The Federal Government clarified that it has no plans to reduce the allowances for scholarship students, contrary to recent media reports. This statement was made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja.

Reports had suggested that the Federal Scholarship Board announced a reduction in allowances for foreign scholars in countries such as Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, attributing the cuts to economic crises. However, Mamman explained that there has been no slash in the allowances. Instead, adjustments have been made due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates (FOREX).

Mamman emphasized that the ministry and the Federal Government are committed to ensuring students receive their full allowances. The adjustments are temporary and dependent on the current budget, with plans to pay any balance once additional funds are secured. He assured that the government would even be pleased to increase the allowances, dismissing any claims of a deliberate reduction.

The Nigeria Labour Party (LP) is facing internal conflict as the 2014 executive members are demanding the implementation of a 2018 consent judgment. This judgment, if enforced, would nullify Julius Abure’s position as the national chairman, raising questions about the party’s stability.

At a press conference in Abuja, Callistus Uju Okafor, who was the acting National Chairman in 2014, and Mamman Bukar, the acting National Secretary, asserted that the 2014 national executive holds the legal authority to convene a convention to rectify irregularities within the party. Okafor, elected deputy chairman in 2014 and later acting national chairman in 2017, accused Abure of illegitimately assuming the chairmanship.

Okafor presented court documents and emphasized that the 2018 consent judgment mandates a comprehensive national convention, which has not yet been held. He detailed how the then-national chairman, Alhaji A. A. Salam, defied the judgment by extending his tenure and conducting an illegal convention in 2019.

Despite attempts at peace, including a settlement mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in June 2022, Abure reportedly ignored the agreements and extended his tenure illegally. In response, the 2014 National Working Committee members, beneficiaries of the consent judgment, have pledged to oversee an inclusive convention within six months to reconcile factions and restore stability to the Labour Party.

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has announced plans to remove federal universities from the Band A electricity tariff plan to alleviate the high electricity bills these institutions face. Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, made this statement after overseeing federal universities in the Northeast, including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi and Federal University Kashare in Gombe State.

Fulata expressed optimism that the government would heed their request, similar to the adjustments made for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The committee found that many universities struggle to pay their electricity bills due to the high tariffs. Fulata also urged university management to comply with relevant laws, especially the Appropriation Act.

During the oversight visit, Rep. Victor Ogene pointed out discrepancies in the financial records of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, questioning the appropriateness of spending significantly more on maintenance than the revenue generated from facilities like the guest house. Rep. Adamu Gamawa emphasized that extra-budgetary spending is unconstitutional.

Prof. Sani Kunya, Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, and Prof. Usman Pate, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Kashare, both acknowledged the committee’s efforts and sought legislative support to address their institutions’ challenges, including infrastructure and security issues.

The Federal Government of Nigeria reports an increase in oil revenue from 11% in the first half of 2023 to 30% in the first half of 2024. Finance Minister Wale Edun attributes this to reconfiguration and improvements in government finances. Non-oil revenue also saw a 30% increase compared to 2023, exceeding budget targets without tax increases. The national debt has decreased from $108 billion to $91 billion, with improved debt servicing and no reliance on the CBN Ways and Means. The debt service-to-revenue ratio improved from 97% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. The budget deficit target is 4.1% of GDP, down from 6.1% in 2023. The government’s initiatives have attracted significant foreign investments, including $500 million in the gas sector. Measures to address the high cost of living include increasing food supply and promoting CNG fuel for mass transit. The government is committed to reducing inflation through tightened monetary policy and proactive CBN measures. Minister Edun is optimistic that these efforts will soon alleviate current hardships and stabilize the economy.

The Cross River House of Assembly has approved a supplementary budget of ₦437.876 billion to support the governance and development initiatives of the state. The budget allocation includes:

• ₦151.684 billion for personnel costs
• ₦283.333 billion for capital expenditure
• ₦2.857 billion for statutory expenditure

Governor Bassey Otu presented the Supplementary Appropriation Bill on July 18, which underwent thorough scrutiny by the Finance and Appropriation Committee before being reported to the house. Cyril Omini, the committee chairman representing Yakurr 1 Constituency, emphasized that the detailed review adhered to the house rules.

