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Author: Promise Odejide

  • FG Raises Civil Servants’ Allowances, Approves New Retirement Benefits

    The Federal Government has approved an upward review of allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside a new retirement benefit structure aimed at improving earnings and post-service support.

    Approval announced in Abuja

    The decision was disclosed on Friday in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a briefing following approvals by the Federal Executive Council.

    She said the changes apply to workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, affecting a wide range of federal employees.

    According to her, the revised peculiar allowances now cut across all grade levels, leading to improved pay for both junior and senior officers.

    Tour and operational allowances reviewed

    The Federal Government also approved increases in several allowances, including duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance.

    Walson-Jack explained that a number of provisions in the Public Service Rules had been updated to reflect current economic realities and improve staff welfare.

    She added that civil servants attending approved training programmes will now receive full duty tour allowance, even when such programmes are held within their duty location.

    New retirement benefit introduced

    A key part of the reform is the introduction of a new exit package for workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    From January 1, 2026, retiring civil servants will receive a lump sum equivalent to their full annual earnings, in addition to their pension entitlements.

    Walson-Jack said the measure is designed to ensure stronger financial security for workers after retirement.

    Employee compensation scheme activated

    The government also announced the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides support for workers who suffer injuries or die in active service.

    The development is expected to reshape conversations around public sector welfare as it gains attention.

     

  • Court Bars Police, FRSC from Fining Motorists Over Third-Party Insurance Violations

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for violating the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.

    The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, followed a suit filed by activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.

    Court draws line between enforcement and punishment

    In her judgment, the court held that while the police and FRSC have the authority to enforce compliance with motor insurance laws, they lack the power to impose fines without court backing.

    Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the ruling clearly limits the role of law enforcement agencies to checks and verification.

    “The police and the road safety may enforce compliance but outrightly lack the powers to impose fines,” he said.

    The court further restrained the agencies and their officers from issuing penalties to motorists over third-party insurance violations.

    Suit challenges police powers

    The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, sought judicial clarification on whether law enforcement agencies could enforce and penalise non-compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws.

    Adeyanju, who initiated the suit, argued that such actions by authorities often lead to arbitrary fines and potential abuse.

    Reacting after the judgment, he said the ruling addressed the core concerns raised in the case.

    “The sole reason why we came to court is because we wanted a declaration that the police and FRSC do not have the right to impose fines on Nigerians. And we have succeeded,” he said.

    Defendants plan appeal

    Counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, described the ruling as partly favourable and indicated plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

    He argued that the suit was improperly filed and questioned the court’s jurisdiction, noting that the matter should not have been initiated through an originating summons.

    Despite the objections, the court proceeded to deliver its judgment, while also affirming that both the police and FRSC can stop motorists and verify compliance with insurance requirements.

    The ruling is expected to reshape enforcement practices and has already drawn attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • Daddy Freeze Blasts Yul Edochie Over ‘Impregnate 7 Women’ Comment on Roby Ekpo

    Media personality Daddy Freeze has criticised Nollywood actor Yul Edochie over his reaction to Roby Ekpo’s emotional interview, igniting fresh reactions across social media.

    The controversy followed Roby Ekpo’s viral interview where he spoke openly about his failed marriage, drawing mixed responses from Nigerians.

    Roby Ekpo’s interview sparks debate

    The emotional interview triggered conversations online, with some expressing sympathy while others questioned his decision to publicly share his pain.

    Reacting to the criticism, media personality Do2dtun defended Roby, urging men to speak up about emotional struggles rather than suppress them.

    He stressed the importance of mental health, noting that openness is better than silence.

    Yul Edochie’s comment stirs backlash

    Yul Edochie, however, dismissed the emotional display, advising Roby to move on by replacing his partner.

    “My brother, speaking out is ok. Crying is totally unacceptable. Rather than cry for a woman, replace her with 5 new hot women, impregnate all of them at once,” he wrote.

    The comment quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism from social media users.

    Daddy Freeze fires back

    Reacting, Daddy Freeze described the suggestion as unrealistic and insensitive, questioning the practicality of such advice.

    He argued that relationships and childbirth are not as simple as portrayed, noting that many couples struggle for years to conceive.

    Daddy Freeze also said he understood Roby’s situation, adding that age and long-term responsibilities should be considered before making such statements.

