Author: Aminu Ridwan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain patient amid the economic challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and other reforms, assuring that the sacrifices made will soon yield lasting economic benefits. Speaking at the 2024 Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Port Harcourt, Tinubu, represented by the Head of Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, explained that the difficult decisions were necessary to stabilize the struggling economy he inherited. He noted that within his short time in office, significant progress has been made in diversifying the economy, with investments in…

Kwara United Technical Adviser, Coach Tunde Sanni, has called on stakeholders to remain patient and committed to the team’s cause, despite a disappointing result against Ikorodu City. In an exclusive interview with Pristinegist Media on September 22, 2024, Coach Sanni acknowledged that the team’s performance fell short of expectations, but emphasized that progress takes time. “The team is gradually progressing. We need everyone to remain committed and focused. I believe we will soon be in a better position on the league table,” Coach Sanni said. He attributed the subpar performance to some players not replicating their training form in the…

Nigeria’s external reserves have surged to a 22-month high of $37.31 billion, signaling a significant increase in foreign inflows into the economy. This milestone was reached on September 18, 2024, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), marking the highest reserves level since November 2022, when they stood at $37.36 billion. However, despite the boost in reserves, the naira continues to struggle, with Bloomberg ranking it among the 10 worst-performing currencies globally as of September 20. The external reserves represent the country’s stock of foreign currency, which plays a critical role in stabilizing the local currency and…

One week after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) commenced loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, independent petroleum marketers are yet to receive the product. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), which operates over 70 percent of the filling stations across the country, revealed that despite the NNPC’s commencement of loading petrol from the $20 billion Lekki-based plant, its members have not been supplied. Speaking on the matter, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi, confirmed the delay. “We are waiting to start,” Maigandi said when asked whether independent marketers had…

Award-winning musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly endorsed Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming Edo State governorship election. The election is scheduled for September 21, 2024. Davido, whose mother hails from Edo State, took to his social media platforms to express his support for Ighodalo. He shared a picture of the PDP candidate with the caption, “The next governor of my mother’s homeland,” highlighting his personal connection to the state. The endorsement comes at a critical time, with the election just days away. Davido’s influence, particularly among young voters, is expected to…

Nigeria’s public debt is poised for another increase as the World Bank gears up to approve a $1.7 billion loan for the country. According to the World Bank’s project list, the loan is scheduled for approval on September 26, 2024, with funds earmarked for healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure improvements, and enhancing economic stability and resource mobilization. As part of the scheme, the World Bank will provide $500 million for the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme, while another $500 million will be directed toward the Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) – Governance project, which has a total…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concerns over the inadequacy of the newly implemented N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers, citing the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. Speaking during a two-day “Minimum Wage Implementation Workshop” in Lagos on Thursday, September 19, 2024, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that organized labour was misled into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage as a buffer against further increases in petrol prices. Ajaero explained that workers are facing unbearable levels of hunger, poverty, and frustration, as the new wage has already been…

With just 72 hours remaining until the much-anticipated Local Government elections in Kwara State, Kwara Express has conducted an in-depth investigative report and predictive analysis. Scheduled for the 21st of September 2024, this election is poised to be one of the most significant in the state’s history, largely influenced by the recent Supreme Court judgment granting local government autonomy. Citizens across Kwara are excited about the prospect of electing autonomous council officers, and the anticipation is palpable. Our research analysts reached out to each of the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Kwara State, engaging over 50 individuals in each…

The Federal Government has issued a flood alert to 11 states in Nigeria as Cameroon begins releasing water from the Lagdo Dam. In a statement signed by the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Muhammed, the government announced that controlled water releases from the dam would commence on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The release, expected to gradually increase over the coming days, poses a risk of flooding in states along the Benue River, which include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers. According to NIHSA, the discharge rate will start…

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has announced a significant partnership with the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), a UK-based professional body specializing in rural land valuation. This collaboration aims to modernize the country’s compensation framework for public land acquisition, with a particular focus on crops and economic trees. The partnership, announced on September 15, 2024, during a Knowledge Exchange Programme in London, seeks to review the compensation rates that have been in place since 2008. The Federal Ministry highlighted that the current system is outdated, and this new effort is part…