Home Blog Page 303

US tariff: ‘Why Nigeria must focus on increasing oil production’

Harrison EDEH
-
0
US tariff: ‘Why Nigeria must focus on increasing oil production’

TO cushion the impact of global economic shocks particularly from recent U.S. trade tensions Nigeria must increase its oil production and avoid poor fiscal management. This advise comes from Bismarck Rewane, economist and CEO of Financial Derivatives Company.

Rewane made the remarks on Tuesday, April 22, on the sidelines of the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. He was responding to the ongoing global tariff crisis triggered by U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, which continue to cause uncertainty in international trade.

“Our strength lies in oil production,” Rewane said. “We need to ramp up output to at least 1.7 million barrels per day. With oil prices dropping, the country might need a supplementary budget soon.”

He stressed the importance of economic stability at home, urging the government to focus on increasing crude output and avoiding fiscal deficits that could worsen Nigeria’s economic position.

Oil production lags as money supply grows

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria’s money supply rose to N114.2 trillion in March 2025, a 24 per cent increase year-on-year. Rewane warned that too much cash in circulation, combined h falling oil production, could put pressure on the naira and worsen inflation.

“There’s a lot of cash in the system now compared to last year. Money supply is growing and oil production is dropping,  which means pressure on currency and gross reserve has dropped below $38 billion. We need to do more on oil production,” he said.

Despite a production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) set by OPEC, Nigeria fell short in March, producing just 1.401 million bpd, a drop of 64,000 bpd from February. This marks the second straight month of decline after briefly surpassing the quota in January.

Budget under pressure as oil prices fall

Falling oil prices are also complicating Nigeria’s 2025 budget, which is based on a $75 per barrel benchmark. With Brent crude currently selling for $67.25, the government is reportedly considering a budget review to address the growing deficit.

The situation is raising concerns about Nigeria’s ability to fund its spending plans, especially as oil revenues remain a critical part of national income.

Limited impact from U.S. tariffs for now

OPEC’s latest report suggests that U.S. tariffs will have limited direct impact on Nigeria, thanks to exemptions for oil and gas. However, the broader economic ripple effects and continued global price volatility remain a concern.

“The latest US tariffs, particularly on Nigerian oil and gas exports, are expected to have a limited impact on Nigeria’s economy, considering the exemptions for oil and gas and the country’s limited exposure to US trading,”

The report also noted that although inflation in Nigeria is beginning to ease, a weakening naira could slow that progress.

Rewane concluded by reiterating the urgent need for the government to act: “To stay afloat in the face of global economic turbulence, Nigeria must focus on what it does best—produce oil efficiently and manage its economy responsibly.”

Aso Rock opting for N10bn solar questions presidency belief in national grid

Mustapha USMAN  and  Harrison EDEH
-
0
Aso Rock opting for N10bn solar questions presidency belief in national grid

WHILE millions of Nigerians continue to endure blackouts and rising electricity bills, the Presidential Villa is switching to solar signalling a quiet vote of no confidence in the nation’s troubled power grid.

The federal government has approved a ₦10 billion budget for a solar mini-grid to power the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, according to the 2025 budget. The move, which comes amid increasing electricity tariffs and widespread power outages, has sparked fresh concerns about the government’s trust in its own electricity infrastructure and its priorities.

Listed under budget code ERGP202502463, the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid” project accounts for more than 17 per cent of the Villa’s capital budget, which grew from an initial ₦47 billion to ₦57 billion.  Originally, the state house was allocated ₦47 billion in the 2025 budget proposal, but the figure increased to ₦57 billion upon approval. While The ICIR can not confirm the proposed budget details, it might be due to the solar power project.

Despite this shift, the budget still allocates an additional ₦311 million for conventional power supply, raising questions about long-term energy strategy at the presidency.

Widespread struggles, rising costs

The decision comes at a time when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved a significant tariff hike under its new Band A classification.

