The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Executive Council (NEC) has given the Edo State government a 14-day ultimatum to vacate its secretariat in Benin City. The directive was detailed in a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja after the NEC meeting held in Owerri, Imo State. The deadline, which spans 14 working days, is set to expire on January 8, 2025.

The NLC demanded that the police vacate the premises, return confiscated properties, and refrain from interfering in trade union activities. The Union also condemned the actions of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the police for orchestrating what it described as a brazen invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. According to the Union, this act of impunity involved ransacking the premises and seizing items to impose illegitimate leadership on workers. It warned that failure to comply with its demands would prompt unprecedented measures to defend workers’ and trade union rights.

At the NEC meeting, the NLC discussed issues affecting Nigerian workers and the public, including the launch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus services in the Southeast region and the worsening socio-economic conditions caused by government policies. It expressed concern over the hardship Nigerians face, particularly the persistent cash scarcity affecting business activities. The Union condemned the practice of deducting 5% of funds during cash transactions, calling it exploitative and harmful to small businesses and the informal economy. The NLC urged the federal government to address the situation urgently and called on the Central Bank to ensure sufficient cash circulation to boost economic activities.

The Union criticized the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly, citing the exclusion of organized labor from its formulation. It stressed the need for a fair and inclusive tax system that promotes fiscal discipline and transparency while delivering tangible benefits to citizens. The NLC called for broader consultations to ensure the Tax Bill aligns with the needs of Nigerians and avoids deepening economic inequalities.

The worsening insecurity in the country was another pressing issue highlighted by the Union. Reports indicate Nigerians paid an estimated N2.23 trillion in ransom over the past year, with over 614,000 lives lost and 2.2 million people kidnapped within the same period. The NLC emphasized the urgency for government action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and uphold the rule of law.

The Union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, addressing economic injustices, and pushing for policies that promote the welfare of Nigerian citizens and sustainable development.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has revoked land allocations belonging to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.

The revocation also affects 759 other prominent individuals and organizations in Maitama II, Abuja, due to non-payment of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees.

This development was announced in a publication by the FCT Administration and shared by the special adviser to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka.

In a related notice, the minister warned that lands belonging to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, and 610 others could also be revoked if outstanding C of O fees are not paid within two weeks.

The move follows months of appeals from the minister, urging residents of highbrow areas in the nation’s capital to clear their debts to avoid losing their land rights.

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the sum of ₦500 million, with three sureties of equal value. This decision follows her earlier rejection of Bello’s bail application on December 10, which she ruled was premature as it was filed before he was in custody or appeared in court.

Bello is currently on trial for alleged money laundering involving ₦110 billion, alongside two co-defendants. He pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the latest court session, Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, withdrew a further affidavit in response to a counter affidavit from the prosecution, aiming to avoid unnecessary contention. The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal, leading the court to strike out the document.

Daudu informed the court that discussions between the defense and prosecution teams had yielded an agreement to expedite the trial. He urged the court to grant Bello’s bail request and appealed for a review of the bail conditions to allow sureties to present properties located anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than being restricted to Maitama.

Enitan confirmed the prosecution’s cooperation, emphasizing that the decision to grant bail ultimately rested on the court’s discretion. He assured the court that the prosecution would not oppose the process in a way that could delay justice.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih noted that the charges against Bello were bailable and set his bail at ₦500 million. The conditions include three sureties who must be prominent Nigerians owning landed property in areas such as Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro. Bello is also required to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court. Until he meets the bail conditions, he will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

President Bola Tinubu has presented the 2025 budget proposal of N47.9 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly. Lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate convened on Wednesday to receive the President's second budget submission since taking office.

The President was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and other top government officials. The presentation, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was rescheduled to Wednesday following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the meeting, the FEC approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted key details of the 2025 budget proposal. The expenditure is projected at ₦47.96 trillion, representing a 36.8% increase compared to the 2024 budget. The 2025 Appropriation Bill is based on an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.

The budget presentation underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and setting the country on a sustainable development path.