Nigerian Newspapers: 10 Things You Need to Know Friday Morning
1. President Tinubu Displeased with Organised Labour’s Approach
President Bola Tinubu expresses dissatisfaction with Organised Labour’s frequent strikes, citing four strikes within nine months as unacceptable.
1.1 The Rail Mass Transit Project
Inaugurates the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, aimed at improving transportation and logistics in Lagos State.
2. Enrollment of Vulnerable Pregnant Women in FHIS
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, commences the enrollment of vulnerable pregnant women into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), ensuring they receive free safe delivery kits.
2.1 Initiatives for Maternal Health
Dolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment of the FCTA, announces the commencement during a flag-off ceremony in Abuja.
3. BUA Cement Plc’s Commitment to Lower Cement Prices
Kabir Rabiu, the Group Executive Director of BUA Cement Plc, reaffirms the company’s commitment to reducing cement prices, aiming to lower them from N9,000-N15,000 to N7,000-N8,000.
3.1 Cement Price Adjustment Criteria
Depends on the proximity of markets to cement plants, following discussions between cement manufacturers and the Federal Government.
4. Ban on Political Gatherings in Benue State
Governor Hyacinth Alia imposes a ban on political meetings/gatherings due to security concerns stemming from the presence of armed herders in the state.
4.1 Security Measures
The ban, announced by Paul Biam, Chief of Staff to the governor, aims to mitigate potential security risks.
5. Senate’s Call for Equitable Police Recruitment
The Senate urges the Police Service Commission (PSC) to recruit a minimum of 10 candidates from each of the 774 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
5.1 Inclusive Recruitment Practices
Senator Udende Memga (APC, Benue) proposes the motion during plenary, advocating for equitable representation in police recruitment.
6. Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts Fake Pharmaceuticals
The Nigeria Customs Service Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, announces the interception of fake pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value of N1,739,000,000.00.
6.1 Efforts to Combat Counterfeit Drugs
Dr. Ben Oramalugo highlights the command’s efforts during a press conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
7. Progress in Clearing Foreign Exchange Backlogs
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, announces the successful clearance of foreign exchange backlogs in all banks except for five.
7.1 Economic Stability Measures
Cardoso assures investors during an investor call facilitated by the Nigerian Exchange Group, outlining plans to clear remaining FX backlogs.
8. Tragic Incident on Benin-Asaba Expressway
Chaos ensues on the Benin-Asaba Expressway as a stray bullet allegedly fired from a police gun results in the death of a resident.
8.1 Investigation into the Incident
The victim, yet to be identified, is fatally wounded in front of a PoS operator’s house, sparking concerns over police firearm safety protocols.
9. Arrest of Suspects in Possession of Ammunition
The Niger State Police Command apprehends four suspects in possession of 295 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunition.
9.1 Continued Efforts in Curbing Illegal Arms Trade
The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, announces the arrests and reveals details of the ammunition acquisition.
10. Presidential Directive on Cement Prices
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructs cement companies to revert to previous price levels.
10.1 Ministerial Confirmation
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, confirms the directive following an inspection of BUA cement factory in Sokoto.
These headlines offer a comprehensive overview of key developments from Nigerian Newspapers, providing insights into political, economic, and social affairs across the nation.