The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced an increase in electricity tariffs for its Band A customers. The adjustment, effective immediately, raises the tariff from ₦206.80/kWh to ₦209.50/kWh. Francis Agoha, the acting Managing Director of IBEDC, clarified that this tariff revision has been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the multi-year Tariff supplementary order.

Agoha explained that the decision to increase tariffs was influenced by various economic factors such as fluctuations in the exchange rate, current inflation rate, available generation capacity, and the cost of gas. These factors have collectively increased operational costs for IBEDC, necessitating the adjustment to mitigate financial pressures while maintaining service quality.

He reassured customers that the tariff adjustment affects only Band A customers, with tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E remaining unchanged. Agoha acknowledged that any tariff change could concern customers but emphasized that it was essential for sustaining and enhancing the quality of electricity services provided by IBEDC.

In conclusion, Agoha reiterated IBEDC’s commitment to delivering reliable and efficient electricity services across all customer bands, ensuring that customers receive the best possible value for their money amidst the economic challenges faced by the electricity sector.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State announced that the state achieved an internally generated revenue (IGR) of ₦3.5 billion in May, marking a significant increase compared to previous periods. He highlighted that between January and May of the current year, Niger State consistently collected an average of ₦2.621 billion monthly, up from ₦1.806 billion monthly in the previous year. This growth, he emphasized, has enabled the state to expand infrastructure projects and enhance social service delivery, thereby improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Governor Bago attributed this success to strategic reforms, innovative approaches, and a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer education. The state simplified processes and leveraged technology to facilitate tax compliance while reducing opportunities for evasion, resulting in improved compliance rates and enhanced revenue collection.

He underscored the importance of collaboration and synergy among stakeholders to achieve collective goals of improved tax administration and revenue optimization. Governor Bago expressed optimism and determination in repositioning revenue authorities for sustained prosperity and progress in Niger State.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Joint Task Board (JTB), commended the governor for professionalizing the state’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and safeguarding its autonomy. He noted significant growth in annual IGR performance, surpassing ₦20 billion for the first time in the state’s history, with expectations of reaching a monthly IGR of ₦5 billion with continued innovation and implementation.

The JTB chairman reiterated the board’s commitment to promoting uniformity, harmony, and efficiency in tax administration, ensuring optimal revenue collection for socio-economic development. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders to address contemporary tax issues and enhance IGR capacity at the sub-national level.

The Borno state government, through Lawan Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has allocated N507 million to cover the registration fees for 20,075 indigent students from the state. This funding is intended to facilitate their participation in the 2024 West Africa School Certificate Examination (WAEC). The government is subsidizing 75% of the examination fees to promote equity within the educational system, allowing both public and private school students to access their results simultaneously.

Wakilbe commended school principals for upholding examination ethics and the quota system but cautioned against fraudulent practices during the exam registration process. He emphasized the government’s stance against registering external candidates without proper records, as this can lead to verification issues, indiscipline, and malpractices. Any public school principal found guilty of malpractice risks removal from their position, and the ministry plans to provide a list of accredited private schools for consideration in future WAEC exams.

Zakari Abdullahi, the WAEC Zonal Coordinator in Borno State, assured the timely release of examination results and reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting educational efforts in the state.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s judiciary during the inauguration of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex. Wike emphasized that Tinubu’s approval for this project, along with accommodation for judges, retirement homes, and additional courtrooms, underscores the importance placed on the judiciary in the country’s governance framework.

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex, estimated at N37 billion, is set to be completed before September 2025, with N30 billion allocated in the 2024 budget. Wike stressed the urgency of timely completion and warned the contractor, Visible Construction, against delays, emphasizing the need for accountability in project delivery.

Additionally, President Tinubu approved the construction of 40 housing units for judges and justices, allocated across different courts. This includes retirement homes for senior judicial officers, starting with heads of courts. The project’s foundation for accommodation and retirement homes is scheduled to commence in August 2024, aiming for completion by September 2024.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, expressed gratitude for the support from Tinubu, the Attorney General, and Wike, emphasizing that a well-supported judiciary is crucial for ensuring justice delivery in Nigeria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, announced that out of 240 public petitions submitted to the House in the past year, only 40 petitions have been resolved. Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of the one-year scorecard of the 10th House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas emphasized the significance of public petitions as a mechanism for addressing grievances from the public.

