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NIPOST announces $80 duty on US shipments from August 29

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NIPOST announces $80 duty on US shipments from August 29

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that, effective from August 29, 2025, all parcels and items sent to the United States, except for letters and documents, will now attract a prepaid customs duty of $80 (or its Naira equivalent) at the point of acceptance in Nigeria.

In a statement signed on Friday by its management, NIPOST explained that the new charges stem from a recent policy change by the U.S. Government under the Executive Order on “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries” pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

According to the agency, this Executive Order applies to all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide, and the payment of the additional duty affects all global postal inflows into the United States, not just those from Nigeria.

NIPOST further disclosed that the new rule is expected to have ripple effects on global logistics.

“Airline and cargo carriers are adopting more cautious measures in handling U.S.-bound shipments. This may extend both transit and processing times, potentially resulting in delivery delays,” the management said.

The postal service added that all U.S.-bound shipments will additionally undergo Customs checks at the destination, a measure that could further prolong delivery timelines.

To cushion the impact, NIPOST said it is already in discussions with international partners.

“NIPOST is actively engaging with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and our airline partners to minimise service disruptions and safeguard customer experience,” the statement noted.

The management reassured Nigerians of its commitment to quality service delivery despite the new restrictions.

“We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment,” the management concluded.

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Gunmen have abducted a member of staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, from his residence

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Gunmen have abducted a member of staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, from his residence

Gunmen have abducted a member of staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, from his residence in Upenme, Owo Local Council Area.

The victim was whisked away from his home by the armed men, who stormed his residence at about 7:00 PM on Thursday.

While confirming the incident, a senior official of the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the union to which the victim belongs, stated that the development has been reported to security agencies, who have commenced investigations.

Following the incident, which sparked outrage and calls for urgent action from his colleagues and the medical community, the NUAHP leadership issued a statement expressing concern over the development.

The union, which hinted at a potential declaration of a day of protest in Owo to demand the immediate and safe release of their colleague, stated in a message circulated to its members that “I am writing to bring to your attention the distressing news of the kidnapping of our colleague and member, Pastor Akesinro, in his house at Upenme in the Owo local government area of Ondo State at about 7 pm yesterday, the 28th of August, 2025.

“As a union, we have always stood strong in advocating for the welfare and security of our members. In light of this unfortunate event, members of NUAHP may need to declare a day of protest in Owo to demand the immediate and safe release of Pastor Akeshinro.”

The union further listed its demands, which include the immediate and safe release of the victim, tighter security in Owo and its environs, and collaboration with security operatives to apprehend those behind the abduction. Injury to one is injury to all. Solidarity forever.”

While reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, stated that the police, in collaboration with local hunters, are on the trail of the suspects to rescue the victim.

He said: “The Area Commander, the DPO and local hunters within that vicinity combed the bush throughout the night. I want to appreciate the local hunters there for at least giving support to the Nigeria Police in their bid to rescue the victims.

“I can assure you, all the kidnappers will be arrested. But we want to go beyond that. We want to be proactive and not reactive. I can assure you, we are going to rescue the man (victim) and reunite him with his family.”

The police commissioner also disclosed that measures are currently being designed to curb the rate of kidnappings in the state.

“Thankfully, the Executive Chairman of Owo Local Government came up with the idea of the Owo security network. They were trained by the police, and some are still undergoing training. My intention is to deploy them after they finish training. They know the community better than us, and we want to work with them.

“The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, promised to assist us with drones. We are still waiting for him to assist us. Security is not exclusively the responsibility of the police; it starts from our house.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to nip it in the bud. What they do is identify soft targets and go into their various homes and pick them. We are collaborating with other security agencies and non-state actors.”

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Here’s why Northern Senators are moving against Tinubu ahead of 2027 

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Here’s why Northern Senators are moving against Tinubu ahead of 2027 

Former Zamfara Central Senator, Kabiru Garba Marafa, who served as the Zamfara State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in the 2023 Presidential Election, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Marafa, who represented Zamfara Central in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, said his decision to quit the party was borneout of what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s “use-and-dump” style of leadership.

