The House of Representatives is to investigate the disbursement and utilisation of the N200 billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs)

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo (LP-Anambra) made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, adding that a 19-member committee had been inaugurated for the purpose.

He said that the main objective of the committee was to carry out an investigation on the programme earmarked for 2020, to enable the Licensed Electricity Distribution Companies provide electricity meters free for Nigerian electricity consumers. 

According to him, it is on record that NMMP was introduced in 2020 by CBN in collaboration with Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and other key stakeholders in Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He explained that the aim was to help manage conflicts between energy users and distribution companies and to facilitate the elimination of arbitrary billing, closing metering gaps, and improving network monitoring within NESI.

The rep said that the programme was to be implemented in three phases to ensure the reduction of collection losses and improve market remittances in the industry.

“Under the pilot phase of the programme’s implementation, CBN commenced with the sum of N59.280 billion for procurement and installation of one million meters in 2020 at an interest rate of 9 per cent after a two year moratorium.

“Preliminary research on the NMMP has shown that instead of the pronounced amount of N59.280 billion naira for the phase 0, what was released was N55.4 billion for procurement and installation of 962,832 meters instead of one million meters pronounced by CBN.

“Research has also shown that what the eleven Electricity Distribution Companies who received the loan has paid back to CBN as refund for the N54.4 billion they received in 2020 without mentioning the 9 per cent interest on the loan.

“This calls for explanation as to how the fund managers handled the NMMP for national interest. 

“Also of concern the phase 1 of the NMMP which CBN and Deposit Money Banks (DMBS) were to fund for procurement and installation of 1,500,000 meters, as well as, the phase 2 of NMMP which the World Bank was to fund for procurement and installation of 4,000,000 meters has not been addressed.

“Having considered the effect of the above situation on the nation’s economic and social development, as well as transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, the house relying on its powers contained in Sections 88(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, decided to set up Sub – Committee to investigate the disbursement and utilisation of the N200 billion naira CBN loan for NMMP to DISCOs,” he said.

Members of the committee include, Rep. Obed Shehu, Rep. Ali Shettima, Rep. Abel Fuah, Rep. Salisu Koko, Rep. Ahmed Munir, Rep. Sani Umar Bala, Rep. Gbefwi Jonathan, Rep. Abdulmaleek Danga, Rep. Chinedu Obika and . Rep. Okunlola Lanre.

Others are Rep. Abass Adekunle, Rep. Akinosi Akanni, Rep. Obuzor Victor, Rep. Peter Akpanke, Rep. Ngozi Lawrence. Rep. Ogah Amobi Godwin, Rep. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye among others.

More than 60,000 Nigerian teachers, working in public and private schools, will, during a Teachers Conference in Lagos gather to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of teachers in one location.

Disclosing this at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, the Director of Strategic Partnerships, 1 Million Teachers, Oluwaseyi Anifowose, said the conference is slated for September 20 at the Tafawa Balewa Square(TBS) in Lagos.

Anifowose who is the convener, said the event is tagged:  Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025,  while the theme is: Teachers’ matter: Celebrating the role of teachers in enhancing quality education.

In the preparations for the event, he said the Lagos State Government, not only approved of the event, but is supporting it.

“The Lagos State Government has expressed support for the event and approved the attendance of all public school teachers, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT and other associations and stakeholders in the sector are involved.”

Anifowose added: “Over 60,000 teachers will gather at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos to celebrate their role, reaffirm their commitment and make history. We are proud to announce that the event will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of teachers in one location.

“This is not just about breaking records, it’s about breaking barriers. It’s about challenging the status quo, disambiguating societal perception, and raising the bar and a new banner for teachers in Nigeria. It’s about raising a new generation of teachers that can illuminate the mind, inspire change and transform generations, one child at a time.”

He added that it will also feature keynote speeches from the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa and other national and  international education leaders, and a “call to action” communique for a teacher-led education policy reform.

Anifowose who commended teachers for their pivotal roles in the society, said he became a teacher by choice, not by accident or because of having no other thing to do.

Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of 1 Million Teachers (1MT) Prof. Hakeem Subair, reiterated his commitment to creating a world with enough high-quality teachers to ensure all children can access proper education. 

Head of Growth, Edusko, Sola Adeola, described the conference as a celebration of the transformative power of teachers. 

Teachers groups and associations in both private and public schools are expected at the gathering.

The issue of wage review beyond the national minimum wage has become a trending discourse within the Labour movement, especially because of the increasing rate of inflation even before the implementation of the N70 000 new national minimum wage.

During May Day, it was also strident in the joint statement of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively.

In a chat with Ajaero after the May Day celebration, he gives insight into this issue among others, hinting that the issue of cost of living allowance will be next battle with the government and employers.

During the May Day celebration, NLC and TUC were loud on their demand for wage review. What informed this demand few months after a new national minimum wage?

When we went for the negotiations of the new national minimum wage , we had in mind that we were going to get a clear agreement based on the cost of living. But we met a government team that was unprepared.

We asked how much of the N70,000 they wanted to pay would go towards transport? What about basic needs? How much is housing? We tabulated the costs of cooking gas, a bag of rice, and other essentials. The government team didn’t have any response. At that time, the situation was biting seriously, and we insisted on a living wage.

In the end, we didn’t get it. We wanted to benchmark it against inflation. If inflation increases, the wage should adjust automatically. But they still refused.

So, after a national strike, numerous protests, and an agreement with the President that if we accepted N70,000, they would not increase the pump price (which they reneged on), we reluctantly accepted the N70,000. Now, the value of that N70,000 has been completely eroded.

Even the wage award they gave as relief has stopped. You can see that we have every right to demand a cost of living allowance to address our current situation.

These are some of the things we are going to raise. If you look at the money they made from the so-called removal of the subsidy, the president has acknowledged that the money now goes to the governors. But the governors don’t seem to be doing anything with it. In some states, they are not even paying wages.

We have every reason to demand wage awards or some form of relief. This has happened before, where people were given foodstuffs, like rice, just to survive. It’s not a matter of right or wrong. The economy is in a dire state, and it is hurting the people.

Why did organised Labour choose “Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardship” as theme for this year’s May Day celebration?

The question should have been, “If not this theme, what else?” If you look at the issues surrounding this theme—civic space and the economy—there is hardly anyone in this country, even outside the labour circle, who isn’t concerned about the economy.

These days, market women can give you a clear analysis of the rate of the dollar. Sometimes, you ask yourself, “Does the dollar affect the sale of amala and vegetables?”

It shows the extent to which they have tried to understand what is happening with our economy. You can no longer predict the price of any product until you get to the market.

The dynamics keep changing, inflation is rising, and Nigerians are suffering. As a labour leader, you get these complaints on an hourly basis, depending on what is happening. There is no way we could mark May Day without discussing the economy and insecurity. They are two key issues affecting our operations today.

Then there is the civic space. It is like when you beat a child and tell him or her not to cry. When the economy is haunting us, we need to shout out, to speak out. But when we cry out, we are met with threats and attacks if we go to the civic space to talk.

This is similar to what happened during the anti-Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) protests. The Head of State then, General Ibrahim Babangida, said there was no alternative to SAP, and we told him there was an alternative.

Some of us were at the National Arts Theatre Iganmu, and other locations, providing alternatives. There was a debate that defeated him, although he still introduced SAP. Anytime there is a strong economic policy, especially one dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank, the people will resist.

If the civic space is compressed, it becomes a problem. That is the hallmark of democracy. When economic policies affect people, they will voice out.

During that time, I was in the Student Union Movement. It was the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that resisted SAP. It got to the point where Labour was emasculated and dissolved, and NANS was strong. When their (students) parents were suffering, it affected the students.

That was when protests erupted in places like University of Binin, UNIBEN, Ahmadu Bello University ABU, and other universities. Babangida came out and called it a civilian coup. He then announced he would create one million jobs. He created Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery, MAMSA, Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructures, DIFRI, Peoples Bank, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, and even Road Safety in response to what NANS and others did.

