INSTANT NEWS

 The Supreme Court has ruled that both the old and redesigned Naira banknotes will continue to be valid legal tender in Nigeria beyond December 31. The court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, issued this order, stating that the banknotes should stay in circulation until the Federal Government, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, decides on the...

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has advised Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) staff to stay informed about anti-graft laws to avoid legal violations. Mrs. Ekere Usiere, ICPC Zonal Commissioner for Rivers and Bayelsa states, emphasized the importance of understanding relevant statutes during a Sensitization Exercise organized by NDDC...

 The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sam Ogbuku, revealed that the Federal Government owes the commission a substantial sum exceeding N2 trillion. Ogbuku disclosed this during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, led by Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake. He clarified that this amount represents the...

 In a successful joint operation, troops from the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with local vigilantes, managed to rescue six hostages who had been abducted by bandits in the dense forest of Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi. The operation, conducted by the troops of 1 Battalion stationed at Dukku Barracks in Birnin Kebbi, alongside vigilant community...

 The Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River, Mrs. Edema Irom, revealed that the state recorded 586 cases of gender-based violence between January and October. Speaking at a news conference to launch 16 days of activism against GBV, she clarified that the reported figure represents officially documented cases. Irom mentioned the ministry's efforts...

 Okechukwu Ofili, the CEO of OkadaBooks, delivered the unfortunate news of the platform's closure through a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on November 20, 2023. The decision, attributed to challenging macroeconomic conditions, was described as difficult after exploring various options to overcome the hurdles.Expressing gratitude...

 The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Mosunmola Dipeolu, has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of touts and fraudsters posing as bondsmen, submitting counterfeit documents to stand sureties for defendants in the state. This deceptive practice has led to a perversion of justice, with many defendants exploiting fake bonds to escape arrest and evade...

 Burna Boy has secured the top spot on the Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Artists Chart, reaffirming his global influence. The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer's accomplishment is notable, with Rema following closely in the second position. The chart also features talented artists like Tems, Libianca, and Wizkid in the third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively.The...

 The Federal Government has given its approval for the establishment of the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD) system, as revealed by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman. During a stakeholders' engagement program in Abuja, Mamman announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) not only approved the establishment of the National...

 Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of Bank of Industry Limited, Nigeria (BOI), has expressed the institution's commitment to partnering with modular refineries to address economic challenges in the country. During a facility visit to Waltersmith Refinery in Imo State, he emphasized BOI's dedication to supporting initiatives that contribute value...

 The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, revealed plans on Wednesday to introduce a policy and enforcement measures aimed at limiting the number of agencies operating in the port to a maximum of four. This initiative aligns with previous efforts under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, where NPA expelled...

Concerned by the imminent threats of environmental pollution to human well-being, a gathering of experts in Ogun State convened on Wednesday to deliberate on viable solutions to address this pressing issue. The 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture (NILH) took place at the Federal University of...

 Renowned singer Charles Chibuezechukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has shared a piece of advice with his fellow artists and creatives, cautioning them against the misconception that abusing illicit substances can enhance their creativity. According to Crayon, genuine talent is the source of creative inspiration, and the use of weed or other drugs won't...

 Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has taken his case to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the Appeal Court that resulted in his removal from office. The Appeal Court had previously ousted Governor Yusuf, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on the grounds of his alleged ineligibility to contest. The court simultaneously declared...

 Ugborodo Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State took a stand on Wednesday by erecting the shrine of a formidable idol in front of the Chevron Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) facility. The purpose of this symbolic action was to protest against Chevron's alleged failure to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), according to...

 The Senate has declared its determination to ensure the dismissal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, along with other top executives. This stern stance follows the alleged expenditure of N12 trillion on the turn-around maintenance (TAM) of the country's non-operational...

 The 12th Annual Zik Lecture Series featured insightful discussions by prominent figures, including the former Prime Minister of Malawi, Joyce Banda, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general elections, Mr Peter Obi. The speakers explored ways to propel...

 In a surprising turn of events, Dauda Lawal of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in the Zamfara governorship election held on March 18, unseating the then-incumbent Bello Mattawalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Lawal secured 377,726 votes, while Mattawalle trailed with 311,976 votes. However, six months later,...

 The Federal Government's decision to automatically deduct 40% of Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) from public universities has sparked concerns and potential clashes with university workers. This move, which is part of the finance circular dated December 20, 2021, has raised questions about the government's commitment to adequately fund the education...

 The Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is mourning the loss of Dr. Ayo Ojediran, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, who reportedly slumped in his office. Sources on the campus revealed that Ojediran was swiftly taken to the institution’s clinic after collapsing on Tuesday but unfortunately did not survive.Victor Adesokan, the President...

 The Saudi Arabian Embassy clarified on Wednesday that the visas of 177 Air Peace passengers from Nigeria were canceled upon arrival in Jeddah for violating the country's entry rules. The Federal Government, citing reports from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, stated that Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 transported 264 passengers from Lagos and Kano to Jeddah...

 The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is intensifying efforts to combat currency hoarding and speculation, which are believed to contribute to the depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies. Speculators and hoarders, identified as undermining government initiatives to stabilize the naira, face increased scrutiny. Recent positive strides in...

 A significant wave of innovation is expected to be unleashed through a two-day event, featuring the Naija SDGs Fintech-AI Hackathon Finals and a conference. The hackathon finale, themed "From Promise to Cash," is scheduled for December 5, and the conference will follow on December 6. These events will be held at Microsoft Office Garage in Ikoyi, Lagos,...

 President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of twenty capable Nigerians to serve as Federal Commissioners in the National Population Commission (NPC). Nine of these appointees are current Federal Commissioners who have been reappointed for a second term:The appointees' names were disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser...

 Debate Surrounds Government's Exchange Rate Target and Banking Sector ReorganizationAmid reports suggesting that the Federal Government is working on attaining an exchange rate target of N500-N600 per US dollar while contemplating banking sector reorganization, various private sector organizations and financial experts have voiced differing opinions on...

 President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law the 2023 Supplementary Budget, which amounts to N2.17 trillion. The National Assembly recently passed this supplementary appropriation act.The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was attended by prominent figures, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill...

 Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election, has criticized the 2023 supplementary budget, claiming it highlights the Federal Government's insensitivity to the needs of the masses and the nation's urgent emergencies.Obi expressed his disappointment that the supplementary budget did not adequately address...

 Recently, President Bola Tinubu intervened to halt the proposed increase in electricity tariffs and emphasized the importance of maintaining power subsidies, according to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. He disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, where he further revealed that the government would scrutinize the legality of the five-year license...

 Rwandan President Paul Kagame has made an important announcement regarding visa-free travel for Nigerians and all Africans. Following this decision, Rwanda joins a select group of African countries, including Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin, that offer visa-free entry to all African citizens.President Kagame stated, "Let there be no mistake about it....