The decision followed a two-day meeting of the Senator Kabiru Marafa Consultative Forum, which drew supporters from all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State. The meeting, held in Kaduna on August 27 and 28, 2025, deliberated on the worsening security, political, and developmental challenges in Zamfara.

At the end of the meeting, the Forum issued a communiqué signed by its chairman, Comrade Bashir Muhammad Mafara; secretary, Dr. Mannir Bature Tsafe; and several other members.

The communiqué recalled that under Marafa’s coordination, President Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election in Zamfara. At the peak of the campaign, Marafa had assured Tinubu that there was no need to visit Zamfara, as he would deliver the state’s votes — a promise he fulfilled.

However, the group expressed regret that despite this loyalty and contribution, Zamfara State has allegedly suffered neglect under Tinubu’s administration.

The communiqué highlighted several grievances: The Forum decried the escalating insecurity in Zamfara, citing recent reports that the state topped the list of kidnappings nationwide in 2024. Out of 4,722 recorded abductions across Nigeria, Zamfara accounted for 1,203 cases. In just one week after a bye-election, 25 villages were reportedly attacked, with 145 people kidnapped and 21 killed.

It condemned what it described as the use of security forces to secure electoral victory for the APC in Kaura Namoda bye-election, while failing to protect lives in the same communities devastated by banditry.

Despite delivering victory for Tinubu, Zamfara received only a Minister of State appointment, while other Northwest states got two slots each. The Forum noted that states where Tinubu lost — especially Lagos — enjoyed more ministerial and developmental patronage, describing this as deliberate neglect.

Unlike other states affected by insecurity, where the President personally intervened with visits and financial aid, Zamfara has allegedly been ignored, leaving victims without federal support.

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Some people ‘re plotting to unseat me – NNPCL GCEO, Ojulari cries out

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Some people ‘re plotting to unseat me – NNPCL GCEO, Ojulari cries out

The Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, raised the alarm on Thursday, alleging that his life and that of the company’s management staff are under serious threat.

Ojulari said his offence is the reforms he has introduced in the oil and gas sector in line with the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu to turn around the moribund refinery, lamenting that some powerful elements are plotting to remove him from the seat.

The NNPCL GCEO raised the alarm when he received the delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the company’s headquarters, Abuja.

He also stated that efforts are ongoing to revive the moribund refineries to operate in full capacity, adding that the management is considering the NLNG module to that effect.

Responding to comments made by the PENGASSAN President on the stability of the NNPCL and stability in the oil sector, he said, despite the threats to his life and the lives of some management staff, he is determined to ensure that the refineries work effectively.

He said: “I’m not hiding to anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but it’s a development plan for me, right? And I’m ready to learn.”

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Champions League final kick-off time brought forward – here’s why

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Champions League final kick-off time brought forward – here’s why

The final of this season’s Champions League in Budapest will kick off reat 6:00 pm local time rather than 21:00 to “enhance the matchday experience”, UEFA announced on Thursday.

The 202 final will be played at the Puskas Arena on Saturday, May 30.

“An earlier kick-off makes day trips more feasible, reduces travel stress, and allows fans to enjoy the occasion without worrying about late-night logistics,” said Ronan Evain, executive director for Football Supporters Europe, which worked on the subject with UEFA.

Unlike the Europa League and Conference League finals, which are played in midweek, the Champions League showpiece has been held on Saturdays since 2010.

“While a 21:00 CET kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish — regardless of extra time or penalties,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Paris Saint-Germain won their maiden European Cup in last season’s final, beating Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.