    The exchange has continued to generate reactions online, with debates focusing on masculinity, emotional expression, and relationship expectations in Nigeria’s celebrity space, a topic now trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • Military Arraigns 36 Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu, Holds Closed-Door Trial in Abuja

    The Nigerian Military on Friday inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with proceedings held under tight security in Abuja.

    The trial, convened by the Defence Headquarters, took place at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, where access was restricted and journalists barred despite prior invitations.

    Tight security as trial begins

    Security operatives denied media access to the venue, while mobile phones were also prohibited during the session.

    The accused officers were transported to the location in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at about 8:53 a.m.

    The closed-door proceedings reflect the sensitivity of the case as the military moves to address allegations involving personnel across ranks.

    Full list of officers facing trial

    Those arraigned include:

    Brigadier General MA Sadiq; Colonel MA Ma’aji; Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain; Lieutenant Colonel M Almakura; Lieutenant Colonel P Dangnap; Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah; Lieutenant Colonel AA Hayatu; Lieutenant Colonel SM Gana.

    Others are Wing Commander IU Yusuf; Major MM Jiddah; Major H Yusuf; Major AD Dauda; Major JM Ganaks; Major D Yusuf; Major J Iliyasu; Major MA Usman; Major A Mohammed; Major II Idris.

    Also listed are Squadron Leader SB Adamu; Squadron Leader NG Zuzu; Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi; Captain G Binuga; Captain I Bello; Captain AA Yusuf; Captain IU Zubair; Captain ML Muhammad; Lieutenant SS Felix.

    The remaining personnel include Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim; Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi; Sergeant Alhassan Zakari; Sergeant Sanda Usman; Sergeant Abubakar Ibrahim; Corporal Momoh Audu; Corporal Aliyu Ibrahim; Lance Corporal Sambo Danladi; Lance Corporal Nasiru Yushau.

    Military moves to enforce discipline

    The Defence Headquarters is yet to release full details of the allegations, but the trial is expected to address multiple cases linked to the alleged plot.

    The proceedings underline the military’s position on discipline and constitutional order, as developments continue to unfold in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • CBN Raises ATM Card Fees to ₦1,500, Scraps Monthly Maintenance Charges on Naira Cards

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a 50 per cent increase in ATM debit and credit card issuance and replacement fees, raising the cost from ₦1,000 to ₦1,500.

    The apex bank also scrapped the ₦50 monthly maintenance charge on Naira debit and credit cards, though foreign currency cards will continue to attract $10 annual maintenance fees.

    The changes were contained in the Exposure Draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria 2026, released on Thursday.

    New charges for ATM cards

    Under the new framework, regular ATM card issuance and replacement will now cost ₦1,500.

    Premium and hybrid cards will attract negotiable charges, while virtual cards remain free of charge.

    The CBN also maintained that all Point-of-Sale (PoS) merchant transaction fees will be borne by merchants and not customers.

    “All card transactions done by cardholders at a merchant location shall be free of charge to the cardholder,” the circular stated.

    It added that Merchant Service Charge remains at 0.5 per cent, capped at ₦10,000, regardless of payment method.

    CBN explains review

    In a circular signed by the Director of Financial Policy and Regulation, Dr. Rita Sike, the apex bank said the review is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.

    It added that the updated guide will encourage digital payments, financial inclusion, and innovation in financial services.

    According to the CBN, the revision also reflects changes in the banking sector since the 2020 guidelines and accommodates new financial service providers.

    Push for electronic banking

    The bank said the new charges are designed to support the adoption of electronic payment channels and reduce reliance on cash transactions.

    It added that the framework will improve micropayments, expand financial access, and strengthen oversight in the banking system.

     

  • Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Defends Subsidy Removal, Questions FX Policy Timing in Viral Remarks

    Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has reignited national debate on fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms following a viral video where he reviewed Nigeria’s economic policies and their long-term impact.

    His comments come amid rising concerns over inflation, living costs, and continued currency instability.

    Defence of Subsidy Removal and Oil Sector Shift

    In the widely circulated remarks, Sanusi maintained that the fuel subsidy regime was never sustainable and had long-term economic consequences.

    “I have always said the subsidy regime was unsustainable. We cannot continue supporting foreign refineries. We’re an oil-producing country,” he said.

    He argued that Nigeria’s earlier reliance on imported refined products weakened domestic capacity, stressing that recent changes in local refining mark a positive shift.

    “Today, we have a situation where we have our own domestic refinery. We’re not importing petroleum products. We’re even exporting to Europe, and this is very good for the economy,” he added.

