Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the new national minimum wage applies to the entire nation, including the Federal Government, states, local governments, the private sector, and individual employers. During the signing ceremony of the Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Monday, Akpabio highlighted the significant increase from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, noting that no Nigerian worker should be paid less than this amount from now on.

Akpabio praised the rapid passage of the bill by the National Assembly, attributing it to their excitement about the positive impact on workers. He also addressed those planning protests, asserting their right to peaceful demonstrations while cautioning against violence. Akpabio linked the current economic hardships to years of insecurity and expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s efforts to address these challenges.

Professor Julius Ihonvbere, representing Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, echoed these sentiments, stating that the wage increase and shortened negotiation period demonstrate a commitment to improving Nigeria’s prospects. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the minimum wage will be reviewed every three years instead of the previous five, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to labor leaders’ advocacy.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has summoned an emergency plenary session to be held on Wednesday, July 31, at noon. This notice was conveyed in an internal memo by Chinedu Akubueze, Clerk of the Senate, on Monday in Abuja. The memo emphasized the importance of the session, stating that issues of national importance will be discussed.

Akubueze’s memo read: “Dear Distinguished Senators, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened on Wed July 31, at noon. Distinguished Senators are requested to make all necessary arrangements to attend as issues of national importance will be discussed. We regret all the inconveniences that this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”

This session interrupts the National Assembly’s annual recess, which began on July 23 and was expected to end on September 17.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is actively working to dissuade Abuja youths and stakeholders from participating in the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10. During a recent ministerial engagement with FCT youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, Wike explained that the purpose of the interaction was to educate them about the negative impacts of the protests and why they should refrain from joining.

Wike acknowledged the achievements of the current administration, stating that it is premature to judge its performance after only one year in office. He highlighted improvements in sectors such as education, health, and security. He emphasized that the focus should be on supporting the government’s efforts and maintaining peace rather than engaging in protests.

Wike also addressed land issues in Abuja, expressing frustration with the focus on land allocations over other developmental needs. He urged residents to prioritize development and infrastructure improvements.

He reassured that efforts are underway to establish the Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji, as a prestigious institution, and called for cooperation with the current administration to foster progress and stability in the FCT.

Evangelist Ifanseni Ijere of Mega Ministries in Abuja has urged Nigerians to intensify their prayers for President Bola Tinubu, rather than focusing on protests. She emphasized the importance of praying for the country’s leadership to overcome economic challenges, suggesting that prayer is a more effective approach than demonstrations.

Ijere called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu by praying for wisdom and guidance as he leads the country. She encouraged Tinubu to remain focused and not be distracted by critics, believing that divine wisdom will aid him in his leadership role.

In addition, David Ijere expressed a vision for a future Nigeria that would make its citizens proud, where respect and opportunities are available for all. He highlighted that Nigeria has the potential and resources to improve the lives of its people.

Pastor Gabriel Obi also underscored the significance of prayer, stating that it is essential for overcoming life’s challenges and achieving solutions.

Dr. Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, has called for heightened awareness and prompt treatment of Hepatitis C in Nigeria to prevent severe health complications. Speaking on World Hepatitis Day, which took place on July 2, 2024, Adakole emphasized the need for improved public education and screening to address the high prevalence of the disease and its impact on public health.

Adakole highlighted that Hepatitis C causes chronic inflammation and damage to the liver, potentially leading to serious conditions such as Cirrhosis and liver cancer. He noted that many Nigerians are unaware of their Hepatitis C status due to inadequate screening and misinformation, making early diagnosis and management crucial.

Key points from Adakole’s statements include:

• Symptoms and Risks: Hepatitis C can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellowing of the skin, darkened urine, and swelling in the abdomen and legs. If left untreated, it may progress to Cirrhosis, leading to liver failure.
• Exacerbating Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption and conditions like Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) can worsen liver damage.
• Need for Public Health Campaigns: There is a need for increased public health campaigns to educate Nigerians about the risks of untreated Hepatitis C and the benefits of timely medical intervention.
• Treatment and Prevention: While there is no cure for existing liver scarring, treatments can slow its progression and prevent further liver damage. The government is urged to invest in accessible and affordable treatment options.

Nigeria has a significant prevalence of Hepatitis B and C, with over 20 million people living with these conditions. However, more than 80% of those affected are unaware of their status. Adakole’s advocacy underscores the importance of addressing Hepatitis C to improve health outcomes and achieve the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

Rep. Bamidele Salam has praised Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for his recent decision to provide free health insurance enrollment for all Persons Living with Disabilities (PLwD) in the state. Salam, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, commended Adeleke for his commitment to inclusivity and equal access to quality healthcare.

