In response to a viral video that caused public outrage on social media, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has clarified the wage structure for street sweepers.

The video, which featured a LAWMA worker claiming that street sweepers were being underpaid and not receiving the promised ₦85,000 minimum wage, gained widespread attention. The worker alleged that the sweepers were only paid ₦30,000, which was later increased to ₦40,000 in February.

LAWMA, through a statement shared by Jibril Gawat, Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Social Media, defended the salaries of the sweepers and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its workers.

The statement explained that the street sweeping program is managed by LAWMA through private companies that hire the sweepers under clearly defined contracts. These private firms are responsible for directly paying the workers. According to the recent wage review, street sweepers now earn ₦40,000 per month, while supervisors earn ₦50,000, which corresponds to their four-hour daily shifts.

The statement further noted that the wage increase was part of a broader effort to provide financial stability to workers while allowing them the flexibility to engage in other economic activities outside of their scheduled shifts.

LAWMA also highlighted several initiatives to improve worker welfare, such as regular health and safety training, reclassification of sweeping routes to ensure greater worker security, accident and emergency insurance coverage, and the provision of uniforms and work implements to uphold workers’ dignity and efficiency.

Additionally, LAWMA assured the public that any discrepancies in salary payments or violations of contractual agreements would be promptly addressed and rectified. The agency reiterated its commitment to fair treatment for its workers and acknowledged the essential role they play in the success of the street sweeping program.

Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a couple, Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, in Okpe Local Government Area for their involvement in gun running. The police acted on credible intelligence and raided their residence on March 9, 2025, recovering a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with a single live round, which was intended for delivery to a client in Sapele.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest, revealing that Uche Joshua admitted to being responsible for dispatching illegal arms on behalf of her husband. She confessed to having delivered several arms to clients in Warri and Sapele.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Junior Moses Ogedegbe, a 30-year-old from Useifurun community in Ughelli South, suspected to be part of the gun-running syndicate. The police are intensifying efforts to locate more weapons and apprehend additional members of the group.

In a separate operation, CP-SAT operatives also arrested suspected cultists and armed robbers across different areas in Delta State, recovering two pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, a cut-to-size gun, and 24 live cartridges.

One significant arrest was that of Stephen Oma Odu, a 25-year-old wanted cultist and gunrunner from Obagho community in Warri North. His arrest in Sapele led to the capture of Abel Festus, aka Tompolo, 42, from Oghareki community in Ethiope West. A search of Festus’ apartment resulted in the seizure of two pump-action guns and 24 live cartridges. Other cultists, Godspower Moses and Oloriode Owebe, were also arrested during the operation. Investigations revealed that the suspects were affiliated with the Vikings Confraternity.

Additionally, CP-SAT operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster, Festus Oboyo, 26, in Mosogar. A search of his home uncovered a locally made gun and an FBI impersonation document, which he allegedly used for online fraud. Two accomplices, Favor Omowo, aka Voltage, 29, and Gift Omowo, 26, were also arrested. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring all involved criminal elements to justice.

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has expressed his willingness to collaborate with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to strengthen opposition politics in Nigeria. After a closed-door meeting with Obi at the Government House in Bauchi, Mohammed praised Obi’s political style, statesmanship, and deep knowledge of governance and the economy.

Mohammed acknowledged Obi’s clear vision for bringing good governance and uniting the country, emphasizing that Obi has become the face of opposition politics in Nigeria. He highlighted their shared commitment to working together, stating that their collaboration would provide a strong, vibrant, and knowledgeable opposition to challenge the ruling party.

The meeting between the two leaders, which was not their first, covered a wide range of national issues, including political challenges in Rivers State and the state of opposition politics in Nigeria. Mohammed reiterated that the time had come for opposition figures to unite and present a focused and sincere message to the Nigerian people.

For his part, Obi explained that his visit to Mohammed was part of his broader consultations to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, particularly those affecting the northern region. He emphasized the importance of tackling poverty as a key issue in addressing insecurity, noting that poverty must be addressed before the country can resolve criminality.

Obi also highlighted the need to focus on education and agriculture to reduce poverty and crime in Nigeria, criticizing the political discourse for focusing on issues like budget padding and sexual harassment while millions of Nigerians face hunger and deprivation.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to continuing their discussions and exploring ways to work together for the future of Nigeria.

The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has discussed the possibility of establishing a direct flight route between Nigeria and Namibia with Humphrey Geiseb, the Namibian Ambassador to Nigeria. The discussions focused on the potential for a Nigerian carrier, XEJET, to partner with Namibia in offering direct air connectivity between the two countries.

