Breaking! JAMB releases 2024 UTME results
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the release of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results. Over 1.94 million candidates registered and sat the examination in 118 towns and over 700 centres across the country. The Registrar of JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, announced the release of the results at a press conference held at the board’s headquarters, Bwari, in Abuja on Monday. Details later..
Governor Obaseki Announces N70, 000 New Minimum Wage
The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants in the state. The governor revealed this while commissioning the new Labour House in Edo state on Monday. According to him, the new wage comes into effect on May 1st, 2024. This is as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) battles the Federal Government over increasing the minimum wage to match increasing national inflation and skyrocketing food inflation. The inflation rate for March 2024 hit 33.2 per cent from 31.70 per cent in February, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Food inflation also rose to 31.7 per cent in March from 30 per cent in February.
WASSCE Announces Date To Commence Exams
The West African Examinations Council, Nigeria, has announced the commencement date for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates. The examination is scheduled to start on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, and will conclude on June 24, 2024. Dr Amos Dangut, the Head of the Nigeria Office at WAEC, made this declaration on Monday at the WAEC Lagos Office, affirming the council’s preparedness to administer the examination. He further specified that the examination period would span seven weeks and six days. Dangut said, “I am delighted to inform you that WASSCE for School Candidates, 2024 will take place between Tuesday, April 30 and Monday, June 24, 2024, in Nigeria, spanning seven weeks and six days. “The examination will be conducted in four WAEC member countries, namely: Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.” “We want to inform candidates of the council’s readiness to conduct WASSCE.” He added, “We are set for the conduct of WASSCE for School candidates in 2024 in Nigeria. The Council also, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, the State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police, other security agencies and other stakeholders, deliver, on its mandate to conduct credible examinations for the Nigerian Child and the general public. “We remain ever grateful to the Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, all the State Ministries of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and indeed, all our stakeholders, for their usual support and cooperation, even as we count on them once again.
Ex-terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu wants transfer from DSS custody to Kuje prison
Former terrorist negotiator, Mohammed Tukur Mamu, has asked Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, to transfer him out of the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS) to Kuje prison. The DSS, on March 21, 2023, arraigned him on 10 count charge of terrorism financing, among others. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022. At the resumption of his trial on Monday, Mamu through his counsel Abdul Mohammed SAN, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by DSS. In his motion on notice argued by Mohammed, the former terrorist negotiator claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS. Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the county. The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje prison. He promised regular attendance at the trial in the terrorism charges adding that he can only stand trial when alive. There was however a mild drama at the proceeding when a federal government lawyer, David Emmanuel Kaswe who was billed to respond to Mamu’s request suddenly disappeared in the court room without any excuse or notification . The situation forced the court to stand down the proceeding for over one hour but yet the prosecution counsel did not show up. Justice Ekwo who expressed shock over the attitude of the lawyer to the court said “Iam aware that the prosecution counsel was in this court room this morning. “The miracle of his disappearance is however beyond my understanding. This court stands on the side of justice and the antics of the prosecution will be tolerated for today’s proceeding only”. Justice Ekwo invoked the rule of the court and ordered that the processes filed by the lawyer against Mamu’s application be deemed adopted. The Judge subsequently fixed May 20 for ruling on whether to move the defendant out of DSS custody to Kuje prison or not.
Former PDP presidential aspirant dumps party
Dr Cosmos Ndukwe, a 2023 presidential aspirant of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has resigned his membership of the party. Ndukwe’s resignation was contained in a letter written by the former deputy speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, to the chairman of his Item C Ward in Bende Local Government Area, and copied to the state chairman of the party, Hon. Asiforo Okere; and the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum. Ndukwe, a former chief of staff to the governor and commissioner for works under ex-Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, cited personal reasons, current commitments and aspirations for his decision to quit the opposition party. He commended the party for giving him the platform to come to political limelight, and wished it success in the state. The letter, which was posted on his Facebook page on Monday morning reads: “I hope this letter finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I compose this correspondence to tender my resignation as a member and stakeholder in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State, effective immediately. “My decision to resign as a member within the party stems from personal reasons and reflections on my current commitments and aspirations. “After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that potting out of PDP is the best course of action for me at this time. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that the PDP has afforded me during my tenure as a Councillor, Deputy Chairman Local Government, Chief of Staff to Executive Governor of Abia State, Deputy Speaker Abia 6th House of Assembly and Presidential Aspirant PDP 2023. “Serving within the party has been a privilege, and I have valued the relationships I have built with fellow members, as well as the chance to contribute to the party’s objectives and ideals. “I want to express my appreciation to you, the Ward Executive Committee, and all members of the PDP Abia State for the support and camaraderie extended to me throughout my association with the party. “While I may be stepping away from my formal role, I remain committed to the principles of democracy and the progress of our great state Abia. “Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from all duties and responsibilities associated with my position as a member and stakeholder in the PDP Abia State. “I wish the PDP Abia State continued success in all its endeavors, and I extend my best wishes for the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and experiences.”