But today, in a democracy, when people want to protest in Abuja, the police come out and say you cannot protest, even shooting at unarmed citizens. That is not how democracy works. When economic policies are too harsh, people usually protest. Many protests and reactions are tied to the economy.

If you look at the 1929 Aba Women Riot, it stemmed from the fear of taxation. There was an insinuation that the colonial masters wanted to tax even domestic animals. That made the women protest, saying this would not happen.

Though some Eurocentric historians now call it the Aba Women Riot, it was actually a protest that spread across various areas. When harsh economic policies are implemented, the people will resist.

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has revealed that over 1.6 million bags of onions are informally traded to neighbouring countries annually without being reflected in Nigeria’s official export statistics.

This is as the NEPC and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin systematic data capturing of informal cross-border trade activities across the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Abuja, the executive director/CEO of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said the partnership marks a strategic turning point in Nigeria’s effort to grow its non-oil exports by formally recognising and recording the value of trade in the informal sector.

The agreement aims to establish a framework for capturing data from Nigeria’s vast informal cross-border trade sector

According to Ayeni, the figure, cited from the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), reflects onion exports to countries including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Niger Republic—none of which are captured in formal trade records. 

“Existing trade data primarily capture activities within the formal sector, offering limited visibility into informal export trade transactions, despite their significant volume and economic impact,” Ayeni said. “In 2024 alone, formal export records show that 7.291 million metric tons of non-oil products valued at $5.456 billion were exported from Nigeria. This figure excludes data from the informal trade segment.”

Ayeni emphasised that informal trade, often carried out across Nigeria’s porous land borders, is far from trivial. Rather, it forms a critical part of the nation’s trade reality, supporting livelihoods, strengthening regional supply chains, and contributing meaningfully to the economy.

“Informal export trade represents millions of dollars in goods and services that have remained largely outside our official records,” she said.

“Data collected by NEPC state offices across major corridors in Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Lagos, Ogun, and Adamawa reveal transactions valued at over $31.8 million in some months of 2024 alone.”

She further cited a report from the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), which indicated that over 1.6 million bags of onions were traded informally to neighbouring countries including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Congo, and Niger Republic.

“These impressive achievements are not captured in the national export statistics, and that has real implications for our economic planning,” Ayeni said. “It weakens Nigeria’s voice in regional and global trade negotiations. It also denies informal traders—particularly women, youth, and MSMEs—the recognition and support they need to thrive.”

She described the MoU as a targeted intervention to correct this imbalance by capturing the full scope of Nigeria’s export activity, including informal trade flows that are vital to inclusive economic growth.

In his remarks, the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, described the partnership as a critical response to one of the most pressing gaps in Nigeria’s trade data architecture.

“The signing of this MoU demonstrates the strong spirit of collaboration required to tackle the persistent challenge of capturing and integrating data from informal trade and trade in services into our national statistical system,” he said.

Adeniran warned that failure to capture informal trade data undermines the integrity of macroeconomic indicators and weakens evidence-based policymaking. “Traditional trade statistics have focused on formal, large-scale transactions while overlooking the vibrancy of informal trade routes. This must be corrected if we are to align our economic statistics with reality,” he said.

He noted that across Sub-Saharan Africa, informal trade accounts for 20 to 40 per cent of intra-African commerce, with Nigeria playing a central role due to its extensive land borders and regional trading links.

“These are not just gaps in data; they represent gaps in our understanding of economic life and the well-being of millions of Nigerians,” Adeniran said.

According to him, the collaboration with NEPC offers a timely opportunity to build institutional capacity, develop smarter data strategies, and support the formalization of the informal sector. He noted that capturing this data would also facilitate better food security policies, more accurate monitoring of regional integration, and targeted support for small businesses.

“This initiative will position Nigeria as a regional leader in trade statistics,” he added. “It will help us identify new economic opportunities and foster inclusive economic growth by bringing visibility to previously undocumented trade.”

Both agencies committed to deploying advanced data collection tools, conducting grassroots-level engagement, and working with development partners to ensure the success of the initiative.

