Good Morning. Here’s a recap of top trending news stories this morning.
1. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, has laid the foundation for 250 housing units in Sokoto. He announced that 50,000 housing units would be built nationwide under this program and warned contractors against substandard work. The estate will include 50 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
2. President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council has awarded 51 contracts worth N6.27 trillion over eight months for various infrastructure projects across Nigeria. These contracts, awarded between October 16, 2023, and May 14, 2024, include 43 road projects and three airport contracts, among others, aimed at developing roads, bridges, train systems, and airport infrastructure.
3. The Federal government has announced the indefinite suspension of the Air Nigeria Airline project. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, noted that the ‘national carrier’ that was supposed to be an indigenous project and one that was supposed to spark hope for Nigerians, was flawed with a lot of secrecy and fraudulent activities.
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4. The Ekiti State government has sought a partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to complete 2,000 housing units for low and medium income earners. Governor Biodun Oyebanji made this appeal during a visit to the FMBN in Abuja, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Shehu Osidi. Oyebanji reiterated the need for collaboration with the FMBN to achieve his policy of providing “shelter for all.”
5. The Nigerian military has reopened the popular Banex Plaza in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja after over a week-long closure. The plaza resumed operations around 2:30 PM on Monday. The market had been sealed by military authorities on May 18 following a violent clash between traders and military personnel.
6. President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, clashed over the revised minimum wage demand by Organised Labour. Originally set at N615,000, the demand has been reduced to N497,000. Rewane argued that this figure is unfeasible, while Ajaero maintained it reflects Nigeria’s current socio-economic conditions.
7. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that the Federal Government spends N1 billion monthly to power Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Keyamo announced plans to reduce these costs by investing in solar power systems. He explained that the ministry is bypassing power distribution companies to purchase electricity directly from generating companies, a strategy expected to save the Federal Government approximately N300 million.
8. The Benue State House of Assembly has repealed the law providing lifetime maintenance for former elected governors and their deputies. The 9th Assembly had controversially passed this pension bill in May 2023, just days before their term ended, extending benefits to ex-governors and deputies dating back to 1999. However, during a plenary session on Monday, the current 10th Assembly, led by Speaker Aondona Dajoh, repealed the bill, arguing it was not enacted in good faith. Lawmakers unanimously supported the repeal, labeling the law as anti-people.
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9. Nearly six months after the Nigeria Police Force demolished the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex on May 31, 2023, displaced traders are still seeking justice. They accuse Emmanuel Ojibo, Managing Director of Achieving Greatness Limited, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and his wife, Elizabeth Egbetokun, of violating a court order that stopped the demolition. According to Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the demolition was necessary to construct a new contemporary retail complex on the site.
10. The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstances, can reach their full potential. The commission called on stakeholders to support its mission to provide quality education for all children.