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Mulade Sheriff Urges EFCC To Reveal Status Of Delta 13 Per Cent Derivation Funds
A prominent environmental rights activist and development advocate from Delta State, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to disclose the current status of the alleged mismanagement, misappropriation, and diversion of the 13% oil derivation funds intended for the development of host communities in the state. Comrade Sheriff, former chairman of oil-rich Kokodiagbene Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, urged the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to investigate the matter thoroughly, without compromise or political interference. He expressed concern that the recent political defection of former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), must not influence or derail the anti-corruption process. Sheriff, who also serves as Chairman of the Association of Host Communities, cautioned against burying the issue due to Okowa’s alignment with the ruling party. He warned that dropping charges for political reasons would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy and developmental efforts. He emphasized that both Nigerians and the international community are closely watching the EFCC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly regarding their commitment to the fight against corruption, insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and poverty.
6/4/2025, 7:11:32 AM
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NCC Asks Banks To Deduct USSD Transaction Fees From Users’ Airtime
The Nigerian Communications Commission has instructed Deposit Money Banks to begin deducting charges for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) transactions directly from users’ mobile airtime. In an email to customers on Tuesday, the United Bank for Africa announced that these charges will no longer be taken from customers’ bank accounts. According to the bank, the new directive takes effect from Tuesday, June 3. The statement reads, “In line with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), please be informed that effective June 3, 2025, charges for USSD banking services will no longer be deducted from your bank account. “Going forward, these charges will be deducted directly from your mobile airtime balance in accordance with the NCC’s End-User Billing model. “Under this new billing structure, each USSD session will attract a charge of ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, which will be billed by your mobile network operator. “You will receive a consent prompt at the start of each session, and airtime will only be deducted upon your confirmation and availability of the bank to fulfil this service. “If you do not wish to continue using USSD banking under this new model, you may choose to discontinue use of the USSD channel.” UBA said customers can continue using other digital banking options and internet banking platform for convenience. The latest directive may be another move by the commission to address the historical USSD payment conflict between Mobile Network Operators and commercial banks. In December 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the NCC directed mobile network operators and DMBs to resolve the long-standing N250 billion USSD debt. Following threats by telcos to withdraw services over the debt accumulated by banks, the NCC, in January, threatened to suspend the USSD service and publish a list of banks still owing telcos. On January 15, the regulator directed telcos to disconnect the USSD codes assigned to nine banks by January 27 due to unpaid debts. On February 28, MTN Nigeria said it received N32 billion — out of N72 billion — from banks as part of payment for the USSD debt.
6/3/2025, 6:56:27 PM
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No Administration Has Recorded Tinubu’s Achievements Within Two Years~ Information Minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the Tinubu administration’s accomplishments over the past two years as undeniable proof of bold and visionary leadership. He made this remark during the inaugural National Dialogue on Citizen Engagement and National Security, themed “One Voice, One Vision: Uniting Perspectives for a Stronger Nigeria”, held in Abuja on Tuesday. The Minister noted that the event comes at a pivotal moment, describing Nigeria as being “at the confluence of purpose and possibility.” He stressed that the forum, initiated by the Voice of Nigeria (VON), is not merely a policy talk shop but a deliberate platform to harmonize policy perspectives with the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians. “Just last week,” Idris buttressed, “we commemorated the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration with ample proof of its monumental positive impact.” He emphasized that no administration in Nigeria’s democratic history has recorded such sweeping reforms and achievements within two years. “No preceding government has ever achieved what the Tinubu administration has achieved in two years: first, the courage to vanquish the monster of oil subsidy and the forex racket, and then massive road infrastructure, an unprecedented students’ loans scheme, and the CreditCorp, indeed, policies that are re-stimulating confidence in our young population.” The Minister further noted that the Tinubu administration’s policies are beginning to yield tangible outcomes. “After a stormy start, food prices are falling, even as we are stemming the tide of insecurity, while the impact of governance, for the first time in decades, is making a new headway through the local government autonomy, the creation of ministries for regional development, and the biggest boost in agriculture—the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.” He added that “with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the voices are audibly uniting in further support of a man of vision and courage.” Underscoring the core objective of the national dialogue, the Minister described national unity and citizen trust as the foundations of national security. “There can be no national security without national unity. And there can be no unity without trust. In times of uncertainty and insecurity, our greatest weapon is not force. It is trust between the governed and those who govern,” he stated. He pointed out that the Renewed Hope Agenda is grounded in citizen participation and engagement, where every Nigerian “must feel, be seen, heard, and valued.” The Minister also praised the Voice of Nigeria for its renewed mandate and evolving role as more than a broadcaster. “VON is not just broadcasting news, but shaping narratives and forging national identity… ensuring that, whether it is in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or English, whether in Berlin or Birnin Kebbi, the voice of Nigeria is heard, respected, and trusted, echoing authoritatively from within a united people and secured territory,” he said. Calling for genuine synergy among all national stakeholders, Idris said: “This forum reflects that vision. It brings together government, media, civil society, and the security community—not in silos, but in synergy. Not to talk at each other, but to listen to each other.” The Minister emphasized that Nigerians do not require uniformity to achieve unity; rather, they can embrace their diverse identities while remaining united in purpose.
6/3/2025, 2:49:01 PM
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Sallah Holidays: Delta Postpones 2025 BECE
The Delta State Government has announced a revised date for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination, which was initially scheduled to hold from June 9 to June 13 for both public and private secondary schools across the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Daniel Akiri, on behalf of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, it was revealed that the examination will now take place from June 16 to June 20. The statement explained that the “shifting of the examination to a new date was occasioned by the Federal Government declaration of public holidays on June 6 and June 9 respectively to mark Eid-ul-Adha and Democracy Day celebration on June 12.” “We regret the inconveniences the development, especially the change of the earlier date might have caused,” it concluded. The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Nigeria is a crucial national assessment taken by students at the end of Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), signifying the conclusion of the country’s nine-year Basic Education programme. While the exam is conducted by NECO at the federal level, it is also administered by various State Ministries of Education at the state level. BECE evaluates students’ academic preparedness to progress to Senior Secondary School (SSS 1) or to opt for vocational training. It typically tests core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Basic Science, and plays a key role in Nigeria’s 9-3-4 education structure.
