The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved significant upscale cost variations for various ongoing road and bridge projects across Nigeria. Here are the key highlights from the recent announcements:

1. **Allocation and Progress of Projects:**
– The Federal Ministry of Finance has allocated ₦300 billion for urgent repairs of 330 roads and bridges nationwide.
– According to Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, these emergency repairs valued at over ₦500 billion are approximately 80% completed.
– The Ministry of Finance has fully released ₦300 billion for these projects, indicating a substantial financial commitment towards infrastructure rehabilitation.

2. **Approved Cost Variations:**
– The Federal Executive Council approved cost variations to ensure project quality and completion.
– Examples include:
– **Umulungbe-Umuoka road, Enugu State:** Construction cost increased from ₦6.245 billion to ₦8.85 billion.
– **Iganmu bridge, Lagos State:** Repair cost increased from ₦1.16 billion to ₦2.229 billion.
– **Calabar to Udopkani roads to Itu road, Cross River State:** Project upgraded to dualisation with enhanced structure engagement, cost revised from ₦79.649 billion to ₦118.412 billion.

3. **Additional Projects and Adjustments:**
– FEC approved immediate procurement for complete rehabilitation of the Katsina-Dustsinma-Maraban road in Katsina State.
– Projects like the Second Niger Bridge underwent redesign and cost adjustments to reflect current market values and budget constraints.
– The ministry is also considering terminating contracts where contractors refuse to accept revised terms due to market fluctuations and increased costs of construction materials.

Overall, these initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure quality and address critical transportation needs across Nigeria, reflecting ongoing efforts by the federal government to improve national infrastructure despite economic challenges and budget constraints.

Chaos unfolded at the Abundant Life Assemblies of God Church in Bohyen-Adumanu, Kumasi, as members protested against the induction of a new pastor on June 23, 2024. Despite the unrest, the induction ceremony proceeded under the supervision of armed security personnel, organized by the church leadership in the Ashanti Region.

Videos circulating online captured numerous church members protesting and onlookers expressing their disapproval with chants like “Ei Asore mpo nie.” The incident has sparked significant reactions on social media, with users sharing their thoughts and opinions:

**Social Media Reactions:**
1. **Cyril Jay Klevs (@cyril_klevs):**
– “So policemen can’t handle this church dispute they had to call soldiers… wow they have become so useless to the extent of solving church disputes… my goodness, put some respect and value on the uniform 🤦”

2. **KNUST ZADDY (@SolomonAbugah):**
– “Men of God are not forced on people, people don’t also choose men of God. So now that they’re fighting and God himself is quiet, how we go do am? 😂😭💔 I like God 😂🔥”

3. **MÖJÔ 🔋🔋 (@weneverfront):**
– “Religion will be the downfall of Africa.”

4. **MULTA PECUNIA (@CorleoneTears):**
– “My decision to stay away from religion was personal, but every day, I find more reasons that prove I was never wrong.”

The incident underscores broader sentiments and debates about religious leadership and community dynamics, reflecting ongoing tensions and divergent views within society.

Five Ghanaian lawmakers and a clerk found themselves amid the chaos as protestors stormed the Kenyan Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

The MPs, including Emmanuel Gyamfi, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Thomas Ampem, Sylvester Tetteh, and Mohammed Tuferu, were in Kenya for a study visit when the incident occurred. The Ghanaian delegation was caught in the turmoil as hundreds of anti-Finance Bill protestors besieged the Parliament, setting police vehicles on fire and breaking through heavy security.

The protests erupted after the Kenyan Parliament approved the Finance Bill 2024, which introduces new taxes, sparking outrage and nationwide demonstrations. The Ghanaian delegation was safely escorted out but had inhaled some tear gas in the process.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, shared in an interview with Starr FM, “We are safe in Nairobi. We were lucky to escape unhurt today. We, however, inhaled a bit of teargas. We had to be escorted to a bunker and later to a safer place.”

The demonstrations in Nairobi are part of a broader national outcry against the Finance Bill 2024. Protesters have been assembling in various counties, expressing their discontent with the proposed tax increases, which many believe will further burden the already struggling populace. In the capital, the situation quickly escalated as police forces moved in to disperse the crowds, deploying tear gas extensively and causing chaos and panic among the demonstrators.