These customer, expected to get at least 20 hours of daily power now pay ₦225/kWh, over three times the previous ₦68 rate. While the government insists that only 15 per cent of consumers fall under Band A, many Nigerians have raised concerns over forced or erroneous classifications without corresponding improvements in power supply. 

The development elicited reactions from consumers and industry stakeholders who described distribution companies’ failure to meet with power supply as structured by supply-service reflective tariffs as unfair.

Institutions in darkness

On February 11, The ICIR reported that students of the College of Medicine at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, staged a protest in response to a persistent power outage that plagued the institution for over 100 days. 

The demonstration, which began at 7:00 a.m. and was supported by the Students’ Union (SU) of the University of Ibadan (UI), saw the students express outrage over the adverse effects of the blackout on their study and healthcare services at the institution.

The power outage at UCH commenced in November 2024 when the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) disconnected the hospital from the national grid due to an outstanding debt of about ₦400 million.

The debt was part of ₦3.1 billion accumulated since 2019, according to a Premium Times report. But it was not limited to the UCH, it is one of the disturbing incidents of power disconnection in key public institutions in Nigeria.

In August 2024, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from the power grid over an outstanding debt of N472 million. 

The university claimed that its monthly electricity bill, previously between N150 million and N180 million, surged to nearly ₦300 million. It noted that the surge followed EKEDC’s decision to upgrade its tariff band from Band B to Band A in June.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was also cut off from the national power grid by Kaduna Electric due to its inability to settle outstanding electricity bills in the same year. 

The disconnection, which took effect on Thursday, November 28, plunged the institution into darkness.

According to a bulletin issued by the university’s management on Friday, November 29, the institution struggled to cope with rising electricity costs. It noted that despite paying over a billion naira in electricity bills to Kaduna Electric since January, the university was said to still owe a huge electricity debt.  

‘FG lost faith in the National Grid’

The President of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre (ECPAC), Princewill Okorie, questioned the Presidency’s faith in the national grid power with the migration of Aso Villa from the national grid to solar-powered electricity.

He noted that the allocation for solar at the Villa reveals how the government’s priorities continue to ignore the structural energy challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“It is clear that our power sector policy managers are confused. If the Aso Villa is migrating to solar-powered electricity, it means that they have lost faith in the national grid power supply. What can the ordinary Nigerian do in this case, with the cost of solar largely out of the reach of the common man?

“Also, if 36 state governments at the sub-national level decide to go through with solar with a weak local production, it means we’re exporting jobs, and it also shows how weak our power sector reform is despite the government’s assurances,” he said.

“The government has lots of questions to answer on this. The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has promoted Bands A, B, C, and D to facilitate the efficient running of the power sector. How come the Presidency is now migrating to solar?” he queried.

Okorie also berated the power sector managers, whom he described as ‘confused’ in managing the power sector affairs, adding that Nigerians option to solar is largely because of failed power sector reforms.

“Emphasis is always on tariff hike without commensurate impact on electricity supply to electricity users,” he added.

Lagos police launch probe into Alabi Quadri’s ordeal

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Lagos police launch probe into Alabi Quadri’s ordeal

THE Lagos State Police Command has initiated an internal review into the conduct of its officers involved in the alleged mistreatment of Quadri Alabi, following a meeting between human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and the state Commissioner of Police,  Moshood Jimoh.

Effiong confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, April 22. 

He said the meeting with the commissioner and other senior police officers led to the commissioner setting up a committee tasked to probe the actions of the officers and other individuals linked to the boy’s travails.

“We have concluded a meeting with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh and other high-ranking officers in the Command.

“The CP introduced us to the committee, which he has tasked with carrying out an internal review of the conduct of his officers and other persons involved in Quadri’s ordeal,” he wrote.

He emphasised the importance of the investigation, saying it was critical to preventing or reducing the recurrence of similar cases of abuse and misconduct.

“We are cooperating with this investigation because we believe that it is imperative to prevent or reduce the recurrence of cases like the one of Quadri Alabi,” he added.