NNPCL Speaks On Fuel Scarcity Across Nigeria
Far short of advancing cogent reasons for sudden fall in supply of petroleum products nationwide, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Sunday, reacted to the scarcity of fuel by merely stating that the scarcity will soon abate. The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, in his reaction to the crisis, expressed optimism that the long queues will clear in the coming days, adding that NNPC Ltd has adequate stock. He said, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is a result of logistics issues and they have been resolved. “It also wishes to reiterate that prices of petroleum products are not changing. It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there are sufficient products in the country.” Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Clement Isong, said, “As the NNPC Ltd said, there were logistics issues and they have been resolved. The marketers who have fuel, are working round the clock and the queues will be cleared in the coming days.” However, the shortage of petrol witnessed in Nasarawa, Niger, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, last week, spread to Lagos, Oyo, Osun and other states, weekend, thus affecting the movement of goods and persons and by extension, the nation’s economy. In Lagos, motorists and other users woke up yesterday to witness long queues at the few filling stations which had the product to sell, while many outlets belonging mostly to independent marketers, without the product, were closed. However, some major marketers, including 11 Plc and NNPC Ltd, with stocks sold the product at over N600 per litre, while the few independent marketers with the product sold it at between N650 and N700 per litre, depending on location.
Tinubu govt lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenge – Suswam
Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, said the government of President Bola Tinubu can not change Nigeria’s economic fortunes. Suswam made this statement in an interview on Channels Television. He said the Tinubu administration can not take the country out of the economic woe inflicted by his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari. “Well, it’s rather unfortunate right from the Buhari Government where the mantra of ‘Change’ was the singsong. Unfortunately, people didn’t ask what kind of change he was bringing into governance. Is it positive change or negative change? “What we experienced under those eight years were what dovetailed into what we’re experiencing today because whatever foundation that was built by the PDP was completely destroyed by that (Buhari) government. “We now began a journey to the abyss. The state of the nation, economically, is nothing to talk about, it’s unfortunate that the current (Tinubu) leadership does not have what it takes to change the economic fortunes of this country,” he said. According to him, the removal of petrol subsidy, floating of the naira, and an increase in electricity tariff, among other policies, is evident that the government is out to make things worse for the Nigerian masses.
NNPCL refuses FOI request on staff, Asabe Waziri over multi-million naira property In Abuja, Lagos …says personal details of staff not discloseable
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has turned down a Freedom Of Information, FOl, request on regarding employment status and alleged multi-million naira property acquisition by a staff of the company, Ms. Asabe Waziri. In its reply, the company said the personal inflation of nuts staff is not discloseable. NNPCL, through its counsel, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, in its reply dated April 22, 2024 to an FOI request by Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, said, “Accordingly, we regret our client’s inability to accede to your demand for the requested information. Our client, with this, outrightly rejects your request.” In the FOI request, HURIWA had sought to know the following: The current employment status of Ms. Waziri with NNPC Limited, including her position, department, and any relevant employment records, her salaries and benefits date of enlistment with any records indicating her length of service. Other information sought by HURIWA include, acquisition of property: clarification on how Ms. Waziri, as a public servant, allegedly acquired two units of residential property (specifically, units 3B and 3C, Abbey Signature Apartments, 1 Mekong Close, Maitama Abuja FCT) valued at N260 million and the verification of the allegation that Ms. Waziri made a purchase of a prized housing asset in Lagos and information regarding any additional actions or disciplinary measures taken by NNPCL. In its response, the company said, “Having reviewed your request, we invite you to please note that our client has ceased to be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2011 (FOIA) following the coming into force of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, by which the erstwhile Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (the Corporation), which was a public institution, transited to a limited liability company upon the registration of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. Thus, our client is not obligated to respond to demands for information under the FOIA. Be that as it may, our client highlights the following in the interest of due process and transparency: i. The information listed as items 1 to 4 are exempted from the application of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. Section 14 (1)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 reads: “…a public institution must deny an application for information that contains .ersonal in ormation and in ormation exem ted under this subsection includes – @) -ersonnel ‘les and 22 onal in ormation maintained with res .. ct to employees, appointees or elected officials of any public institution or applicants for such positions,” “As information regarding the salaries, salary scale, benefits, benefits package, additional compensation from our client, date of enlistment position, department, acquisition of property, and any relevant employment records are employees‘ personal information in personnel files, our client must deny your request. “Furthermore, information regarding any additional actions or disciplinary measures taken by our client concerning its staff is not disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2011. Please see Section 12 (1) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which prohibits the release of information in relation to records compiled by the institution for administrative enforcement proceedings or internal matters. It provides that: “12. (1) A public institution may deny an application for any information which contains(a) Records compiled by any public institution for administrative enforcement proceedings and by any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes or for internal matters of a public institution…” “As our client is not a party to the alleged suit(s) and dispute between Ms Waziri, Abbey Signature Limited, or any other person, it will not get involved in any matter(s) arising from or connected to the dispute.”