He noted that while 40 cases had been closed, 10 cases were currently under further consideration by the House. Rep. Abbas highlighted the House’s responsiveness to public concerns, citing its role in mediating conflicts and resolving crises, such as interventions with the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, which averted strikes and minimized disruptions in the educational sector.

Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu underscored the importance of an open legislature that utilizes data-driven decision-making. He stressed that such an approach ensures legislative actions are aligned with the evolving needs of the nation, reflecting the pulse of the people. Rep. Kalu commended the efforts of various committees and their leadership for their contributions to the House’s overall success.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has expressed deep concern over the recent suicide bombing in Gwoza, Borno State, which resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Archbishop Okoh condemned the resurgence of suicide attacks and emphasized the need for collective action against terrorism.

While commending the security forces for their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, Archbishop Okoh urged them to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent further attacks. He highlighted the necessity for continuous intervention to avoid a return to the devastating period of frequent suicide bombings, which pose significant risks to innocent lives and public spaces, including places of worship.

Archbishop Okoh called on the Federal Government to intensify security measures, particularly in vulnerable regions, and encouraged Nigerians and religious leaders to unite in the fight against terrorism. He stressed the importance of promoting peace, love, and harmony as countermeasures to violence.

He prayed for divine comfort for the families of the victims and reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to supporting security efforts. Okoh emphasized the need for solidarity with those affected by terrorism and advocated for a united front to ensure peace and security in Nigeria.

“As the nation mourns the loss, CAN’s leadership remains steadfast in its quest for a safer and more peaceful Nigeria, urging all citizens to stand strong against the threat of terrorism,” he stated.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has pledged to fix 120 roads across 20 local government areas following widespread criticism from citizens on social media regarding the poor state of the roads. This public outcry was notably amplified by a campaign led by Hauwa Allahbura, who used the hashtag #Dapofixogunroads to share images and videos of the deteriorating road conditions.

Residents have long expressed frustration over the disrepair of major roads in Ogun, impacting both commercial and private motorists. The situation is particularly severe in communities bordering Lagos State, which boasts better road infrastructure.

The state government initially responded by stating that many of the highlighted roads were under federal jurisdiction, while also listing road projects completed by the Abiodun administration. However, this did not satisfy the campaigners, who continued to press for immediate action.

In a statement by the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, on July 3, 2024, the government announced that it had embarked on extensive road rehabilitation and construction. Akinsanya noted that the prioritization of road repairs would be based on funding availability and the economic importance of the roads.

Stakeholders across the state, including royal fathers, lawmakers, local government chairmen, community leaders, and religious leaders, submitted a list of 120 critical roads needing urgent attention. Rehabilitation has already begun on some of these roads, with contractors set to start on the remaining ones soon.

Additionally, Governor Abiodun has secured collaboration with the Federal Government for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 14 more roads. Some of these roads include:

– Laderin-Train Station (Phase 1) (ongoing)
– Adesanolu Road, Mowe (ongoing)
– Liberty Road, Oru Ijebu (ongoing)
– Babcock Road via Ilisan market road
– Ayegbami road, Iperu
– Safetedo Street, Iperu (ongoing)
– Odo-Egbe Junction/Ereko/Ondo Road Junction (ongoing)
– Major Thompson Road, Sagamu (ongoing)
– Methodist Church, Iperu
– Awokoya Street, Ijebu

The move aims to make Ogun State more attractive to both local and foreign investors and improve the overall infrastructure for residents.

On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Sankara, Ukum Local Government of Benue State, was attacked and set ablaze by protesting youths. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the incident, which occurred at 2 pm.

The protest was reportedly in response to the activities of bandits in the area. While no casualties were recorded, the building suffered extensive damage. The attack resulted in the destruction of office furniture, ten electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles.

Olumekun stated that security agencies had been informed and had already deployed personnel to the affected area.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a warning to parents and guardians to dissuade their children and wards from participating in a planned protest organized by a “shadowy group” against its operations. EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale highlighted that the group has been actively recruiting young Nigerians, including students, through social media to resist the commission’s activities, particularly those related to cybercrime.

