Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Ejes Gist News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, June 24, 2024.
1. President Tinubu Receives Symbolic Gold Bar to Boost Naira Value
President Bola Tinubu received a symbolic gold bar from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Sunday. Alake explained that this development aims to enhance the naira’s value and the country’s foreign reserves. The gold, sourced from artisanal and small-scale miners and processed to meet the London Bullion Market Association Good Delivery Standard, will be supplied to the Central Bank of Nigeria to bolster foreign reserves. This marks the inaugural commercial deal within the National Gold Purchase Program (NGPP).
2. New Minimum Wage: ₦62,000 Can Not Do Anything – Orji Kalu Tells Tinubu
Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged the federal government to raise the new minimum wage above ₦62,000. Kalu advocates for a minimum wage of ₦90,000, highlighting that civil servants need better treatment, especially given the inflationary pressures over the past five years.
3. Dangote Accuses IOCs of Manipulating Crude Oil Prices
The vice-president of oil and gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, accused international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of sabotaging the Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals by inflating crude oil prices, compelling the refinery to import crude at higher costs.
4. NLC Rejects Decentralization of Minimum Wage
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opposed the idea of decentralized minimum wage negotiations. The NLC, through its Oyo State secretary Adebayo Aribatise, expressed concerns that some state governors might misuse the opportunity, potentially disadvantaging workers. The NLC supports the federal government leading the process.
5. 50 Lawmakers Appeal to Tinubu for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
A group of about 50 House of Representatives members has petitioned President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). They believe his release would help restore peace in the South-East. The legislators urged President Tinubu to use his constitutional powers to secure Kanu’s release and halt his trial.
6. Peter Obi Dissociates Self from Critics of Spending on National Anthem
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, has distanced himself from reports criticizing the Federal Government’s alleged spending on the national anthem. Obi’s media office clarified that he has not commented on this issue and emphasized his stance against wasteful public spending.
7. FG to Sanction Govt Officials Extorting, Begging at International Airports – Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the government is addressing reports of extortion and begging by officials at international airports. Keyamo revealed that the National Security Adviser recently held a meeting to tackle this issue, promising imminent practical solutions.
8. Go Back to Farming – Presidency Urges Nigerians
Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture to combat hunger. He emphasized the presidency’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians and called for greater involvement in agricultural activities.
9. FG Plans Relocation of Agodi, Ikoyi, Enugu, 26 Other Prisons
The Federal Government plans to relocate 29 correctional centers from urban areas due to security risks. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted that this move aims to prevent potential security breaches and improve safety.
10. NDLEA Cracks Down on Snake-Guarded Shrine Housing Illegal Drugs in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided a shrine used for storing illicit drugs in Benin City, Edo state. The shrine, guarded by a large black snake, concealed various illicit substances in a hidden compartment. The NDLEA seized drugs including methamphetamine and potent cannabis strains, and arrested two women during the operation.
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