Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including an indefinite university shutdown by non-academic staff, controversy over IMF’s stance on fuel subsidy removal, and a significant drug bust by NDLEA. Other key stories include concerns about VP Shettima’s safety, a $280 million clean energy investment by Dangote Cement, and the rescue mission for a helicopter wreckage in Rivers State.
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1. University non-academic staff to commence indefinite shutdown today: The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced an indefinite strike beginning today. This action will disrupt activities across universities nationwide as the unions demand improved working conditions and remuneration.
2. NLC slams IMF over petrol subsidy denial: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for denying any role in Nigeria’s recent fuel subsidy removal. NLC argues that the IMF’s stance is typical of its history of promoting strict economic measures in developing nations, which it claims have adverse impacts on the population.
3. NDLEA rejects N10m bribe, seizes drugs worth over N16 billion: The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that its operatives refused a N10 million bribe to release a suspect in Lagos, Tsolaye Eburajolo. Alongside his arrest, the NDLEA confiscated millions of tramadol pills and hundreds of thousands of codeine-based syrup bottles, valued at over N16 billion in total.
4. Aviation minister addresses industry’s high mortality rate: Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that over 100 Nigerian airlines have folded in the last 40 years due to industry challenges. He promised that the current administration is committed to creating a sustainable environment to prevent further closures.
5. Peter Obi decries prolonged power outages in northern, eastern states: Former presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed deep concern over ongoing power outages affecting regions across Nigeria, particularly the North, East, and South-South. Obi, voicing his dismay on social media, highlighted the severe impact of the blackouts on residents and local businesses.
6. Borno speaker raises alarm over VP’s “faulty” aircraft: Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has raised concerns about Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s safety, citing issues with the presidential aircraft he uses. Lawan has urged the government to provide Shettima with a new, safer aircraft for his official engagements.
7. Dangote Cement invests over $280 million in clean energy fleet: Dangote Cement has announced a $280 million investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology and infrastructure, establishing the largest fleet of CNG trucks in Nigeria. This move aligns with President Tinubu’s vision to promote cheaper, cleaner energy for the country.
8. Presidency dismisses “T-Pain” nickname as mischief: The Presidency has responded to the “T-Pain” nickname that has circulated on social media, labeling it as mere mischief. Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the nickname is not a concern, emphasizing that the government is focused on Nigeria’s recovery and growth.
9. NSIB deploys ROV to recover helicopter wreckage in Rivers State: The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to locate the wreckage of a Sikorsky 76c helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean last week. The ROV will assist in retrieving key components like the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.
10. Anglican priest abducted in Anambra State: Anglican Archdeacon Ven. David Arinze Ajaefobi was reportedly kidnapped by unidentified individuals on Saturday night in Awkuzu, Anambra State. The abduction of the priest, who serves in the Oyi Central Archdeaconry, has raised concern among residents and church members.
