The Federal High Court in Kaduna has discharged three #EndBadGovernance protesters—Usman Isa Adebayo, Salihu Shuaibu, and Khalid Aminu—who had been detained for over two months.

Recall that on October 4, 2024, the trio had filed a motion for bail. At the hearing on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the court ruled in their favor, striking out the charges against them due to a lack of evidence.

The prosecutor for the Department of State Services (DSS) moved to withdraw the charges, prompting the presiding judge to dismiss the case.

“Khalid, Usman, and Salihu have been discharged. The DSS prosecutor applied to withdraw the charges against them, and the judge struck out the case for lack of evidence,” a source close to the case confirmed to SaharaReporters.

Although the activists are currently completing necessary administrative procedures, they are expected to return home shortly.

The protesters were initially arraigned by the DSS under the administration of President Bola Tinubu on two counts of criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly, in violation of Section 70 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C.28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.

The charges stemmed from their participation in an “End Bad Governance” protest on August 4, 2024. During the protest, the defendants were accused of inciting public disorder by mobilizing crowds through loud music, chanting, and displaying flags and headbands perceived to undermine national cohesion.

Reacting to the court’s decision, #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore took to his X account, praising the discharge. “Today, after 75 days of unjust incarceration, the lawless @OfficialDSSNG withdrew its illegal charges against Khalid Aminu (@KHALYD16) before the Federal High Court in Kaduna,” Sowore wrote. “The judge has struck out the case, and Khalid is expected to rejoin his family soonest. Special thanks to Khalid’s father for his steadfastness and to @ShehuSani for his unwavering support.”

The Organized Labour has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his approval of ₦85,000 minimum wage for Lagos State employees.

The Labour union expected that the minimum wage for Lagosians would exceed ₦100,000, considering the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding.

It, however, acknowledged that Sanwo-Olu took a step in the right direction.

“We were expecting nothing less than N100,000 but, at least it is a step in the right direction,” the labour union stated.

Naija News reports that Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced that the minimum wage for civil servants in the state is ₦85,000.

The Governor announced this during an interview with Channels Television.

He said, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is ₦85,000 today.

“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.

“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.

“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to ₦100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage.”

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, Labor representatives characterized the endorsement as a significant and positive move.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sessi, remarked that the new minimum wage approved for Lagos workers is a timely and encouraging development given the nation’s current economic challenges.

Sessi noted that the union had anticipated a minimum wage exceeding N85,000, considering the unique circumstances within the state.

“The state governor knows the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding; the workers and Lagosians pay more on all these.

“We were expecting nothing less than ₦100,000 but at least it is a step in the right direction.

“We are expecting a massive infrastructure provision in the state; there should be an alternative to road transportation,“ she said.

The chairman urged the government to ensure security and protection of lives on waterways.

“Recently, there was an accident that happened where two boats collided at night, and we lost lives. If people are sure of getting to their destinations safely, they will like to take alternatives to the road,” Sessi noted.

Also, Ishola Adejumo, the Chairman of Radio, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, also commended the governor for the approval.

He described the cost of living in Lagos as very high, saying that there was a need for a commensurate wage.

“The ₦85,000 minimum wage is a welcome development and very much anticipated.

“This is a state that sets the pace for other states in Nigeria; the centre of excellence, land of aquatic splendour, a cosmopolitan state, the economic hub of this country.

“Therefore, people who work in Lagos deserve a better wage because they spend more compared to other states,” he said.

Adejumo urged the governor to sustain the tempo in other areas.

“The governor should sustain the BRT subsidy and all other measures that will bring succour and happiness to the working people of Lagos.

“We congratulate him and thank him,” he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, will take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December 2024 and 2026.

Abubakar made this known at the second biannual meeting with Branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that NAF had successfully inducted 12 aircraft into its inventory over the past year, saying it was a remarkable achievement that the service had not witnessed in a very long time.

According to him, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.

He encouraged officers and men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.

“A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.

“Over the past years, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.

“This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time. Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.

“I am confident that, under your leadership, the men and women under your commands will rise to the occasion and excel in all tasks set before them,” he said.

The CAS said that several critical issues were discussed leading to several resolutions and recommendations during the last meeting with Branch chiefs and AOCs in June.

He said that a number of those resolutions had been implemented including the establishment of two new staff branches, namely the Civil-Military Relations Branch and the NAF Transformation and Innovation Branch.

Abubakar said the meeting would offer them the opportunity to critically review progress, address shortcomings, recalibrate strategies, and strengthen their unity of purpose towards achieving the desired objectives.

He said the decisions made from the forum must be grounded in sound judgment and a firm grasp of their objectives.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to review its current monetary and fiscal policies, stating that they are not working effectively.

The governor made this call at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on Thursday.

Mohammed urged the government to avoid being dogmatic in its approach, emphasizing the urgent need for change due to the growing hardship in the country.

He highlighted the plight of ordinary Nigerians, warning that hunger and economic hardship have created a volatile situation. He revealed that even people in his position are facing the threat of being lynched by frustrated citizens.

Mohammed also called on the federal government to develop more effective economic policies, stressing that the funds currently being received are insufficient to address the widespread hunger.

“When the reforms started, the sub-nationals supported the President. But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered. There is hunger, people are suffering, and Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms.

“What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people cope.

“The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished.

“My brother Cardoso (CBN governor), these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed. Let’s not resort to blackmail,” the governor said.

The Federal government has taken delivery of the first batch of 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccines, from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. 

The official launch of the vaccines on Thursday was attended by officials of the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners. 

peaking to newsmen while taking delivery of the vaccines, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, described the arrival of the vaccines as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to eliminate malaria in the country.