    Warning on Exchange Rate Controls

    Sanusi also turned attention to Nigeria’s exchange rate management, warning against artificial pricing systems that do not reflect real market conditions.

    “Artificial exchange rates, especially when you’re printing money, cannot work. There was going to be a devaluation,” he said.

    While backing both subsidy removal and exchange rate liberalisation, he questioned the sequencing of reforms and whether they were implemented at the right time.

    “For me, removing subsidy or liberalising exchange rates, these are good interventions. Were they done at the right time? Those are certain questions,” he noted.

    Debt Burden and Fiscal Pressure

    The former apex bank chief pointed to Nigeria’s debt servicing burden as a key reason reforms became unavoidable.

    “It’s not enough to say, oh, they removed subsidy. You had to. When you get to a point where 100% of your revenue goes into debt service, you cannot continue. Where is the money going to come from?” he asked.

    He warned that policy reforms without proper monetary tightening could deepen economic pressure.

    “However, if you decide to remove subsidy and liberalise exchange rates in an environment of very loose monetary conditions, before you have tightened money supply, the Naira drops to a bottomless pit. That was a timing issue,” he said.

    Call for Fiscal Discipline

    Sanusi also raised concerns about continued borrowing despite subsidy removal, urging stronger fiscal discipline from government.

    “Secondly, we’ve removed the subsidy. We’re not spending it. What we should not see is fiscal consolidation,” he said.

    “You cannot remove wastages and continue borrowing. If you’re not paying the subsidy and you’ve got the money, why are we still borrowing and borrowing? What are we borrowing for?” he added.

  • Wike Waives C-of-O Fees for Nigerian Law School Bwari, Orders One-Week Processing Deadline

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved a waiver on Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees for the Nigerian Law School campus in Bwari, Abuja, while also directing the rapid processing of the document within one week.

    Law School raises concerns over infrastructure gaps

    The decision followed an appeal by the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote, during a management meeting with the minister in Abuja, where she highlighted the poor state of infrastructure and long-standing deficits at the institution.

    Wike reportedly expressed surprise that the Law School had operated for years without a formal C of O since its relocation to Bwari, describing the situation as unacceptable for a federal institution of such importance.

    Immediate waiver and strict directive issued

    The FCT Minister directed the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, to waive all processing fees for the Certificate of Occupancy and ensure that the documentation is completed without delay.

    He further instructed that the C of O must be fully processed and ready within one week, stressing the need to regularise land ownership for government institutions operating in the territory.

    Wike also noted that addressing such gaps was part of ongoing reforms aimed at correcting administrative lapses across the FCT.

    Emergency upgrade for staff housing and facilities

    Beyond the land documentation issue, the minister declared an “emergency” on the construction of staff quarters and related infrastructure within the Law School, citing the need to improve living and learning conditions.

    He confirmed that 10 existing staff quarters are already completed and scheduled for commissioning as part of the President’s third anniversary activities, while also approving the construction of an additional 10 units using existing designs to reduce costs.

    Wike explained that the intervention was aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving staff efficiency within the institution.

    New auditorium and broader education support

    The minister also approved funding for a new auditorium at the campus, questioning delays from the contractor and urging immediate mobilisation to site.

    He said the interventions align with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen legal education and improve institutional infrastructure across the country.

    Wike reiterated the government’s commitment, stating, “Anything we can do to help our children, we are willing to do that. The staff quarters must be treated as an emergency project to ensure rapid delivery.”

    The development adds to ongoing updates in latest Nigerian news and continues to feature in breaking news Nigeria today reports across federal infrastructure reforms.

  • NASU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 40% Allowance Demand, Rejects FG’s 30% Offer

    The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30 percent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for its members, warning of a nationwide strike if its demand for 40 percent is not met by May 1.

    Union insists on parity with ASUU

    NASU leaders say the government’s offer falls short, especially after reports that academic staff received a 40 percent increment.

    Speaking at a trade group council meeting held at Lagos State University on Thursday, NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, insisted that non-academic staff deserve equal treatment.

    “The simple thing is to conclude the agreement and give 40 per cent to non-teaching staff… If anything contrary is done, we will shut down the system,” he said.

    Strike warning as deadline approaches

    Adeyemi warned that failure to meet the union’s demand before the deadline would leave NASU with no choice but to embark on industrial action.