Guinness Nigeria reports N62bn loss despite price hikes
Despite the hikes in prices of it’s products, Guinness Nigeria has reported a loss of N61.7 billion for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to a profit of N5.9 billion in the same period of 2023 despite an increase in price. The brewer recorded 28 per cent growth in revenue to N220.3 billion compared to N172.5 billion in the same period last year. The Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Adebayo Alli, who expressed this said that, while the current macroeconomic environment will continue to present challenges, “I am confident in the resilience of our business and our ability to navigate the volatility.” “Our focus remains steadfast on innovation and stepping up operational excellence to meet our consumers’ evolving tastes and preferences. “Furthermore, the company intensified its focus on consumer engagement and trade support, leveraging its digital platforms. Notably, categories such as non-alcoholic malt, ready-to-serve beverages, and international premium spirits witnessed substantial revenue growth, underscoring the effectiveness of these strategies,” he said. Recall that earlier in May, Guinness Nigeria implemented a price increase on all its products, which was ascribed to the rising cost of production and cost of doing business. It said in a notice titled, “Price Increase by Guinness Nigeria Plc – Selected Brands,” which was signed by its Ag. commercial director, Olusanya Adesanya, that the new range of prices would take effect from today. “Following the prevailing economic realities which have impacted significantly on the costs of our production materials and cost of doing business, this is to inform you that we plan to take a price increase on selected SKUs in our Beer and MSS category,” Guinness Nigeria said. “This new price structure will be effective from Wednesday, March 13, 2024, (Go-Live date), and further details will be communicated subsequently,” it said. Guinness further told its customers to, “please note the following conditions regarding the price increase. Maximum purchase volume before price increase at old pricing is capped at one-week depletion subject to stock availability. Affected products are Guinness Stout, Guinness FES, Guinness Smooth, Malta Guinness, Dubic Malt, Smirnoff Ice, Orijin, Orijin Bitters, Gordon’s Pink Berry, Gordon’s Sunset Orange, Gordon’s Moringa Citrus, Smirnoff X1 Smooth and Choco, Captain Morgan and Orijin Herbal Gin. Guinness price of about N500 now sells for N800 and N900, indicating 80 per cent increase. Big stout retails N1000 from N700, which is a 43 per cent increase. Trophy’s price increased by 40 per cent to N700 from N500 while Guilder retails N1000 from N600, indicating 67 per cent increase. Guinness Nigeria, a Nigerian-based subsidiary of Diageo Plc of the United Kingdom, was incorporated in 1962 with the building of a brewery in Ikeja. The brewery was the first Guinness operation outside Ireland and Great Britain. Other breweries have been opened over time: Ogba brewery in 1963 and Benin City brewery.
Missing’ $2.04bn, N164bn oil revenues: SERAP sues NNPC Ltd
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to court over the “failure to account for the alleged missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues. This is following the allegations contained in a recently published 2020, audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation(AGF). According to the report, the NNPC failed to remit the money into the Federation Account, adding that the money may have been diverted. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/549/2024, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the NNPC to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues, as documented in report by the Auditor-General. SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to compel the NNPC to hand over suspected perpetrators to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution. It also praying for an order of mandamus to compel the NNPC to ensure the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion into the Federation Account. As well as an order of mandamus to compel the NNPC to ensure the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion into the Federation Account. In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “There is a legitimate public interest in providing the details sought. The NNPC has a legal responsibility to account for and explain the whereabouts of the disappeared money.” “The missing oil revenues have further damaged the already precarious economy in the country and contributed to high levels of deficit spending by the government.” It posited that, “Without the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues, the dire economic situation may worsen and Nigerians will continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services.” “the Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of public funds from the NNPC. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing oil revenues.” The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: “The alleged missing oil revenues reflect a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. “The NNPCL reportedly failed and/or refused to remit N151,121,999,966. The NNPCL without any justification deducted the money from the oil royalties assessed for 2020 by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). “The NNPCL has failed to account for the missing public funds. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted into the Federation Account. “The NNPCL also failed to remit USD$19,774,488.15 collected as government revenue into the Federation Account. The Auditor-General wants the NNPCL to account for the money, recover and remit it into the Federation Account, and to hand over those suspected to be involved to the ICPC and the EFCC. “The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for USD$2,021,411,877.47 and N13,313,565,786.49 of royalties collected from crude oil and gas sales and gas flare. “The Auditor-General wants the public funds fully recovered and remitted into the Federation Account and for those suspected to be responsible for the missing public funds to be handed over to the ICPC and the EFCC. “Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators. “SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” “Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good. “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] imposes clear responsibility on the NNPCL to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. “Paragraph 3112(ii) of the he Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handled over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). “Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the NNPCL to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected. Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.