatory for anyone, including Muslims, to seek redress through this system”.

    Barrister Hammed hailed the Kadhis for their expertise and dedication, commending their erudition in Islamic jurisprudence and their application of Qur’anic and Hadith knowledge during the proceedings.

    The Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State was formally inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024 in Ado Ekiti. Its primary purpose is to provide a platform for resolving disputes, especially civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc., in line with Islamic principles for Muslims and willing participants.

  • UK reaffirms strong defence ties with Nigeria

    UK reaffirms strong defence ties with Nigeria

    The UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker has reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between his country and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

    Coaker, who is on a working visit to Nigeria, stated this at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

    The minister accompanied by other senior officials of the UK government, highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations to address security challenges.

    “The presence of the Honour Guard was a moving experience, symbolising the respect and partnership between the Nigerian and British militaries.

    “His Majesty’s Government recognises Nigeria as a key ally and a leader in West Africa. Together, we stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Coaker said.

    The minister reiterated the UK government’s commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and shared impact of global security challenges.

    “Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security. The work you are doing to combat terrorism, particularly through initiatives like Operation Hadin Kai, is commendable.

    “We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts,” he said.

    Lord Coaker listed the UK’s contributions to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations to include counter improvised explosive devices training, provision of equipment, and mentorship for the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the North-East.

    Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander of the OPHK, commended the UK  for its sustained support in combating insurgency in the region.

    He described the visit as a testament to the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

    “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Lord Vernon Coaker and his distinguished entourage to Maiduguri, the ‘Home of Peace,’ which also hosts the Headquarters of JTF (NE) OPHK.

    “This visit validates the strong partnership between our nations” .

    Shaibu said the mandate of the task force was to restore normalcy to the region, provide enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, as well as resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

    He noted that the fulfilment of the task force mandate required not only material resources but also regular training and retraining of troops to keep them updated on evolving security challenges.

    The commander lauded the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell, supported by the UK, which  became a hub for intelligence gathering and dismantling insurgent IED networks.

    “This hub, equipped with detection tools, laptops, tactical intelligence kits, and other resources, has been vital in detecting, neutralising, and disarming IEDs effectively,” he said.

    Shaibu also commended the Instructor Development Programme being implemented in collaboration with BDS-WA, to fast track training of personnel from Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

    “The programme fosters synergy and camaraderie among troops from the Lake Chad Basin countries, strengthening regional cooperation,” he said, adding that the UK government’s timely and relevant support were imperative towards achieving the task force mandate.

  • Keyamo reveals FG’s plan to establish aircraft manufacturing firm

    Keyamo reveals FG’s plan to establish aircraft manufacturing firm

    Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has disclosed the Federal Government’s plan to establish an aircraft manufacturing firm in the country.

    Keyamo made this known at the launch of XeJet’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facility, and flight support center in Abuja.

    He said the aircraft manufacturing firm is a collaboration between XeJet and indigenous banks.

    According to him, the initiative aims to transform Nigeria into a regional hub for aviation services, adding that it aligns with the government’s vision to support local operators.

    “Since we came to office, we’ve been focused on attracting MRO facilities to our aviation ecosystem, just as they exist in other parts of the world.

    “We’ve searched far and wide for investors, but now we see that what we were looking for elsewhere is right here at home. This collaboration between an indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true,” he said.

    Keyamo added that the inclusion of additional facilities, such as a training centre for the firm would be “a huge achievement.”

    “This development will not only serve Nigeria but will attract users from across the West African sub-region. That’s the dream — to make this facility a regional center for excellence,” the minister said.