Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Citizen | Page 2 of 41 | Zikoko!Citizen | Page 2 of 41 | Zikoko!
The National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 states that the minimum wage must be reviewed every five years. Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated a 37-member committee to do so in January 2024. However, the committee did not take action until after the Nigerian Labour Congress’ strike on February 27 and 28, 2024, holding its first meeting on March 7, 2024, to discuss the prospects of increment.
Here are the details of that conversation:
First off, how does a “minimum wage” conversation affect you?
If you are a Nigerian working in either the public or private sector, the Minimum Wage Act is what ensures you get enough to meet up with the cost of living. The minimum wage is the lowest possible amount of money an employer can pay his employee as regulated by the government.
The industrial wage unions, trade unions and labour organisations ensure this rate is adhered to and reviewed when necessary. This is why the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) went on strike to protest the economic conditions that have rendered the current wage useless.
Rising from ₦18,000 in 2019, the minimum wage in Nigeria currently stands at ₦30,000 per month.
What’s the update on the minimum wage conversation?
The 37-member committee held regional meetings on March 7, 2024, where stakeholders suggested new minimum wage figures to alleviate the high living costs.
In the South-West, the NLC leaders proposed ₦794,000, while the Trade Union Congress (TUC) proposed ₦447,000. In the South-East, the NLC said it preferred ₦540,000. South-South workers proposed ₦850,000, and their North-West counterparts angled for wages of ₦485,000, while the North-Central union suggested ₦709,000.
We’re pretty sure the current NYSC members are on their toes for this one as it directly affects their allawee.
The Nigerian government’s response
In response to this, the Nigerian Governor’s Forum and the Nigerian Employers Association asked the committee and labour unions to consider the current economic realities and individual capabilities of the states and employers to meet the proposed amounts.
24 states, including Oyo, Kogi and Delta, among others, can’t keep up with the current wage payments and have incurred internal debts. On February 8, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stopped giving the salary bailout funds (SBF) granted by former CBN Governor Emefiele to state governments struggling with wage payment and poor internal revenue generation. The debt and backlog will also affect the states’ capacity to pay an increased minimum wage.
What’s likely to happen?
With each sector proposing wages in the hundreds of thousands, another strike may be unavoidable. The official announcement is expected to come on May 1, 2024. However, the wage implementation will be backdated to April 20, 2024, as all processes regarding the minimum wage are expected to have been completed by then.
Did you enjoy this read? Join our WhatsApp channel to stay informed. Click here.
A portion of the video showed Pelumi in the emergency unit of a hospital, receiving care from doctors and other medical personnel.
24 hours earlier, the travel content creator had shared a post announcing her arrival in Liberia. It is unclear whether the accident occurred after or before she got to the country.
From indications, the trip — which is already nearing its end — may be delayed or, worse, cut short. However, Pelumi hasn’t confirmed this with fans.
[ad]
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
Nigerians show concern
Fans and supporters who have cheered the 29-year-old on since the start of her ambitious journey have prayed for her well-being.
The Nigerian Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is one of the most prominent paramilitary agencies in the country. They’re tasked with eliminating the processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, distribution, trafficking and usage of hard drugs in Nigeria.
Officials are usually stationed at international and state borders, airports, highways, seaports and on regular roads, carrying out random searches based on tip-offs. The NDLEA recruits new officials annually. But before you join the paramilitary agency, you should probably know about the available NDLEA ranks and salary structure.
NDLEA salary structure
The anti-narcotics agency uses the Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS) — the official salary scale for paramilitary agencies in Nigeria — in its ranking and salary structure.
NDLEA ranks
It’s divided into two categories: Commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.
NDLEA commissioned officers
Officers in this category hold the highest ranks within the agency. They’re recruited based on their academic qualifications.
Commander-General of Narcotics (CGN)
This is the highest rank of the NDLEA. The CGN is mostly appointed by the president.
Commander-General of Narcotics (CGN)
Officers in this rank play crucial leadership roles within the NDLEA and assist the CGN with the agency’s overall operations and administration.
Commander of Narcotics
Officers in this rank provide overall leadership and direction within the agency. They’re also tasked with overseeing the implementation of anti-drug initiatives at the national level.
Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN)
These officers are involved with strategic planning and decision-making within the agency. DCNs work closely with the Commander of Narcotics to help formulate policies and develop strategies to combat drug trafficking.
Chief Superintendent of Narcotics
Officers in this rank hold supervisory roles within the NDLEA. They lead the narcotics division in the agency, liaise with other law enforcement agencies and provide leadership to subordinate officers.
Superintendent of Narcotics
They’re mid-level commissioned officers tasked with overseeing operational activities within their assigned units. They lead teams of officers in drug enforcement operations and ensure compliance with agency policies and procedures.
Superintendent of Narcotics
Officers in this rank work closely with the Superintendent of Narcotics to lead and manage the work of the narcotics division. They also coordinate and supervise the work of lower-ranking officers.
Salary: ₦205,673 (CONPASS 10)
Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASN)
Officers in this rank are typically entry-level commissioned officers in the NDLEA. They assist senior officers in enforcing drug laws, and participating in raids and investigations. ASNs also engage in community outreach programs.
Salary: ₦151,739 (CONPASS 9)
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
NDLEA non-commissioned officers (NCO)
Officers in this category occupy the lower ranks within the NDLEA. NCOs are ranked based on their qualification during recruitment. They are mostly SSCE, ND and HND certificate holders.
Chief Narcotics Agent
This is the highest rank in the NCO category of the NDLEA. Chief Narcotic Agents hold supervisory positions within the agency. They supervise and monitor junior personnel, and plan and execute drug raid operations, among other responsibilities.
Salary: ₦110,743 (CONPASS 7)
Senior Narcotics Agent (SNA)
SNAs lead enforcement activities within the agency. They are also tasked with conducting investigations and providing training to junior officers.
Salary: ₦90,456 (CONPASS 6)
Senior Narcotics Assistant
They provide support to higher-ranking officers and supervise junior assistants. They also maintain records and assist with administrative tasks within the agency.
Narcotic Agents
Officers within this rank conduct patrols, investigations, raids and arrests. They also gather intelligence, handle evidence and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.
Salary: ₦54,746 (CONPASS 5)
Narcotic Assistant
They are entry-level officers within the NDLEA. They work with commissioned officers in enforcement activities, conducting patrols and participating in drug raids and arrests.
Pelumi Nubi’s solo car trip officially kicked off on January 31, 2024. She started off in London and updated followers via an Instagram post, saying she arrived in France on February 1.
In another post shared on February 4, three days after she set off from Paris, the content creator arrived in Barcelona, Spain, marking the second stop on her ambitious journey. She spent some days exploring the country and reached 100k followers on Instagram.
After six adventurous days in Spain, she announced her arrival in Morocco — the third country on her itinerary — on February 10.
Over the next 14 days, Pelumi explored cities in Morocco and drove through the dreaded desert wasteland, No Man’s Land — a three-kilometre strip that separates the country from Mauritania.
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
She announced her arrival in Mauritania on February 24.
On March 3, about a month after the journey kicked off, Pelumi arrived in Senegal.
She spent a few days exploring some tourist attractions, visiting the tallest statue in Africa, located in Senegal’s capital city, Dakar, and Goree Island, a former transatlantic slave trade hub.
She announced her exit on March 7 and made it to her next stop, Gambia, on March 8. She spent 24 hours in Guinea Bissau before she made it to Guinea, the ninth country on her list, on March 14.
On March 17, she headed to Sierra Leone, where her entry was delayed over her “right-hand drive” car, which had been banned in the country in 2013. However, a kind border officer stepped in and secured her entry.
Still in Sierra Leone as of the date of publishing this report, her next stop is Liberia, after which she has five more countries before arriving in Lagos, Nigeria.
The road trip, estimated to last two months, is on track as she’ll likely complete it in the last week of March 2024.
On Thursday, March 16, millions of Nigerians had limited access to the internet on their mobile and computer devices. Subscribers of telecommunication companies like MTN and Airtel couldn’t access social media apps and website pages. Customers of financial institutions also had trouble accessing their bank apps and USSD services.
[ad]
According to multiple reports, the internet outage was a result of damage to international undersea cables supplying the country with connectivity.
MainOne on duration of repairs
MainOne network, a major internet provider for Nigerian banks and internet providers, suffered extensive damage to its submarine cable system which affected internet connectivity for many of its clients.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 15, the company said it needs to “identify and assign a vessel, the vessel has to retrieve the necessary spares required for repair, and then sail to the fault location to conduct the repair work.” This would be followed by pulling the affected cables from the seabed and getting technicians to fix them.
This entire back and forth might take a total of one month.
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
What does this mean for customers’ access to the internet?
On March 17, MainOne returned with an update stating service had been restored to some customers while working on complete resolution for all affected.
“We have already restored services to some customers and are actively working on restoring services to others via capacity acquired on available cable systems.”
Many people also had their internet access restored on their mobile devices, and some were able to transact on their banking apps. In a March 18 statement, MainOne said it worked with regional partners to reroute traffic and restore services for banks, telcos among other companies in the West African business community.
MTN via an Instagram post told customers that internet services have significantly improved and “work continues round-the-clock on recovery efforts”.
As of the time of writing this report, Airtel has yet to issue an update to customers. However, internet services on the network have significantly picked up in the country.
Meanwhile, Globacom customers enjoyed uninterrupted internet service during the outage on Thursday. The telecommunication company in an Instagram post said that its network wasn’t affected by the fibre cut.
The Nigerian Navy (NPF) is one of the most prominent security agencies in the country, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s waters — the open sea within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Nigeria.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the Navy and curious about the ranks and salary structure, you’ll find answers in this article.
Nigerian Navy Ranks
Just like other armed forces, the Nigerian Navy is divided into two categories: Commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.
Nigerian Navy Commissioned officers
Senior officers who are involved in leadership and decision-making in the Nigerian Navy. They are required to have a university degree or similar qualification.
Admiral of the fleet
It’s the highest rank of the Nigerian Navy. It’s rarely conferred as it’s more of an honorary position, equivalent to the rank of Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force and Field Marshal in the Nigerian Army.
Salary:This position hasn’t been occupied.
Admiral
This is the highest non-ceremonial rank of the navy. The admiral is responsible for the overall command, leadership and direction of the Nigerian Navy at home and on international levels.
Salary: ₦1,358,595
Vice-Admiral
This rank is equivalent to Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force. The vice admirals are also called three-star officers. They hold key leadership roles and are involved in strategic planning, resource allocation and decision-making.
Salary: ₦1,113,602 per month
Rear Admiral
Otherwise referred to as two-star officers, rear admirals are the most junior “Admiralty” officers and are sometimes called flag officers. They command naval formations and fleets.
Salary: ₦1,003,245 per month
Commodore
This rank is equivalent to Brigadier in the Nigerian Army. Officers at this level command naval task groups and are involved in strategic planning and policy development.
Salary: ₦615,488 per month
Captain
Officers in the rank of captain are usually in charge of the largest ships at sea. They’re also tasked with operational planning and coordination within the Navy.
Salary: ₦309,654 per month
Commander
This is equivalent to the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army. Officers in this rank command smaller ships and are involved in planning and executing naval operations.
Salary: ₦281,673 per month
Lieutenant Commander
This rank is the assistant or deputy to the commander. Lieutenant commanders hold leadership positions on larger ships and are also tasked with training personnel and other administrative duties.
Salary: ₦230,652 per month
Lieutenant
This rank is equivalent to a captain in the Nigerian Army. The lieutenant commands small vessels and is involved with more specialised roles such as navigation or engineering.
Salary: ₦195,685 per month
Sub Lieutenant
Officers in this rank are assigned to various ship or shore-based duties, typically as watch or divisional officers. The rank is equivalent to a lieutenant in the Nigerian army.
Monthly salary: ₦150,625 per month
Mid-Shipman
This is the lowest rank for commissioned officers in the Nigerian Navy. This rank is reserved for entry-level officers undergoing basic naval operations and leadership training.
Salary: ₦118,835 per month
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs)
These are enlisted members of the Nigerian Navy. They occupy junior roles and don’t require academic qualifications. They’re mostly involved in coordination and physical aspects of the Navy’s military strategies.
Master Warrant Officer
Officers in this rank are the highest-ranking NCOs in the Nigerian Navy. They hold supervisory roles, guiding and mentoring junior NCOs and sailors.
Salary: ₦120,853 per month
Chief Petty Officer
It’s the second most senior rank of the NCOs of the Nigerian Navy. The chief petty officer oversees junior personnel and the day-to-day running of their departments onboard ships or shore establishments.
Salary: ₦90,825 per month
Petty Officer
Officers in this rank are tasked with specialised duties within their departments, such as engineering, navigation or communications.
Salary: ₦80,852 per month
Leading Rating
They’re the fourth most senior officers within the NCOs. They assist petty officers in carrying out their duties.
Salary: ₦70,855 per month
Able Rating
These officers have completed basic training and can be deployed to the field. They’re given tasks onboard ships or shore establishments under the supervision of their superiors.
Salary: ₦50,855 per month
Ordinary Rating
These are entry-level officers undergoing training in the fundamentals of naval operations. They can be deployed to fight in a war.
Salary: ₦45,854 per month
Trainee
These are newly admitted individuals to the Nigerian Navy with little to no experience in the naval world.
On Thursday, March 14, 2024, 16 Nigerian soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed while on a mission to halt clashes between two warring communities, Okuama and Okoloba, in Delta State.
An army spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, confirmed the incident in a statement to the press on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Abuja:
“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, directed immediate investigation and arrest of those involved, adding that the matter had been escalated to the Delta state government.
“The military, however, remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country. So far, a few arrests have been made while steps have been taken to unravel the motive behind the attack,’’ Gusau said.
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori condemned the killings
Speaking through a statement by his spokesperson, Festus Ahon, on Saturday, March 14, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, confirmed and condemned the killings while noting that the government will swing into action to bring everyone involved to book.