6/3/2025, 2:43:48 PM
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Delta Gov Threatens To Sack Underperforming Commissioners
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has strongly cautioned members of the State Executive Council, stating that their retention in office will be based on performance, not gossip or backbiting. He delivered the warning on Monday while inaugurating eight newly constructed duplexes at the Commissioners’ Quarters in Asaba, making it clear that poor performance will not be condoned. Governor Oborevwori also dispelled rumours of a blanket dissolution of the council but maintained that non-performing commissioners would be removed. He said, “If you are not performing, we will drop you, and that will not affect other people. “If you are performing, you will stay. Like now, two or three people are not performing. I told one of them today at the chapel. You are not doing well. “You know, there are a lot of rumours that the governor wants to dissolve the exco. These people haven’t even heard from me; this just shows that people like to talk too much.” The governor stressed the need for initiative and visibility from commissioners. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability by holding each commissioner directly accountable for their ministry’s progress. Oborevwori said. “As a commissioner, we don’t see you. You talk, carry your memo, and look for the governor, because the governor will not come looking for you. “There are others who are seeking me out; you have to bring energy and initiative into your ministry. “If there is a problem in any ministry, hold the commissioner responsible. Any ministry that is doing very well shows that the commissioner is doing very well. “We have a lot of projects to inaugurate. I don’t think we will stop before the end of this year. We may not be able to inaugurate all of them, but I believe we will do our best. “We want to emulate Mr President in what he did on Saturday during the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. They articulated all the projects and decided to stay in one particular location to inaugurate them.” He promised to inaugurate all his projects in Warri and articulate them for all to see.
6/3/2025, 7:05:32 AM
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Economy Will Collapse If Nigeria Does Not Borrow~ Orji Kalu
Senator Orji Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has warned that Nigeria’s economy could collapse without external financing. Speaking on Monday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, Kalu defended the country's borrowing practices amid criticism of the National Assembly’s approval of executive loan requests. His comments come as concerns mount over Nigeria’s growing debt burden. When asked whether lawmakers thoroughly scrutinize loan requests, the former Senate Chief Whip maintained that the oversight process is still effective. “Let me tell you, if this economy does not borrow, it will collapse. That is the truth. That is where we are. “Of course. The Committee on Foreign Debt and Local Debt scrutinises them. I’m not a member of that committee. These jobs are mainly done at the committee level. For me, the National Assembly has done its job,” he explained. In April 2025, Nigeria completed the repayment of the \$3.4 billion loan it secured from the IMF under the Rapid Financing Instrument during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite settling the principal, the country will continue to incur annual charges of about \$30 million in Special Drawing Rights (SDR) linked to the facility. Nevertheless, Nigeria intends to borrow an additional \$26 billion between 2025 and 2026 to cover budget deficits and stimulate economic growth—a plan that has drawn criticism, with many Nigerians accusing the National Assembly of acting as a “rubber stamp.” But former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu has rejected the allegations, maintaining that all legislative procedures are properly observed. “Any law or anything you see passed in the National Assembly has gone through the level it’s supposed to. Once it takes its course, I’m satisfied. That’s the definition of lawmaking,” he added. The lawnaker also rebuffed suggestions that lawmakers were failing to perform their oversight role and cited the recent passage of the tax bill as proof of the Senate’s diligence. “We are very thorough. People just want to see us fighting with the executive. We are adults. We cannot fight. For the interest of Nigeria, we have mechanisms to safeguard that. “The day we passed the tax bill, I went to the Senate President’s house to congratulate him. It was a thorough job. All the evenings we were there— seven o’clock, six o’clock— we took it one by one. That’s not what a rubber stamp does,” he stated.
6/3/2025, 6:59:37 AM
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FG Needs N880bn Yearly For Road Maintenance~ Minister
The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goroyo, stated on Monday that the Nigerian government would need to allocate about N880 billion to maintain the federal road network nationwide. Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Chukwuemeka Abbasi, revealed that the framework for deducting the road user charge from petrol and diesel prices has never been enforced by the now-defunct Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority, currently operating as the Nigeria Midstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Both officials made these remarks in Abuja during an investigative hearing held by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee probing the implementation and remittance of the five per cent user charge designated for road maintenance under FERMA. Speaking at the event, Goroyo said, “FERMA requires an estimated ₦880bn annually for optimal road conditions. Budgetary allocations have consistently fallen short—N76.3bn in 2023, N103.3bn in 2024, while N168.9bn was budgeted for 2025. “Though these figures show gradual increases, they remain far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance. This persistent funding gap has forced FERMA into a reactive mode of maintenance rather than a preventive approach. “The consequences of this are glaring — deteriorating road conditions, increased repair costs, and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses alike. A proactive strategy, backed by adequate funding, is essential to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient roadways nationwide. “Thus, the diligent implementation and timely remittance of the 5% user charge are paramount. This dedicated funding stream offers a viable solution to bridge the financial gap, providing consistent resources to address Nigeria’s infrastructure needs without over-reliance on annual budget appropriations.” He added that inadequate funding has been the major bane of the nation’s road infrastructure, stressing that even though the user charge was supposed to address the gap, the agency and the Ministry have not been able to access it.
6/2/2025, 4:31:37 PM
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