Effiong, who has stood as Quadri’s lawyer, said his team would allow the Commissioner to take “appropriate actions” following the outcome of the committee’s findings.

This came against the backdrop of the police claims that Quadri was arrested for street fighting.

Recall that the 17-year-old who gained national attention during the 2023 elections by standing in front of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy was arrested by the police in January 2025, charged in court and detained at Kirikirki Correctional Centre.

However, a Lagos Magistrate Court on Thursday, April 17, discharged him following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which confirmed there was no evidence to support the armed robbery charge levelled against him.

His lawyer, Effiong, had described the armed robbery charge as ‘baseless,’ stating that the case was another example of Nigeria’s flawed justice system. 

The lawyer also stated the police misrepresented his age to be 18, “knowing that disclosing his actual age would likely raise eyebrows.”

Effiong stated that the young boy’s predicament began following his viral picture during the 2023 campaign event when he stood in front of Obi’s convoy and later received financial support from the public. 

But shortly after his release, the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, on Saturday, April 19, insisted that Quadri was arrested, charged to court and remanded in a correctional facility after the street fight that took place in the Amukoko area of the state.

The command added that the incident occurred on January 22 when a group of youths engaged in a fierce street fight that caused terror in the community.

According to the statement, several people were injured and public and private property were damaged, stressing that some passersby were also robbed during the alleged chaos.

The police further explained that the investigation led to the arrest of Quadri and four others, who were subsequently taken to court. The court then ordered their detention pending further legal proceedings.

Also, justifying his arrest on Channels Television, on Tuesday, April 22, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, stated that Quadri stated that he was 18 years old.

He also stressed that the birth certificate that the lawyer is parading should be investigated.

Burkina Faso junta alleges coup plot linked to Ivory Coast 

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
-
0
Burkina Faso junta alleges coup plot linked to Ivory Coast 

BUKINA Faso’s military government has announced that it foiled a “major plot” to overthrow junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The junta alleged that the conspirators were operating from neighbouring Ivory Coast.

In a televised address on Monday, April 21, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, revealed that both active and retired soldiers had allegedly conspired with terrorist groups to launch an attack last week on the presidential palace. 

“The manoeuvre was to culminate, according to the terrorist plotters’ plan, on Wednesday 16 April, 2025, in an assault on the presidency of (Burkina) Faso by a group of soldiers recruited by the nation’s enemies,” he said.

Sana added that “sensitive information” was leaked to terrorists to escalate attacks on both the military and civilians, to spark a revolt against the authorities.

He alleged that the plot aimed to destabilise the country and establish a regime controlled by an international organisation. He added that the group tried to influence public opinion by enlisting religious and traditional leaders to persuade military officers to back the coup.

He further alleged that the masterminds of the plan were operating from Ivory Coast, identifying two former army officers believed to be behind the operation. So far, Ivorian authorities have yet to respond to the accusations.

The ICIR reports that this is the latest in a series of alleged attempts to remove the junta leader, who took power in 2022 amid a surge in militant attacks.

Security sources told the AFP news agency that several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested last week for allegedly plotting to “destabilise” the government.

The ICIR further reports that Traoré seized power in 2022 amid rising public frustration over widespread jihadist violence, as approximately 40 per cent of Burkina Faso was outside government control due to insurgent activities.

Although Burkina Faso has cut off its alliance with France and strengthened ties with Russia in hopes of improving security, jihadist attacks persist.

While Ivorian authorities have yet to respond to allegations that they hosted the putschists, the Burkinabe junta has frequently accused its southern neighbour of supporting exiled opponents.

The ICIR reported that Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, announced their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2024 and accused the regional body of failing to safeguard member states and aligning too closely with foreign powers.

They also created a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States and strengthened alliances with Russia, Turkey, and Iran to address internal security threats such as jihadists and armed gangs, as well as external pressures.