President Bola Tinubu, in his own statement issued on Sunday, commiserated with the families of the military officers and noted his government’s commitment to ensuring peace in the country.
Tinubu said the Chief of Defence Staff and defence headquarters have his full backing to fish out those behind the killings.
“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.”
Backlash on the Delta community
Photo source: Channels TV
The Okuama community was razed during the early hours of Sunday, March 17, three days after the soldiers were killed.
According to Channels Television, it’s not clear who razed the houses, but there are strong allegations that soldiers are behind it to retaliate against the death of their colleagues.
Residents have been forced to flee their homes to the neighbouring Ughelli community for fear of further reprisal attacks from soldiers. It’s also not clear if anyone died in the fires.
Public response?
As of the time of writing this report, the federal and state governments haven’t issued a statement on the burning of houses in Okuama.
However, Human Rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, in a statement to the press on Sunday, March 14, called on the military to stop the attack on residents.
“In view of the tragic turn of events, I call on the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people in the warring communities. It ought to be pointed out that collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law.”
Nigerians have had a flurry of mixed reactions on social media. Many condemned the alleged actions of the military officers, noting that innocent civilians should not come to harm’s way over the actions of the perpetrators.
On Thursday, March 7, armed bandits abducted over 280 students and staff members of the Local Government Education Authority School (LGEA) in Kuriga village, Kaduna.
According to an Al Jazeera report the bandits invaded the village around 8 a.m., shooting in the air and causing chaos before they left with the victims.
An eyewitness in the area spoke with the press and said “They were surrounded from all angles and left with almost 200 pupils and students.”
Kaduna-born Former lawmaker, Shehu Sanni, also confirmed the kidnapping, noting that a similar abduction case happened in the same location about a month ago.
What is happening now?
The news of the abduction has stirred a flurry of heated reactions from Nigerians across the country, and many people calling calling on the federal government to swing into action and secure the release of the abductees.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna state police command spokeperson, Mansir Hassan, noted that security operatives have been deployed to rescue the victims.
“It’s true, kidnapping occurred, presently we have deployed additional security personnel in the bush to rescue the victims.” He added, “All the security agencies in the State, Police, Military, Vigilante and other security agencies have put their heads together and presently in that bush working hard to rescue the victims.”
Governor Sani visits Kuriga
The state’s governor, Uba Sani, also visited the village shortly after the incident, promising that the abducted students will be rescued and reunited with their parents soon.
Speaking to pressmen, Governor Sani said: “We will do whatever we need to do to ensure the safe return of these children. They are my children and it is our responsibility as a government to ensure security.”
The governor said he has informed President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu about the abduction.
He also directed the community to constitute a seven-member committee to provide daily updates as the security agencies carry out their responsibilities.
“The Faculty is accredited by the National Universities Commission and the Council of Legal Education. The Faculty parades scholars both within and outside Nigeria with vast experience in diverse areas of law.”
This is clearly stated on the Faculty of Law page of Redeemer’s University’s official website as of January 11, 2024, just six days after law graduates of the institution took to X to complain about the school’s inability to get them into the Nigerian Law School (NLS).
X.com/King_folake
The Nigerian Law School, established in 1962, is a compulsory phase all aspiring lawyers must pass through if they hope to practise law in Nigeria. According to an official announcement signed in 2023 by Mrs Max-Uba, Secretary and Director of Administration to the Council of Legal Education, only candidates whose data was forwarded to the Nigerian Law School by deans of their respective faculties are eligible to apply.
To be eligible to attend the Nigerian Law School, you must be a graduate of law from an accredited university in Nigeria or other common law countries. The registrar or faculty dean of your university must forward the transcript of your qualifying law degree, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained, directly to the Nigerian Law School.
On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the National Universities Commission (NUC) granted full accreditation status to the LL.B Law Programme of the Faculty of Law, Redeemer’s University, in a release communicated to the university management. This was five months after they’d released their first set of law graduates in October 2022. The official NUC website shows that the university received an interim accreditation in 2020 and full accreditation in 2022, which they have to renew in 2027.
At the time, the then Dean of the Faculty, Prof. O. B. Akinola thanked the management and Redeemer’s law students for the success of the accreditation exercise which was held in November 2022. However — according to multiple threads of complaints on X — since then, two sets of graduates of Redeemer’s Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) programme have been denied admission to the Nigerian Law School (NLS).
The graduates revealed on X that the university had always given them the impression that the programme was accredited from as far as 2017 when they were admitted. But no concerns were raised until they couldn’t get into law school months after graduation.
X.com/its0re
“After convocation in October 2022, no one communicated anything to us. We were just left hanging. Most of us decided to go for our service year when nothing was forthcoming from the management. There’s been no apology or information about where we stand. No one has thought it wise to communicate formally with us since 2022,” one of the graduates shared her experience with Zikoko.
She revealed that although students were rushed during their final exams in 2022, they still hadn’t been admitted to law school almost two years later. In 2023, they wrote to the university management and to Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) which established the university in 2005.
“We also wrote to Pastor Leke Adeboye (Pastor Enoch’s son), who said he was not in the capacity to take action. Several parents of the graduates wrote to the school, but no reasonable response was given except ‘let’s keep hoping’. To date, the school hasn’t once addressed us concerning this issue and has disregarded our plea for official communication.”
[ad]
The Redeemer’s University Alumni Association promised them feedback on their complaint but failed to do so. According to another law graduate of Redeemer’s, several attempts at contacting the school’s Alumni Relations Officer, Femi Bellos, were allegedly met with threats.
As a first set graduate from the university’s law programme in 2022, she confirmed there was no formal notice from the management or faculty of law about heading to the NLS.
In March 2023, she’d seen the name of her university on the official list of accredited law faculties with a quota of 50 students, but the joy that came with the news was short-lived because neither she nor her classmates were ever mobilised. This list was approved by the Council of Legal Education and signed by the Secretary of the Council and the Director of Administration, for admission into the one-year Law School programme.
If Redeemer’s University’s law programme was officially accredited in 2023, and the university made the list for the 2023/2024 session of the NLS programme, why haven’t the graduates been admitted yet?
So far, Redeemer’s University has made no official statement in response to their alleged graduates’ complaints on social media. Their official social media accounts remain active, but none of their recent posts address the issue. As of this report, attempts to contact the institution for an official statement, through the numbers displayed on their official platforms, have all gone unanswered.
One of the affected graduates revealed that in July 2023, the dean of Redeemer’s University’s law faculty had a Zoom meeting with parents and students, but nothing tangible was revealed besides an announcement that he would leave after his tenure expired that year and the graduates would not attend law school in the next session (2023/2024).
“Even after this meeting, there was no formal message from the school or faculty with updates or progress reports. We were left to figure things out ourselves, asking relatives who are knowledgeable about Nigerian Law School matters and accreditation assessments. Now, we are in February 2024, and the Nigerian Law School has resumed. No information from our school, no memo and no notice. I feel the school and faculty of law have moved on with their lives and left us.”
It’s impossible to practise law in Nigeria without passing through NLS. Nigeria operates a complimentary system of legal education where aspiring lawyers are taught substantive law (theory) at the university and procedural law (practical) at the Nigerian Law School.
An aspiring lawyer must have a five-year law degree from an accredited university and practise a year at NLS before they can be called to the bar. At this point, the Council of Legal Education awards the law graduate a “call to bar” certificate to show that they’re eligible to practise in a court of any jurisdiction in Nigeria. If Redeemer’s University doesn’t respond or act, the affected graduates may have to start over in another institution, taking them back seven years.
X.com/King_folakeX.com/Shortsewa_
The law graduates of Redeemer’s University are asking for “compensation for the intentional waste of our precious two years, official communication as to the state of our admission into the NLS, a public apology to the parents and students for outrightly disregarding our call for official communication, and lastly, our outright admission into the NLS.”
While there has been no response from the school, according to reports from students and graduates, the institution still admits new students to its law programme.
The 66th Grammy Awards was on Sunday, February 4, 2024, and all the nominated Nigerian artists lost out on receiving awards. However, Burna Boy’s iconic performance at the ceremony offered some solace, and Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa’s attendance also caused a stir.
Why is Honourable HannatuMusawa trending?
Nigerians have had mixed reactions since photos of the minister at the award ceremony surfaced on social media on Monday, February 5. Some criticised the Tinubu government for wasting the country’s resources on an expensive ceremonial trip to Los Angeles.
Others brought up the minister’s previous NYSC ordeal.
What NYSC ordeal, you ask?
In 2020, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Musawa as the national commissioner representing the North-West geopolitical zone on the board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). Before her senate hearing for this post, Musawa wrote the NYSC seeking a replacement certificate after her copy was destroyed in a fire incident.
However, the NYSC wrote back saying the minister never collected her certificate. They refused to issue a new one, and instead, accused her of not completing the mandatory one-year service. This led to the Senate’s rejection of Musawa’s nomination.
Fast forward to August 2022, investigations revealed that Musawa approached the then Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, seeking his intervention to get the NYSC to release her withheld certificate. When this attempt also failed, she wrote to the NYSC requesting to re-enroll for the outstanding months of her service year.
[ad]
Is Hannatu Musawa a serving corps member?
In August 2023, the Press and Public Relations Director of the NYSC, Eddy Megwa, confirmed that the minister was undergoing her mandatory youth service. He noted that Minister Musawa was in breach of the NYSC act that frowns upon active corps members taking on government appointments, confirming to the press that the minister had served for the past eight months. By this calculation, Minister Musawa had probably completed her NYSC service as of the 2024 Grammy Award ceremony, but there’s been no official communication to that effect.
Why was Honourable Musawa at the Grammys?
The minister attended the ceremony to support the country’s creative sector and celebrate the contributions of the nominated artistes. Through a statement by her SA on Media and Publicity, she said:
“I wish to applaud you all for making it this far in your music and entertainment careers. Nigerians celebrate you all for your contributions to the growth of the music industry in Nigeria and globally.”
A year and eight months after Nigerian adventurer, Kunle Adeyanju, successfully rode from London to Lagos on a motorcycle, UK-based Nigerian, Pelumi Nubi, has been inspired to make a similar trip — this time, by car.
She’s already visited 80 countries across six continents, so the seemingly impossible task is in capable hands. Here’s everything we know about the road trip.
Photo source: Instagram/@pelumi.nubi
Why is Pelumi embarking on this trip?
The trip is an important one to 29-year-old Pelumi for four reasons: She loves adventure, wants to inspire other female solo travellers, especially by driving representation among black female solo adventurers, and she simply wants to show people what’s possible.
“As a traveller, I wanted to do something quite adventurous. It was something that was in the books for me. We also don’t see a lot of solo black female travellers. It’s just like, representation matters. It’s important to see people do things and just open your minds to what’s possible. Some people don’t know it’s possible to go through London to Lagos by road,” she revealed during a podcast interview on Friday, January 19, 2024.
But that’s not all. She was also inspired by Kunle Adeyanju’s aforementioned 2022 solo trip.
“He did it by bike two years ago. I was on the phone with him and mentioned how it was so cool what he did.”
How long will the trip take?
Pelumi plans to traverse 17 countries in two months, and explore every city and country on her way.
Her transatlantic journey will pick up from England and take her through France, Spain, Morocco, West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally, to Lagos.
She’s expected to arrive in Lagos at the end of March.
[ad]
When does the journey begin?
No official announcement of a commencement date has been made, but tweets suggest the last week of January. On Wednesday, January 24, she shared a video of her car going through some modifications for the long journey ahead.
The next day, she shared a tweet indicating that the start date is just a few days away.
Her previous road trips
Photo source: Instagram/@pelumi.nubi
Prior to this trip, Pelumi has travelled by road from Lagos to Ghana twice. She’s explored Namibia for two weeks and gone on a road trip from London to Lake Como, Italy. These experiences have served as test runs for her latest and most ambitious adventure yet.
How is she funding the trip?
During her podcast interview, she revealed that the entire trip will cost $15,000 – $20,000, covering fuel, accommodation and other essential needs.
A year of planning and saving up personal funds have made Pelumi’s adventure a reality. However, she still seeks support from brands looking to partner.
Is she receiving any support?
Pelumi’s trip has received attention from fellow Nigerians, travel enthusiasts and the internet community through the hashtag, #London2LagosByRoad.
Interest is expected to pick up once she starts making stops in the different countries and cities.
The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy
On Monday, January 23, 2024, the IRCC — Canada’s department responsible for immigration matters — announced that the Canadian Government is setting a cap on the intake of international students, among other immigration law changes.
According to a statement from the department, the decision became necessary as “the integrity of the international student system has been threatened”. The influx of international students has put pressure on housing, healthcare and other services in the country.
Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians looking to relocate in search of greener pastures. So if you’re a Nigerian considering Canada for your studies or relocation plan, here’s what you should know about the latest development.
No more spousal work permits for undergraduates
The IRCC will stop granting work permits to spouses of international undergraduate students. Spouses of international graduate school students or students taking a professional programme (medicine or law) remain eligible for open work permits.
A cap on study permits
The IRCC plans to approve approximately 360,000 study permits in 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023. This intake cap will last for a period of two years. 2025’s limit will be announced later this year.
[ad]
Provincial study permits based on population
The IRCC will apportion study permits to Canadian provinces based on their population. The provinces will be free to distribute the study permits across the available learning institutions authorised to admit international students. Henceforth, study permits submitted to the IRCC will require an attestation letter from the province or territory. A process for applying for an attestation letter will be announced before March 2024.
No postgraduate study permit for graduates of private career colleges
According to the IRCC, starting on September 1, 2024, international students who physically attend private career colleges that have been licensed to deliver the curriculum of a public college will no longer be eligible for a postgraduate work permit after graduation.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, an explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan left residents in a state of panic and fellow Nigerians worried about what had happened.