AFP

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Professor Pat Utomi: Big tent shadow cabinet – healthcare crisis

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Professor Pat Utomi: Big tent shadow cabinet – healthcare crisis

The news has been full of headline grabbing FG projects that will cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, from  the$11bn Eko Atlantic to Calabar Highway, the $4bn Lagos to Abuja Super-Highway, the $60bn Lagos to Abuja High Speed Railway, the modernisation of the Terminal One at Lagos Airport, the new $100m presidential jet, etc.

These are projects that are of huge benefit for wealthy Nigerians, but do very little for the over 220m poor Nigerians, or 95 per cent of the Nigerians, that are struggling to access good quality healthcare. Knowing as we do that education and healthcare are the best investments to achieve prosperity, the Big Tent Shadow team has proposed a shift in government priorities.

According to the WHO, Nigeria’s average life expectancy at birth is presently 62.2yrs, which Is 11.5yrs below the global average of 73.7 years. Many other life expectancy estimates for Nigeria are much lower at around 56 years.

Whilst our maternal mortality rate of 993 women dying per 100,000 live births, and our under-five mortality rate of 117 per 1000 live births, or that one in eight children will die before their fifth birthday, are both the second worst rate in the world. These are horrendous statistics and make it plainly obvious that we face a crisis!

If health is a key pointer to inequality, as Nobel Prize winning economist Angus Deaton shows in The Great Escape- Health Wealth and the origins of Inequality, it should be obvious that if we desire progress much new attention needs to be paid to the deficits in our health care system.

What we’re asking the FG to do is to forsake these flashy projects, and instead dedicate the resources and hard work required to revamp our primary healthcare system, so that we can either eliminate or significantly reduce eight of the deadliest causes of death that have a huge adverse impact on the day to day lives of over 220m poor Nigerians, and over the next ten years increase our average life expectancy by 16yrs to over 78yrs

In revamping the primary healthcare system the eight deadly causes of death that we’re asking the FG dedicate itself to eliminating are:

Neonatal disorders: Offer free antenatal and postnatal care, free vaccinations for all children, and free family planning with financial incentives for the mothers to ensure that they make full use of the healthcare system, and breastfeed their children

Malaria: Work with experts, our universities, and a paid part-time army of @ 200,000 undergraduates to eliminate mosquitoes, and offer free medical care for malaria. The roll back malaria programme flagged off by President Obasanjo does not seem to have been sustained with unflattering statistics of Nigeria being responsible for 27 per cent of the global malaria burden and 31 per cent of deaths from Malaria.

Lower respiratory infections: Offer free medical care for all lower respiratory diseases including pneumonia and tuberculosis Diarrhoeal diseases: Offer free medical care for ALL diarrhoeal diseases including cholera and typhoid

HIV/AIDS: Offer free testing and lifetime Anti-Retroviral Therapy care. Make mandatory free and confidential HIV testing for all: school leavers, tertiary education students, pregnant mothers, passport and driving licence renewals, and marriage certificates.

Hypertension: Offer free: BP tests, high BP medication, & medical care for stroke victims

Sickle cell: Offer free: Genotype testing & medical care for sickle cell. Make it mandatory to list your genotype on your birth certificate, driving licence, and passport

Road traffic accidents: Mandate the motor insurance sector to provide free emergency trauma care for all life-threatening injuries from: road traffic accidents (90 per cent of trauma cases), gunshot/knife wounds, and burns. Fully equip 1 hospital per LGA to offer such care.

The accelerating pace of death from non-communicable diseases like Cancer also suggests the need for PPP at the apex level. Egypt, South Africa and Kenya are ahead of us in the provision of facilities for diagnostics and treatment. The recent unveiling of a regional Centre of excellence hospital in Abuja by Afrexim Bank is much help in that direction.

?We have already created an initiative in which EMS systems quilted our emergency medical needs is being designed by Diaspora EMS surgeons in Atlanta to be tested in select state capitals. That initiative is from thenewtribe health carecohort which is part of our network of committed citizen groups worldwide.

