The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended ten private jet operations for failing to initiate the recertification process required for holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF). The NCAA had directed all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024. This directive was issued to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which prohibits PNCF holders from using their aircraft for commercial operations such as carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.

The affected companies include:
– Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
– Bli-Aviation Safety Services
– Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
– Matrix Energy Ltd
– Marrietta Management Services Ltd
– Worldwide Skypaths Services
– Mattini Airline Services Ltd
– Aero Lead Ltd
– Sky Bird Air Ltd
– Ezuma Jets Ltd

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and warned that the NCAA would take enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of such illegal operations. To ensure compliance, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor the activities of PNCF holders.

The Samoa Agreement, recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, has become a focal point of controversy in Nigeria due to its provisions supporting LGBT rights. This international accord aims to enhance cooperation between developed and developing nations, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. However, it also includes clauses that require signatory countries to support the recognition and rights of the LGBT community to receive financial and other forms of support.

Critics argue that the agreement imposes Western ideologies on countries with different cultural contexts, which has led to widespread criticism of President Tinubu’s decision to sign the accord. Social media platforms have seen a surge of dissenting voices, with many Nigerians expressing concerns that the agreement undermines their country’s values and sovereignty.

Proponents, however, argue that the agreement represents a progressive step towards ensuring equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. They contend that promoting LGBT rights is a fundamental aspect of human rights and should be embraced by all nations.

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured citizens that it would not enter into any international agreement detrimental to the country’s and its citizens’ interests. Idris emphasized that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Samoa Agreement contravened the 1999 Constitution as amended, the laws of Nigeria, or other extant laws.

As the debate continues, the Nigerian government faces the challenge of balancing its commitment to international cooperation and development with the need to respect and uphold its citizens’ cultural values. The controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement underscores the complex interplay between global standards and local traditions in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an increase in rates and charges for all activities in the mining sector. This development aims to raise the level of services, improve transaction traffic, and develop infrastructure within the sector. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, disclosed this during a news briefing in Abuja, expressing concerns over non-remittance by some operators despite making significant profits.

Alake highlighted that this measure is part of the efforts to implement a seven-point agenda to position the sector for economic consolidation. He mentioned that the introduction of qualitative measures, such as the new mining information system and the Electronic Mining Cadastre System (EMC+ portal), has improved transparency, application rates, and access for applicants.

The new regime includes several changes:
– Investors applying for a mining lease license will pay ₦3 million.
– Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) applicants will pay ₦300,000 for the first two cadastral units.
– The cost to obtain an Exploration Licence (EL) is ₦600,000 for the first 100 cadastral units.
– Quarry lease and reconnaissance permit applications will attract ₦300,000.

These changes aim to discourage speculation, address the paucity of funds, and enhance the Federal Government’s capacity to improve the ease of doing business in the sector. The new rates regime affects 268 items and includes an annual service fee and costs for renewing licenses. For example, the annual service fee for the first time is ₦31,500, while the renewal rates vary depending on the type of license.

Alake also mentioned that the new regulations seek to maximize royalties from critical minerals like lithium and gold to boost the nation’s revenue base and contribute significantly to economic development. The new rates regime takes immediate effect, impacting services rendered by the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has declared Monday as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, 1st Muharram 1446AH. The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Establishment, Alhaji Auwal Manu-Dogondaji, in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. The 1st of Muharram, which signifies the Islamic New Year, falls on a Sunday, and the government has decided to shift the public holiday to Monday to acknowledge its significance.

Manu-Dogondaji extended the governor’s congratulations to the Muslim community on the advent of the new Islamic calendar. He urged Muslims to continue their fervent prayers for the peace, security, and prosperity of Kebbi State and the nation.

Eighteen months after Governor Dapo Abiodun commissioned the Agbara Fire Service Station in Ogun State, the facility remains inoperative. Despite being touted as a critical addition to support the Agbara, Lusada, and Igbesa areas, the station has not commenced operations, leaving the community reliant on a private company’s fire services.

Residents have experienced multiple fire incidents since the station’s commissioning. Notably, in February 2024, Kayode Oluwasegun almost lost his properties to a fire, but a private company with an active fire service department came to his rescue. Similarly, in November 2023, another family’s property at Katsina Close, Agbara Estate, was saved by the same private company. Over the past year, this private company, Nestle, has been a vital resource, responding swiftly to fire outbreaks in the area.

The fire station, inaugurated on February 1, 2023, was one of four new fire service stations announced by the state government, with others located in Ifo, Mowe, and Ibafo. At the inauguration, Governor Abiodun emphasized the necessity of the station for Agbara and Ifo due to their population and proximity to Lagos. However, the station was inaugurated with only one fire truck and no ambulance, falling short of the promises made.