During the early hours of the next day, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed citizens and revealed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices housed in some buildings by illegal miners. He confirmed 77 casualties and two deaths while urging residents to remain calm.
While the government is on top of the matter, we decided to ask some Ibadan residents about their experiences during and after the explosion.
Bisi*
I was preparing for an 8 p.m. virtual meeting but had to quickly use the restroom when I heard a faint sound. I thought it was from my neighbors in the flat above mine, so I just dismissed it. But my boyfriend was around, and he insisted that it sounded like an explosion or a quarry blast. We briefly argued about it before I got into my meeting. I finished at around 9 p.m. and returned to see so many missed calls on my phone. I went online and saw that there’d been an explosion in Bodija. Luckily, I stay in Akobo, quite a distance from Bodija. When I asked other people in Ibadan, they said they didn’t hear anything. I have a friend who just moved to Bodija. She told me her house was shaking, but that was about it.
Ibrahim*
I got a call from my friend in Lagos just as I was about to observe my night prayers. He bombarded me with questions about how I was doing and if everyone was fine, and it all felt confusing. When I asked what was going on, he mentioned the explosion in Bodija and that was the first I’d heard of it. I told him I’d call back because I realised at that moment that my wife wasn’t back home. Luckily, she walked in while I was calling her phone. I don’t think I’ve ever been so relieved to see anyone. She shared everything that had happened, and we just spent the night calling our friends and family to make sure everyone was alright.
[ad]
David*
My brother is a student in the University of Ibadan (UI). When I saw the incident trending on social media, I called him to ask how he was. He said the sound was deafening and the impact was massive despite it happening far from the school. He likened it to an earthquake. For someone who’s never experienced an earthquake to say that’s what it felt like, it must’ve truly moved the ground. On my end of Ibadan, around Palms Mall-Liberty road, we didn’t even hear a pin or feel any discomfort. The impact was mostly felt by the folks staying around UI, Agbowo, Bodija, Mokola and Sango.
Blessing*
I went to buy food around Bodija market. On my way back home, I heard this loud bang and trembling followed by a gust of wind and dust. There was instant pandemonium everywhere; people were screaming. For some minutes, I couldn’t open my eyes because sand and dust had covered my face. I just kept screaming, “Jesus, Jesus” until I could open my eyes slightly. I didn’t even bother to find out what had happened. I just joined other people to run. It took a while to realise that I wasn’t even on the road to our house. I got home and saw my mum, dad and siblings outside. Our neighbours had also come out of their houses to see what was going on. I cried when my dad asked what happened. It felt like my life flashed in front of my eyes.
Taiwo*
I was in Zik Hall — a hostel on the University of Ibadan (UI) campus — when I heard the sound. I first thought it was a gas explosion from one of the hostels around because the blast sounded like it came from somewhere close. Lots of students came outside immediately after to see what was going on. There was complete confusion and shouting. It was only after a few minutes we heard it was from the Bodija General Mosque area, and the entire Sango was covered in smoke and dust. I got calls from my mum in Lagos. She was really worried even after I told her the explosion wasn’t in UI.
Debisi*
I was at work when this loud sound shook the entire building. I wasn’t sure what it was, but people outside assumed it was a gunshot and started running to safety. Immediately after I’d figured what was going on, I called my sister because our house is close to Bodija. She confirmed that the house shook at some point and particles from the ceiling had littered the house. Until around midnight, I was up taking calls from so many people who wanted to know I was safe, including my parents who live in a different part of Ibadan.
Sogo*
I moved out of the area where the explosion occurred about five years ago. But I still live about ten minutes away from there. We were just wrapping up service in church when I heard the explosion. We were praying, then everywhere went quiet. Initially, I thought the roof of the church caved in or something fell on it. We continued praying but everyone was also wondering where the sound came from. In the morning, I discovered that one of the glass sliding doors in my house was broken.
An explosion disrupted the peace in Ibadan, Oyo state, in the early evening of Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Residents of Iwajowa L.G.A (Apata), Ibadan North-West L.G.A (Jericho), Ibadan North L.G.A (Yemetu, Mokola, Agbowo) and Ido L.G.A (Elebu, Apete, Akufo) took to X to report about the loud bang they heard in their area. And the affected people shared photos and videos of their damaged homes and property.
According to news reports, the explosion happened at Dejo Oyelese Close, Off Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija. The unfortunate event claimed two lives. 77 people were injured, over 20 houses and 15 cars were permanently destroyed, and about 10 houses and five cars can still be salvaged. According to X user, @dondekojo, the explosives — C4, Dynamite, ANFO and TNT — caused the blast whose impact was felt at about a 500-metre radius.
However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal officials are reportedly still investigating the explosives that went off in Ibadan.
Journalist and digital content producer, Ayo Adams, went around the city last night to see the affected places. He reported in his tweets that it was too late at night to talk to residents about the incident, but passersby had felt the shock wave of the explosion. He visited businesses affected by the explosion, like Dominos and Ace Mall, Bodija, and the Housing Central Mosque.
Search and rescue operation
At 9:47 p.m., the Oyo State Police Department reported that the anti-bomb squad of the Nigerian Police, medical personnel, firefighters, road safety officers and the state security operative, Amotekun, had been deployed to the site of the explosion.
More than 20 people have been rescued from the explosion site. However, a local news media tweeted about a boy named Sotannde Kodir, who was found in Sango area. His mother, with whom he ran away from the explosion site, was missing. As of the time of publishing, there’s been no news of her whereabouts or if Sotannde has been reunited with his family.
As of this morning, security personnel, including the Nigerian Army, are still at the scene to prevent a second explosion.
X.com: @theayoadams
Mustapha Iskil Gbolahan of Fresh FM reported at 10:46 a.m. today that another 11 victims have been rushed to the UCH and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The state governor reacts
At 2:39 a.m., Seyi Makinde confirmed that the wounded were being treated at the University College Hospital (UCH) and some private hospitals. In Seyi Makinde’s press release on X, he stated that the medical bills of all victims will be covered by the government. They’ll also provide temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and support them to rebuild their lives. The state governor assured the public that an investigation to bring the illegal miners to book has been launched.
Blood donation
UCH has publicly requested blood donors to help the victims who were rushed there last night.
This morning, X user, @presidentdebbie, tweeted that casualties can reach out to her sister’s blood bank organisation for blood.
Emergency number
In case of future emergencies, residents are advised to dial 615, Oyo State’s emergency number.
Rumours to dismiss
Based on the state governor’s press release, the fake news on X that the blast was a gas explosion at a plant beside Ventura in Samonda should be dismissed. It’s also untrue that there isn’t enough space for the victims at the University College Hospital. The public institution is still attending to and treating victims, according to @dondekojo, a well-known Ibadan local and close source to the Oyo State government.
At this time, we’ve heard no news about victims stuck under the rubble.
Around 7:44 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, an explosion rocked Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, throwing residents into panic.
Early reports surfaced on social media giving different reasons for the explosion.
However, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, maintained that the state government was on top of the situation and had deployed necessary personnel to the affected areas.
What caused the explosion?
Speaking to pressmen early Wednesday morning, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored in some buildings around the Bodija area of Ibadan.
“Illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast”.
The governor added that an investigation is still ongoing to find the illegal miners and bring them to book.
Are there casualties?
Governor Makinde revealed that about 77 people were injured from the explosion while two others were confirmed dead.
“The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.
“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The governor assured residents that the state government will handle the medical bills of the victims of the blast and provide temporary housing for those who have been rendered homeless by the explosion.
“We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”
The governor called for calm among residents and urged people to stay away from the explosion sites.
“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.”
[ad]
How are Nigerians reacting?
Nigerians have since taken to social media, commiserating with Ibadan residents and calling for prayers.
What can you do to help?
While the state government is actively providing care for victims, you can lend a helping hand to support medical centres that have been overwhelmed.
There are calls for blood donors at the Accident and Emergency section of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.
There’s also been a call for medical personnel to offer assistance in Adeyi, Bodija area of Ibadan.
As the Super Eagles continue their 2024 African’s Cup of Nations campaign, we send them our best wishes.
What better way to do this than create a playlist that solidifies our mission in Côte d’Ivoire. These songs have all the motivation, ginger and fire our boys need to clinch the top prize.
Play:
Africa — Yemi Alade ft. Sauti Sol
It doesn’t matter if it’s the Super Eagles or Black Stars, we are Africans first. This song by Mama Africa, featuring Kenya’s Sauti Sol, tops this playlist for good reason. It constantly reminds us of our roots and how we’re better united as one.
Want It All — Burna Boy ft. Polo G
Burna opened this song with “Remember when dem no believe me no more?”
Well, that’s the case of the Super Eagles; last time we won the AFCON was 2013. A decade later, we’re back to take our chances at winning. As a serious team in this to win every goddamn prize, there’s no better motivating song.
23 — Burna Boy
Though 23 is a reference to basketballer Michael Jordan, this song can makes you feel like Messi or Ronaldo. This song doesn’t only pump confidence, it makes you feel invincible.The Super Eagles need this.
Oya Come Make We Go — 2Baba ft. Sauti Sol
Watch the room luminate when our boys play ‘Oya Come Make We Go’ as they leave the dressing room for the pitch. This is essentially saying “let’s go there and have a blast.”
Overkilling — Djinee
Fifteen years later, Djinee’s Overkilling is still the anthem for the people chasing excellence, AKA overkilling, in their fields. This isn’t to exaggerate Super Eagles’ capability, but we can fake it till everyone believes it.
Champion — General Pype
“This is the sound of the champion,” like General Pype said in this song. In fact, it must blast in the stadium when we finally win the 2024 AFCON IJN.
Undisputed Champion — M.I Abaga
M.I’s Undisputed Champion emphasizes the need to build a winning mentality. It’s the anthem that rouses you from sleep.
Stand Strong — Davido ft. Sunday Service Choir
After our draw against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024, our boys clearly need to hold onto this confidence-boost song. Whether the Super Eagles “minus” before the 2024 AFCON final or not, it should keep playing. Recommended it in the morning, afternoon and night.
On January 15 every year, Nigerians celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in memory of the men and women who’ve lost their lives and those who continue to risk their lives in service to protect the nation.
To commemorate this year’s celebration, I asked Nigerians to share their most memorable experiences with military officers. These are their stories.
Beatrice* 24
I once boarded a bus to work, and when it was time to pay, this conductor suddenly hiked the price to ₦500. He said that was what he told me before entering the bus, even though he clearly said ₦300. I got into a heated argument with him, and I was hoping someone in the bus would join me, but everyone just kept to themselves. We got to a bus stop and picked up a soldier, and I got the ginger to continue my fight with the conductor. It took only a “You no go give am her change?” comment from the soldier to get him to fall in line. That was how I got my money back.
Ibrahim* 31
When I was in NYSC camp, the soldiers didn’t hesitate to mention how they won’t tolerate indiscipline. But I’d heard some of my mates mention how they often stayed back in the hostel to miss morning drills, so I decided to try it one day. Unfortunately, it was the day I chose to stay back that the soldiers carried out a morning raid. I hid under a bunk and didn’t answer the repeated calls to “Come out of your hiding place”. I just started begging after one soldier’s torchlight fell on me. When another colleague called out to him and asked if there was anyone in the room, he looked me in the eyes, said no and left the room. I was so happy. I found him later that week and treated him to lunch.
Hadiza* 28
I befriended a soldier during NYSC, and he made the entire experience fun for me. I had my first plane flight because of him. We visited restaurants, museums and the zoo. There were times we attended parties and clubbed together. Everything just felt so romantic because we played and gisted a lot, but I knew it was short lived. He still reaches out to me even though it’s been over five years since we last saw each other.
[ad]
Debola* 35
Area boys used to disturb us in my house. They were constantly fighting, harassing residents for money and just constituting a nuisance. I had enough one day when they threatened to deflate my tyres if I didn’t pay them for parking on the street. I was so livid that I threatened to bring soldiers to discipline them. It wasn’t like I knew any military person; I just boarded a bus and went to the barracks before Ojuelegba. The guys at the gate didn’t let me in, but I broke down in tears and just narrated what happened. To my surprise, they informed a superior and that was how about four of them followed me back in a military vehicle. They didn’t even need to do much, their presence threatened the area boys and they left me.
Hariff* 34
I grew up in Bonny Camp, and I think that experience made my childhood a lot of fun. We were one of the few civilians living there at the time; most of my friends had military parents. I remember watching the soldiers during their training and how I’d tell my parents I wanted to be a soldier when I grow up. Back then, I couldn’t understand why people feared military men. They were my neighbours, the traders were military people as well. They were just everywhere. It was such a cool flex at the time. I’d tease my friends at school when anyone tried to act funny. We left Bonny Camp while I was in secondary school, but I’m still in touch with some of my friends who had military parents.
Deji* 27
We were on our way to a family friend’s wedding in Osogbo state when our car broke down somewhere around Ikire. We weren’t familiar with the town, so we were worried and just wanted to get a mechanic ASAP. We’d barely been there for 20 minutes when these guys came out of nowhere and started harassing us. Luckily, a military patrol vehicle passed, and my aunty just screamed, “Officers, help us. Officers, help us!” Surprisingly, they stopped and the area guys dispersed before the officers alighted from their vehicle. They asked what happened, and we narrated our ordeal. These guys actually stayed with us for about three hours till we got a mechanic who fixed our car. It felt like we were a VVIP political family. We tried to settle them before we left, but they refused. They just waved us goodbye and that was it.
Kachi* 41
I had to do corporate bambiala once after I lost my wallet on my way home. We didn’t have Bolt or Uber at the time so I couldn’t just order a ride on my phone. I approached random people, but some of them didn’t even let me explain before they gave excuses. I couldn’t blame them because I’d have done the same if I were in their shoes. After two rejections, I saw this female naval officer and approached her. She was apprehensive at first, but unlike the others, she listened to my story. I was happy and thought she’d give me money, but she didn’t. Instead, she put me on a bus and told the driver not to collect money. She was a lifesaver. I tried looking out for her the next few times I was at that bus stop, but I never saw her again.