    He stressed that non-academic staff are essential to the functioning of universities and cannot be ignored in welfare negotiations.

    “We respect our academic colleagues, but they cannot operate without us being on duty,” he added.

    Concerns over delayed agreement

    NASU National President, Hassan Makolo, expressed concern over the prolonged renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions.

    He said workers’ expectations have grown amid worsening economic conditions.

    “Our members are becoming increasingly frustrated because the outcome of the renegotiation is expected to improve their welfare,” Makolo said.

    Wider education sector warning

    NASU Deputy President, Buhari Suleiman, also urged the government to address deeper challenges in the education sector, including poor funding, insecurity, and infrastructure decay.

    He warned that continued neglect could further weaken the system, calling for urgent reforms to stabilise the sector.

    The development adds fresh tension to Nigeria’s education system and is gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as unions continue pressure on government over welfare demands.

  • FG, Airlines Deadlocked Over Jet Fuel Pricing as Tinubu’s Debt Relief Plan Faces Test

    The Federal Government, airline operators, and fuel marketers have failed to reach an agreement on Jet A1 pricing after an emergency meeting in Abuja, setting a 72-hour window to resolve the standoff.

    Talks end in deadlock

    The meeting, involving the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) and aviation fuel marketers, ended without a resolution, with stakeholders appointing focal representatives to continue negotiations.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the parties would reconvene within 48 to 72 hours to agree on a fair pricing structure.

    “The airlines cannot continue for the next several days with the current prices… they have been stretched to limits,” he said.

    Pressure mounts despite FG intervention

    The deadlock comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved a 30 percent debt waiver for airlines, part of broader efforts to cushion the impact of rising operational costs.

    However, stakeholders say the relief may not be enough if fuel pricing remains unresolved.

    Airlines warn of possible shutdown

    Air Peace Chairman and AON representative, Allen Onyema, warned that airlines may be forced to halt operations if urgent action is not taken.

    “No airline is going to be flying in the next seven days if something is not done,” he said.

    He argued that the spike in Jet A1 prices in Nigeria far exceeds global trends, despite international factors like the US-Iran situation.

    “It’s only in Nigeria that we have about 200 to 270 percent increase… while in other parts of the world, it is about 70 percent,” Onyema added.

    Regulator signals possible action

    Keyamo stressed that while the sector operates under a free market system, pricing must remain reasonable.

    “There is a free market… but it is not a licence to go haywire,” he said, hinting at possible regulatory steps if necessary.

    72-hour window to resolve crisis

    Stakeholders are expected to return with recommendations within three days as the government pushes for a resolution to avoid disruption to flight operations.

    The situation continues to dominate latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, with concerns growing over the impact on air travel and the wider economy.

  • ‘4-Year Courses Now Run Full Term’ — Education Minister Speaks on Strike-Free Universities Under Tinubu

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said President Bola Tinubu’s promise that four-year courses will run for four years is holding, pointing to the absence of major university strikes since 2023.

    Minister cites stable academic calendar

    Alausa made the remark on Thursday during a panel session tagged “Renewed Hope Conversations” held at the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.

    According to him, most federal universities have remained in session since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, following the eight-month ASUU strike that ended in October 2022.

    “For students admitted in September 2023, graduation remains on track for 2027 if calendars hold,” he said.

    Billions spent on infrastructure

    The minister outlined ongoing investments in the education sector, noting that ₦160 billion has been spent on hostel construction nationwide.

    He added that ₦100 billion has been approved for additional infrastructure, while ₦50 billion was allocated this year for ICT centre rehabilitation.

    He also referenced ongoing efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

    Student support and funding

    Alausa said the government has introduced a student loan scheme to ease financial pressure, insisting that no student should be forced out of school due to lack of funds.

    “This is an administration that has provided a loan fund to make schooling easier,” he said.

    Other ministers speak on continuity

    Also speaking at the event, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the administration’s policies are designed to reposition Nigeria and create opportunities for young people.

    She noted that the government is targeting the digital and creative space, including music, film, and content creation, to provide alternatives to traditional employment.

    “The goal is to create an enabling environment where creators can monetise their work and protect intellectual property,” she said.

    Government ‘open to all Nigerians’

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, told students that the current administration provides opportunities regardless of political connections.

    “Under this government, a ‘son of a nobody’ can become somebody,” he said, citing his own appointment as an example.

    The discussion forms part of broader engagement on education reforms and youth-focused policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, now trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.