He said the vaccines would first be distributed to states with the highest burden of the disease, particularly Kebbi and Bayelsa and would serve as a complement to other treatments for malaria.

Pate also cleared the air on concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine, stating that it has proven to be safe and efficient for malaria treatment.

Also, the Director General of the NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, explained the plans for distribution, adding that an enforcement team would be set up by the agency and the date and location for the administration of the vaccines would be communicated in due course. 

Aina said about 140,000 doses are expected in the coming months as the target is to make available one million vaccines for the first batch.

The R21 malaria vaccine, which would be administered in two doses per vial, was produced by the Serum Institute of India.

A bill seeking the creation of Ogoja State has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

The bill, sponsored by Godwin Offiono and three other on during plenary.

The constitution alteration bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create an additional state in the South-south region. 

Moving the motion, Mr Offiono said the “essence of this bill is rested on equity.”

If the bill is passed into law, it would bring the number of states in the South-south region to seven.

The bill scaled second reading without any opposition from members and was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is still the sole off-taker of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery despite the recent directive of the Federal Government that other oil marketers were free to start loading PMS from the plant.

Oil marketers revealed on Wednesday that NNPC would continue to be sole off-taker of the product from the $20bn Lekki-based plant until its agreement with the Dangote refinery as regards the lifting of PMS terminates.

They, however, did not tell when the agreement between both organisations would end. Officials of NNPC and the Dangote refinery also did not respond to enquiries on when the agreement would end.

On October 11, 2024, the Federal Government in a statement from the finance ministry, announced that oil marketers were now free to negotiate purchase of petrol directly from the Dangote refinery without recourse to NNPC.

“Moving forward, petroleum product marketers are now able to purchase PMS directly from local refineries without the intermediary role of NNPC. Marketers are encouraged to initiate direct purchases from refineries on mutually negotiated commercial terms, which will promote competition and improve market efficiency,” it stated in the statement.

But after meeting with officials of the Dangote refinery on Tuesday, members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria revealed that NNPC was still the sole off-taker of Dangote petrol pending the termination of an agreement between Dangote and NNPC.

In a notice to IPMAN members in the Western Zone, issued by the Zonal Chairman, South-West, Dele Tajudeen, the association said, “The IPMAN National Vice President, Zonal Chairman of Western Zone, IPMAN members, and PTD Zonal Chairman met with the Vice President of Dangote Group and many other notable staff members of the Dangote refinery yesterday, October 15, 2024.

“We had a very useful and fruitful discussion on the direct purchase of products from the Dangote refinery.  The Vice President of Dangote confirmed that the Minister of Finance/ Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Minister of Petroleum Resources have directed them to commence sales of products to marketers who have duly registered with the refinery, but they are still having a pending agreement with NNPC Ltd which still subsist.

“Until and when the agreement is terminated by either party, the direct sales will still be on hold.”

The notice stated that the IPMAN National Executive Council would hold a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday “in that respect.”

It added, “In view of this, marketers who are yet to officially register as IPMAN members should do so without wasting time as such marketers will not benefit from this opportunity when we eventually commence lifting from the Dangote refinery.”

Both the Dangote refinery and NNPC did not respond when contacted to react to the development.

However, major oil marketers told our correspondent that they were still lifting products from the Dangote refinery through the deal between NNPC and the Lagos-based refinery.

“There is a subsisting deal between NNPC and Dangote refinery and it is based on that deal that we major marketers are lifting PMS from the refinery using PFI (proformer invoice),” a major dealer who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the tanker explosion that claimed the lives of over 100 people in Jigawa State.

In a directive by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor on Wednesday, the minister also expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

The tragic incident in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of the state, occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majiya Town, when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University, according to the state police spokesperson, Shi’isu Adam, the explosion

The tanker, which had departed Kano and was heading to Nguru Town in Yobe State, exploded after the driver lost control.

It was reported that, following the explosion, some individuals attempted to scoop the spilt product, which led to many fatalities.

The statement read: “The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left dozens more injured.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.

“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.”

The Minister also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures. He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps, are employed to transport petroleum products.

“While we understand the temptation to scavenge, the dangers of attempting to collect spilt fuel cannot be overstated. The tragic loss of lives in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe risks involved.

“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians in all aspects of petroleum product distribution and transport. We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to enforce stricter safety measures and prevent future occurrences.”

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, will depart Abuja for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha on Wednesday, said Shettima’s visit is at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.

The Vice President, during the working visit, will engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.

Senator Shettima will use the visit to explore opportunities for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden in areas such as ICT, innovation, education, digitalisation, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture.

He will meet with key stakeholders in both the Government and Private Sector.

The Vice President will also meet with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor, which recently launched Norrsken22, a USD 205 million tech investment fund for Africa.

Norrsken22 is a technology growth fund, backed by over 30 prominent unicorn founders, partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to build Africa’s next tech giants.

The meeting with Norrsken will provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria.

Notably, 40% of the investments from Norrsken22 are expected to be allocated to Nigerian technology entrepreneurs.

Twelve (12) Nigerian private sector companies that are doing business with Sweden are going independently as a private sector bloc.

While in Sweden, VP Shettima is also expected to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and the reforms being undertaken by the administration to create a business-friendly environment in Nigeria for investors. The myriad of opportunities that abound in Africa’s largest economy will also be showcased.

The Vice President is expected back in the country on Saturday.

There are strong indications that the nation’s university system may be crippled any moment from now as members of the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and other Associated Institutions, NASU, have threatened to resume their suspended strike over four-month withheld salaries by the Federal Government.

General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi, gave this hint on the sideline of the ongoing National Executive Council, NEC, of the Union taking place in Abuja.

Though he declined to give the exact date of the commencement of the strike, it is expected that the NEC members will take the decision in the course of their meeting.

Details soon.