Many Nigerians appear to have scaled back their internet usage following a steep 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025, new data has shown.

Figures from the NCC indicate that internet consumption dropped from a record 1 million terabytes (TB) in January to 893,054.80 TB in February, a significant decline that coincided with the implementation of the new pricing regime. Although data usage picked up again in March to 995,876.10 TB, it still fell short of January’s total.

The tariff increase, which took effect on January 20, raised the floor price for several services. The cost of voice calls jumped from ₦6.40 to ₦9.60 per minute, SMS from ₦4 to ₦6, and 1GB of data from ₦287.50 to ₦431.25.

It marked the first major adjustment in telecom pricing in over a decade, as operators had long argued that rising inflation, forex shortages, and energy costs were eroding their margins.

While the dip in February could be partially attributed to typical seasonal trends, data usage also declined in February of both 2023 and 2024, analysts say the size of the drop this year points to a deeper consumer response to rising costs.

IT Expert, Jide Awe said, “Consumers are very sensitive to price changes in data and telecom services. A 50 per cent increase in such a short time will likely prompt a behavioural shift, especially among low- and middle-income users who form the bulk of the market.”

Despite the decline in usage, the tariff increase has proven lucrative for operators. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom provider with 90.49 million subscribers, reported a record ₦529.44 billion in data revenue for the first quarter of 2025.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate continued momentum in service revenue, underpinned by strong demand for data and a proactive approach to customer value management,” said Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria.

He added that the price adjustment is expected to further bolster revenue in the coming quarters.

Meanwhile, mobile subscriptions continued to grow. Total active mobile lines rose to 172.43 million in Q1 2025, while mobile internet subscriptions reached 142.05 million. Broadband penetration also increased to 47.73 per cent, signaling continued expansion of digital infrastructure—even as cost pressures test user engagement.

The coming months may determine whether Nigerians adapt to the higher telecom rates or begin cutting back further. For now, the data suggests that while telecom companies are seeing financial gains, many everyday users are making tough choices about how they connect.

A plume of thick black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signaling that the cardinals locked inside have not yet chosen a new pope in their first round of voting.

The signal came roughly three hours and 15 minutes after 133 cardinals from around 70 countries cast their initial ballots in the secretive conclave. Their gathering follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years.

As tradition dictates, the cardinals were sequestered from the outside world, surrendering their mobile phones, while all electronic communications in and around the Vatican were jammed to preserve the confidentiality of the proceedings.

Crowds packed into St. Peter’s Square, many staring up at large screens streaming the day’s solemn rituals including a live feed of the chapel’s chimney and occasional glimpses of wildlife perched nearby. Some disappointed spectators left after hours of waiting, but those who remained erupted in cheers when smoke finally emerged, even though its color confirmed no decision had been made.

The conclave will resume Thursday, with cardinals set to vote again. The process will continue until one among them receives the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes to become the next pope.

(Al Jazeera)

Former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to tender all the statements he made during his interrogation before the court.

Naija News understands that Idris is facing trial on a 14-count charge alongside Geoffrey Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and the company Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited, at a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama.

All the defendants in the case have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Idris, who was arrested on May 16, 2022, over allegations of funds diversion and money laundering, claimed that the EFCC has not presented all the statements he made during their investigation.

The presiding judge, Halilu Yusuf, has ordered a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements should be admitted as evidence.

The counsel to Idris, Chris Uche, accused the EFCC of misleading his client, claiming that the agency had assured him no trial would take place if he provided information implicating a former finance minister and certain governors.

Idris, in turn, urged the court to reject his confessional statements, arguing that they were obtained under duress and in violation of sections 15(4) and 17(1)(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. He emphasised that his lawyers were not present during the interrogations and that the sessions were not recorded.

In response, Hayatudeen Suleiman, one of the lead investigators for the EFCC, denied the allegations made by Idris’ legal team.

The prosecution presented 13 of Idris’ 16 statements as evidence in the case, but Idris insisted that three key statements were not included.