Oyewale stated that while the EFCC is not opposed to protests by citizens, it is concerned about the group’s intent to disrupt the commission’s efforts. There is emerging evidence suggesting that corrupt individuals under investigation or prosecution are behind the protest, aiming to incite a national uprising that could jeopardize the country’s peace and security.

The EFCC, in collaboration with other security agencies, is preparing to address any potential threats to national security. The commission appeals to parents, guardians, and heads of educational institutions to ensure that their wards are not exploited as part of a campaign against the EFCC by corrupt interests.

The EFCC emphasized that its ongoing battle against corruption and cybercrime is essential for protecting the future of Nigeria’s youth. The commission warned that if Nigeria’s global reputation continues to decline due to fraud, it will imperil the nation’s future.

UNICEF has called on Nigerian states to urgently provide their counterpart funding to access the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to save approximately nine million children from malnutrition. UNICEF’s Nutrition Manager, Prosper Dakurah, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that without immediate action in 2024, millions of children under five would suffer from moderate and acute malnutrition.

The CNF is a new financing mechanism aimed at accelerating sustainable policies, programs, and supplies to combat child wasting, particularly in countries with high rates of malnutrition among children under five. Dakurah noted that states such as Katsina, Jigawa, and Plateau have already made their contributions, while Adamawa, Ebonyi, and Gombe have committed to doing so. He urged other states to expedite their payments and sign the necessary memorandums of understanding to benefit from this initiative.

UNICEF has pledged to match any state’s contributions dollar for dollar. Dakurah emphasized the economic benefits of investing in child nutrition, explaining that every dollar spent generates sixteen dollars in economic returns. He also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of preventing malnutrition, which requires ₦10,860 (about $15) per child, compared to ₦99,636 (about $140) to treat a malnourished child. He warned that untreated severe acute malnutrition increases the risk of death by nearly twelve times compared to healthy children.

Dorothy Ochola-Odongo, Health Manager at UNICEF, expressed concern over the resurgence of a variant of the Polio virus in Nigeria, despite the country being certified polio-free in August 2020. The vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) occurs when the weakened virus in oral polio vaccines mutates and regains its ability to cause disease. Ochola-Odongo stressed the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent cVDPV and assured UNICEF’s support in eradicating the variant.

The meeting, which involved UNICEF, the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME), and media professionals, was part of a partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors to protect the rights of Nigerian children. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and Lanre Idowu, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Diamond Publications Ltd. and Trustee of DAME, both emphasized the need for collaboration among journalists, UNICEF, and governments to ensure best practices and protect children’s rights effectively.

The Nigerian Senate has voiced strong support for the military’s ongoing fight against terrorism, particularly the increasing threat of suicide bombings. The Senate highlighted the necessity for security agencies to leverage modern technology to address these challenges, identifying Lake Chad Region, Sambisa Forest, and Mandara Mountains as current Boko Haram hotspots.

The Senate urged the use of advanced tools such as drones to enhance security operations and called for greater investment in the military. During the discussions, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume and other senators stressed the need for sophisticated technology and improved intelligence to prevent attacks.

The Senate also addressed allegations against former service chiefs misusing security funds for personal projects, although a motion to prevent future misuse of security funds for non-security purposes did not pass. Senate President Senator Akpabio attributed recent bombings in Borno State to intelligence failures and emphasized the importance of proactive measures and modern technology in enhancing national security.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has been indefinitely shut down following student protests over prolonged power outages on campus. The students, frustrated by weeks without electricity and increased transport fares, took to the streets, blocking the Benin-Ore Highway. They demanded a 24-hour electricity supply and a reduction in transport fares, especially with exams approaching.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, announced the closure, citing the students’ refusal to compromise on their demands as the reason. The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) had cut off the university’s power due to disagreements over a significant hike in electricity bills. This led to the university relying on generators and rationing power across campuses and hostels.

Despite heavy rainfall, the protesting students were determined to continue until their demands were met. However, the university’s Senate considered the demand for a 24-hour power supply unrealistic. Consequently, the university decided to shut down academic activities indefinitely, requiring students to vacate the hostels immediately. Non-teaching staff and essential duty staff are exempted from the shutdown.