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Aggrieved pensioners from the defunct NEPA/PHCN under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) have expressed growing frustration over unpaid arrears and alleged illegal deductions, threatening to join the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) nationwide protest scheduled to commence on April 22, 2025. The retirees, who are elderly and financially vulnerable, told our correspondent that they have endured prolonged delays in receiving their entitlements despite assurances from the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). Investigations showed that the pensioners’ grievances include, among others, the delayed implementation of a ₦32,000 pension increment approved by the Federal Government in 2024. It was equally gathered that PTAD had promised to implement the increase but has not done s...

The government of Tunisia has invited Nigeria to participate in the forthcoming International Conference on Financing, Investment and Trade.The conference has been slated for 6-7 May 2025.This is as Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshen Antit,expressed his country's interest in establishing cultural and tourism relations with Nigeria.Antit was quoted to have made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Monday.According to a statement by the media aide to the Minister, Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, Amb. Antit invited Nigeria to participate in the International Conference on Financing, Investment, and Trade in Africa (FITA), scheduled for May 6-7, 2025, in Tunisia.He said that the conference is ...

"…as 17 Distinguished Nigerians including Governors of Benue, Plateau, Borno, and FCT Minister to get KOBA Cheetah Gold Awards…" All is now set for the 2025 Annual General Meeting AGM of the Keffi Old Boys Association KOBA. The AGM is set to commence on Thursday, 24th April, 2025 in Government College Keffi and last to Sunday 27th April, 2025. The Secretary General of the association, Prince Sam Israel JP stated this while addressing news men in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. According to the KOBA Scribe, "Members are expected to arrived the School on Thursday 24th April, 2025 for registration and on Friday, 25th the National Executive Council Members of the Association will pay homage to the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Chindo Yamusa after which Muslim KOBA members will attend J...

Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former gubernatorial aspirant, has criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s plan to purchase an aircraft for security surveillance and tourism, calling it a “misplaced priority” amidst the state’s growing debt burden. In a statement released from his media office on Sunday, Alao said that the proposed aircraft purchase, alongside establishing airstrips in Igbeti and Otu, are both extravagant and unnecessary at this particular time. “It is true that Oyo State faces significant security challenges. However, purchasing a large aircraft is not the solution. The Governor could consider using drones for security surveillance instead. Drones are not only more cost-effective but also provide adva...

By Lucy Ogalue The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Chinese conglomerate, SINOMACH have agreed to jointly develop a large-scale sugarcane cultivation and processing project in Nigeria. Executive Secretary of NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, adding that the agreement was expected to attract investments worth up to $1 billion. According to Bakrin, the initiative is one of the early outcomes of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership championed by President Bola Tinubu. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed. According to the MoU, SINOMACH will construct a sugar processing plant and develop a sugarcane plantation with an initial annual processing capacity of 100,000 metric ...

By Lucy Ogalue Dr Stephen Akintayo, a renowned business strategist and convener Business Growth Conference, has described entrepreneurs as solution providers who must continuously evolve to meet challenges within the Nigerian business environment. Akintayo said this at the 2025 Business Growth Conference in Abuja, on Saturday. According to him, while Nigeria remains a difficult terrain for businesses, entrepreneurs must rise to the occasion by innovating and adapting to changing realities. “Entrepreneurship is about solving problems. When petrol became too expensive, smart entrepreneurs shifted to CNG and vehicle conversion. “That is what being an entrepreneur is all about, constantly creating solutions,” he said. He said that while the economic environment was harsh, t...

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) says it plans to produce two million skilled artisans annually through its new Skills-Upgrading and Professional Advancement (SUPA) programme strategy. The Director-General of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja, following the completion of the latest assessment of training centres collaborating with the Fund. Ogun said that the Fund had abolished the practice of distributing starter-packs to graduands, and would now focus on providing local and international certifications to enhance their employment prospects. “We are no longer handing out starter-packs. Instead, we are aligning our artisans with international standards through certifications, giving them access to both local and global opportunities,” he said. ...

By Joshua Olomu Emeka Rollas, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has urged Nollywood actors and other industry players to prioritise healthy lifestyle to avoid imminent health breakdown. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rollas made the call at tthe beginning of the 2025 “Annual Walk and Wellness Campaign” of the guild on Saturday in Abuja. According to the AGN boss, the spate of health challenges faced by actors in Nollywood in recent has made the call for healthy living more imperative. He said the nature of the filmmaking job was so demanding and time-consuming that a lot of industry players, especially actors, have no or little time for their health concerns. The AGN helmsman, therefore, advised actors to be intentional with their heath and reco...

Boko Haram improvised Explosive Device , IED, planted along Maiduguri - Demboa Highway exploded and killed 8 people. According to media reports, the IED was planted by Boko Haram terror group on the road. The road which was recently re-opened after years of abandonment passed through the Sambisa forest. Mr. Lawan Maigana, a resident of Maiduguri, confirmed the incident on Saturday. He said the victims of the attack include both civilian and military operative. The explosion occurred while cars in a scheduled military-escorted convoy were transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri. “The road to my hometown, Damboa Local Government Area in Borno, has been dangerous and one of the riskiest roads in the country for years now. We’ve lost exceptional military staff and r...