On the evening of January 2, 2024, a group of kidnappers attacked the Al-Kadiriyah family in their home at Bwari Area Council. In an effort to thwart the operation, the sisters’ father reportedly made a frantic call to his brother — the girls’ uncle — to alert the police. The police arrived at the scene before the kidnappers fled, but they couldn’t stop them. Unfortunately, the kidnappers took their first casualty that same evening. The uncle, who was with the police, was shot dead by the kidnappers.
With nothing in their way, the kidnappers took the girls and their dad. This event first broke on social media the morning after, when a family member announced what happened on her X account and prayed for their safe return.
On January 5, Mr Al-Kadiriyah returned home. The kidnappers let him go with one demand: a ₦60m ransom for the six girls. The deadline was Friday, January 12. Subsequently, a crowdfunding campaign kicked off on X with the hashtag #Najeebahandhersisters
Unfortunately, the full ransom couldn’t be realised before the deadline passed, and all efforts to negotiate with the kidnappers were unsuccessful.
What’s happening now?
On Saturday, the girls’ family member, Asiya Adamu, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to get them back home had heartbreaking news: Nabeeha had been murdered by her abductors. Nabeeha was buried later on Saturday.
The kidnappers have increased the ransom to ₦65m and have given the family a new deadline of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
What is the police doing about this?
Before Nabeeha’s murder, it wasn’t entirely clear how much the police were involved in the plan to save the girls. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, however, claimed the police have been working on the case and urged the family to reach out to him.
The PRO released another statement, promising that the force is still on top of the situation and “diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence.”
WE ARE COMMITTED TO TACKLING KIDNAPPING, RESCUING VICTIMS UNHURT… FPRO
As IGP Upscales Tactical Intelligence Teams
In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has… pic.twitter.com/BRqLW5OLOp
You can lend a voice to the efforts to bring the girls back safely. The hashtag to use is #Najeebahandhersisters. While at it, call on the FCT senator, Ireti Kingibe, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to get involved. The crowdfunding campaign to raise the ₦65m ransom is still ongoing. Please, consider making a donation. Find the details below:
On January 12, 2023, Ajuri Ngalale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced the appointment of 11 new directors for the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy (FMACCE). These are their names and new roles.
Tola Akerele — Director-General, National Theatre
Tola Akerele has built successful businesses that have contributed to contemporary African art. She founded Bogobiri House, an Afrocentric and artistic hotel with an art gallery, restaurant and bar. Alongside being the curator at Soto Gallery, Tola also owns an interior design studio called iDesign by Tola Akelere. With a solid resume in arts, culture and creativity, it’s not hard to see why the direction of the national theatre has been entrusted with her.
Image source: Businessday NG
Husseini Shaibu — Director-General, National Films and Censors Board
The new director of the National Films and Censors Board is Husseini Shaibu, the deputy national director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, an editor at The Guardian newspaper and a film critic. He’s also been a member of the jury board of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee.
Image source: Starconnect Media
Obi Asika — Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture
Anyone who’s familiar with the Nigerian music industry must know Obi Asika is a major contributor to the sector. Not only did his Storm Records platform OG Afrobeats artists like Sasha P, Naeto C, Jazzman Olofin and Yung 6ix, becoming one of Nigeria’s biggest labels to date, but Obi’s ten-episode Afrobeats documentary, Journey of the Beats (2022) on Showmax, also visualised the genre’s history and global movement. He served as a Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan and was once part of the African Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in the U.S.
Image source: TheWill Downtown
Aisha Adamu Augie — Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture
Aisha Adamu Augie is an Abuja-based award-winning photographer, filmmaker and mixed media artist. She won the Sisterhood Award for Photographer of the Year and the British Council’s “Through My Eyes” competition in 2014. The same year, Aisha hosted “Alternative Evil”, her first solo photography exhibition. When she’s not hosting the podcast, “I Love Your Work with Aisha Augie”, she’s performing governmental roles. She was a Special Adviser to Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, the former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, from 2019 to 2023.
Instagram: @aishaak49
Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan — Chief Conservator, National War Museum
The National War Museum is the only museum that showcases military history in West Africa, and Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan is its new chief conservator. Before his appointment, he headed the Bayelsa State Government’s e-Governance Project, and he’s a senior partner at Smart Alliance Consulting, examining the operations of professional service firms in emerging markets.
X.com: @ekpolador_ebi
Ahmed Sodangi — Director-General, National Gallery of Art
Ahmed Sodangi is an experienced expert in the import and export industry, and a project officer at the Bank of Industry Ltd. Although he’s an unfamiliar name, we’re investing a little faith in this president’s appointee.
Image source: LinkedIn
Chaliya Shagaya — Director-General, National Institute of Archeology and Museum Studies
Chaliya Shagaya is an entrepreneur, fashion consultant and ex-mode who’s consulted for respected designers like Deola Sagoe and Korto Momolu. Ms Shayaga served as the former head of new media at Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and head of government relations at the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX). We look forward to her contribution to preserving our artefacts and museums — and possibly, giving us our Afrobeats Museum?
Image source: THISDAYLIVE
Khaltume Bulama Gana — Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria
Kaltume Bulama Gana is the curator of the National Gallery of Art, an artist who’s showcased her work at more than 45 group and solo exhibitions. She was an assistant director in the History and Culture Bureau in 1987, and before that, she was a TV presenter at Kano State Television from 1985 to 1986. She runs Herwa Heart of Art Initiative, an NGO focused on educating children, including young girls and women affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency. We hope she excels in her new role.
Image source: OpenBU
Biodun Ajiboye — Director-General, National Institute for Cultural Orientation
Biodun Ajiboye has worked in media, publicity and campaigns for the All Progressive Congress (APC) political party and in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. He owned the now defunct Nigerian Telecoms News and the Nigerian Telecoms Awards.
Image source: The Guardian Nigeria
Ali Nuhu — Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation
Ali Nuhu is among the most decorated actors in the Hausa film industry. With over 22 years in the film industry, he’s not a new face to lovers of Kannywood and Nollywood. If you want a problem solved, call on those with firsthand experience in it. We guess that’s what President Tinubu did with this appointment.
Image source: Daily Trust
Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed — Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments
Ramatu Mohammed Abonbo was Niger State’s former commissioner of commerce, industry and investment. Before her involvement in politics, Ramatu was Chief Marketing Executive at MicroAccess Ltd., a pioneer information and communication firm through which Nigeria’s first national website and the National Hospital’s first website were built. She was also the director of Hamble Group, London. Although her CV isn’t related, we look forward to see how her past successes in executive leadership transfers to her new role.
The Nigerian government, via the Ministry of Interior, officially launched an online passport application portal on Monday, January 8, 2024. Applicants can now complete 99% of the process online, and they only have to show up at the immigration office for biometric capture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Nigerian passport online.
Input your National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth. This automatically pulls your data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Step 4
Select a processing state from the list of states, and a processing office in your chosen state. The selected location is where you’ll go for your biometric capture.
Step 5
Select a booklet type. You can choose between a 32 or 64-page passport booklet.
Step 6
Upload a passport photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
[ad]
Step 7
Fill in personal details such as address, occupation, mobile number, next of kin, marital status, etc. Note that data such as name, gender, place and country of birth, which have been pulled from your NIN, cannot be changed. If you need to, you’ll have to visit the NIMC office.
Step 8
Upload the following required supporting documents:
Local government letter of identification
Birth certificate/age declaration
Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of oaths/magistrate/high court judge
Parents’ letter of consent for minors under 16 years
Marriage certificate where applicable
Police report, in case of lost passport
Verification of documents can take up to seven days.
Step 9
Confirm your details and make payment for your passport. A 32-page passport with a five-year validity costs ₦35,000, while a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity costs ₦70,000.
Step 10
Go for your biometric capture at the NIS office, and your passport should be ready for collection within two weeks.
Passport renewal
The renewal process is similar. It’s important to have the following:
On Monday, January 8, president Tinubu suspended Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, from office.
Edu’s suspension comes amid allegations of diverting funds from her ministry to a private bank account. Here’s all we know about the situation so far.
What happened?
On Friday, January 5, a leaked internal document surfaced online, revealing that Edu approved a payment of ₦585,189,500 into the bank account of an Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola. In the document addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sekinat Maedin, Edu directed her (the Account General) to pay the money from the National Social Investment Office’s account.
Per the leaked memo, the money was earmarked for payment of grants for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States.
After the document surfaced on the internet, several Nigerians called for the minister to offer some explanations.
Edu responded to these allegations through a statement by her media aide, Rasheed Zubair.
“It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she alerted the Federal Government attention to the ongoing ₦44.8 billion fraud in NSIPA. These elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure.”
Meanwhile, the Accountant-General distanced her office from Edu’s transaction, tagging her action as “illegal.”
Her director of press Bawa Maokwa said in a released statement: “The Ministry was advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure. No bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of the Project Accountant.”
[ad]
Betta Edu suspended
On Monday, January 8, Edu was suspended by the president in the wake of the growing outrage against the ₦585 million scandal.
Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser on media and publicity to the president disclosed this in a statement to pressmen.
“In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect,” the statement read.
President Tinubu also ordered an investigation into Edu’s ministry by the executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
Edu’s suspension sparks fresh reactions
While the minister hasn’t made an official statement, her suspension has stirred a flurry of reactions from Nigerians on social media.
Lagos State Government has said the third mainland bridge will close for rehabilitation work on Tuesday, January 9. However, they haven’t mentioned how long the closure will last.
Repair work kicked off on the bridge in November 2023, after an inspection by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. Umahi announced that the rehabilitation would be completed within three months, with the completion expected to fall in January 2024.
Announcing the resumption of construction work on the bridge in a statement, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said:
[ad]
“The closure is part of the ongoing work that started in November 2023, focusing on fixing the ramps, and now, the remaining parts of the bridge will also be repaired.”
The commissioner said the following arrangements have been put in place for road users:
From 12 a.m (midnight) to 12 noon, the bridge would be opened for travellers from the Mainland to the Island, while those who intend to travel from the Island to the Mainland are advised to use Eko Bridge. This diversion means commuters coming from places like Oworonshoki, Ikeja, Berger, Ketu and Ogudu, can access the bridge till noon when it’s closed.
From 12 noon to 12 a.m., motorists will be able to access the bridge from the Island to the Mainland while motorists from the Mainland heading towards the Island will have to use Eko Bridge. This means motorists coming from places like Lekki, Ikoyi and Obalende will have access to the bridge until midnight.
The year might be off to a rocky start for Nigerians as another fuel price increment seems to be lurking around the corners. This comes months after the price jumped to over ₦600 per litre with Tinubu’s subsidy removal.
Here’s all we know about this matter that has Nigerian residents worried.
What’s happening?
On Tuesday, January 2, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and independent fuel marketers were at loggerheads over the removal of petrol subsidy.
Independent oil marketers claimed the naira’s depreciation has caused an increase in how much they have to pay for subsidy. The rising cost of crude oil in the international market and petrol distribution within Nigeria has also contributed to the rift between NNPC and the marketers.
In light of these factors, the National PRO of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Ukadike Chinedu, said a litre of petrol should actually be around ₦1,200/litre.
“So if you consider the cost of diesel, dollar and other international factors, the price of petrol in Nigeria should be around ₦1200/litre, but the government is subsidising it, which to an extent is understandable,” Chinedu told Punch.
[ad]
The IPMAN official implied that the federal government pays a quasi subsidy. “The Federal Government, instead of taking out the subsidy by 100%, decides to take out about 50%.”
Nigerians express concern
While the federal government has made no official announcement, reports of the increase have stirred mixed reactions among Nigerians who are still coming to terms with last year’s jump from ₦190/litre to over ₦600.
“I filled up my 25 litre keg this morning at a fueling station in my area, and it was ₦625 per litre. I don’t think the increase has taken effect, and I hope it doesn’t because that’ll be a major problem. I’m super strict with the way I switch on my gen, so I cannot imagine what the case will be if I have to buy a litre for ₦1200,” Kehinde Okeowo, a Lagos resident shared with Zikoko.
“Fuel was still around ₦620 or so when I filled up my car last night. I saw the news of a possible increase yesterday morning which was why I went to fill up my car and generator. But even this morning, I made a stop at a fuelling station, and it was still selling at the regular price,” Oladimeji, a private cab driver in Osogbo, shared.
On Christmas Eve, 2023, a group of armed bandits killed over a hundred people in Plateau State, Nigeria. The killings took place across five separate attacks in Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo and NTV villages in Gashish and Ropp districts of Barkin Ladi of local government in Plateau State.
The bandits also set houses and property on fire while looting farm produce and slaughtering the citizens.
“As many as 113 persons have been confirmed killed as Saturday hostilities persisted to early hours of Monday. Military gangs, locally called “bandits”, launched “well-coordinated” attacks in “not fewer than 20 different communities. We found more than 300 wounded people” who were transferred to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos and Barkin Ladi.” Monday Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, told AFP.
The current death toll marks a sharp rise from the number initially reported by the Nigerian military on Sunday, the 24th of December, 2023.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the violence as “barbaric, brutal, and unjustified.” He also said that measures will be taken by the government to protect citizens from attacks such as this.
Northwest and central Nigeria have been terrorised for years by masked armed bandits operating from bases deep in the forest, raiding villages to kill, loot, and kidnap residents for ransom.
I’ve never been much of an adventurous foodie or traveller. I’d only been outside of Nigeria once when I visited Cotonou in 2018, and I had access to the Nigerian food I was familiar with. I think that’s why I still haven’t recovered from the culture shock I experienced during my December 2023 trip to Algeria.