Additionally, reports have emerged that police fired rubber bullets to disperse young protesters, adding to the tension and violence on the streets. The protests follow a night marked by multiple arrests and abductions, with several prominent social media users and content creators reportedly captured in overnight operations aimed at defusing the planned demonstrations.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied reports claiming that the Senate proposed the purchase of new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

*Senate President, Godswill Akpabio* [puo reports]

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio clarified the situation during a condolence visit to Senator Tahir Monguno, following the death of his father. Akpabio attributed the false report to propagandists and fifth columnists who seek to misrepresent the Senate’s actions.

“I want to dispel the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he would buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever. I never said that. I was actually in Zanzibar, Tanzania,” Akpabio stated.

He emphasized that the Senate is committed to delivering legislation that supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and urged Nigerians to continue praying for the current administration.

Expressing satisfaction with the improved security situation in Borno State, Akpabio said, “I am happy to see that peace has returned to Borno, as a result of the hard work of President Bola Tinubu. I want to tell the good people of Borno to continue to support the administration.”

Akpabio assured the public that the administration of Tinubu and Shettima is focused on bringing wealth and prosperity to all Nigerians.

The Sokoto State House of Assembly clarified on Tuesday that there is no bill before them seeking to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. This clarification came amidst rumors suggesting otherwise.

*Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.* [NAN]

The House Majority Leader, Alhaji Bello Idris (APC — Gwadabawa North), emphasized that the bill currently being considered aims to strengthen the activities of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, not to dethrone the Sultan.

Addressing journalists after the assembly’s plenary session, Idris stated, “A bill to dethrone the Sultan for what crime? This could not and will never happen. We at the State Assembly have not received any law attempting to remove the Sultan but instead to strengthen his powers, guard, protect, and promote the institution.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the assembly, resuming from a one-month recess, deliberated on three executive bills:

1. A bill to further amend the Sokoto State Local Government Law, 2008, to provide for the tenure of the Local Government Council and related matters.
2. A bill to repeal the Sokoto State Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law №1 of 2021.
3. A bill to establish the State Tenancy Control and Safety of Persons Agency.

Idris reiterated that the current administration highly values and respects the Sultan and the Sultanate Council and is committed to protecting the dignity of this revered institution. He urged the public to disregard any reports suggesting an attempt to dethrone the Sultan, describing such information as mischievous.

The three bills have passed the second reading at the plenary and have been referred to the House Committees on Local Government, Social Welfare and Human Rights, and Donor Agencies, respectively.

Muhammed Bello Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has faced multiple accusations of corruption and has been labeled a stooge for former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

The National Coordinator of the APC Young Leaders Forum (APC-YLF), a faction of the All Progressive Congress, accused Amaechi of opposing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. According to the forum’s coordinator, Comrade Usman Aminu, some presidential caucuses have been covering up the corrupt practices of Bello-Koko, whom they described as Amaechi’s stooge.

Despite being cleared by the House of Representatives committee on public petitions over an alleged ₦178 billion debt, fresh allegations continue to surface against Bello-Koko. The committee had dismissed a petition demanding an explanation for the increase in the NPA’s debt from ₦135 billion in 2018 to ₦178 billion in 2024, as no representative appeared to defend the allegation at a public hearing.

The APC group further alleged that Bello-Koko is known for fraud, extortion, tax evasion, forgery, and money laundering both in Nigeria and abroad. A UK-based fraud and corruption investigative team has claimed to have found evidence of his involvement in multiple criminal acts. They have written to the UK Home Office seeking the confiscation and forfeiture of properties allegedly acquired by Bello-Koko through questionable means.

These fresh allegations highlight ongoing concerns about corruption within the NPA and the broader challenges President Tinubu faces in addressing such issues amidst his administration’s agenda.

Chaos erupted in Kenya on Tuesday as a part of the parliament building was set ablaze amidst large-scale protests against a new finance bill. Thousands of demonstrators, angry over the proposed taxes, stormed the parliament complex, forcing legislators to flee. This marks one of the most direct assaults on the Kenyan government in decades.

Journalists reported seeing at least three bodies outside the parliament complex after police opened fire on the protesters. The unrest quickly spread to other cities, reflecting deep-seated frustrations over the high cost of living in East Africa’s economic hub.

Protesters, primarily young people who had supported President William Ruto’s election with hopes for economic relief, demanded that lawmakers reject the new taxes. However, the bill was passed, leading to intense clashes. Opposition legislators who voted against the bill were allowed to leave the building, while those supporting it had to escape through a tunnel. The fire within the parliament was eventually extinguished.

One of the deceased protesters was seen wrapped in a Kenyan flag and carried away. The government has yet to comment on the incident, and internet service across the country has noticeably slowed. President Ruto, who was attending an African Union retreat outside Nairobi, is expected to sign the bill into law within two weeks.

