The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned the use of single-use plastics across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This decision, announced by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, aligns with the government’s broader strategy for managing plastic waste. The announcement followed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on June 25, 2024, at the State House in Abuja.

Salako emphasized that the ban is part of the government’s commitment to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He highlighted plastic pollution as a significant issue in Nigeria.

This federal ban follows similar measures taken by various state governments. In January, the Lagos State Government banned non-biodegradable styrofoam and other single-use plastics due to environmental concerns. The Oyo State Government implemented a similar ban in March, focusing on food services and storage, and established a task force to enforce the regulation.

These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the environmental hazards posed by plastic pollution and a collective effort to mitigate its impact across the country.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), has stated that the organized private sector cannot afford a minimum wage above ₦62,000, as agreed during the tripartite committee negotiation meetings. Speaking at the third edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit in Abuja, themed “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility,” Oyerinde warned that approving any amount above ₦62,000 would likely lead to job losses and create challenges related to non-compliance and litigation.

Oyerinde emphasized that setting a national minimum wage that exceeds the private sector’s capacity to pay would set the stage for legal disputes and operational crises. He also addressed concerns about delays in the minimum wage review process, clarifying that the process is ongoing and that there is no intentional delay. According to him, after the tripartite committee makes its recommendations to the President, the next step is to send a bill to the National Assembly for legislation.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Nigeria has decided to temporarily halt the proposal for a new minimum wage to allow President Bola Tinubu to consult with state governors and the private sector. This decision was announced by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, following a FEC meeting on June 25. Idris emphasized that the new minimum wage decision will have wide-reaching implications for the federal government, state governments, local governments, and the organized private sector.

President Tinubu intends to make a well-informed decision through extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders. The aim is to present a balanced proposal to the National Assembly after considering inputs from various sectors.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed dissatisfaction with this delay. Benson Upah, the NLC spokesperson, stated that postponing the minimum wage memo could lead to harmful speculations. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also expressed concerns, with Deputy National President Tommy Etim highlighting the need for clarity on various issues, such as the acceptable wage amount, review frequency, and criteria, before the proposal is considered by FEC and sent to the National Assembly.

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele until October 21 for the continuation of proceedings over alleged procurement fraud. Emefiele faces a 20-count amended charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which includes allegations of criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretense, and obtaining money by false pretense during his tenure as the CBN governor.

The EFCC claims Emefiele forged a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” dated January 26, 2023, and used his office to confer corrupt advantages on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. Additionally, he allegedly obtained $6.2 million by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in a letter requesting the CBN to provide a logistic advance in line with a supposed Presidential directive.

During the proceedings, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case after hearing testimony from the 9th prosecution witness (PW9) and set July 8 for the hearing of Emefiele’s application seeking the release of his passport to attend a medical appointment.

Earlier in the trial, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo presented two witnesses, including Umar Tilde from Zenith Bank, who testified about providing Emefiele’s account documents to the EFCC. The 9th prosecution witness, Abibia Ockiya-Ogeleye, a lawyer from A & A Legal Consociate, testified about the incorporation details of Architekon Nigeria Ltd, adding that the company had three directors, including Esther Oyeladun, who provided her with the necessary information.

Dr. Aisha Anka, the Commissioner for Health in Zamfara, has highlighted the significant maternal health challenges in the state, noting that around 950,000 women are at high risk of maternal deaths. During a five-day workshop on preventable maternal deaths for health workers in Gusau, Dr. Anka emphasized that Nigeria accounts for 14% of the global maternal deaths, with Northern Nigeria, including Zamfara, recording 70% of these deaths.

The workshop, organized by Health for Life and Development Foundation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the Hospital Services Management Board, and supported by the United Nations Population Fund, aims to address these challenges. Dr. Anka, represented by Mustafa Marafa, Executive Secretary of the State Hospital Services Management Board, stressed the importance of the training in enhancing the skills of health workers to ensure safe deliveries.

The 50 nurses and midwives attending the workshop were selected from various health facilities across the state, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving maternal health. This training aligns with Governor Dauda Lawal’s declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector, focusing on the renovation of health facilities and the capacity building of health workers. Dr. Abubakar Danladi, Executive Director of Health for Life and Development Foundation, added that the training aims to equip health workers with the necessary skills to manage and reduce maternal mortality rates in the state.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Olatunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), pending Senate confirmation. The announcement was made by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Olatunji Bello is a multifaceted professional with a background in law, administration, and journalism. He previously served as the Secretary to the Lagos State Government and has a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. Bello began his career in journalism at Concord Newspapers in 1985, eventually becoming the Group Political Editor, Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor of National Concord. He also chaired the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001 and served as Commissioner for Environment in Lagos State.