I didn’t just decide to visit Algeria on a whim. I’m a journalist, and the opportunity to visit the country came when the Algerian government invited my team to cover a conference.
My first shock was the visa and travel processes. I knew it was a police state and expected restrictions, especially for journalists, but I assumed it’d be straightforward since we were invited. It wasn’t.
For one week, we navigated a long back-and-forth process with the Algerian embassy in Abuja, filling out forms in English and Arabic. The embassy in Nigeria initially couldn’t get visa clearance for us from Algeria, and we had to fill out another form specifically for journalists. My team and I finally got our visas two days into the conference and had to rush to catch a flight and meet up.
After a 14-hour fight, including a stop in Doha, Qatar, we eventually got to Algiers, the capital city. We thought it’d be smooth sailing from this point on, but then we were delayed at the airport for an additional two hours. During this time, we were searched and questioned because of the media equipment we travelled with. We were the only black people in the airport, and I noticed we were gradually getting surrounded by security personnel as we were being questioned.
The increased security presence was strategic in a we-take-our-security-serious way, but it reminded me of Nigeria. We wouldn’t have had that ordeal if they had a proper line of communication. It was like one arm of the government invited us, and the other arm had no idea.
With the visa and travel wahala finally behind us, we were free to do our work and explore Algiers. But the next culture shock was waiting: The food. I mentioned earlier that I’m not an adventurous foodie. I don’t do pass myself. My stomach is somewhat sensitive, so even when I briefly consider switching up my diet, it typically ends at just that — a consideration.
Algerians eat olive oil with everything. Maybe it’s the hotel we stayed in, but people could be drinking tea and have olive oil by their side. I was so confused. And the bread? It was hard as rocks. Coming from Nigeria, where soft bread is the standard, I was definitely unprepared.
A plate of plain bread, crepe and chocolate bread.
The official languages of Algeria are Arabic and Berber, but they also speak French because France colonised them. The food in the hotel was labelled in French, and I had to use an online translator before ordering. That wasn’t necessarily an issue, but the food itself was mostly always cold and quite bland. No salt or pepper, and there was olive oil and onions in everything. There was also a heavy water shortage. There were different types of drinks, but when it came to water, we’d only get one bottle of water for five people. It was strange.
A side of purple cabbage and cream to accompany a rice and pasta dish.
But it wasn’t all bad. On one of the nights, we went to a lounge where a colleague ordered a medium-rare steak. It was the largest steak portion I’ve ever seen in my life. It took my colleague a whole hour to finish it. So, I guess portion-wise, they held nothing back. I had chicken myself, and it wasn’t bad.
The roads are also amazing. I didn’t see one pot-hole. One night, when we returned to the hotel, we noticed something was wrong with one side of the road. By the next morning, we saw machines fixing it.
Did I mention Algeria is a rich country? Almost everyone wore designer outfits – even the security officers wore Rolex watches. Almost everyone smokes too, which I chalked down due to the cold weather. They have a four-day week system, so their weekends start on Thursday. I definitely wasn’t mad at that.
The Martyrs’ Memorial monument serves as a reminder of the lives lost during Algeria’s fight for Independence.
I spent three days in Algeria, it’s a really beautiful, well-put-together country. It would have been a 10/10 experience if there wasn’t the food debacle and other culture shocks. Now that I know what to expect regarding the cuisine, I won’t mind visiting again. Maybe by then, I’d have properly researched where to get food I can tolerate.
It’s four days to Christmas, and Nigerians are experiencing yet another national blackout.
This time around, a three-day maintenance work at Egbin Power Station, one of Nigeria’s largest thermal stations, is to blame. In August, the federal government, through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), announced that the country’s power grid operated without any major disruption or system collapse for 400 consecutive days. But that announcement seemed to have jinxed it all as the country recorded its first grid collapse of 2023 in September.
As Nigerians across the country await the restoration of power supply, we highlight the three times citizens have grappled with nationwide blackouts this year.
September 14
Nigerians across the country woke up to darkness on Thursday, September 14, after the country’s national grid system, managed by TCN in Osogbo, collapsed. Distribution companies issued statements clarifying the matter to their customers.
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) said, “Kindly be informed that a system collapse occurred today at 6:41 a.m. This has resulted in a total loss of supply across our network.”
Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) said the blackout was a result of “a total system collapse” which occurred at 12:40 a.m. on Thursday.
By Thursday evening, Nigeria’s minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced that the grid was back on and fully operational. “I am delighted to announce the successful restoration of the national electricity transmission grid, thanks to the diligent efforts of our skilled engineers.”
September 19
Barely five days after the national grid was restored, the system collapsed again, putting Nigerians through another round of darkness. This time around, the EKEDC, in an X post said: “Kindly be informed that following today’s system collapse at 11:31hrs, there’s a total loss of supply across our network. We’re currently engaging our partners at the National Control Centre as we await further updates on restoration status.”
On Tuesday evening, the distribution company informed customers that the problem had been fixed and “power supply would be restored soon.”
December 11
Ahead of preparations for the yuletide season, the national grid suffered its third collapse on Monday, December 11. The general manager of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed it but also maintained that the system was restored by TCN engineers.
“The grid experienced a collapse today (Monday). Presently, it (supply) has been restored except for the Jos axis, which will soon have supply within the hour. The collapse happened by 13:49 p.m. this afternoon. It is now fully restored by 18:51 p.m.”
When will the power supply be restored?
Nigeria suffered a total of 46 grid collapses between 2017 and 2022. The three incidents in 2023 ramp the figure up to 59. It’s important to note that while previous national blackouts were a result of the grid system collapse, the current outage is due to ongoing maintenance work.
The Egbin Thermal Power Station maintenance kicked off on Monday, December 18, and Nigerians are expecting to have electricity restored on Thursday, December 21. At the time of writing this report, the nation is still in darkness.
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is one of the most prominent security agencies in the country, tasked with ensuring the security of citizens within the country. If you’ve ever been curious about the Nigerian police ranks and salary structure, this article answers your questions.
A brief history
According to the NPF, its history dates back to 1861, when it was a 30-man security group that operated in Lagos state. The group would be expanded to accommodate about 1200 men in 1879 and renamed the Hausa Constabulary, an armed paramilitary outfit. By 1896, the Lagos Police was established and a similar security outfit, the Niger Coast Constabulary, started operations in Calabar in 1894. Meanwhile, the north had its own security agency, the Royal Niger Company Constabulary which was set up in 1988.
In 1900, the Northern and Southern Nigeria Protectorates were born, and with them came the Northern Nigeria Police and Southern Nigeria Police. Fast forward to 1930, the Northern and Southern forces merged to form the colony’s first national police, the Nigerian Police Force.
Ranks of the Nigerian Police Force
Nigerian police officers are deployed from across the 36 states of the country and the capital to “fight crime, criminality and ensure the maintenance of law and order vis-à-vis peaceful co-existence in the society.”
The NPF has three different structures: Command (authority), administration and organisation. The command is hierarchical, starting with the Inspector-General of Police and ending with the constable.
We outline the Nigerian police ranks and salary below:
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
Image: NPF
The head of the entire NPF and the most senior officer, the IGP controls the administration of the NPF. Kayode Egbetokun is the current IGP, after he succeeded Usman Baba in 2023.
Monthly salary according to grade
Inspector-General (1): ₦1.543,960.95
Inspector-General (2): ₦1.701,188.95
Inspector-General (3): ₦1.849,000.29
Inspector-General (4): ₦1.987,396.61
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police
This is the second most-senior office of the NPF, and it usually has multiple officers who can step in for the IGP when the situation arises. The deputy IGPs head the administrative departments of the NPF. Frank Mba, Habu Sani, Usman Nagogo, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, Ede Ekpeji, Ibrahim Ka’oje and Bala Ciroma are the current Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.
Monthly salary according to grade
Deputy inspector-general (1): ₦1,405,277.58
Deputy inspector-general (2): ₦1,558,160.45
Deputy inspector-general (3): ₦1,706,152.46
Deputy inspector-general (4): ₦1,849,057,45
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police
Commonly called the AIG, this rank is subordinate to Deputy IGP. AIGs oversee the zonal operations of the NPF. In October 2023, Kayode Egbetokun decorated 12 AIGs.
Monthly salary according to grade
Assistant Inspector-General (1): ₦867,552.16
Assistant Inspector-General (2): ₦1,018,009.62
Assistant Inspector-General (3): ₦1,168,071.66
Assistant Inspector-General (4): ₦1,318,468.87
The Commissioner of Police
These are officers charged with overseeing the force’s state commands. The CP is appointed by the IGP, subject to approval by the Police Service Commission.
Monthly salary according to grade
Commissioner of police (1): ₦849,977.67
Commissioner of police (2): ₦869,472.56
Commissioner of police (3): ₦887,087.64
Commissioner of police (4): ₦909,435.78
Commissioner of police (5): ₦929,497.93
Commissioner of police (6): ₦960,137.01
The Deputy Commissioner of Police
A DCP oversees an area command. They’re the second-highest ranked officer in the force’s state command and are often in line to succeed the CP.
Monthly salary according to grade
Deputy commissioner of police (1): ₦420,772.22
Deputy commissioner of police (2): ₦432,576.03
Deputy commissioner of police (3): ₦443,576.03
Deputy commissioner of police (4): ₦454,977.94
Deputy commissioner of police (5): ₦466,379.84
Deputy commissioner of police (6): ₦477,781.85
The Asst. Commissioner of Police
These are officers directly below the DCP. They answer to both the DCP and the Commissioner.
Monthly salary according to grade
Asst. commissioner of police (1): ₦382.860.45
Asst. commissioner of police (2): ₦396.258.98
Asst. commissioner of police (3): ₦409,847.23
Asst. commissioner of police (4): ₦423,626.20
Asst. commissioner of police (5): ₦433,396.91
Asst. commissioner of police (6): ₦447,459.47
The Chief Superintendent of Police
Monthly salary according to grade
Chief superintendent of police (1): ₦338,759.83
Chief superintendent of police (2): ₦346,451.39
Chief superintendent of police (3): ₦354,306.95
Chief superintendent of police (4): ₦362,162.38
Chief superintendent of police (5): ₦370,017.94
Chief superintendent of police (6): ₦377,873.50
Chief superintendent of police (7): ₦385,728.92
Chief superintendent of police (8): ₦393,584.48
The Superintendent of Police
Monthly salary according to grade
Superintendent of police (1): ₦276,759.05
Superintendent of police (2): ₦283,103.54
Superintendent of police (3): ₦289,447.89
Superintendent of police (4): ₦295,792.39
Superintendent of police (5): ₦302,136.88
Superintendent of police (6): ₦308,481.37
Superintendent of police (7): ₦314,825.72
Superintendent of police (8): ₦321,170.21
The Deputy Superintendent of Police
The DSP answers to the superintendent and can take up the role in their absence.
Monthly salary according to grade
Deputy superintendent of Police (1): ₦259,706.29
Deputy superintendent of police (2): ₦265,707.25
Deputy superintendent of police (3): ₦271,708.08
Deputy superintendent of police (4): ₦277,708.90
Deputy superintendent of police (5): ₦283,709.86
Deputy superintendent of police (6): ₦289,710.68
Deputy superintendent of police (7): ₦295,711.51
Deputy superintendent of police (8): ₦301,712.33
The Asst. Superintendent of Police
Nigerian police ranks and salary according to grade
Assistant superintendent of police II (1): ₦219,736.63
Assistant superintendent of police II (2): ₦223,254.74
Assistant superintendent of police II (3): ₦226,772.98
Assistant superintendent of police II (4): ₦230,281.23
Assistant superintendent of police II (5): ₦233,809.47
Assistant superintendent of police II (6): ₦237,327.58
Assistant superintendent of police II (7): ₦240,845.82
Assistant superintendent of police II (8): ₦244,344.06
Assistant superintendent of police II (9): ₦247,882.17
Assistant superintendent of police II (10): ₦251,400.42
Assistant superintendent of police I (1): ₦239,210.28
Assistant superintendent of police I (2): ₦243,079.18
Assistant superintendent of police I (3): ₦246,948.09
Assistant superintendent of police I (4): ₦253,312.59
Assistant superintendent of police I (5): ₦259,754.55
Assistant superintendent of police I (6): ₦268,847.01
Assistant superintendent of police I (7): ₦275,482.53
Assistant superintendent of police I (8): ₦282,195.23
Assistant superintendent of police I (9): ₦288,985.51
Assistant superintendent of police I (10): ₦293,125.15
The Inspector of Police
Monthly salary according to grade
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (1): ₦119,693.87
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (2) ₦121,879.47
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (3): ₦124,064.96
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (4): ₦126,250.56
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (5): ₦128,436.16
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (6): ₦130,621.65
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (7): ₦133,747.12
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (8): ₦136,872.59
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (9): ₦139,997.95
Inspector II/Cadet inspector (10): ₦143,123.42
Sergeant Major
The highest-ranked non-commissioned officer of the NPF, and the highest junior officer of the force. A sergeant major offers assistance to administrative officers in regiments.
Monthly salary according to grade
Sergeant major (1): ₦96,216.19
Sergeant major (2): ₦99,233.25
Sergeant major (3): ₦102,250.32
Sergeant major (4): ₦105,267.53
Sergeant major (5): ₦108,284.59
Sergeant major (6): ₦111,301.66
Sergeant major (7): ₦114,318.86
Sergeant major (8): ₦117,335.93
Sergeant major (9): ₦120,353.00
Sergeant major (10): ₦123,370.20
Sergeant
A sergeant is a middle-ranked non-commissioned officer under the sergeant major.