Primary healthcare centres (PHCs): To deliver the above we’ll require the government to over the next five to 10 yearsresuscitate and adequately staff our 30,000 PHCs. We would equip each PHC with a minimum of the following:

i. 10 to 15 patient beds, with staff dorm accommodation for staff not living close by

ii. 24/7 power, potable water, fridges, ACs, CCTV, perimeter fencing, and security guards

iii. WiFi, ID verification tools, EHR facilities, AI diagnosis tools, and telemed facilities

iv. Basic medical equipment including: stethoscopes, BP monitor, thermometers, oximeters, weighing scales, gloves, sanitiser, defibrillators, oxygen, and first aid/wound care kits

v. Ante/Post-natal clinic equipment including: Ultrasound machines, urine test kits, fetal and infant stethoscopes, patient monitors, delivery kits, forceps, ambulance-bags, cots and incubators.

vi. Mini-labs to undertake testing of the most common diseases.

Workforce training, expansion and empowerment: Train 60,000 nurses/midwives, 60,000 auxiliary nurses, 30 lab technicians, and 30,000 community health workers, in maternal and child health, and infectious disease management. Offer scholarships and stipends to 5,000 medical students agreeing to serve in rural areas for at least five years post-graduation. Engage doctors in the diaspora to conduct virtual training workshops and telemedicine support.

Increase medical school and nursing program capacities by 50 per cent, graduating 5,000 additional doctors and 12,000 nurses annually. Introduce retention incentives, such as housing and performance bonuses, for 200,000 healthcare workers in rural areas. Establish a diaspora mentorship program, connecting 5,000 Nigerian doctors abroad with local medical students and practitioners to enhance skills in diagnostics and treatment protocols.

To empower our existing workforce, and cover the huge shortage we have in medical professionals, we’ll need to train our existing staff to make use of AI tools and telemedicine.

Digital health integration: Deploy electronic health records in all PHCs to streamline patient data and improve coordination. Develop a national health dashboard to monitor KPIs such as infant mortality, vaccination rates and malaria cases in real time across all LGAs and states.

Community engagement: Launch nationwide health education campaigns via radio, social media, and community outreach, reaching 80 per cent of households with messages on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. Establish community health committees in all LGAs to foster local ownership and feedback on healthcare services

Monitoring and evaluation: A robust M&E framework will track progress and ensure accountability. KPIs include reducing infant/maternal mortality and malaria cases by 90 per cent. Quarterly progress reviews will be conducted using data from electronic health records and the national health data dashboard, implemented in 90 per cent of facilities by year five. Annual reports will assess outcomes against targets, with findings shared publicly to promote transparency. Community feedback mechanisms, such as town hall meetings and digital surveys in all LGAs will capture patient experiences and inform policy adjustments.

Funding: The easiest way to fund our primary healthcare system is for the FG to stop spending trillions on the flashy headline grabbing projects, and also over the next two years improve the fiscal and monetary management of our economy to reduce both inflation and interest rates by 80 per cent to rates more in line with our immediate neighbours, and free up N11trn of the N15trn that is presently being spent on servicing the national debt to be spent on healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, security and infrastructure

By the government simply reprioritising, each year we’ll save hundreds of thousands of lives.

To conclude, we of the Big Tent are convinced that if we do the needful with education and Healthcare, work down corruption in the system, rapidly boost power supply as Vietnam and Egypt have,  with no hassles,  and boost agriculture value chains derived from our factor endowments with bespoke Industrial policy, the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian people will be in a new boom and bloom.

Professor Utomi wrote for the Big Tent Shadow Team.

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Amaechi says “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the ADC

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Amaechi says “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the ADC

Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that there is “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the ADC.

Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, stated this during an interaction with journalists in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders in the state. He insisted that the ADC primary election must be open, stressing that he would not step aside for any aspirant.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Thursday, Amaechi said, “I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027.”

“I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” Amaechi declared.

