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 Senate concerns over a hefty budget allocation for Ajaokuta Steel Company, a woman accused of murdering her husband in the FCT, a rejection of the IGP’s proposal for confined protests, and a Lagos High Court’s restriction on protest locations.
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1. Senate questions N4.2 billion budget for Ajaokuta steel company: On Tuesday, the Senate criticized the N4.2 billion allocated in the 2024 budget for personnel costs at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, citing concerns about the unverifiable number of employees.
2. Woman allegedly murders husband, dumps body in uncompleted building: Rahimat Salaum has been accused of killing her husband and abandoning his body in an unfinished building in Pegi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.
3. #EndBadGovernance protest organisers reject IGP’s proposal for confined protests: Organisers of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 have rejected Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s proposal to limit protests to specific locations and avoid street rallies.
4. Lagos High Court limits protest locations to two parks: Lagos High Court ruled on Tuesday that if protest organisers proceed with their plans in Lagos, they must restrict their demonstrations to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu. Justice Emmanuel Ogundare issued the restriction following an application by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro.
5. Nigeria suspends import duties on essential food items: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Tuesday that import duties on essential food items have been suspended. This move is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to reduce food costs. Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi stated that the measure aims to make food more affordable for Nigerians.
6. EFCC questions NAHCON chairman over Hajj fund mismanagement: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogated Malam Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Tuesday regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds from this year’s Hajj exercise. Arabi was questioned about the N90 billion subsidy expenditure.
7. Vice-President Shettima appeals for support of President Tinubu’s administration: Vice-President Kashim Shettima called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, affirming that the President is committed to the welfare of the people. Shettima addressed concerns that Tinubu is anti-north or anti-Islam.
8. Nasarawa Police arrest 11 suspected kidnappers, 13 robbery suspects: The Nasarawa State police command has detained 11 suspected kidnappers for allegedly terrorizing residents in Nunku and Masaka, as well as 13 robbery suspects in Karu Local Government Area (LGA).
9. Yobe State closes schools ahead of August 1 hardship protests: The Yobe State Government has announced the closure of all primary and secondary schools in anticipation of the nationwide hardship protests scheduled for August 1, 2024. The memo, issued by the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, was signed by Director of Schools Management Bukar M Modu.
10. Aviation minister orders grounding of Arik Air over $2.5 million debt: Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has ordered the grounding of Arik Air due to a court ruling on a $2.5 million debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd., causing disruptions for many passengers.