CPPE kicks against proposed raw material bill, calls for withdrawal

Ehime ALEX
-
0
CPPE kicks against proposed raw material bill, calls for withdrawal

THE Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called for a withdrawal of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Bill currently before the National Assembly, warning that the bill has the prospect of creating significant adverse and unintended consequences for Nigerian exporters and manufacturers.

The CPPE Director and Chief Executive Officer, Muda Yusuf, raised concerns over the bill in a statement on Monday, April 21.

The bill proposes that no primary product exports should take place unless there is a minimum of 30 per cent local value addition.

It also proposes that manufacturers will not be allowed to import raw materials that are available in sufficient quantity in the country.

The ICIR reports that the bill passed its 2nd reading in the Senate on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Yusuf, a renowned economist, who believes the idea of promoting local value addition is good for the economy and potentially enhances the chances of better earnings from the nation’s exports, pointed out that the policy had to ensure a balance between the interests of exporters of primary products and the processors.

He suggested it would be imperative to undertake a robust study on domestic raw materials availability before legislating a ban on raw materials for manufacturers.

“What is needed is a win-win proposition, not a zero-sum game. The current proposal in the bill will penalise exporters in the country, most of whom export primary products.

“Thousands of jobs in the primary products export supply chain would be put at risk,” Yusuf argued.

He noted that the major non-oil exports include cocoa beans and cocoa butter, cashew nuts, gum Arabic, ginger, sesame seeds, and shea butter.

He said even crude oil was still a major component of Nigeria’s export, stressing that until recently, domestic refining capacity was nil.

Yusuf argued further that the proposed bill raised several questions which including what metrics would be used to determine the minimum 30 per cent value addition.

He asked who would determine and approve the export, and what study had been done to determine the local processing capacity for each category of primary products currently being exported.

Other pertinent questions he raised are: What metrics would be used to determine raw materials that manufacturers would be allowed to import into the country? What is the effective time frame for implementation? And whether it is within the mandate of the RMRDC to promote the ban on exports or imports.

According to the CPPE boss, the position of the CPPE is that the bill raises more questions than answers.

“It is a very simplistic proposition which has not taken into account the critical challenges of manufacturing, processing and value addition in the Nigerian economy.

“This contextual understanding is very critical to enrich the conversations around the raw materials bill,” he said.

Yusuf also pointed out that most agro-processors have collapsed not so much because of the raw materials but the challenges of productivity and competitiveness.

He lamented that production costs were prohibitive, including the cost of energy, funds, logistics, bureaucratic bottlenecks, exchange rate, and multiple taxation, among others.

He maintained that these variables were bigger issues that needed to be addressed to promote value addition.

“We should be causative in our approach to solving problems and focus less on the symptoms.

“If passed, the bill would create new corruption gateways in the bureaucracy as businesses will now be burdened with another chain of approvals,” Yusuf submitted.

 

Pope Francis funeral set for Saturday at St. Peter’s Square  

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
-
0
Pope Francis funeral set for Saturday at St. Peter’s Square  

THE Roman Catholic cardinals have scheduled Pope Francis’ funeral for Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.

The Vatican released photos of Pope Francis in his vestments, lying in a wooden coffin inside the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he had lived throughout his 12-year papacy.

His body will be transferred to the nearby St. Peter’s Basilica in a procession led by cardinals, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects to the first Latin American pope.

The ICIR reported that Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. His death marks the end of a turbulent papacy during which he frequently clashed with traditionalists and consistently advocated for the poor and marginalised.

Earlier this year, the Pope spent five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia. However, he returned to the Vatican nearly a month ago and appeared to be recovering, even making a public appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

The United States President Donald Trump, who clashed with the pope over immigration issues, announced that he and his wife would travel to Rome to attend the funeral service.

Among other heads of state set to attend are Javier Milei, president of Francis’ native Argentina, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Silva and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to a source in his office.

Breaking from tradition, the late pope wrote in his final testament, released on Monday, that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, rather than St. Peter’s Basilica, where many of his predecessors were interred.