The supplementary budget aims to empower the governor to effectively manage the state’s affairs and pursue additional development projects. Lawmakers praised the committee’s diligent work and viewed the budget as a positive step forward. Speaker Elvert Ayambem commended the governor for his prudent use of public funds, noting that every sector has benefited from the government’s attention.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has significantly strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State with a notable donation of ₦71 million. This contribution includes ₦50 million from Ubah himself and additional amounts from various supporters:

• Princess Esom Nwafor Orizu: ₦5 million
• Prince Emeka Egwuekwe (Apakata Onyi Enugwu-Agidi): ₦5 million
• Chief Chinedu Okeke (Ekwe Ogidi): ₦5 million
• Lord Michael Mbanefo: ₦3 million
• Arinze Awogu (Ikemba Front): ₦2 million
• Hon. Acobarry Chukwuma: ₦1 million

This substantial financial support is intended to boost APC activities and initiatives in the state, reinforcing the party’s position as a major player. Ubah’s efforts include providing Keke Napep vehicles, motorcycles, generators, branded uniforms, and organizing a significant empowerment program, all contributing to a revitalized and energized APC in Anambra.

Ubah’s leadership and support have addressed previous issues within the party, such as a lack of a reward system, and have fostered increased enthusiasm and commitment among party members. His contributions are expected to have a lasting impact on the APC’s growth and success in future elections.

A manufacturing company, Artco Industries Limited, has filed a ₦100 million lawsuit against the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Artco Furniture Manufacturing Company Limited, and Chief Dr. Onyekachi Iheme over the alleged registration of a company with a name similar to its own. The company claims that this has led to a loss of revenue due to confusion and misrepresentation.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenges the registration of Artco Furniture Manufacturing Company Limited, which the plaintiff argues is nearly identical to its own name registered since 2003. This similarity, the plaintiff asserts, has misled the public into believing the two companies are connected or that the new entity is a subsidiary of the original Artco Industries.

The plaintiff seeks a court order to deregister the second defendant’s company and demands ₦100 million in damages for lost revenue caused by CAC’s alleged negligence in conducting due diligence before approving the registration. The claim also alleges that the second defendant was used by Iheme to divert business opportunities and deceive the public.

The suit is scheduled for hearing on October 7.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasized the importance of engaging youth in agriculture to support Nigeria’s food sufficiency goals. During a visit with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) management, she stressed the need to address the gap between urbanization and agricultural skills, particularly among young Nigerians.

Tinubu introduced the Young Farmers Club, an initiative by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which aims to teach agricultural skills to students in public primary and secondary schools. She believes that early education in farming will help bridge the gap between perception and reality about agriculture, making it easier to integrate these skills into everyday life.

She highlighted her commitment to supporting her husband’s administration and ensuring that the benefits of democratic governance reach the people, with a focus on women and youth. NADFUND’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, praised her efforts and programs, including the Women in Agric Support Program (WASP) and the #Every Home a Garden competition, for their role in promoting food security and responsible agricultural practices.

Bola Babarinde, former Chairman of the APC in South Africa, has defended Aliko Dangote’s refinery, calling for national pride rather than criticism. Babarinde argued that the refinery is a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and should be supported for its potential to enhance national infrastructure and create jobs.

Babarinde praised Dangote for reinvesting in Nigeria, contrasting him with those who siphoned wealth abroad. He acknowledged Dangote’s strategic relationships with successive governments but defended his approach as essential for national development. Despite controversies, Babarinde emphasized Dangote’s commitment and transparency, highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s economy as a positive force.

He also criticized recent calls within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to continue importing petroleum products, framing it as a betrayal of national interests given the NNPCL’s history of inefficiencies and corruption. Babarinde urged President Bola Tinubu to engage patriotic Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to drive progress and reform the financial sector to benefit the broader economy.