During the meeting, Geiseb revealed that Namibia is currently in talks with Nigerian airline Air Peace about restoring direct air links. While the specifics of these discussions were not disclosed, Geiseb expressed Namibia’s interest in collaborating with Nigerian airlines to improve air travel connectivity. He highlighted the historical role of Air Namibia in connecting Lagos to Accra and facilitating travel between the two countries, although he also noted that Air Namibia had to cease operations due to financial difficulties.

Geiseb pointed out that currently, direct flights between Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and Nigeria are not readily available, with travelers having to transit through Addis Ababa. Although there are occasional flights via TAG Airlines, these are insufficient to meet the demand for seamless travel between the two nations.

In response, Keyamo supported the idea and shared insights into the challenges involved in establishing direct flights, referencing the successful direct flight route between Algeria, Lagos, and Cameroon as an example. He suggested that XEJET, a fast-rising Nigerian domestic carrier that currently operates Air Sierra Leone, could be a potential partner for Namibia in establishing this route.

Geiseb assured Keyamo that he would engage Namibia’s Minister of Aviation to explore the possibility of strengthening aviation cooperation between the two countries. The discussion also touched on the issue of visa challenges between Nigeria and Namibia, with Keyamo urging the Ambassador to work on resolving these issues to facilitate smoother travel and enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

Both officials agreed to collaborate on these matters, aiming to improve bilateral relations and aviation ties.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has filed contempt charges against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other Senate officials following her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate. The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, were directed at Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuen, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

This legal action comes after a ruling on March 4, 2025, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which granted an interim injunction preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics from proceeding with an investigation against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The investigation concerned alleged misconduct during the Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025. The court’s order was to remain in effect until a hearing on a motion for an interlocutory injunction, and it further declared that any action taken during this period would be null and void.

Despite the court’s order, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan two days later, prompting her to file the contempt charge. In her legal filing, she claims that the suspension was a deliberate defiance of the court’s injunction and constitutes willful disobedience by the Senate leadership. The court, through its Registrar, notified the defendants of their disobedience and warned that they could face contempt charges, which could lead to imprisonment.

The Senate President, however, contested the court’s jurisdiction over the internal matters of the legislature, asserting that the judiciary should not interfere in Senate affairs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team maintains that the suspension violated her constitutional rights and the principles of parliamentary privileges as laid out in the Nigerian Constitution, Senate Standing Orders, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

This case highlights the tension between the legislative and judicial branches of government and raises questions about the balance of power and the enforcement of court orders within the context of parliamentary autonomy.

Mark Carney, the former central banker, is set to be sworn in as Canada’s next prime minister on Friday, along with his newly appointed cabinet, according to an announcement from the governor general’s office on Wednesday. Carney’s ascension to the role comes after Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January, following nearly a decade in office.

At 59, Carney is a political newcomer, having previously served as the Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. His leadership of the Liberal Party was confirmed on Sunday when he was overwhelmingly elected with 86 percent of the vote from more than 150,000 participants.

Carney’s entry into politics comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between Canada and the United States. In his victory speech, he adopted a bold stance, asserting, “In trade as in hockey, Canada will win,” signaling his determination to defend Canadian interests. On Wednesday, Carney expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump in order to renew a trade agreement and prevent further economic disputes.

Trade relations have been strained, with the U.S. implementing a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, to which Canada responded with retaliatory measures. Carney’s leadership marks a crucial moment as he prepares to navigate these complex trade dynamics while overseeing a transition of power in Canada.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has raised a crucial point regarding the treatment of political corruption in Nigeria. During a lecture titled Has Democracy Led to Good Governance in Nigeria? at the Midwest Achievers Awards in Benin City, Ozekhome called for political corruption to be tackled with the same level of seriousness and penalties as financial crimes. He argued that political corruption is undermining democracy and good governance, especially as it often goes unchecked due to the significant power wielded by those involved.

Ozekhome specifically pointed to the impunity of Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of manipulating the system for personal gain, and lamented the persistent issue of electoral malpractice. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues through robust post-election processes, which should not only determine winners but also hold accountable politicians and their agents who break electoral laws. He proposed penalties such as imprisonment and fines to ensure that political actors remain accountable for their actions.

In his address, Ozekhome emphasized that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of legitimacy, transparency, and accountability in governance. Ensuring that elections are properly safeguarded and that violators face significant consequences would, according to him, foster greater accountability among leaders.

The lecture was part of an event where Ozekhome was honored with the Defender of Democracy award, recognizing his efforts in promoting democratic values and legal integrity. The Midwest Achievers Awards, as explained by the event’s Director of Organisation, Owen Omo-Ojo, aims to celebrate individuals who demonstrate ethical leadership, resilience, and inspire positive change in their communities.