Monthly salary according to grade
Police sergeant (1): ₦77,974.65
Police sergeant (2): ₦79,336.16
Police sergeant (3): ₦80,617.34
Police sergeant (4): ₦82,128.16
Police sergeant (5): ₦85,639.11
Police sergeant (6): ₦88,150.07
Police sergeant (7): ₦90,660.89
Police sergeant (8): ₦93,171.84
Police sergeant (9): ₦95,682.80
Police sergeant (10): ₦98,193.61
Corporal
This officer is responsible for the supervision and training of police officers. The corporal assumes the position of the sergeant when on the streets or in the absence of one.
Monthly salary according to grade
Police Corporal (1): ₦71,809.19
Police Corporal (2): ₦72,951.64
Police Corporal (3): ₦74,093.95
Police Corporal (4): ₦75,236.27
Police Corporal (5): ₦76,378.72
Police Corporal (6): ₦77,521.04
Police Corporal (7): ₦78,663.35
Police Corporal (8): ₦79,805.80
Police Corporal (9): ₦81,002.13
Police Corporal (10): ₦82,144.58
Constable
This is the lowest-ranked officer in the NPF, which includes newly employed graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy.
Monthly salary according to grade
Police constable II (1): ₦68,262.29
Police constable II (2): ₦69,035.85
Police constable II (3): ₦69,809.41
Police constable II (4): ₦70,582.97
Police constable II (5): ₦71,356.54
Police constable II (6): ₦72,130.10
Police constable II (7): ₦72,903.66
Police constable II (8): ₦73,677.22
Police constable II (9): ₦74,450.78
Police constable II (10): ₦75,224.48
Police constable I (1): ₦69,524.55
Police constable I (2): ₦70,475.23
Police constable I (3): ₦71,426.04
Police constable I (4): ₦72,376.85
Police constable I (5): ₦73,327.66
Police constable I (6): ₦74,278.47
Police constable I (7): ₦75,229.28
Police constable I (8): ₦76,180.09
Police constable I (9): ₦77,130.90
Police constable I (10): ₦78,081.71
Salary structure
During the heat of the protest against police brutality in October 2020, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, approved an increase in the salary paid to police officers.
In 2021, the then police affairs minister, Maigari Dingyadi, said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a further 20% increase from January 2022.
A document titled “New Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS) with 20% chart (Effective January 2022)”, obtained by DUBAWA, outlines the current Nigerian police ranks and salary paid to officers of the law in the country. Officers are paid according to their ranks and grades.
Every year, the naira fights valiantly for its life with little success, and 2023 has been no different. The year started on a hopeful note. With the 2023 general elections scheduled for the first quarter, many young Nigerians were optimistic about a government change that would mean a long-overdue improvement in the economy and other sectors.
The elections ended with one of the most keenly contested results in Nigeria’s history and the results have contributed in no small way to the many ups and downs (mostly downs) Nigerians have experienced money-wise since.
This is a timeline of 2023’s most important money events and conversations.
New fuel prices(Part 1)
Image: Punch Newspapers
Nigerians aren’t strangers to fuel scarcity, but the 2022 floods and reports of adulterated fuel brought us the worst version we’d seen at that point. Unstable fuel prices followed us into January 2023, with fuel stations selling at between ₦200 – 250 per litre against the standard ₦167. The Federal Government officially standardised fuel prices at ₦185 per litre on January 19, 2023, and sent a memo to petroleum marketers informing them of the same. Lagos State even created a timetable for filling stations to further beat the scarcity. By April, fuel sold at ₦254 per litre.
Godwin Emefiele first announced the redesign of the ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1000 notes on October 26, 2022, with a January 31, 2023, deadline to phase out the old notes. What followed was a series of events fit for a telenovela. The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, claimed she wasn’t informed. The naira soon fell sharply in the foreign exchange market — selling at ₦1,000 to £1 and ₦800 to $1. By January 2023, the new notes still weren’t in circulation.
The CBN moved the deadline to February 10, but two days before the new deadline, the Supreme Court gave a temporary order to halt the expiration of the old notes. In response, President Muhammadu announced that only the old ₦200 notes could remain in circulation beyond February 10. While experts debated on whether the president could overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling, Nigerians suffered the brunt of widespread cash scarcity and bank transaction failure.
The ATMs were either empty or limited to ₦5k daily withdrawals. Bank queues were longer than a Fela album. This led to protests across the country — several banks and ATM points were set ablaze. Most institutions were ill-equipped to accept cashless payments. Patients were left untreated as family members went on the hunt for cash. People were left stranded in supermarkets after botched POS or bank transfer transactions. A pregnant woman in Kaduna reportedly died because her husband couldn’t get cash in time for her to be admitted to a health centre. Pure chaos.
POS agents quickly became major players in the scarcity as Nigerians turned to them for urgent cash needs. But the agents had to brave the long ATM queues or buy the scarce new notes at high rates, which reflected in their transaction charges. In Ekiti, POS charges increased from ₦20 per ₦1k withdrawal to ₦300 per ₦1k. In Lagos, POS agents charged as much as ₦2k – ₦3k to give ₦10k cash.
While all this was happening, the Nigerian government was focused on the February 2023 elections. It wasn’t until March that the Supreme Court and CBN confirmed all old notes would remain legal tender till December 31, 2023. In November 2023, the Federal Government asked the Supreme Court to extend this deadline yet again for an indefinite period. And one is forced to ask: Why all the wahala in the first place?
Those were President Bola Tinubu’s famous words in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023. Right away, fuel stations started hoarding fuel, leading to another scarcity within months of the last one, panic buying and transportation hikes across the nation. The few open fuel stations sold at ₦500 – ₦700 per litre even before the new prices were announced.
The official prices ended up going as high as ₦557 per litre. By July 2023, it had climbed to ₦617 per litre. Fuel rationing led to a decline in fuel consumption nationwide, fewer cars on the streets as people took to trekking, increased cost of goods and services hinged on transportation and general hardship. E-hailing cab drivers even went on a nationwide strike, requesting an increase in fares as they could no longer work with the new fuel prices.
President Tinubu claims that fuel subsidy removal saved Nigeria over ₦1 trillion in two months, which “will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.” What this means exactly and how it will be done isn’t clear right now.
President Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law on June 12, 2023. The bill, which should provide interest-free loans to indigent Nigerian students, was received with mixed reactions. Nigerians expressed concern over the loan requirements and two-year imprisonment punishment for defaulting on repayment. The Student Loan Scheme is expected to kick off in January 2024.
On June 14, 2023, the CBN released a press release announcing its decision to allow the naira to “float” in the foreign exchange market, with hopes that it’d bring our currency to a unified exchange rate. This came after Tinubu suspended former CBN Governor Emefiele on “financing terrorism” charges. The policy change meant the CBN would no longer determine the exchange rate, and the rate at which the naira gets exchanged for any foreign currency is dependent on the agreed price reached by the buyer and the seller.
In July 2023, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) announced a school fees hike from ₦45,000 to ₦100,000 for new students of Federal Government Colleges. This came despite appeals by the Nigerian Parents Forum in June 2023. Federal universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Nigeria (UNN) and the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) also announced hikes by as much as 200%, to the dismay of students and parents alike. While the presidency argued that tuition is still free, the schools increased their miscellaneous levies, citing prevailing economic realities and the high cost of living.
Mass business closure and layoffs
Image: Zikoko Memes
In August 2023, Pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced its decision to exit the Nigerian market after 51 years of operation, due to foreign exchange scarcity and volatility, rising business costs and a shrinking consumer base. Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Sanofi, Jumia Food and Bolt Food, joined the exodus, contributing to mass unemployment in a country with 71 million citizens already living in extreme poverty. Nigerian-based companies and small businesses weren’t spared either. 20 out of the 175 textile companies in Nigeria were forced to shut down. Due to the rising cost of maize, poultry farms followed. Tech companies like Bolt, Alerzo and Jumia, conducted mass lay-offs to stay afloat.
Nigeria’s new $1.95 billion loan
Maybe this is why they keep giving us loans
Between June and September 2023, President Tinubu took out three loans from the World Bank to fund the power sector, women’s economic empowerment and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project. These loans are in addition to the country’s outstanding external debt of $14.51 billion to the World Bank.
The CBN revealed that the total amount of money available in Nigeria’s economy rose to ₦66.4 trillion in September 2023. But before you think, “Finally, a highlight!” This doesn’t mean we’re swimming in money. A larger money supply indicates declining interest rates, inflation and decreased purchasing power. Essentially, not good.
Highest inflation in two decades
Image: Zikoko Memes
The naira entered a free fall between September and October 2023, reaching a historic low of ₦1k/dollar and earning the tag of “one of the worst-performing African currencies” from the World Bank. In the parallel market, it sank as low as ₦1,170/dollar. Inflation rose to 26.72% in September — the ninth straight increase in 2023 and the highest in 20 years. Food inflation rose to 30.64%, adding to the food and living crisis across the nation.
Remember GSK Nigeria’s departure? As of November 2023, it meant drug prices had increased by up to 1000%, especially affecting inhalers and antibiotics. There has also been a reported drug scarcity due to the massive devaluation of the naira and a less-than-optimal business environment, leading to panic among consumers.
On the night of December 3, 2023, Nigerian military drones “mistakenly” attacked a village called Tundun Biri in Kaduna State. This horrible incident in which the Nigerian Army bombed civilians isn’t the biggest news in the country right now. But it should be, so we took it upon ourselves to compile everything to know about it.
An Eid-el-Maulud celebration
It all started when locals of Tundun Biri village came together to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) North-West Zonal Office, the bombing started around 9 p.m. Observers recounted that the first bomb ended over 30 lives on the spot. As people raced to help the injured and dead, a jet dropped another bomb.
Image source: X.com
The death count
As of December 5, NEMA has the official death count at 85, with 66 injured and receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Hospital. However, an anonymous officer revealed that the army received at least 126 dead civilian bodies.
Tinubu speaks
President Bola Tinubu is currently at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, but he conveyed his condolences through his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, condemning the drone attack. He also called for a thorough investigation into the “bombing mishap”.
The Nigerian Army’s response
The General Officer, Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Valentine Okoro, admitted that the attack came from the Nigerian Army. As the commander of the division that caused the mishap, Okoro gave a statement to Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna’s Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs. Apparently, it was an error made while the drone operators were on a routine mission against terrorists. The Army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the aerial patrol troops mistook the celebration for terrorist activities.
Image source: X.com
On December 5, the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the village to commiserate with the families of the deceased and apologise to the village. He also promised to cover the hospital bills. But who will answer for the bombing of these innocent people?
CAN, Amnesty International and other NGOs
The Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Amnesty International, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), among other non-govermental organisations, have condemned the military’s mishit. The chairman of the CAN Kaduna chapter, Reverend John Hayab, said they’ll continue to pray for the government, while the AYCF National President, Shettima Yerima, charged the government to launch an investigation.
Not the first bombing mishaps
In 2023, there have been three bombing mishap cases. The first happened in Niger State on January 24. The second killed over 40 herders in Nasarawa State two days later. According to research, at least 425 Nigerians have perished due to military “error” bombing between 2017 and 2023.
The Nigerian Air Force denies involvement
Although the Nigerian Air Force is behind the first two cases of bombing civilians by mistake this year, it quickly disassociated itself from the Tundun Biri incident. On Monday, December 4, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) released a statement through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. According to him, NAF had nothing to do with the attack and hadn’t operated in the state or its surroundings in a while. “The NAF is not the only organisation operating combat-armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria.”
Citizens protest
On December 7, protesters marched to the National Assembly and demanded the immediate resignation of Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Defence. In Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, a group of youths took to the streets to protest the brutal bombing.
When President Tinubu ascended Nigeria’s iron throne in May 2023, his position was somewhat clear. He’d make urgent reforms to “better” the lives of Nigerians in the long run.
The fuel subsidy removal is still showing us shege, but our president told us, “E go better”.
The problem is this same government has made some interestingly extravagant decisions since inauguration. This makes one wonder, “Aren’t we all supposed to be tightening our proverbial belts?”
1,411 delegates to the COP28 Climate Summit
This one broke the internet over the weekend, and rightly so. Nigeria had the 4th largest number of delegates, after China, Brazil and the host country, UAE, at the climate change conference, which runs from November 30, 2023 to December 12, 2023.
But is this everybody?
It should be a good thing Nigeria shows such interest in matters pertaining to the environment, but the guest list seemed to contain more celebrities and family members than actual environmentalists. To top it all, the government refused to outrightly confirm how many of the delegates they actually sponsored after social media users dragged them for wasteful spending.
The curious case of the presidential yacht
When the president’s 2023 supplementary budget leaked in November, everyone clutched their gele in shock. Why was there a ₦5 billion allocation for a presidential yacht? In this Tinubu economy?!
The presidency later came to say it was actually an “Operational naval boat”. It’s alright, but don’t be surprised when our number one citizen posts yacht selfies.
The government likes to cruise in style
In the same supplementary budget, Tinubu allocated ₦6.9 billion to vehicles — including ₦1.5 billion for the office of the First Lady (an office not recognised by the constitution).
The presidency didn’t forget air travel either, with ₦12.5 billion allocated to the presidential air fleet. In October 2023, not to be outdone by the presidency, the National Assembly said they had to buy 360 Land Cruiser SUVs at ₦160m each because of the “bad roads in Nigeria”. Isn’t that wonderful?
₦390 million on a trip to the United Nations General Assembly
From September 17 – 23, 2023, President Tinubu attended the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, and spent $507,000 (₦390 million) on hotel accommodation. Hotel rooms fit for a president, am I right?
The serial borrowing
Tinubu borrowed $1.95bn from the World Bank for power and women’s empowerment within three months of becoming president. Borrowing might not be a problem if we didn’t already owe ₦87.4 trillion. Plus, I thought they said we saved ₦1.45 trillion in just two months from fuel subsidy removal. Where is the money going to, and why are we still borrowing?
So many special assistants
Tinubu has been appointing aides and assistants since July 2023. A new one was announced as recently as November 2023.
Of course, we want the best minds around Mr President. But when you have four different senior special assistants on media, and yet another special assistant for social media, one starts to wonder. Or am I overthinking it?