President Tinubu expects Bello to ensure the FCCPC fulfills its mandate of protecting and promoting the interests and welfare of Nigerian consumers, and to implement measures that guarantee the safety and quality of goods and services.

Dr. Henry Ayuk, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, has denied reports of a recent cholera outbreak in the state. During a discussion with journalists in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that the last confirmed cholera case was in January and has since been addressed. In response to the current national outbreak, the state has activated its public health emergency response center and strengthened local government response teams with adequate capacity and resources to handle any potential emergencies.

Ayuk urged residents to maintain good personal hygiene, consume safe food and water, and avoid crowded environments to prevent the spread of cholera. He also encouraged residents to report any symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or other cholera-related signs to the nearest health facility. Despite the rumors, the state government remains committed to the health and well-being of its citizens, ensuring readiness for any potential health emergencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported that about 40 people have died from cholera, and over 500 persons have been affected nationwide.

Omoyele Sowore, two-time presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), recently claimed in an interview that initiatives such as the Student Loan program and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration were originally his ideas. Sowore expressed frustration that his proposed ideas were adopted by the political class, transforming them from his original vision of grants for students into loans, and altering his proposal for a coastal highway to suit private interests like the Eko Atlantic project and the Dangote Refinery.

He emphasized that the appropriation of his ideas by the ruling class reflects a broader issue of neglecting candidates with innovative ideas in favor of perpetuating the ruling elite who lack effective governance strategies. Sowore indicated a lack of interest in collaborating with Tinubu’s administration, asserting that their ideological differences and incapacity to embrace new ideas preclude any potential partnership to salvage Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan affecting Alfred Rewane and Osborne roads in Ikoyi for a period of four weeks, from June 26 to July 27. This diversion is necessary to facilitate the first phase of rehabilitation of asphaltic sections from Osborne Foreshore Estate to Sura Bridge Ramp by the Federal Ministry of Works.

Motorists are advised on alternative routes during this period:
– Motorists from Alexander/Glover should use Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Avenue towards Ikoyi, then connect to Obalende/Ring Road and access Third Mainland Bridge for onward journeys.
– Those coming from Victoria Island can use Falomo Roundabout to Awolowo Road, then access Third Mainland Bridge to their destinations.
– Alternatively, motorists from Victoria Island can take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to Mekunwen Bridge, proceed to CMS/Apongbon Bridge towards Eko Bridge, and use Funsho Williams Avenue to reach their destinations.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, assured the public that traffic managers would be deployed to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth traffic flow. Motorists are urged to exercise patience and adhere to the instructions during this period of road rehabilitation.

Here is a summary of Nigerian politicians and their multi-billion naira properties in Dubai, as reported:

1. **Atiku Abubakar**: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his daughter Hadiza own properties including a three-bedroom flat at Palm Tower and a one-bedroom flat at Trade Centre Second.

2. **Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi**: Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation owns a property at Al Hebiah Third.

3. **Nasir El-Rufai**: The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State owns a four-bedroom apartment at Al Hebiah Third.

4. **Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed**: Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, linked to eight properties in locations like Burj Khalifa and Al Barsha South Fourth.

5. **Patrick Ifeanyi Uba**: Senator representing Anambra South, with nine properties linked to him and his wife in Dubai.

6. **Attahiru Bafarawa**: Former Governor of Sokoto State, linked to seven properties including one at Palm Jumeirah.

7. **Ahmed Markafi**: Former Governor of Kaduna State, linked to a property at Burj Khalifa.

8. **Amadu Adah Ali**: Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his daughter are linked to three properties.

9. **Maina Ma’aji Lawan**: Former Governor of Borno State, linked to 11 properties in Dubai.

10. **Christabel Bentu**: Former special assistant to Joshua Dariye, with one property in Dubai.

11. **Nenadi Esther Usman**: Former finance minister, linked to one property.

12. **Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh**: Senator representing Ondo South, linked to seven properties.

13. **Ike Ekweremadu**: Former Deputy Senate President, with five properties.

14. **Orji Uzor Kalu**: Former Abia State governor, with one property.

15. **Jeremiah Useni**: Former military governor of old Bendel State, linked to one property.

16. **Osita Ben Chidoka**: Former Aviation Minister, linked to a property at Jabal Ali First.

17. **Olisa Metuh**: Former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, linked to a property.