The former minister maintained that every aspirant in the party had the right to seek the ticket, describing the contest as healthy for internal democracy.

On the state of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi criticised the administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies and governance style.

“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.

According to him, Tinubu’s appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.

Responding to questions on whether the ADC, like the APC and PDP, might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said: “That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”

Amaechi further argued that he remained one of the most qualified aspirants across the country. “If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity,” he asserted.

Although some political observers believe Amaechi’s influence in Rivers politics has waned due to the dominance of his long-time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the former governor dismissed such claims.

“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he added.

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Reactions as Peter Obi has threatened to sue Deji Adeyanju over alleged defamatory posts

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Reactions as Peter Obi has threatened to sue Deji Adeyanju over alleged defamatory posts

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has threatened a lawsuit against popular Nigerian human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju over alleged defamatory posts.

Obi’s legal team through EJESIMEN & CO MADIBA CHAMBERS, SAN, said the lawyer had on different occasions made derogatory remarks against Obi via X and other social media platforms, defaming the former governor.

In the post, Deji claimed that he met with the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and he (Obi) tried to “give me money and called it thank you for coming, it’s 100% true”.

Obi’s legal team demanded a public retraction of the alleged defamatory remarks alongside an unreserved apology from Adeyanju.

However, in a post shared on his official Facebook page Wednesday night, the lawyer said he is ready to meet Obi in court.

He wrote, “I can’t wait to meet him in court finally. A fraud parading himself as a messiah”.

Deji is a staunch critic of Obi, who has insisted that the former governor may never emerge Nigerian President.

He had severally, clashed with Obi’s supporters known as Obidients online following ‘unfavorable’ posts.

In a recent post on Facebook, Deji claimed that it is too late for the former governor to be elected a Nigerian President.

The notice, particularly referred to a post made in August 21, where Adeyanju accused Obi of stealing from AnambraState coffer to invest in his family business.

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Ayra Starr & Tyla Join the Lineup for 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York

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Ayra Starr & Tyla Join the Lineup for 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York

Nigeria’s Ayra Starr alongside Shakira and The Weeknd will headline the 2025 Global Citizen Festival on the Great Lawn in New York’s Central Park on September 27. The show, hosted by Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman, will also feature performances from Tyla, and Mariah the Scientist, with more participants to be announced soon.

This year’s Global Citizen festival campaign is focused on providing energy access to one million people across Africa, according to a release, an effort that aims to provide access to quality education and football — in partnership with FIFA — for 30,000 children around the world. In addition, the campaign will look to “mobilise $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and registering 40,000 New Yorkers to volunteer across the city.”

Tickets for the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on these issues on the Global Citizen app or here.

“I’m honoured to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September,” said Shakira in a statement. “Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can’t wait to perform, unite and inspire action.”

Jackman added, “The 2025 Global Citizen Festival marks my eleventh year as host, and I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made over the years. The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I’m eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it.”

Global Citizen was one of the co-producers behind the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey featuring Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems and Coldplay with Emmanuel Kelly.

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University of Nsukka issues a notice to students and parents warning of a potential strike

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University of Nsukka issues a notice to students and parents warning of a potential strike

The Nsukka Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Thursday issued a notice to students and parents warning of a potential strike.

Speaking at Benue State University, Makurdi, on Wednesday, Zonal Coordinator Christian Chukwuma Opata criticised the government’s decade-long neglect of ASUU’s concerns.

He said the current administration has yet to act on the renegotiated agreement submitted by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee in February 2025.

“After some preliminary challenges, largely occasioned by the government and its agents, unfortunately, nothing meaningful has been done on the report since then. If the government is deliberately testing our resolve, it is time for us to respond,” Opata said.

He noted that Nigerians have been surprised that ASUU has not embarked on any strike in the past two years, clarifying, “This was not because our agitations were being addressed, but simply our way of showing the public and the global community that we are not strike mongers.”