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has allegedly commenced demolition of houses in the Festac Phase 2 area of Lagos State, leaving residents in distress.
Here’s all we know about the issue so far.
What happened?
On Friday, November 17, 2023, Akintola Olagbemiro, Zonal Managing Director of FHA, South-West Zone, told the press that residents of houses marked for demolition at the Festac Phase 2 area of Lagos State had violated rules.
According to Olagbemiro, the occupants of the houses continued to erect structures in the area despite a stop order from the FHA.
Earlier in May 2022, the spokesman of the FHA, Kenneth Chigelu, raised an alarm over illegal land deals in FESTAC town.
“Our attention has been drawn to the activities of unscrupulous persons claiming to be agents of the FHA for the sale of land in FESTAC Town. Members of the public are warned not to do business with these imposters. The said advertisement is a scam.”
“A lot of illegality has gone up in that place, and I mean an illegal development. And we are looking at how best we can solve this and ensure people live in a serene environment. We want to ensure that we do our part by making people live in quality houses for them to live in.
“Unfortunately, we have had a series of issues of illegal estate developers, illegal people selling lands, people who claimed they owned the place and we have litigation from many angles.”
Also addressing pressmen during a visit to the area where houses were marked for demolition, Francesca Michael-James, Zonal Deputy General Manager of Urban and Regional Planning, noted that the FHA was ready to demolish houses marked for demolition and deal with those with no regard for the law.
“We already have the permission of our management. So, I’ll also source for security. When we have that security backing, we’ll start to enforce. The structures on the road, the pipeline settings and the ones that were built after that stakeholder meeting where we all said everybody should wait.”
According to the FHA officials, notices had been served since August informing residents of the planned demolition of illegal structures.
[ad]
Demolition commences
Following the FHA delegation’s visit on Friday, some videos shared on social media indicate that the demolition of illegal structures commenced over the weekend.
One video captured distraught residents out on the streets with their properties. Furniture, electronics, bathroom and toilet fixtures, and mattresses, among other items, were spotted out on the streets.
Residents str@nded as Lagos state government continues to d£molish illegal structures in Festac
According to Michael-James, the demolition became necessary because the activities of land grabbers have disrupted the initial plan for Festac Town.
“In the Master Plan, we have the major artilleries, collector and minor roads, for example, the standard of the Right of Way is about 50 feet, which was observed by occupants of the 1st to fifth avenues, but at several other places in the town, what we have is distortion of the Master Plan. Sand filling or road levelling is no longer in place.
Surv. Lawal Umar-Salihu, a member of the FHA delegation, explained that from the total land allocation of 2000 x 24.64 hectares earmarked for the Festac Town development, the government has assigned only 30%. He said 70% had been encroached upon.
2021 demolitions
In November 2021, the FHA sparked public outrage after it demolished houses in FESTAC. Speaking to the press after the demolition, FHA zonal manager, Olagbemiro, said those affected were given more than 60 days notice, but they refused to quit.
“We didn’t even go there after the end of the 21 days because we also wanted to be sure that we were doing the right thing. We wanted to make sure that we have done all the markings, and they were informed, up to the extent that some that were even at the foundation level still went ahead and continued, which is not right.
“We saw so many things, no approval, no original papers, nothing. Nobody could give us a single, simple approval either from Lagos State government or from Federal.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarked on an industrial action on Monday, November 13, after police officers allegedly battered its president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo state.
The union asked members to withdraw their services nationwide, adding that the strike would go on until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility”.
We’ve compiled a list of 30 service providers whose availability become uncertain whenever the NLC initiates an industrial action.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
When ASUU goes on strike, activities across government-owned universities in the country are halted. And students bear the major brunt.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic
Services across government-owned polytechnics are halted whenever members embark on industrial action.
The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions
Services in research facilities such as the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science and the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science may be inaccessible during an NLC strike.
Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union
Let’s just say classes are halted in most government-owned institutions when members embark on strike.
Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP)
Administrative services across government-owned polytechnics may be disrupted when members embark on industrial action.
Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)
Administrative services across government-owned universities may also be disrupted when members embark on industrial action.
Iron & Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
Welders, fitters, tank erectors and machinists, and allied trade workers are all members of the Nigeria Labour Congress. This means the services offered across factories and assembly plants may be disrupted during strikes.
Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)
Courts are not accessible when members are on strike, so trials may be postponed indefinitely.
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria
Nigeria’s port stations may close.
Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria
Services in government-owned hospitals and health centres are inaccessible when members embark on strike.
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives
Workers in this union do not offer their services to hospitals and healthcare centres during an industrial action.
National Union of Air Transport Employees
Airport services halt when workers in the aviation industry embark on industrial action.
National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees
Institutions including commercial banks become inaccessible when members of this union join industrial action.
National Union of Electricity Employees of Nigeria
Services like power supply are affected when members embark on strike.
National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas
This union is home to workers in the petroleum and gas industries across the country. Fueling and gas stations halt services when members are on strike.
National Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees
NUPTE is home to workers in the government-owned communications industry. The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) will close when members embark on strike.
National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
Public bus, tricycle and motorcycle services aren’t accessible during industrial action.
[ad]
National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees
This is the trade union for lottery agents across the country. Services like placing bets and receiving payments are halted when members embark on strike.
National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria
Access to tailoring or garment production services may become impossible during a strike.
Nigeria Civil Service Union
Services at some government-owned institution ministries may be disrupted when civil servants are on strike.
Nigeria Union of Civil Service Secretariat Stenographic Workers
Stenographers, who transcribe speeches, in government-owned institutions are unavailable when members are on strike.
Nigeria Union of Journalists
Broadcast and print media services may be disrupted when members strike.
Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees
Civil servants who work in local government-owned institutions are also effected.
Nigeria Union of Mine Workers
Mines across the country may close when workers are on strike.
Nigeria Union of Railwaymen
This union is home to workers in the rail transportation sector across the country. Train rides are not accessible during industrial action.
Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
NUT is home to the academic staff in government-owned primary and secondary schools in the country. These schools close when workers are on strike.
Nigeria Welders and Fitters Association (NIWELFA)
This is the association for professional welders and fitters in the country. Services such as welding, laying and assembling of units are disrupted when members strike.
Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)
PASAN is a trade union that’s home to staff of the parliamentary/legislative arm of government and other related institutions in Nigeria.
Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU)
Broadcast and entertainment may be disrupted when members strike.
Steel & Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN)
Services across production factories and assembly plants involved in making metal and electrical goods in Nigeria may be halted during strikes.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked members to join the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Here’s all we know about the situation that has raised anxiety among students.
What happened?
On Monday, November 13, the leadership of the NLC and TUC directed members to withdraw their services nationwide from midnight.
Festus Osifo, TUC president, informed journalists of the planned industrial action in Abuja on the same day. According to him, the strike will continue until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”
The strike is also connected to the November 1 alleged battering of NLC president, Joe Ajaero, during a labour protest in Imo state. Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information, told the press that Ajaero was arrested by the police ahead of the state-wide protest to highlight the plights of workers in Imo.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, November 10, Ajaero recounted his ordeal at the hands of police officers.
“I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal. I am not even a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged.”
However, Imo Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry told a different account of the story. According to Henry, the NLC president was taken into protective custody following a mob attack that stemmed from protesters trying to shut down areas of essential services.
“Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion by taking the NLC President into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and that he was not lynched in the scuffle that followed,” he said.
During the November 3 press briefing in Abuja, the NLC rolled out a six-point demand to the federal government including the investigation and redeployment of Imo commissioner of police, Mohammed Barde, and removal of officers believed to be involved in the attack against Ajaero.
The NLC also demanded a thorough examination of Ajaero to ascertain the level of physical and psychological injuries inflicted on him.
Why is ASUU involved?
On Monday evening, November 13, President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, directed its members to join the NLC and TUC’s industrial action.
In a letter sent to all the union zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons of the union, Osodeke wrote:
“The Nigeria Labour Congress at a Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC directed all affiliate Unions to commence withdrawal of services with effect from 12:00 midnight today 13th November 2023.
“As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union. Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action.”
[ad]
How are Nigerians reacting?
News of ASUU joining the NLC and TUC’s strike has since stirred reactions from concerned Nigerians and students.
The academic bodies going on strike is like stabbing your own self. It changes nothing but more pain to the poor. Their own children are not even in the continent to start with but here we are. Anything Strike count ASUU in.
So the only thing ASUU could use to repay President Tinubu for paying their withheld salary of about 8 months just few weeks ago is to join Ajaero’s useless strike.
ASUU’s last strike lasted eight months. The union embarked on the strike on February 14, 2022, to press home its demands from the FG. The union’s demands included the release of revitalisation funds for universities, the release of earned allowances for university lecturers, and the deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
It called off the strike on October 17, 2022, following an order from the industrial court.
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, you’ve probably seen these officers in different uniforms on the highway, at the airport, at the border when you take a road trip. But who exactly are they, and how are they relevant to you?
Don’t worry, this article exists to answer your questions.
Nigerian Air Force
This security agency protects the Nigerian air space and conducts air operations for our security.
Year established: 1964
Key functions:
Protect Nigeria’s air space
Provide support to ground and sea-borne forces
Supply sophisticated electromagnetic equipment, which are usually airborne, for use in electronic warfare
State Security Service
Source: ICIR
Also known as the Department of State Security (DSS), this is the primary domestic intelligence agency of Nigeria. Officers in the DSS gather intelligence within the country for the protection of senior government officials, particularly the president and state government.
Year established: 1986
Key functions:
Protect and defend the Federal Republic of Nigeria against domestic threats
Protect the president, vice president, senator, representatives, governors, other senior officials and their families
Protect visiting foreign heads-of-state and government
Neutralise security threats, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency
Nigerian Navy
Source: PremiumTimes
This security agency is the sea division of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Navy protects Nigeria’s waters — every part of the open sea within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Nigeria.
Year established: 1959
Key functions:
Maintain the naval territory of Nigeria
Defend the country from external and internal naval aggression
Protect the Nigerian naval borders from violations
Enforcement of all national and international maritime laws
Fishery protection and upholding environmental laws
Federal Road Safety Commission
Source: Punch
This government agency oversees road safety administration across the country.
Year established: 1988
Key functions:
Ensure the safety of Nigerian highway motorists
Prevent or minimise accidents on the highway
Clear obstruction on any part of the highway
Educating drivers, motorists and other members of the public on the proper use of highways
Designing and producing driver’s licenses
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC)
Source: Dailypost
This security agency maintains peace and order in the country and protects the civil populace. They’re involved in crisis resolution, protecting important infrastructure like pipelines and supervising activities of private guards.
Year established: 1967
Key functions:
Maintenance of peace and order in the society
Provision of security and monitoring services before, during and after elections
Protection of federal and state government infrastructure and facilities
Protection of pipelines from vandalism
Supervise the activities of private guard companies
[ad]
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Source: NDLEA
The NDLEA eliminates the growing, processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, distribution, sales, trafficking and usage of hard drugs in Nigeria. NDLEA officials are usually found at international and state borders, airports, highways and seaports, or on regular roads, carrying out random searches based on tip-offs.
Year established: 1990
Key functions:
Identification and destruction of farms where cannabis, marijuana and other illicit substances are cultivated
Arrest and prosecution of drug barons
Mass sensitisation on the dangers of drugs
Rehabilitation of drug addicts
Nigerian Customs Service
Source: Punch
This agency is responsible for the collection of customs revenue. It facilitates national and international trade and keeps a security check on smuggling.
Year established: 1891
Key functions:
Anti-smuggling activities
Licensing and registration of custom agents
Collection of revenue such as import and export duties, and other taxes/levies
Monitoring foreign exchange utilisation
Generating statistics for planning and budgeting
Collaboration with other government agencies in all approved ports and border stations
Nigerian Immigration Service
Source: Punch
This security agency is tasked with migration management. It was carved out of the Nigerian Police Force in 1963 to undertake border surveillance and control. The service issues travel documents including the Nigerian passport.
Year established: 1963
Key functions:
Issuance of travel documents to bona fide Nigerians in and outside Nigeria
Issuance of residence permits to foreigners
Border surveillance and patrol
Enforcement of immigration laws and regulations
Nigerian Correctional Service
Source: Premium Times
It was called Nigerian Prison Service until President Buhari changed the name in 2019. The service is in charge of managing correctional facilities in the country, established to drive change in offenders and ensure that they’re successfully reintegrated into society once they serve out their sentences. They take citizens into lawful custody by court orders and bring such individuals to court when due.
Year established: 1861
Key functions:
Take offenders into legal custody
Provide safe, secure and humane custody for inmates
Convey remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations
Implement reformation and rehabilitation programmes to enhance the reintegration of inmates back into the society
Provide support to facilitate speedy case resolutions of persons awaiting trials.
President Tinubu and the Nigerian Government made some interesting to questionable moves this week. We’ve compiled the high and lowlights across different sectors of government.
FG pays pensioners owed pension arrears
Some good news for pensioners of the Power and Transport Sectors of the Parastatals Pension Department. The federal government finalised payment of ₦1.02bn to 7,091 beneficiaries on Sunday, November 5.
“The payment represents 39 per cent of the accrued pension arrears owed pensioners in the said sectors for the period August 2015 to September 2023, as a result of the computation of the monthly pension of pensioners of Parastals Pension Department based on their career details, salary structure and applicable pension increments,” stated Olugbenga Ajayi, head of Corporate Communications Unit, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate.
Barely weeks after the senate approved Tinubu’s controversial 2023 supplementary budget, the president is making moves for the 2024 national budget. On Monday, November 6, sources within the presidency disclosed the president’s intention to present the budget in the third week of November, so fingers crossed.
The government has commenced the implementation of an automatic 40% deduction of internally generated revenues of federal universities across the country. The FG in October had announced that the deduction would take effect from November 2023.