The political landscape in Nigeria seems to be buzzing with speculation as the 2027 general elections draw near. Recently, rumors have emerged about several high-profile political figures potentially defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), notably Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman. These rumors gained traction after a viral video showed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai visiting the SDP headquarters in Abuja, fueling the belief that he, alongside Usman, might be joining the opposition party.

Governor Alia was quick to dismiss the claims, labeling them as a deliberate attempt to create division between him and President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, Alia strongly refuted the speculation, insisting that there was no truth to the rumors of his potential move to the SDP. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and emphasized that his administration had been working diligently to strengthen the party in Benue State and build a strong relationship with the federal government.

Similarly, Senator Usman, who has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), also denied the accusations. While she attended an event at the SDP headquarters in Abuja to receive El-Rufai, she clarified that her presence was purely a gesture of support for his decision to align with the opposition. Usman maintained that her loyalty to the LP remained intact, underscoring that the party was committed to working with other opposition groups to ensure a strong and united opposition for the betterment of Nigeria’s democracy.

The controversy highlights the ongoing fluidity within Nigerian politics as various political figures assess their positions and alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

China has urged the United States to engage in dialogue to resolve the escalating trade tensions between the two nations, which have seen both sides impose a series of tariffs on each other’s imports. Speaking at a weekly press conference, Chinese commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian emphasized that China believes both countries should approach their economic and trade differences with a cooperative attitude.

He stressed that communication and consultation should be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. She warned that threats and intimidation would only worsen the situation and called for both countries to work together to resolve their issues through dialogue.

The trade conflict has intensified under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on various countries, including China, over concerns about issues such as fentanyl trafficking. In response, China has retaliated with tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.

Additionally, China, as the world’s leading steel producer, has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its interests in response to new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed his commitment to assisting the victims of the devastating fire that struck parts of the Aleshinloye market. During a visit to the site of the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, extended condolences to the traders who suffered significant losses.

The fire destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira. Governor Makinde assured that his government would provide immediate assistance once a full report on the incident is received. Additionally, he emphasized the need for heightened security at the market, instructing the Ibadan South-West Local Government and the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to ensure proper security measures are in place.

Makinde also expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, despite the fire’s rapid spread, which was exacerbated by the presence of flammable materials, such as plastic products. He reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the victims through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (Oyo SEMA) and pledged to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other organizations to provide the necessary aid.

On Tuesday, NASA announced the dismissal of its chief scientist, Katherine Calvin, and other staff members, following orders from U.S. President Donald Trump. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce NASA’s workforce in accordance with an executive order aimed at streamlining operations. While only 23 positions were affected in this round of cuts, a NASA spokeswoman mentioned that more layoffs are anticipated.

The cuts notably included the elimination of the Office of the Chief Scientist, where Calvin, a renowned climatologist who contributed to key UN climate reports, had led. Calvin, along with other U.S. delegates, was also reportedly barred from attending a major climate science meeting in China last month, further highlighting the administration’s focus on scaling back climate change research.

In addition to Calvin’s office, other significant changes include the disbandment of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, as well as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Branch of NASA’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Reports suggest that, unlike other federal agencies, NASA has managed to avoid deeper cuts, largely due to intervention from Jared Isaacman, Trump’s nominee for NASA chief. In February, there were also reports that NASA had been preparing to lay off around 1,000 probationary employees, adding to concerns about the administration’s stance on climate and scientific research.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a stopgap plan to avoid a government shutdown, allowing the government to remain funded through September 30. The move, approved mostly along party lines, was seen as a way to give President Donald Trump the breathing room he needs to push forward with his agenda, which includes tax cuts, mass deportations, and increased energy production.

However, the situation now shifts to the Senate, where Republicans also hold a majority, but Senate Democrats will play a crucial role. The deadline for passing the measure and avoiding a shutdown is Friday night, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has called on Senate Democrats to act to prevent the government from closing, warning that they would be responsible for any shutdown.

The looming threat of a shutdown adds to the ongoing economic turmoil, exacerbated by Trump’s trade war and significant cuts to federal spending, which have already led to job losses in various sectors. Wall Street, initially hopeful after Trump’s election, has been shaken by concerns that his tariffs could stoke inflation and trigger a recession, causing a notable market sell-off over the past few weeks.

If the Senate fails to pass the plan, it could result in economic disruptions, including widespread furloughs of public employees and the closure of federal agencies, deepening the strain on the U.S. economy.