By Joshua Olomu Child right advocates, educators and caregivers have called for inclusive opportunities for children living with autism and other special needs to enable them achieve their full potential and contribute to society. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call at a “Meet and Greet’ event on Friday night in Abuja. It was an occasion to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old Nigerian autistic artist who recently broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Largest Painting, as the latest world’s largest art canvas by an individual. Tagbo-Okeke had on April 2, unveiled the awe-inspiring canvas titled: “Impossibility is a Myth,” measuring 12,303 square meters, surpassing a previous 9,652 square meter record held by Emad S...

By Victor Okoye Olusegun Runsewe, the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), has expressed gratitude to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), Scotland for their donation of golf equipment to the NGF. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Runsewe made the remarks on Thursday, during the unveiling of the golf equipment at the Golf and Health Signature in Abuja The NGF President noted that the equipment worth would go a long way in ensuring the growth and development of the sport at the grassroots. He expressed his appreciation to the R & A for the kind donations, promising that the donated items would be put to good use. "As of today, there is no single golfer representing Nigeria in the Masters Open in Augusta. "But I promise you that from what w...

By Vivian Emoni Dr Chinedu Amadi, an expert in economics, says he is committed to promoting and boosting businesses for economic growth. Amadi, is the author of Trade Horizone Magazine, a quarterly publication, which was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja. According to him, the magazine projects trade and investment opportunities in Nigeria and other African countries to the global economy. “We look at everything that affects economic growth in terms of security, we look at conflict resolution, we look at trade itself, we also look at expanding businesses. “The reason behind the magazine is to provide us with a magazine that covers the true story of the African economy in terms of business and trade. “So, what we are doing today is a launch of a unique magazine that comes out...

Dr Chinedu Amadi, an expert in economics, has reaffirmed his commitment to projecting Nigeria’s economy on the global stage.Amadi, also the author of the quarterly Trade Horizon Magazine, made this known during the inauguration ceremony of the publication held on Thursday in Abuja.He described the magazine as a research-based publication dedicated to exploring trade and investment opportunities within Nigeria and across the African continent.“The objective of the magazine is to provide insightful analyses and foster dialogue aimed at driving economic growth and integration in Africa.“By doing so, we aim to position the continent as a formidable player in the global marketplace.”Amadi said that a key focus of the magazine would be the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he ...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tuesday announced a Balance of Payments (BOP) surplus of $6.83 billion for the 2024 financial year.This is against the deficits of $3.34 billion recorded in 2023 and $3.32 billion in 2022.The CBN made the announcement in a statement signed by the Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi-Ali, Hakama.According to the apex bank, “This improvement reflects the impact of wide-ranging macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Stronger Trade and External Account Performance“The current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22 billion in 2024, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17 billion. Petroleum imports declined by 23.2% to $14.06 billion, while non-oil imports fell by 12.6% t...

The National Broadcasting Commission has given reason why it ban veteran rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem trending song “Tell Your Papa” from been aired on the radio and television stations.The commission said it is citing “objectionable nature” for behind its action.In a memo dated April 9, 2025 and issued by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission declared the track Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.This section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms.According to NBC, while the song has gained momentum across social media platforms, its lyrical content fails to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting.The statement...

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has slammed N628 million on eight electricity distribution companies for failing to adhere to the monthly energy caps imposed on estimated billing for unmetered customers.The infractions, according to NERC occurred between July and September 2024.A regulatory notice published on NERC’s X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, revealed that the affected DisCos include Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electric, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, and Yola Electricity Distribution Company.It noted that these DisCos have been fined over N628m. In addition to the monetary ...

"…says other arms of government are enjoying minimum wage in the State except the legislative arm…" The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Nasarawa State Chapter said it has concluded plans to embark on indefinite strike as a result of non- payment of N70,000 National Minimum wage by the State Government. This was the resolution of members during the association's congress meeting held at the State Assembly complex Lafia the Nasarawa state capital today. The PASAN Chairman , Comrade Suleiman Oshafu while briefing newsmen shortly after the congress meeting said they have resolved to embarked on indefinite strike due to non-payment of National Minimum wage by the State Government. " We are resuming strike by Wednesday, 16th, April, 2025, this strike is going to b...

By Joan Nwagwu The Federal Civil Service Pensioners (FCSP) branch leadership has rejected the recent call for the dissolution of the national executive of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) by a group.Mr Fredrick Eguaoba, Chairman of FCSP, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.Eguaoba said the call by the group identified as Concerned Federal Civil Service Pensioners (FCSP) was uncalled for.He described the move as unfortunate, noting that certain individuals resort to discrediting others simply due to they were no longer in positions of power.“Many of the aggrieved individuals had recently lost in the FCSP elections and are now wrongfully blaming the NUP for their defeat.“It is disheartening to see people dwell in delusion and try to derail union progress simply because th...

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Ministry of Steel Development have set up a 12-man committee to look into the implementation of judgment over the unlawful dismissal of Mr Victor Ekpaha, an accountant. This is contained in a resolution reached at the end of a meeting between the NLC and the Ministry of Steel Development on Thursday in Abuja. The resolution was signed by Mr Chris lsokpunwu, Permanent Secretary and Mr John Madaki, Acting Director, Legal Services in the ministry as well as Mr Eche Asuzu, Acting Head, Industrial Relations, NLC and Mr Stephen Knabayi, NLC Chairman, FCT Council. It would be recalled that Ekpaha, an accountant with the National Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha, an agency under the ministry, was unlawfully dismi...