With the commencement of this deduction, there could be an increase in tuition fees for the students.
Governor Sanwo-Olu “came through” for Lagosians as he slashed the fare on state-regulated buses like BRT and rail transport by 25%. The directive took effect on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, with no clear indication of how long it’ll last.
Governor Umo Eno denies padding supplementary budget
It appears President Tinubu’s supplementary budget isn’t the only one that’s raised eyebrows in recent times. On Tuesday, November 6, in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno shut down allegations that he padded the state’s supplementary budget.
Eno spoke up after Policy Alert, an NGO focused on promoting fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta region, highlighted some controversial appropriations in the budget.
President Tinubu leads 9-man delegate to Saudi-Africa summit
The president is in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, for the inaugural edition of the Saudi-Africa summit. Through the summit, President Tinubu hopes to attract more direct foreign investment and expand business partnerships for the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun are among the president’s official delegate.
On Wednesday, November 7, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that President Tinubu ordered a stop to the implementation of a hike in electricity tariff and insisted on subsidising the power consumed nationwide. The president insisted that before power companies can charge a cost-reflective tariff, there should be constant power supply.
At the moment, Nigerians pay ₦70 per kilowatt-hour, an increment would see the price shoot up to ₦140 per kilowatt-hour.
Joining President Tinubu’s administration this week are 20 federal commissioners for the National Population Census (NPC), three executive commissioners for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), an SSA on disability matters and an SSA on Citizenship and Leadership.
Uju Kennedy launches pink kekes to cushion female unemployment
On Wednesday, November 7, Minister for Women’s Affairs, Uju Kennedy, donated tricycles with pink interiors and sewing machines to women in Abuja. She announced the Pink Riders Transport Scheme, an initiative aimed to reduce unemployment and empower women across the country. According to her, the plan is to extend the scheme to other states in the country.
Nigerians have criticised Uju with many stating that there are better ways to empower women.
On Tuesday, November 1, the Federal Government commenced rehabilitation of the third mainland bridge in Lagos state. Minister of Works, David Umahi, inspected the 11.8-kilometer-long bridge on Saturday, October 28, ahead of the repairs.
The repairs will affect Lagos commuters in different ways, so we’ve highlighted seven important things to keep in mind.
Rehabilitation officially kicks off on November 1
Repair works on the 3rd mainland bridge kicked off on Wednesday, November 1.
The bridge will be closed partially
According to Umahi, the repair work will be carried out at midnight to reduce the constraint on road users.
The repairs will last for three months
The repair work will span three months and be completed by January 2024.
The bridge will be closed at midnight and opened at 4 a.m. on weekdays
While addressing pressmen at the inspection, Umahi said, “We’re are going to be working weekends, Saturdays and Sundays. If we ever work during the other days, it has to be from 12 in the midnight to 4 a.m. the next day. We will not inconvenience Lagosians.”
Two sections of the bridge will be closed
According to Engr. (Mrs.) O. I. Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, the rehabilitation will begin with the ramps connecting Oworoshoki to Adekunle and Lagos Island (Adeniji Adele) to Adekunle simultaneously.
These ramps will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, for five weeks.
[ad]
Alternative routes to consider
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, urged motorists to consider alternative routes.
“SCENE 1: Motorists from Lagos Island heading to Ebute Metta will be diverted to Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota) to link Iddo toward Otto/Oyingbo axis and access Herbert Macaulay Way to link to their desired destinations.
“SCENE 2: Motorists from Victoria Island are to go through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, Apongbon to Eko Bridge, Costain to Apapa Road, Railway Compound to Alagomeji, Glover Road to Apena Junction, Herbert Macaulay Way to reach their destinations.
“SCENE 3: Motorists from Motorway will be diverted to Ikorodu Road (Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, Fadeyi) and Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journey.
“SCENE 4: Motorists from Gbagada can go through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road inwards Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way and link their desired destinations.
“SCENE 5: Motorists from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway wishing to link Ebute-Metta are advised to link Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way to Ikorodu Road and then link to their various destinations.”
Installation of solar-powered lights, CCTV cameras
https://youtu.be/k3ZNwYWeUrM?si=FVX4Y1ubuzKpWmyC
Minister Umahi said the rehabilitation will also include installation of solar lights and CCTV to monitor the movement of people in the lower and upper sections of the bridge.
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
On Wednesday, November 1, Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) agents arrested some students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during an off-campus midnight raid.
Here’s all we know about the situation that’s already trending under the hashtag #FreeOAUStudents.
What happened?
On Wednesday, November 1, some students of OAU took to X (formerly Twitter) to notify the public about a midnight raid by EFCC officials. According to the accounts, the officials stormed Fine Touch and Superb Hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, at midnight. The students reportedly thought they were kidnappers at first.
“When people were asleep, EFCC raided Fine Touch Hostel in Oduduwa, arrested over 40 male students and drove their cars away! What type of stupid oppression is this?” one X user tweeted.
When people were asleep, EFCC raided Fine Touch Hostel in Oduduwa, arrested over 40 male students and drove their cars away! What type of stupid oppression is this??!
The students were taken to the Ibadan office of the anti-graft agency, and their properties were confiscated.
OAU’s student union condemns arrest
Shortly after the incident, the OAU students’ union issued a statement on X, confirming and condemning the unlawful arrest of students.
“We strongly condemn the recent unjust arrest and harassment of our fellow students by members of the EFCC @officialEFCC in the odd hours of today, Nov 1st, 2023. This action is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and due process.”
The union noted its support for the aggrieved students and called on authorities to carry out thorough investigation.
We strongly condemn the recent unjust arrest and harassment of our fellow students by members of the EFCC @officialEFCC in the odd hours of today, Nov 1st, 2023. This action is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and due process.#OAUTwitter#FreeOAUStudentspic.twitter.com/743d9r3i1G
Some videos circulating on social media indicate that students of the institution have mobilised and visited the EFCC’s office in Ibadan, demanding the release of their colleagues. The #FreeOAUStudents hashtag is also trending on X.
A spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of 69 “internet fraud suspects”. He said the anti-graft agency’s Ibadan zonal office acted on intelligence that the OAU students were involved in internet crime.
According to him, items recovered from the students include 190 mobile phones, 40 laptops and cars, among others. Oyewale said the students will be charged to court.
“The suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
What about the university’s management?
OAU’s PRO, Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the school management is still investigating to determine how many of the arrested individuals are their students.
“We want to be sure that our students are not unduly harassed or intimidated nor abused. The management has mandated us to go to Ibadan and find out because the welfare of students is important to us.
“We want to go and see by ourselves so that we can come back and give the management necessary feedback. We are just going there now. It is not only our students that are outside Ife, so we wouldn’t want a situation where people will say all those who were arrested are our students whereas maybe some of them are not our students. We want to know who we want to fight for, who we want to defend and protect.”
This is a developing story.
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
As of Tuesday, October 31, President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 trillion supplementary appropriations bill had passed for second reading at the House of Representatives.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also read the president’s request on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.
“It has now become necessary to make further provision for additional palliative including the wage awards for public servants and the enhanced cash programme for vulnerable members of our society.
“In addition, defense has become critical to provide for peace and to secure the lives and properties without which the economic agenda of the administration cannot be achieved,” President Tinubu’s request read in part.
[ad]
What are Nigerians saying?
Many Nigerians have aired reservations against the president’s request, noting that some of the earmarked funds are unnecessary and come off as insensitive to the plight of citizens.
The 2023 supplementary budget calls for national condemnation,if possible protest,how do you plan to spend 2.9 billion to by pool vehicle,what kind of insult is this
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
Nigerians woke up to a disturbing video of police officers harassing Rivers state governor, Sim Fubara, in Port Harcourt. Fubara was reportedly on his way to the House of Assembly to stall the impeachment proceedings against him.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara.
Source: Sim Media Volunteers
This event has people pointing fingers at former governor, Nyesom Wike. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.
What happened?
On Sunday, October 19, 2023, multiple reports surfaced of a fire outbreak at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex around 10 p.m. The fire consumed a portion of the complex before firefighters arrived at the venue and brought the situation under control.
The outbreak happened amid rumours of lawmakers making moves to impeach Governor Fubara who was elected into office in March 2023.
On Monday, October 30, a video circulating on social media showed police officers firing teargas and water canons at Governor Fubara as he walked along a road in Port-Harcourt.
“You are attacking the governor of Rivers State? Rivers State governor under attack,” an individual shouted in the now-viral video.
Men of the Nigerian Police pouring water and teargas on the Governor of Rivers State. Sim Fubara, the Governor of Rivers on his way to the State House of Assembly Complex. @PoliceNG pls call your men to order.
Fubara was reportedly heading to the HOA to assess the fire incident and stop the impeachment proceedings against him. Reports indicate that 24 lawmakers of the state house of assembly had signed an impeachment notice and sent it to the governor.
A different video saw the governor in a safer and more stable condition as he addressed some of his supporters.
“From what I’ve seen, the security is even compromised. They were shooting at me. This operation was shooting at me directly, but it doesn’t matter.”
The governor declared that whatever actions had been taken by members of the assembly were null and void.
Gov. SIM FUBARA speaks on the recent happenings in Rivers State, in his speech, the security agencies have been compromised, tear gas were shot at him
Nyesom Wike significantly supported Fubara, a former accountant general of the state, during his bid to become the Rivers State governor. Before he won the election in March 2023, Fubara was not an active player in Rivers politics.
On Sunday, May 28, during a thanksgiving service to mark the end of his tenure, he told Fubara he would not disturb his administration.
“We will not disturb you from running your administration, but we will not allow you to make us cry. We want you to succeed more than us so that when we are passing on the road, we will raise our shoulders and say we told you that he would do better than us.”
Fast forward to October 2023, reports indicate a rift between the governor and his predecessor who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Abdul Rasheeth, a media aide to former VP, Atiku Abubakar, alleged in a post shared on X that Wike had a hand in the impeachment move against Fubara by Rivers lawmakers.
“Wike wants to use the House of Assembly to impeach Gov. Fubara for his selfish reasons. Sim Fubara has been enduring the excesses of Nyesom Wike but cannot take it any longer.”
Rasheeth claimed Fubara almost resigned his position as governor but “because the deputy is loyal to Felix Obuah, the former state chairman of PDP, he was asked to sheathe his sword.”
He also claimed the recent confusion in Rivers HOA is a result of the move to remove the leader of the house, Ehie Edison, who is strongly against the idea of impeaching Sim Fubara.
Fight started between Wike and his Governor Sim Fubara. According to a source Wike want to use the House of Assembly to impeach Gov. Fubara for his selfish reasons.
Sim Fubara has been enduring the excesses of Nyesom Wike but cannot take it any longer.
Chief Edwin Clark, elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) commented on the developments in Rivers state over the last 48 hours at a media briefing in Abuja.
Chief Clark called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike and the security forces in Rivers. “I have been reliably informed that there is a plot to unlawfully remove Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State, who has spent only about five months in office,” he said.
“I understand the sad episode is being orchestrated by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
“And that the intention is to remove the Governor, force his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu to resign, and install the Speaker of the House of Assembly, another Ikwerre person, as the governor of the state.”
What’s the current situation?
Governor Fubara addressed his supporters at the HOA complex shortly after the assault. The governor stressed that he has done nothing to warrant an impeachment from office.
“Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment. Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time, I will address the press.”
Burning Ram tickets are now available. Get your personal meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival coming up on November 11th. Tickets are available here.
A 24-year-old Nigerian undergraduate student identified as Damian has been arrested by the police in Rivers state over the alleged murder of his lover, Justina Otuene Nkang.
Damian allegedly dismembered the deceased and was caught while attempting to dispose of her remains.
Here’s a rundown of the situation which has sparked public outrage over the continued acts of violence against women.
What happened?
On Sunday, October 22, a student of University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), Justina Otuene Nkang, was reported missing.
A missing person’s report shared on social media stated Justina was last seen at the hospital where she worked as an industrial trainee.
A friend of Justina also shared a tweet notifying the public about her disappearance.
On Wednesday, October 25, Rivers state police command arrested Damian Chinaemerem Okoligwe, a 400-level student of UNIPORT, in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend.
It turned out that Damian’s girlfriend was Justina Nkang, the young lady previously reported missing. Police discovered Justina’s mutilated remains at Damian’s apartment.
The suspect was reportedly nabbed by security personnel in his estate while attempting to dispose of the victim’s body. It was also reported that witnesses in the area raised an alarm and raided Damian’s apartment where they found the victim’s dismembered body parts.
[ad]
A video showed Damian in handcuffs as operatives retrieved the victim’s body and prepared to send it to the morgue.
On Thursday, October 26, a day after he was arrested, Damian was paraded at the police station and interrogated by pressmen. He claimed he had nothing to do with Justina’s death.
“I didn’t kill her; I found her dead in my apartment in the morning. I don’t know who dismembered her body.”
Damian claimed he returned to his house to find her lifeless body. He stated that he couldn’t explain the situation, which is why he chose not to call the police.
Update: “I did not kill her, I only found her dead in my apartment in the morning. I don’t know who dismembered her body”
— 400 level Uniport student, Damian, on late Justina’s demise
According to Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Emeka, preliminary investigations have started. CP Emeka also disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discrete investigation.
Outrage on social media
Justina’s murder has sparked heated reactions on social media with many people, including celebrities, calling for justice under the hashtag: #JusticeForJustina
Gender based violence is becoming a pandemic! I can’t believe the life of a young beautiful girl with dreams was cut off just like that due to greed of her significant other. Men of this generation need to do better!!!!!!!💔💔#JusticeForJustinapic.twitter.com/Dvz5EciETj
I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Justina Otuene, no one deserves to go through this 💔. We pray the authorities serve and ensure due justice.#JusticeForJustina
I am sending love and prayers to the family of Justina at this time. No woman deserves to go through that. Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe. #JusticeforJustina
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