The facility, meant to complement the ongoing construction of the 19-kilometer Agbara-Atan road, remains locked and covered in dust and weeds. Officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed that the station has not been operational since its inauguration, and they have not seen any fire fighting equipment on the premises.

When questioned about the inactivity of the fire station, the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Government Affairs, Olufunmilayo Efuwape, directed inquiries to the state’s Director of Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, who refused to provide information. The commissioner noted that firefighters were recently employed and are still under training.

Residents, including Odunsi Saheed and Tunde Badmus, expressed their disappointment and frustration, emphasizing the need for a functional fire service station in a community with a growing population and numerous companies. They appealed to the state government to equip and operationalize the fire station to prevent further losses from fire incidents.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has reinstated Chief Jonathan Zamuna as the paramount ruler of Piriga in Lere Local Government Area, highlighting the crucial role of traditional institutions as stabilizing forces. The reinstatement, which follows a court judgment issued on June 10, 2024, was announced during a meeting with the State Council of Chiefs on July 4.

Governor Sani emphasized the importance of traditional leadership in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria, praising the royal fathers for their moral leadership and contribution to community values. He committed to nurturing a robust partnership with traditional institutions and maintaining a strong collaborative framework with security agencies. This includes increased military presence in areas such as Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, and Chikun LGAs.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law by fully complying with the court’s decision to restore Chief Zamuna to his position. He also called for the support and cooperation of the traditional rulers to accelerate development in Kaduna State.

The Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamalli, who chairs the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, commended the government’s focus on infrastructure development, security management, and peace promotion. He expressed satisfaction with the state’s strategic interventions and pledged the Council of Chiefs’ loyalty and support to the administration’s goals and objectives.

Governor Sani assured the traditional institutions of their continued pride of place under his administration, seeking their cooperation to enhance the state’s progress.

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has issued a call to its members to support the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This appeal was made by Lucky Osesua, the newly elected National Chairman of the union, during a press conference in Abuja following their delegates conference.

Osesua emphasized the importance of unity among PTD members in advancing their welfare and fulfilling the union’s mandate of delivering petroleum products across Nigeria. He urged members not to be swayed by what he termed as unrealistic promises from the opposition, suggesting that such promises thrive when challenges within the system are not addressed.

Furthermore, Osesua reassured members that they should continue their daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation. He underscored the importance of remaining calm, loyal, and law-abiding amidst any circumstances that may arise.

The newly elected officials of the union include Lucky Osighe Osesua as National Chairman, Dayyabu Garga as First Deputy National Chairman, Peter Muodebelu as Second Deputy National Chairman, and Humble Obinna as National Secretary, among others.

This statement reflects the union’s stance in supporting the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while urging its members to uphold unity and focus on their core responsibilities.

The federal government of Nigeria has responded to widespread criticism over the signing of the Samoa Agreement, which includes clauses related to supporting LGBT rights. The agreement stipulates that nations receiving financial and other aid from advanced societies must align with certain human rights standards, including those pertaining to LGBT rights.

The signing of this agreement by President Bola Tinubu has sparked significant backlash among Nigerians, particularly on social media, where many view it as contradicting Nigeria’s cultural and religious values. Critics argue that the decision was made without adequate consultation and prioritizes foreign aid over Nigeria’s societal norms.

In response, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, assured Nigerians that the government would not enter into any international agreement that contradicts the country’s laws or undermines its cultural values. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution and existing laws, including those against same-sex relationships enacted in 2014, take precedence over any international obligations.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring that international agreements do not compromise the interests of the nation or its citizens. This statement aims to quell concerns and assure Nigerians that their cultural and legal frameworks remain intact despite international pressures.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has stated his intention to remain neutral in resolving the party’s internal disputes. He made these comments after meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Transition Committee at the Labour House in Abuja.

Obi emphasized his commitment to impartiality despite criticism and allegations that external forces were influencing the party’s crisis. He expressed confidence in resolving the issues amicably for the greater interest of Nigerians, shifting the focus from internal party wrangling to addressing pressing national issues like healthcare, education, food security, and poverty alleviation.

His stance reflects a dedication to public service and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians above political disagreements within the Labour Party.

In June, Nigerian security agencies made significant progress in combating various crimes, arresting a total of 2,678 suspects nationwide. The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) provided these updates through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, at a news conference in Abuja.