In a statement, Salam highlighted that the governor’s initiative is a significant step toward fulfilling campaign promises and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations. He also noted the procurement of equipment to assist PLwD, further underscoring Adeleke’s dedication to their welfare.

Governor Adeleke directed the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) to start the free enrollment process on July 25, 2024. The enrollment will be open until August 8, covering all nine federal constituencies in the state. This move aims to gather essential data on the medical needs of PLwD and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.

Salam encouraged all eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity and praised Adeleke’s leadership and efforts to transform Osun State.

Peter Obi has urged his supporters to respect Kenneth Okonkwo despite recent tensions and Okonkwo’s departure from the Labour Party (LP). Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the party, publicly criticized Obi, citing his dissatisfaction with Obi’s handling of party crises and his perceived inability to build a strong platform for future elections.

Obi’s call for decorum comes after Okonkwo’s departure, which has intensified the existing issues within the LP. Obi has emphasized that disagreements within a political movement should be handled with respect and that Okonkwo remains a valued ally and brother despite their differing views.

In his statement, Obi condemned personal attacks and called for constructive dialogue rather than derogatory remarks. He highlighted Okonkwo’s loyalty and commitment throughout their association, stressing that differing opinions do not equate to enmity.

The crisis within the LP has been exacerbated by this split, adding to the party’s ongoing challenges with integrity and transparency. Obi’s response aims to calm the situation and maintain a level of respect for Okonkwo amidst the party turmoil.

The recent wave of protests at MTN offices across Nigeria has been triggered by the telecom company’s enforcement of the July 31 deadline for linking SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NINs). This directive from the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) required all telecom operators to block lines that are not linked to NINs, leading to widespread frustration among customers who found their mobile services disrupted.

The protests have seen customers in cities like Lagos, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Ibadan, Oshogbo, and Sango Otta take to MTN offices to express their dissatisfaction. Many of these protesters believe that the timing of the SIM card blockages is a strategy to divert attention from the upcoming nationwide protest against bad governance, scheduled to start on August 1, 2024. They suspect that the SIM blockage is an attempt to interfere with the protest activities.

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent figure in the protest movement, has called on his followers to voice their grievances and make their concerns known to the telecom company. He has suggested that any service disruptions from MTN could be part of a larger scheme to undermine the protest and has encouraged people to take action in response.

The situation underscores the tension between the government’s regulatory measures and public sentiment, as well as the potential impact of such actions on political and social activism in the country.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kebbi Area Command has launched a manhunt for the attackers responsible for the death of Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Dabo Umar. Umar was killed by armed men on Thursday, July 25, 2024, during an assault on their Koko-Besse patrol base. The attackers also abducted Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba-Kabiru and demanded a ransom for his release.

The incident occurred as part of the recent intensified anti-smuggling operations in the area. The NCS spokesperson, SC Mohammed Tajuddeen-Salisu, confirmed that Umar’s body has been retrieved and transported to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites. The NCS, alongside other security services, is actively pursuing the culprits and has requested the public’s assistance in providing information that could aid in locating the abducted officer.

The NCS Controller, Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, has expressed condolences to Umar’s family and emphasized the command’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted officer while continuing to update the public on the situation.

In Niger State, youths have taken to the streets of Suleja to protest the escalating cost of living crisis in Nigeria. The demonstration on Monday, July 29, 2024, has seen protesters expressing their frustration through chants and placards with messages like “Enough is Enough” and “Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back.”

Governor Mohammed Bago attempted to mitigate the unrest by distributing welfare packages and announcing a ₦20,000 wage allowance for state and local government civil servants. Additionally, he pledged to release 50,000 metric tonnes of food from state reserves at half price and promised a 90% reduction in food prices by the end of the year.

Despite these efforts, the protests are set to continue with a nationwide demonstration planned from August 1 to August 10. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has endorsed the protests and called for peaceful demonstrations to address the economic hardships and demand improved governance.

Prof. Jonah Onuoha, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, has endorsed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s proposal for a part-time legislature in Nigeria. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Onuoha praised the idea as a beneficial step towards reducing the cost of governance and improving legislative effectiveness.

Onuoha highlighted that the current high cost of governance in Nigeria makes Kalu’s proposal timely and relevant. He believes that a part-time legislature would not only decrease expenses but also allow legislators more time to prepare and contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.

He commended Kalu for his patriotism and commitment to national development, noting that the proposal reflects a genuine concern for the country’s well-being rather than personal gain. Onuoha also pointed out that many Western countries operate with part-time legislatures, which contributes to lower governance costs and less electoral violence.

Overall, Onuoha supports the idea of amending the constitution to accommodate a part-time legislature, viewing it as a way to ensure more effective and less costly governance.