The turmoil also affected the Nairobi governor’s office, which caught fire briefly. Smoke billowed from the building’s facade before police used water cannons to put out the flames. Protesters could be heard shouting, “We’re coming for every politician.”

Police responded with live ammunition and tear gas, targeting protesters seeking medical aid at a nearby church. Kenyatta National Hospital reported receiving 45 injured individuals, though it remains unclear if there were any fatalities.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared footage of police shooting at protesters, calling for accountability and urging President Ruto to immediately halt the violence. On Sunday, Ruto had attempted to quell tensions by praising the young protesters for exercising their democratic rights and promising to address their concerns.

Despite these assurances, the youth announced plans to hold the government accountable as prices for fuel, food, and other essentials continue to soar. Nairobi, a regional hub with significant expatriate and UN presence, has seen increasing inequality and longstanding frustrations over state corruption come to the fore.

The finance bill has united a large segment of the population against it, transcending the tribal divisions that have historically plagued Kenya. Many supporters of Ruto now feel betrayed by his policies. “I fell for his lies. Now I’m out here regretting why I voted for him,” said Oscar Saina, a young protester.

The unrest was not confined to Nairobi. In the western city of Nakuru, protesters attempted to storm the State House, while clashes were reported in the lakeside city of Kisumu. Mombasa’s governor joined protesters in his city, expressing solidarity with their cause. In Embu, ruling party offices were set on fire, and police confronted demonstrators in the streets of Nyeri.

One media outlet, KTN, reported receiving threats from authorities to cease coverage. Meanwhile, Catholic bishops urged police to refrain from attacking protesters and implored the government to heed the public’s outcry over the “unwarranted” taxes, highlighting the widespread suffering of Kenyan families.

The protests followed similar unrest last week, which resulted in two deaths. Civil society groups have warned of a severe crackdown as tensions continue to escalate.

Muhammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is facing renewed calls for his dismissal and prosecution over alleged involvement in corruption. These calls come despite previous dismissals of similar allegations by the House of Representatives committee on public petitions, which cleared him of a ₦178 billion debt accusation.

In December 2023, Bello-Koko appeared before a Senate panel of inquiry to clarify a ₦1 billion debt sum, which the Auditor General of the Federation’s report had flagged as unexplained. He also addressed concerns over $852,093,731.10 mentioned in the report, explaining that $232,354,156.43 of this amount had been recovered. Bello-Koko noted that the House Committee on Public Accounts had previously reviewed and cleared the NPA of any wrongdoing regarding these funds.

Despite these clarifications, a coalition of civil society organizations, Vanguard For New Nigeria (VNN), has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to sack and prosecute Bello-Koko. The VNN has cited multiple reports and allegations of corruption against Bello-Koko, including investigations by Premium Times and Sahara Reporters. These reports accuse Bello-Koko of hiding assets in offshore companies and being involved in fraud, as established by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The VNN expressed concern that these corruption scandals have deterred foreign investors from choosing Nigeria as a business destination. They criticized Bello-Koko for allegedly using political connections to avoid accountability, despite multiple invitations from the Senate.

President Tinubu now faces pressure to take decisive action in response to these allegations, balancing the need for accountability with the complexities of governance and political dynamics.

Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former Governor of Ogun State and current representative of Ogun East Senatorial District, has expressed concern over the low enlistment rate of people from the South-West of Nigeria into military and paramilitary services. During the “Dialogue with Journalists” event organized by the Ogun Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta, Daniel highlighted the region’s lag in numbers, particularly in the Navy and Police.

Daniel, also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy and a member of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, urged parents to stop discouraging their children from joining the military and paramilitary forces. He pointed out that the military, once considered a career for “miscreants” in the 1960s and 1970s, has produced leaders in both politics and the economy in Nigeria.

He stressed that those who joined the military before and after Nigeria’s independence in 1960 are now influential in the country’s affairs. Daniel called for a change in mindset, encouraging parents to motivate their children to pursue military careers, which he described as noble and full of opportunities. He noted the positive developments happening within the Nigerian Navy and urged the South-Western youth to take advantage of these opportunities.

Reflecting on his one-year tenure in the Senate, Daniel mentioned that he has presented 11 bills, including those on the College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Terminal Illness Trust Fund, Media Practitioners Registration Council, Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act. He is also a member of 14 other Senate Committees, actively contributing to various legislative efforts.

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.