18. **Abdulsalami Abubakar**: Nigeria’s former head of state, linked to a property at Marsa Dubai.

19. **Hassan Ardo Tukur**: Former principal secretary to former President Goodluck Jonathan, with a property valued at $1.025 million.

20. **Adeyemi Ikuforiji**: Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, linked to a property at Marsa Dubai.

21. **Dan Etete**: Former petroleum minister, linked to a property in Dubai.

These politicians collectively own significant real estate assets in prestigious areas of Dubai, reflecting substantial investments in the Dubai property market over the past two decades.

UN Women has highlighted significant disparities in women’s leadership globally, noting that 113 countries have never had a woman Head of State, while only 26 countries currently have women in such roles. This data underscores ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality in political leadership worldwide.

The organization emphasized the importance of placing women in top leadership positions, particularly as many countries prepare for elections in 2024. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous stressed that appointing women to leadership roles demonstrates strong political will for gender equality and reflects a collective commitment to addressing global challenges effectively.

As of January 1, 2024, women constitute less than a third of Cabinet ministers in 141 countries, and seven countries have no women represented in their Cabinets at all. Moreover, women hold only 23% of Ministerial positions globally. The representation of women as Permanent Representatives of the UN is also disproportionately low.

Looking ahead, Bahous highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a milestone in advancing women’s rights globally. The declaration aimed to remove barriers hindering women’s active participation in all spheres of life, emphasizing their equal role in economic, social, cultural, and political decision-making.

UN Women continues to advocate for women’s leadership and equal participation in governance, believing that when women lead, societies benefit as a whole. Their efforts focus on ensuring that women not only occupy senior positions of power but also drive positive change and foster inclusive decision-making globally.

The Sokoto State government has issued a statement in response to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s comments at the Northwest Security summit regarding rumors of a plan to remove Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. The government emphasized the importance of verifying facts before making public statements on sensitive national issues. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, expressed disappointment that the Vice President did not consult with the Governor to confirm the accuracy of the rumors before addressing them publicly.

The statement clarified that there was never any attempt to remove or threaten Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. It affirmed the Sultan’s full entitlement to his powers, freedoms, and rights, asserting that the Sokoto State government takes seriously its responsibility to protect and uphold the dignity of the sultanate council. The government reassured Nigerians of its commitment to safeguarding the sultanate council and maintaining its esteemed status within the state.

The Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in Kano State, Abdullahi Al-ameen, reported on the service’s activities in tackling crime within Kano forests. In May alone, they handled 19 cases ranging from animal theft to more serious offenses like child abuse, tricycle theft, kidnapping, and phone snatching.

Out of these cases, 16 have been resolved, while three are still under investigation. Al-ameen emphasized the service’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of preventing and detecting crimes in forested areas. He also highlighted their collaborative efforts with community policing stakeholders to enhance security measures.

Al-ameen called for public cooperation to achieve a crime-free environment in Kano State, aiming to make it a safer place for all residents. This initiative underscores the role of local security services and community engagement in addressing various criminal activities effectively.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, highlighted several initiatives and challenges during her appearance on Arise TV’s ‘The Morning Show’. She addressed cultural barriers affecting women in Nigeria, drawing attention to her efforts to partner with traditional rulers to advance women’s rights.

One significant accomplishment she mentioned was abolishing the practice of breast ironing in a remote community in Abuja. This practice, deemed barbaric, involves the flattening of young girls’ breasts with heated objects, aiming to prevent their sexual development. The Minister’s ministry intervened through sensitization, empowerment programs, and legal agreements to enforce compliance and prosecute offenders under statutory provisions.

Additionally, Kennedy-Ohanenye compared challenges faced in northern Nigeria, such as child marriage, to similar issues in the south where young girls are taken to hotels, emphasizing that both practices exploit young girls and violate their rights. She underscored the importance of cultural dialogue and collaboration with local leaders to address these issues effectively across the country.

Her approach reflects a blend of advocacy, legal enforcement, and cultural engagement aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable populations from harmful traditional practices.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, along with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno and Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, embarked on a tour to Pakistan organized by the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) of the World Bank. This initiative aims to enhance their understanding of international best practices in crisis management, disaster resilience, and urban development, particularly relevant to their roles in post-insurgency recovery efforts.