He explained that these statements, which were made on June 10, 2022, June 27, 2022, and July 5, 2022, were dictated to him by EFCC investigators without the presence of his legal counsel.

Idris told the court, “Apart from the 13 statements brought to court by EFCC, I made a total of 16 statements on different days in the course of the investigation.”

He further revealed that the statements were dictated to him, and he was not allowed to write any cautionary words, contrary to what the EFCC has alleged.

“None of my written statements were video recorded by my interrogators,” he added, pointing out the lack of documentation in the process.

The trial continued on Wednesday, with Idris providing details of his interactions with the EFCC. The judge adjourned the matter to July 17 for the prosecution to begin cross-examining the former AGF.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles celebrated their 100th match in the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-2 draw against Kenya.

The match, which took place in Cairo on Wednesday, helped the Flying Eagles secure a second place in Group B and qualify them for the quarter-finals.

During the under-20 AFCON encounter, Kenya made the game very challenging for the Flying Eagles as they had to fight back after trailing twice.

The contest started with excitement when Kenya surprised Nigeria in the sixth minute, with Kévin Injehu converting a penalty awarded after Emmanuel Chukwu was penalized for a handball.

Although this early setback momentarily rattled the Flying Eagles, they quickly regained their composure. Just seven minutes later, Kparobo Arierhi leveled the score with a well-timed finish after receiving a precise through ball from Simon Cletus.

The first half featured a competitive exchange, with both teams creating opportunities. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu made impressive saves to deny Aldrine Kibet on two occasions, while Ezekiel Kpangu’s shot at the other end was thwarted in added time.

After the halftime break, tactical adjustments were made by both teams to take control. Kenya reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute through substitute William Gitama, who scored from close range following a clever delivery from Humphrey Obina.

Nigeria responded almost immediately; Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box just four minutes later, enabling captain Daniel Bameyi to convert the penalty and equalize at 2-2.

In the final stages, Nigeria maintained relentless pressure, exhibiting strong ball possession and creating several scoring opportunities.

Despite several attempts from Divine Oliseh, Tahir Maigana, and Mendos, they were unable to find the back of the net, largely due to Kenyan goalkeeper Andres Omondi’s impressive performance.

The draw ultimately allowed Nigeria to finish second in Group B with five points, just behind Morocco, who topped the table with seven points following a 3-1 victory over Tunisia.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians to avoid consuming too much salt following a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome encouraged increased salt intake.

Oyakhilome, president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), claimed in the video that Africans are intentionally discouraged from using salt to promote sales of sodium-based medications.

Reacting to the cleric’s claims, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, laba Balogun on Wednesday, emphasised that while sodium as a key component of salt is essential for body functions, it must be consumed in moderation.

The ministry’s statement reads: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption. While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.

“Salt is not the enemy. Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions such as nerve activity, muscle movement, and fluid balance. However, the concern lies in excessive consumption, not in salt itself. In line with global best practices, the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Government recommend a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoonful). Going beyond this threshold increases the risk of preventable disease and death.

“Research shows that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake. This excessive intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease—non-communicable conditions that continue to claim thousands of lives annually.

“To address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy. This includes the launch of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, which aim to reduce sodium content across all food categories—from processed and packaged foods to meals prepared at home or sold in restaurants and by street vendors. This initiative mandates food manufacturers, regulators, and the public in lowering sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.

“We wish to state clearly: Doctors do not lie. Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care. The presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately.”

The ministry reaffirmed that faith and science are not at odds—they can and should work together for the well-being of our people.

“We therefore urge Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the Ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases,” the ministry urged.

All occupants of an 18-seater bus plying the Itobe/ Ochadamu road in Kogi East Senatorial district have been abducted.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened around 5pm on Tuesday when the fully loaded Hummer Toyota bus with registration number LAM 979 LG was hijacked at Ajegwu before Ochadamu and all occupants were taken into the bush.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the kidnappers intercepted the vehicle just behind his car and marched the bus occupants into the bush.

When contacted, the state police public relations officer, SP William Aya, said the command was still compiling information from the DPO in charge of the area.

He promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as he gets the details of the incident.