Key achievements included:

1. **Rescue Operations and Recoveries**:
– 93 kidnap victims were rescued and reunited with their families.
– 144 firearms and 3,031 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

2. **Arrests and Recoveries**:
– **Illegal Mining**: Four suspected illegal miners were apprehended in Anambra on June 17, showcasing the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining. Additionally, 350 new operatives were deployed to bolster mining marshals.
– **SIM Card Fraud**: On June 13, six suspects involved in the sale of registered SIM cards to criminals were arrested by the FCT Police Command. Over 1,100 registered SIM cards and other equipment were seized.
– **Gun Running**: Ikechukwu Didi, a 54-year-old male from Enugu State, was arrested for gun running, with seven automatic pump-action shotguns and 1,000 rounds of live cartridges recovered.
– **Ekiti Killings and Jailbreak**: Suspects involved in the Ekiti killings and the 2012 Ado-Ekiti jailbreak were arrested on June 26.
– **Kidnapping**: On June 30, one Nigerian and three Indian nationals were rescued from kidnappers in Ogun State. Two kidnappers were neutralized, and several weapons, including five AK-47 rifles and 109 rounds of ammunition, were recovered.
– **JAMB Website Hacking**: On June 13, three suspects were arrested for hacking the JAMB website to grant fake admissions. This led to the recovery of four domain websites used in the scam.

3. **Other Updates**:
– The DSS has been proactive in intelligence gathering and combat operations to deter criminal activities.
– The Nigerian Correctional Service clarified that a detained Binance official is receiving proper medical care and is not in serious health condition.
– The EFCC highlighted potential violence in a planned protest by groups allegedly aiming to discredit the agency, noting that 259 civil society organizations opposed the protest.

These operations and arrests reflect the combined efforts of various security and intelligence agencies in Nigeria to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

In a fresh development in the ongoing Kano emirship tussle, Abdul Muhammed SAN and other counsel representing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, have withdrawn their legal services before the State High Court. This action occurred during a hearing where the applicants, including the Attorney General of Kano State, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly, sought to restrain Aminu Ado-Bayero and four other dethroned emirs from parading themselves as emirs.

The respondents in the case include Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero (Bichi emir), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar II (emir of Karaye), Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa (emir of Rano), and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya (emir of Gaya). The Inspector General of Police, Director of the State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Army were also listed as respondents.

During the hearing, Counsel to Ado-Bayero, Muhammed, informed the court that they had an affidavit of fact dated July 3, attached with a notice of appeal and a motion for a stay of proceedings. He requested an adjournment to respond to the court processes served that morning, but the court refused. Consequently, Muhammed and other counsel representing the first respondent withdrew their legal services.

Counsel to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents, Hassan Tanko-Kyaure, moved an application for an extension of time dated July 2 and submitted a counter affidavit in response to the originating motion. He urged the court to dismiss the applicant’s application with a cost of ₦1 billion, arguing that the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024 should be set aside due to non-compliance with due process.

Counsel to the Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ekwe, stated that they had nothing to present and left everything to the court’s discretion. In response, Counsel to the applicant, Eyitayo Fatogun, urged the court to dismiss the respondents’ affidavit of facts, suggesting it was merely to delay the proceedings.

Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu refused the application for a stay of proceedings filed by the respondent, stating that no special fact was disclosed to warrant such a stay. The judge adjourned the matter until July 18 for rulings on various pending applications, including an extension of time, a notice of preliminary objection, setting aside the exparte order, a joinder application, and a request for the judge to recuse herself.

The court had previously granted an interim injunction on May 27, restraining the respondents from parading themselves as emirs to maintain peace in Kano. On May 23, the Kano State House of Assembly dissolved all four newly created Emirate councils, and Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf reappointed Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu in Yobe, has pledged to not fail President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians. Speaking with newsmen during the inauguration of the Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Abuja, Balarabe-Abdullahi expressed gratitude for his appointment and promised to leverage his experience to enhance the polytechnic’s standards.

Balarabe-Abdullahi, a former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, conveyed his commitment to aligning with President Tinubu’s education policies and programs to ensure an improved education standard in the country. He pledged to perform his duties impartially and in accordance with the law guiding his office.

“I feel delighted and very happy. We are among the fortunate ones to be appointed by Mr. President as Chairmen and members of the Governing Council of Federal Tertiary Institutions in the country,” he said.

He assured, “By the grace of God, I will justify the confidence reposed in me by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State. We will not fail Mr. President and we are not going to fail Nigerians, by the grace of God. I will discharge my duties diligently to take the institution to the next level of development.”

