Good day, readers! Let’s dive into the Top 10 Stories making headlines across Nigerian newspapers today, Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
- Debt Burden: The newly elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that his administration is grappling with a massive debt burden inherited from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Contractors are demanding billions of naira in outstanding payments for projects initiated by the previous administration.
- Wedding Sponsorship Controversy: The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has criticized the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for opposing his decision to sponsor the weddings of 100 girls orphaned by banditry. Sarkindaji argued that the minister lacks understanding of the needs of his constituency.
- Electricity Tariff Hike: The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has warned that reversing the recent hike in electricity tariffs could hamper the transformation of Nigeria’s energy sector and impede efforts to boost power supply. He urged labor unions to cooperate with the government on this issue.
- CNG Stations at Petrol Stations: The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced that petrol stations must now have points of sale for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This move aims to promote the use of cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources.
- High Cost of Political Participation: The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has pegged the cost of forms for local government chairmanship elections at a staggering N25 million, while councilor forms will cost N210,000. This decision has raised concerns about the accessibility of political participation.
- EFCC Crackdown on BDC Operators: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its clampdown on Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, with arrests made in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. This move coincides with the further weakening of the naira against the US dollar in both official and parallel markets.
- Minimum Wage Negotiations: After several weeks of hiatus, the tripartite committee set up by the Federal Government will finally meet today to discuss the contentious issue of the minimum wage. Labor unions remain steadfast in their demand for a N615,000 minimum wage, with a May 31, 2024 deadline.
- Bandit Attacks in Zamfara: A member of the House of Representatives, Bello Hassan, has revealed that bandits have attacked no fewer than 50 communities in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, forcing residents to flee their ancestral homes.
- Gas Plant Explosion: Loud explosions were heard at the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria gas processing plant in Gbarain, Bayelsa State, raising concerns about potential disruptions to gas exports and feeding the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas export terminal in Bonny Island.
- Bank Fraud Arrest: The Osun State Police Command has arrested a former bank manager, Mr. Adeniyi Talabi, for allegedly stealing N650 million belonging to 35 customers of a first-generation bank in Osogbo.
These Top 10 Stories headlines highlight the diverse challenges facing Nigeria, ranging from economic and security issues to governance and energy concerns. Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analyses as these stories continue to unfold.