Opata added, “Having given the government ample time to demonstrate sincerity and seriousness, we have no option but to put them and the public on notice that we may return to the trenches.”

The coordinator listed ASUU’s longstanding grievances, including the gradual erosion of university autonomy, tactical withdrawal from collective bargaining principles, failure to revitalise public universities, non-payment of withheld salaries and promotion arrears, issues with third-party deductions, and the non-implementation of the 25–35% wage increase.

The union also stated that it will no longer attend meetings with government officials unless there is clear evidence of commitment to resolving the issues.

ASUU called on Nigerians and the international community to press the government to address these demands before the situation escalates.

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state.

Uzodimma made this known during a meeting with various labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor increased the minimum wage from N76,000 to N104,000.

Similarly, the minimum wage of doctors was raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while that of tertiary institution teachers increased from N119,000 to N222,000, among others.

He said Imo citizens had faced numerous challenges since his government took office, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship from reform policies, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removal.

“There is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. 

Family vacation packages

“This is our way of investing in Imo people. Government believes in stimulating political and economic activities, carrying bureaucrats along, and making sure that workers’ welfare is highly respected,” he said.

Uzodimma said that the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly.

According to him, in 2020, we were receiving allocations between N5 billion to N7 billion, but it has increased to N14 billion.

“In 2020, the state recorded a debt profile of over N280 billion but has reduced to less than N100 billion,” he added.

The governor recalled that when he assumed office in 2020, the major infrastructure in all sectors was totally collapsed.

He said a lot had been expended to rebuild the collapsed infrastructure, especially roads, and to combat the insecurity challenges.

He stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy had equally raised the cost of living in Nigeria as much as it had its own advantages.

“It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.

“What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickle down to the common man on the street.

“Cognisant of the fact that our effort has started yielding dividends, that our IGR has improved, and that reform policies of the President have also increased our allocations to sub-national governments, every responsible government must be transparent about it,” he said.

The governor further said that the state government will, on Aug. 27, begin payment of the last batch of gratuity of N16 billion owed pensioners in the state.

He said his administration had carried out major reforms in the health sector, including initiating a health insurance scheme and equipping health facilities to ensure world-class treatment for Imo citizens.

He said his government had keyed into the Federal Government project of establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

He charged labour unions to unite to foster good working relations between labour and government.

Uzodimma, who solicited value addition from workers, also cautioned them against unethical practices and redundancy at work.

Responding, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the increase in minimum wage in the state as “victory for the entire workforce in the state.”

Nwigwe said Uzodimma did not only rescue the workers from the economic challenges but had made the state one of the highest in payment of minimum wage.

“Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us,” he noted.

Nwigwe prayed to God to continue to protect the governor, assuring him that workers will reciprocate the gesture with more diligent, efficient, and effective service.

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Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, says he has taken full responsibility for the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train

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Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, says he has taken full responsibility for the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, says he has taken full responsibility for the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train along the Kaduna corridor on Tuesday.

Opeifa said this on Wednesday when he was responding to questions in an interview on The Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television.

He, however, said the ongoing investigation into the incident would not be swept under the carpet.

“Let me say, beyond apologising to Nigeria, I want to say as the Managing Director and Chief Executive, I take full responsibility. And in the case of safety, there is no indifference.

“Once it happens, the Chief Executive must take responsibility. In this case, I am taking responsibility,” Opeifa said.

According to him, though the incident should not have happened, the NRC would ensure that there is no recurrence.

“I want to assure Nigerians that an incident like this is not expected, is not prayed for, should not be happening, but where it does, it is to bring out the best in us.

“And I assure Nigerians that just as we are doing currently on the Warri-Itakpe, which he (the analyst) also mentioned, we shut down the Warri-Itakpe (route) three weeks ago.

“I ordered the shutdown for safety reasons, and if you see the level of work the men have been doing on the track, cutting it off and replacing it is to make sure things like this don’t happen,” he added.

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