Author: TheScrutinyNG

For the sake of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) project, the Federal Government is to benefit from a $500 million loan facility from the World Bank. This was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during a courtesy visit on him by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief for Nigeria, Axel Schimmelpfennig yesterday. The loan facility, according to the minister, will increase the availability and effectiveness for financing for basic education and primary health care in the various states of the Federation. The fund will enhance transparency and accountability for…

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has assured Igbos of their safety on their return for the Yuletide celebration. Speaking through its Directorate of State (DOS), the separatist group called on Ndigbo and Biafrans to return to their homeland to celebrate the Christmas season, assuring that its Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives would ensure safety and a peaceful atmosphere during the festive period. In a statement signed by Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, the group reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity in the South East region and emphasized its role in fostering peace and development. IPOB described…

Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, to Cameroon. Dangote, in a statement yesterday, said the milestone achieved was as a result of the strategic collaboration between the two companies, and also underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region’s growing energy demand. VANGUARD reports that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, stated: “This first export of PMS to Cameroon is a tangible demonstration of our vision for a united and energy-independent Africa. “With…

An Israeli attack on Palestinian security guards escorting a humanitarian aid shipment in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 12 people and injured dozens, Al Jazeera Arabic’s correspondents on the ground and news agencies report. Medics and local residents told the Reuters news agency that at least 30 people were injured, including several in critical condition, following the Israeli attack on Thursday that targeted civilian guards tasked with securing the aid convoy in the southern part of the war-torn enclave. A video clip shared by local Palestinian media in Gaza showed bodies stacked in a morgue that were reported…

Kemi Badenoch has stood by her comments about Nigeria after the country’s vice president criticised her remarks. Ms Badenoch was born in the London suburb of Wimbledon, and raised in Nigeria, before returning to the UK at the age of 16. She has spoken often about her life and childhood in Nigeria – especially during the Tory leadership race. But now one senior Nigerian politician has taken issue with her comments. Vice president Kashim Shettima accused the Conservative leader of disparaging the country. Mr Shettima added: “She is entitled to her own opinions, she has every right to remove the…

By Fred Itua The 2025 budget presentation by the new Governor of Edo State has sparked public discourse, though for all the wrong reasons. While critics have fixated on a fleeting moment during the governor’s speech delivery, they fail to recognize the transformative and forward-thinking policies embedded in the budget itself. In reality, this budget represents a bold and strategic effort to rebuild Edo State after eight years of stagnation and neglect under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki. This moment should not be reduced to superficial commentary but celebrated as the beginning of a new era—one rooted in action,…

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is ready to sanction any airlines that delay tickets refund to the passengers. NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, tickets refund compliance regulations remains central to the NCAA’s consumer protection agenda. He said the time had come for airlines adhere strictly to the refund timelines as failure to comply will attract immediate sanctions under Part 19 of the regulations. The director said the Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 aimed to safeguard passenger rights. “Cash purchases must…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has restated the commitment of his administration to support security agencies in the State to function effectively in the discharge of the duties of protecting lives and properties in the state. Governor Fubara who spoke at Nigeria Air Force Base Port Harcourt during the commissioning of two blocks of 12 flats each of two bed room prototype residential building on Monday, December 9, 2024, said the responsibility of government transcend delivery of services to the electorates and communities, to supporting critical institutions that protect lives and properties in the State. “We are here to…

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, has called for stricter sanctions, including capital punishment against anyone engaged in violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Hajiya Suleiman made the call in her speech marking the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Monday, in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. She said tougher penalties against rapists would serve as deterrent to perpetrators of such heinous crimes. The minister noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has zero tolerance for any act aimed at dehumanising the female gender. “This administration under President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi state has announced the suspension of the one-week warning strike declared on December 2, 2024. In a statement on Monday, the Union Leadership explained that the decision followed a review meeting by the State Executive Committee. The suspension, addressed to all affiliate unions of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), highlighted the State government’s strong commitment to the negotiating table. The government has consistently involved the Union in extensive negotiation meetings since December 7, 2024. The statement also noted that the State government has shown a willingness to sign an agreement…