The Vatican announced late on Monday that staff and officials within the Holy See could begin paying their respects before the pope’s body at the Santa Marta residence, where Francis had made his home since 2013, opting to forgo the grand apostolic palace where his predecessors had lived.

The ICIR reported that Francis’ death has triggered ancient rituals, as the 1.4-billion-member Church begins the transition from one pope to another. 

This includes the breaking of the pope’s “Fisherman’s Ring” and lead seal, which were used during his lifetime to seal documents, ensuring they cannot be used by anyone else.

All cardinals in Rome were called to a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the sequence of events in the coming days and to review the Church’s daily operations during the period before a new pope is elected.

A conclave to elect a new pope typically occurs 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning it is not expected to begin before May 6. 

Approximately 135 cardinals are eligible to take part in the secret ballot, which can last several days before white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling to the world that a new pope has been chosen. 

Currently, there is no clear frontrunner to succeed Pope Francis.

13 more bodies recovered as death toll from attacks on Benue hits 69

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
13 more bodies recovered as death toll from attacks on Benue hits 69

THE death toll from the recent string of attacks in Benue State has climbed to 69, following the recovery of 13 additional bodies in the wake of raids on rural communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.

Governor Hyacinth Alia had initially confirmed the discovery of 56 bodies on Sunday, April 20, after his visit to the affected areas of the state.

The ICIR reported that gunmen attacked Gbagir community, Ukum LGA of the state. The assault occurred on Thursday on the Sankera axis of the LGA and simultaneously on the neighbouring Logo LGA.

The renewed attacks in Sankera came barely 48 hours after suspected herders launched brutal attacks on three communities, Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, in Otukpo LGA, southern Benue.

However, the number surged on Monday after 13 more victims were found in surrounding bushes where the armed attackers had struck, according to Daily Trust.

The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Content Creation, Isaac Uzaan, confirmed the updated figure on Monday, revealing that 12 bodies were recovered in Ukum and one in Logo.

This brings the total number of fatalities from the attacks to 69, when the latest figures are added to those released by the state governor.

While assessing the communities on Saturday, Governor Alia described the situation as “a real war.” He said no one could afford to sleep with both eyes closed.

His words, “There is no room for anyone to sleep with their two eyes closed. This is real war. We know our enemies. This is the only state that we have. I mourn with you at this very pathetic and sad moment in your lives.”

Alia appealed to the Federal Government for urgent support to halt the violence and prevent further displacement of residents, many of whom are now taking refuge in camps in Zaki-Biam and Ugba.

He also urged residents not to take the law into their hands, stressing the need for calm and lawful conduct even in the face of repeated attacks. 

“I have called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and take decisive action to put an end to these attacks. Our people deserve to live in peace, farm in peace, and raise their families without fear.

“I met with local leaders, community members, and victims. I heard your pain. I saw your strength. And I assure you, you are not alone. We will not abandon you. We are already reinforcing security in the Sankera axis and other parts of Benue, and emergency relief is being extended to affected areas.

“I strongly urge our people to remain calm and not take the laws into their own hands. The path to peace is hard, but it is the only way forward,” the governor added.

Does Nigeria have low electricity tariff in the world?

Fatimah QUADRI
-
0
Does Nigeria have low electricity tariff in the world?

A claim that Nigeria enjoys low energy tariff in the world has surfaced online.

The claim was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu (1:37:20 – 1:38:10), in response to questions from journalists about debts owed to power generation companies (Gencos) during a press briefing held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the National Press Centre in Abuja.

During the televised briefing, Adelabu announced a 35 per cent reduction in electricity subsidies following recent tariff hikes for high-use consumers. He said this adjustment generated ₦700 billion in revenue and helped reduce the government’s financial burden.

Adelabu acknowledged ongoing challenges in the power sector, including grid instability, gas shortages, and a ₦4 trillion debt owed to power firms, half of which the government plans to address through budgetary support.