According to Mamman Mohammed, Director-General of Press and Media Affairs for Governor Buni, the tour seeks to achieve several objectives:

1. Understand best practices and solutions pertinent to the mandates of MCRP AF (Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project for the North East) and NEDC/BAY (North-East Development Commission/Borno, Adamawa, Yobe).
2. Strengthen institutional capacity for planning, recovery, and stabilization.
3. Enhance the implementation of infrastructure, services, and social cohesion initiatives.
4. Improve planning for post-NEDC phases.
5. Build the capacity of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to design and execute sustainable projects.

During their visit, the governors have already visited key institutions such as the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Corporation (PMDFC), Punjab Planning and Development Board (PnD Board), and are slated to visit the Punjab Disaster Management Authority, among others. They are also scheduled to engage with Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and various UN agencies.

Governor Buni specifically intends to hold bilateral discussions with heads of donor organizations and private sectors to explore opportunities for resource mobilization to support recovery efforts in their respective states. This tour underscores a proactive approach towards leveraging global expertise and partnerships to address the complex challenges of post-conflict recovery and resilience building in northeastern Nigeria.

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has issued a statement denying allegations that its members or private fuel depots have imported fuel outside the approved regulatory specifications set by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In their statement released on Monday night in Lagos, DAPPMAN clarified that none of their depots had imported fuel that did not meet regulatory standards. They emphasized that all fuel imports adhere strictly to the specifications approved by NMDPRA.

The association also addressed recent regulatory changes regarding the sulphur content in automotive gas oil (AGO). They mentioned that initially, there were objections to certain off-takes via ship-to-ship operations offshore Lome, which had been protested by downstream operators and subsequently rescinded.

Furthermore, DAPPMAN noted that while NMDPRA had initially allowed AGO imports with a maximum sulphur content of 200 parts per million (ppm) between February and May 2024, there was a subsequent regulatory move to accelerate the implementation of stricter sulphur limitations (50 ppm) for both Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and AGO imports, effective from June 1, 2024, instead of the previous deadline of December 31, 2024.

In conclusion, DAPPMAN affirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the supply of safe and competitively priced fuels that meet regulatory standards, thereby providing Nigerians with reliable fuel options for their daily needs.

In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the charge against Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been struck out following the adoption of settlement terms between the parties involved. Here are the key details:

– **Background**: Pascal Okechukwu was initially charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly abusing the naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. The charges included spraying and tampering with naira notes, which contravened the provisions of section 21(1) of the CBN Act of 2007.

– **Legal Proceedings**: Okechukwu pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the amount of ₦10 million. The case proceeded with discussions of settlement terms under section 14(2) of the EFCC Act, aiming for a resolution outside of a full trial.

– **Settlement Terms**: On June 25, 2024, the court struck out the charges after both the defence and prosecution adopted terms of settlement. These terms included:
– Okechukwu entering into a bond with the EFCC to uphold good behavior and avoid economic and financial crimes.
– Engagement in sensitization campaigns against the abuse of naira and other related offenses, including regular posts on social media.
– Payment of a sum not less than ₦10 million to the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation.

– **Court’s Decision**: Justice Kehinde Ogundare dismissed the case upon agreement between the prosecution and defence, acknowledging the terms of settlement presented to the court.

This resolution marks the conclusion of the legal proceedings against Cubana Chief Priest, highlighting the effectiveness of settlement negotiations in resolving legal disputes.

In Gombe State, proactive measures are being implemented to prevent the spread of cholera through chlorination. Here are the key points from the initiative:

– **Distribution of Chlorine**: The Gombe State Government has started distributing chlorine to 11 local government areas. This initiative aims to treat wells, stagnant ponds, reservoirs, and areas fetching water from rivers with aqua tabs, as running rivers cannot be chlorinated directly.

– **Purpose of Chlorination**: Chlorine is being used to destroy pathogens in water, particularly Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera and other waterborne diseases like gastroenteritis. This proactive approach is crucial in preventing outbreaks.

– **Implementation and Training**: About 110 trained personnel are involved in the distribution of chlorine and aqua tabs. They also educate communities on the proper application of these substances to ensure safe drinking water.

– **Past Success and Current Expansion**: The use of chlorine in 2023 resulted in no recorded cases of cholera. This year, the distribution has expanded beyond hotspots to cover more areas, with an increased quantity of chlorine drums from six to ten.

– **Health Commissioner’s Statement**: Dr. Habu Dahiru emphasized the importance of preventive measures, especially after recent travel during Sallah celebrations, which could increase the risk of cholera transmission. He highlighted the critical role of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in disease prevention.

Overall, the chlorination program in Gombe State illustrates a proactive stance towards public health, aiming to safeguard communities against cholera and other waterborne diseases through effective water treatment measures.