Balarabe-Abdullahi called for the support and prayers of the people of Yobe State and Nigerians for President Tinubu, Governor Abdullahi Sule, and other leaders to succeed in their roles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, inaugurated the councils.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commissioned three newly-acquired 80-tonne bollard-pull tugboats to enhance the berthing of vessels at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport. During the inauguration in Lekki, Oyetola stated that the tugboats, named MT IRAGBIJI, MT DAURA, and MT BAMA, will support port security, patrol, surveillance, and provide efficient pilotage and towage services.

According to Oyetola, these investments aim to enhance port efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation in the region. He emphasized the importance of efficient port operations in accelerating economic growth and reaffirmed the commitment to updating existing facilities to meet these goals. Oyetola highlighted that acquiring these modern marine crafts aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to maximize opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and optimize its competitive edge as a littoral nation through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, stated that the acquisition would help the port authority achieve regional hub status by efficiently servicing domestic cargo needs. The inclusion of the tugboats is expected to win back transit cargo previously lost to maritime neighbors and better position Nigeria to meet the maritime requirements of its landlocked neighbors. Bello-Koko noted that the acquisition of the marine crafts fulfills part of NPA’s deliverables under the Presidential/Ministerial Performance Bond, which aims to optimize Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The NPA boss explained that the marine crafts will be deployed to serve operations at the Lekki corridor, which has become a hub for Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in energy, agricultural growth, and trade transshipment capacity. The corridor hosts the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest granulated urea fertilizer complex, and Nigeria’s first fully automated Deep Seaport capable of berthing Super Post Panamax-sized ships. Data from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals indicates that 120 tanker vessels were handled between January and June 2024, with a projection of 415 vessels between July and December.

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, praised the collaboration between Customs and the NPA in developing the export sector, automating processes, decongesting the port, and ensuring port efficiency. Adeniyi assured that Customs would continue to support the growth of the industry and maintain a top position in the ease of doing business rankings.

Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has equipped 1,050 newly recruited hunters with security gadgets and safety materials to enhance community policing efforts. During the distribution event in Lokoja, Ododo emphasized that the security of lives and property is his primary responsibility. He urged the hunters to deal decisively with criminals and protect the state.

“We are all Kogites, we must protect ourselves. Kogi is not a free-trade zone for criminals; you have the government’s backing to protect the land, and when you see them, deal with them decisively,” Ododo said.

The governor highlighted the importance of a grassroots-led security approach, noting the hunters’ crucial role during the rescue of 29 kidnapped students from CUSTECH. He commended the Kogi House of Assembly for promptly approving the recruitment of the hunters, who will complement conventional security agencies.

The distributed security gadgets include Level 4 Ballistic Vests and boots to enhance the hunters’ mobility and safety. Ododo stressed that the state is adapting to evolving security challenges and incorporating technological advancements to stay ahead of criminals.

“We are determined to fight at different levels and secure our land and people. Kogi will be steps ahead of the enemies of peace,” he stated.

The governor advised the hunters to maintain high levels of responsibility and discipline. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure security while creating job opportunities and providing free education.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Bertrand Onuoha, praised the governor’s foresight in enhancing security. He highlighted the importance of integrating all security agencies to maximize effectiveness.

The State’s Security Adviser, Retired Cdr Jerry Omdara, added that the hunters have undergone intensive training and orientation to prepare them for their tasks. Governor Ododo also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for their support in implementing local security solutions.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured its citizens that it will not enter into any international agreements that are detrimental to the nation’s interests. This statement, made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, followed concerns about the recent signing of the Samoa Agreement.

Idris clarified that the Samoa Agreement, signed on June 28, 2024, at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, is a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union. He emphasized that the agreement was thoroughly reviewed and consulted upon by an Interministerial Committee, ensuring it did not contravene Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution or other extant laws.

The Samoa Agreement, initially signed in Apia, Samoa, on November 15, 2018, involves the EU, its Member States, and 47 of the 79 OACPS Member States. The agreement includes 103 articles and three regional protocols: Africa-EU, Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU, each addressing specific regional issues.

The African Regional Protocol of the Agreement consists of two parts: the Framework for Cooperation and Areas of Cooperation, which cover inclusive and sustainable economic growth, human and social development, environmental and natural resources management, climate change, peace and security, human rights, democracy, governance, and migration and mobility.

Idris stressed that Nigeria’s endorsement came with a Statement of Declaration clarifying that any provision inconsistent with Nigerian laws would be invalid. He reassured Nigerians that the existing legislation against same-sex relationships, enacted in 2014, remains in force.

The Minister highlighted that the Samoa Agreement aims to promote sustainable development, combat climate change, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS Member States on the international stage. He reiterated that the agreement reflects a collective vision for a sustainable and prosperous future, ensuring Nigeria’s interests are safeguarded.