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November 12, 2024 FG Spent N19bn on Presidential Fleet in 15 Months – Report

FG Spent N19bn on Presidential Fleet in 15 Months – Report

A recent report reveals that over N19.43 billion was spent on maintaining and operating Nigeria's Presidential Air Fleet between July 2023 and September 2024. Data from GovSpend, a platform tracking government expenses, shows that N13.55 billion of this amount was allocated in 2024 alone, comprising 66% of the year’s budget for the fleet. Much of these funds were marked as "Forex Transit Funds," used primarily to cover operational expenses abroad, such as fuel and maintenance paid in foreign currency.

In July 2023, the fleet received N1.52 billion in two payments of N846 million and N675 million, while N3.1 billion was allocated in August across three disbursements. Subsequent months saw significant allocations, including N6.35 billion in April and N5.60 billion across six payments in August. This spending coincided with international trips, such as President Tinubu’s two-nation tour to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where his usual Boeing 737 jet was undergoing maintenance, necessitating the use of a chartered private plane.

The aging presidential fleet, which includes a Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7Xs, and a Challenger 605, among others, has led to increased maintenance costs. The recently purchased Airbus A330—acquired for $100 million—is intended to reduce these costs and enhance safety. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga defended the purchase, emphasizing the need for reliable transport to ensure the president’s safety.

The Nigerian Presidential Air Fleet, considered one of Africa's largest, has seen its budget grow steadily, increasing from N4.37 billion in 2017 to N20.52 billion in 2024, despite an attempted reduction in fleet size during former President Buhari’s tenure. In 2023, three jets were put up for sale, though specifics were not provided.

Maintenance costs per aircraft are substantial, ranging from $1.5 million to $4.5 million annually. The 2022, 2023, and 2024 budgets allocated N12.48 billion, N13.07 billion, and N20.52 billion, respectively. The importance of the fleet’s upkeep was underscored when a foreign object damaged Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Gulfstream aircraft during a stopover in New York in 2024 while en route to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit.

November 11, 2024 Fred Itua Appointed Chief Press Secretary by Okpebholo

Fred Itua Appointed Chief Press Secretary by Okpebholo

Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Fred Itua as the Chief Press Secretary for his administration. The announcement, made by Okpebholo’s media team in Abuja on Monday, marks his first official appointment ahead of the inauguration and transition from Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, set for Tuesday.

Itua, a seasoned journalist with previous experience at Leadership and The Sun newspapers, will lead the governor’s media team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and a master’s degree in media arts from the University of Abuja. Currently, he is finalizing his PhD in Development Communication at Veritas University, Abuja.

Bringing extensive experience covering topics like the National Assembly, migration, health, anti-corruption, and environmental issues, Itua is well-versed in both national and international affairs. His dedication to lifelong learning and cross-cultural collaboration makes him a skilled and adaptable leader, ready to bring innovation to the governor’s media team.

 

November 11, 2024 Tinubu Urges Nigerian Graduates to Resist the Urge to ‘Japa’

Tinubu Urges Nigerian Graduates to Resist the Urge to ‘Japa’

President Bola Tinubu recently encouraged Nigerian university graduates to embrace patriotism and resist the urge to seek opportunities abroad. Speaking at the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo, Tinubu, represented by Prof. Owunari Georgewill, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, urged the graduates to become catalysts for change in Nigeria by using their skills to address local challenges.

"As you step into the world, I encourage you to be agents of transformation, leveraging your knowledge and skills to elevate our society and contribute to Nigeria’s progress," Tinubu said. He appealed to the graduates' sense of patriotism, urging them to avoid the impulse to seek greener pastures elsewhere, emphasizing that “we can make our pastures as green or even greener than others.”

Tinubu highlighted his administration’s efforts to ease economic challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups. He acknowledged the country's research potential, urging universities to prioritize practical, demand-driven research that would enhance lives.

Prof. Zubairu Abdullah, University Pro-chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, thanked Tinubu for introducing the student loan program and other educational reforms. However, he raised concerns about issues like land encroachment, requesting government support to build a perimeter fence around the university.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who received an honorary doctorate in political science during the event, described the degree as a recognition of perseverance and the boundless potential achievable through belief and dedication. He expressed renewed motivation to serve the state.

In his address, University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo acknowledged the challenges posed by the economic climate but praised the institution’s accomplishments, including infrastructure developments, a university printing press, and achieving over 90% accreditation for its programs.

November 10, 2024 NLC Calls for Strike Over Failure to Implement Minimum Wage

NLC Calls for Strike Over Failure to Implement Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed its members in states that have yet to implement the new minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024.

This directive follows the resolutions reached at the NLC’s recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held over the weekend.

In a statement, the NEC expressed “deep frustration” over the ongoing delays and outright refusals by certain state governments to enact the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. “This failure by certain governors and officials to uphold the law is both a legal and moral affront,” the NEC said. “Amidst rising economic challenges, workers are being denied their rightful wages, and this disregard for the law compromises the welfare of millions of Nigerian workers.”

As part of its response, the NEC resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will lead nationwide efforts to assess, mobilize, and educate workers and citizens on the importance of defending their rights and dignity. The NLC also plans to initiate industrial actions in all non-compliant states, stating that it will not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by November 30, 2024, have been directed to begin a strike starting December 1, 2024,” the NLC stated. “Nigerian workers demand justice, and they will not stop until justice is served.”

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