Hon. Adamu Muktar Gini, a prominent APC chieftain in Kano State and Chairman of the Coalition of APC Youth Movement, has praised President Bola Tinubu and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau for their dedication to regional development. His commendations follow President Tinubu’s recent signing of the North-West Development Commission Bill into law.

Gini described the bill’s signing as a “landmark decision,” highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the North-West region. He emphasized the commission’s potential to drive sustainable development, enhance economic opportunities, and improve living standards in the area.

Gini also lauded Deputy Senate President Barau for his role in sponsoring the bill, noting that Barau’s efforts have paved the way for significant positive change in the North-West. The Coalition of APC Youth Movements in Kano State has pledged full support for the initiative and committed to ensuring its successful implementation.

The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has directed Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to appear before it by July 30. The committee’s decision comes in response to several issues:

• Oversight Visit Issues: During an oversight visit to the EFCC’s headquarters, the committee faced difficulties accessing the commission’s complex. The committee members were reportedly denied access and informed that Olukoyede was unavailable due to an emergency at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
• Committee’s Displeasure: The committee, led by Rep. Obinna Onwusibe, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, criticizing what they described as the chairman’s “snobbish attitude” and the denial of access.
• Budget Performance Inquiry: The committee’s primary concern is the EFCC’s budget performance and the challenges faced by the commission. They requested information and documents related to the budget and the commission’s operations, which they have yet to receive.
• Summons and Consequences: The committee has resolved to summon Olukoyede and his management team to answer questions regarding the EFCC’s budget and other operational challenges. They emphasized that the integrity and functions of the National Assembly must be respected.

The committee’s actions highlight ongoing issues with oversight and transparency within the EFCC and underscore the importance of accountability in the management of public funds.

Daniel Bwala has made serious allegations against Senator Ali Ndume, claiming that Ndume is orchestrating a retaliatory campaign against him. According to Bwala:

• Retaliatory Actions: Bwala alleges that Ndume is mobilizing youth from Bwala’s local government area to discredit him. This effort reportedly includes a planned press conference and rally in Southern Borno.
• Press Conference Concerns: Bwala views the planned press conference and rally as a form of “pushback” against him. He believes these events are intended to undermine his credibility.
• Death Threats: Bwala links the upcoming press conference to previous death threats he received. He suggests that the threats are connected to Ndume’s actions and that the press conference is part of a broader effort to intimidate him.
• Criticism of Ndume: Bwala accuses Ndume of hypocrisy, criticizing him for being able to voice opinions against others, including President Tinubu, but not tolerating criticism directed at himself.
• Broader Implications: Bwala argues that the real target of Ndume’s actions is President Tinubu, citing the political climate and Ndume’s public criticisms of the president.

These allegations underscore a tense political climate and suggest significant underlying issues within the political landscape.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has highlighted the growing risks of excessive heat for workers worldwide, attributing these challenges to climate change. The report emphasizes that the impact of rising temperatures is increasingly affecting people in various industries, not just those working outdoors.

Key findings from the report include:

• Increased Exposure: In Europe and Central Asia, the proportion of workers exposed to excessive heat has risen more sharply than in any other region over the past 20 years. As of 2020, 29% of workers in this region faced excessive heat at times, a 17.3% increase compared to two decades ago.
• Global Impact: On a global scale, 2.4 billion people are exposed to excessive heat at work. Africa faces the highest proportion, with 90.2% of workers experiencing such conditions, followed by the Arab states at 83.6%.
• Health Risks: Heat at work leads to significant health issues. Nearly 22.9 million people suffer accidents due to heat annually, with almost 19,000 fatalities. Additionally, 26.2 million individuals live with chronic kidney problems due to insufficient fluid intake, as recommended drinking is 0.85 litres per hour once temperatures hit 32°C.

The ILO’s report underscores the urgent need for improved workplace safety measures and better management of heat stress to protect workers’ health and safety.