The situation between Israel and Hezbollah remains tense despite the ceasefire, with Israel continuing airstrikes in southern Lebanon, particularly targeting Hezbollah militants. On Tuesday, Israel claimed responsibility for killing Hassan Abbas Ezzedine, a senior Hezbollah member overseeing the group’s drone and missile operations. This was part of a broader military operation aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rearming or strengthening its presence along Israel’s northern border.

In addition to these military actions, Israel also made a gesture of goodwill by releasing Lebanese prisoners, coinciding with the inauguration of Lebanon’s new president. The strikes on Tuesday reportedly killed two individuals, one of whom died in a drone strike targeting a vehicle on the Deir El-Zahrani road, as reported by Lebanon’s National News Agency.

The continuing airstrikes illustrate the delicate and volatile nature of the situation, with both sides taking actions that could further escalate tensions despite efforts to maintain some form of ceasefire or diplomacy.

Loveth Helen Alo was arraigned before a magistrate court in Enugu State on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, for allegedly presenting a fake testimony about owning a five-bedroom duplex at WTC Estate, Enugu. The charges stem from a petition accusing her of falsely claiming the property during a Zion Ministry program in Lagos.

A viral video showed Loveth Alo testifying at the Zion Prayer Ministry Movement Outreach, where she claimed that God had blessed her with the acquisition of the property. She also stated that she had purchased the house for N200 million. However, during investigation, the police discovered that the property in question belonged to Arch. Emmanuel Asogwa, and Alo had falsely presented it as her own.

The Enugu State Police Command arrested her on February 1, 2025, and following questioning, she confessed to the crime, admitting that she acted alone. She was charged with five counts, including obtaining by false pretenses, defamation of character, and attempting to commit a felony by attempting to sell the property.

The charges were read before Magistrate S.O. Chukwuani, and Alo pleaded not guilty. The magistrate granted her bail in the amount of one million naira, with a surety who must provide three years of tax clearance. The case was adjourned until April 9, 2025, for hearing.

After her arraignment, Alo explained to journalists that her actions were not pre-arranged with anyone, stating that she made the testimony as an act of faith, hoping to eventually acquire the property. She also denied receiving any money or making any arrangements with others regarding the property.

As of the latest update, she had not yet met the bail conditions set by the court.

The ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took a new turn on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when women’s groups, under the Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance (NWCGG), issued an apology to Akpabio and the Senate. The apology came after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which sparked significant controversy.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Cecilia Ikechukwu, the leader of the NWCGG, expressed regret over the incident, calling it an embarrassment to Nigerian women. The group argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions undermined the work of female politicians striving for respect and trust in the political arena. They also pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously accused men in power of similar offenses.

The women’s groups praised Akpabio for his demonstrated commitment to women’s inclusion in politics and apologized to Nigerians for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct. They emphasized that the senator should use her period of suspension to study the Senate Rules to better understand the legislative process. They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to return from her suspension as a more responsible leader, asserting that her actions had set back the cause of women in politics by reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Furthermore, the groups called on women in public office to recognize the responsibility their positions carry to inspire and uplift others. They stressed that the actions of a few should not overshadow the progress made by many women in politics, who continue to serve with distinction. The women’s groups concluded their statement by urging Nigerians to stay committed to supporting good governance and holding leaders accountable.

This development follows the Senate’s decision on March 6, 2025, to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. While it was initially believed her suspension was due to the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, the Senate later clarified that her suspension was for violating the institution’s rules. Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected the suspension and filed a lawsuit to prevent the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee from investigating her. The case is set to be heard on March 25.

The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction charges, citing the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The motion, sponsored by Marcus Onobun, the lawmaker for Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, was adopted during a plenary session on Tuesday. Onobun argued that the policy, which increases charges for withdrawals made from ATMs of other banks, would impose additional financial burdens on Nigerians already struggling with high inflation, rising fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and other service charges.

The new policy stipulates that while customers can continue to withdraw for free from their own bank’s ATMs, those using ATMs from other banks would incur charges: N100 for withdrawals within the bank’s premises, and N100 plus an additional N500 surcharge for transactions at external locations like malls and marketplaces.

The lawmaker raised concerns that the increase would disproportionately affect low-income earners, potentially discouraging them from accessing banking services and hindering financial inclusion, which the CBN has been aiming to promote. He also noted that despite the banking sector’s significant profits, the added charges are unjustified, especially since there have been no corresponding improvements in service delivery or infrastructure.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, put the motion to a voice vote, which was overwhelmingly in favor of suspending the policy. The House urged the CBN to halt the implementation of the charges until further discussions with the relevant committees on Banking, Finance, and Financial Institutions take place.