He emphasised that the government prioritises the welfare of Nigerians over the interests of electricity companies, striving to ensure both reliable and affordable power supply, especially for the poor. While recognising the global rise in energy costs, Adelabu stated that Nigeria still enjoys one of the lowest electricity tariffs in the world.

The minister also highlighted progress under the Siemens Power Initiative, including improved transmission capacity and a push toward renewable energy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering consistent and affordable electricity to all Nigerians.

A portion of his statement, as transcribed from the briefing, reads:

…We can never be on the side of the companies, we are on the side of Nigerians you must ensure that they not only enjoy reliable electricity they enjoy affordable electricity but all said and done we still need to keep looking at the appropriateness of tariffs I’m telling you it affects me too it’s not as if I just want to increase tariff but we need to look at we must protect the poor but energy is expensive all over the world we all know after food security is energy security that most countries of the world are battling with and we still enjoy the lowest tariff in Nigeria today I must tell you…

Given the nature of this claim, The FactCheckHub investigated its accuracy.

CLAIM

Nigeria enjoys low energy tariff.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub shows that the claim is MOSTLY TRUE!

A 2024 BusinessDay report noted that despite the increase in electricity tariffs from ₦66 to ₦225 per kilowatt-hour, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the lowest electricity rates in West Africa.

Citing data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com, the report confirmed that even with a 240 per cent hike, Nigeria’s electricity costs remain among the most affordable in the region.

Countries such as Mali, Togo, Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast reportedly pay more for electricity than Nigeria.

Additionally, a recent Statista report on global electricity prices shows that Nigeria ranks among the countries with the lowest tariffs worldwide.

However, countries like Qatar, Iran, and Russia have even cheaper rates, primarily due to their vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas, which subsidise domestic energy costs.

This positions Nigeria in a relatively low-cost bracket globally, particularly when compared to countries without comparable energy resources.

THE VERDICT

The claim that Nigeria enjoys the lowest energy tariff in the world is Mostly True.
While Nigeria does not have the absolute lowest tariff, countries like Qatar, Iran, and Russia are cheaper, it remains among the most affordable both in West Africa and globally.

Republished from the Factcheckhub.

Trump backs Hegseth amid leaked Yemen attack details repeatedly shared on signal

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
-
0
Trump backs Hegseth amid leaked Yemen attack details repeatedly shared on signal

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has expressed his support for United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after reports that he repeatedly shared details of a March attack on Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis in a signal message group.

“Pete’s doing a great job. Everybody’s happy with him,” Trump said on Monday,  April 21. Asked if he remained confident in Hegseth, Trump said: “Oh, totally.”

Hegseth shared details of a March attack on Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis in a separate signal group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer, Reuters reported on Sunday, April 20.

The ICIR reports that this revelation came at a critical time for both Hegseth and the Pentagon, following the recent dismissal of senior officials as part of an ongoing internal leak investigation.

Hegseth disclosed details of the attack in the second group chat that closely resembled those published last month by The Atlantic, after its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was added to a separate Signal conversation involving all of Trump’s most senior national security officials.

The ICIR reports that this revelation also came just weeks after National Security Adviser Mike Waltz was reported to have shared highly sensitive security information in a Signal group chat.

Waltz shared war plans in a signal message group that included a journalist days before the US attacked Houthis in Yemen.

A person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the second chat included around a dozen participants and was initially created during Hegseth’s confirmation process to address administrative matters, not detailed military planning.

The person added that the chat contained information about the timing of the airstrikes.

Speaking with reporters at the White House on Monday, Hegseth criticised the media and former employees.

“I have spoken to the president, and we are going to continue fighting on the same page all the way,” Hegseth said.

However, the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance against leaks, a campaign that Hegseth has actively supported at the Pentagon.

The latest revelation emerged just days after Dan Caldwell, one of Hegseth’s top advisers, was escorted out of the Pentagon after being identified in an investigation into leaks at the Department of Defence.

After Caldwell’s departure, Darin Selnick, who recently became Hegseth’s deputy chief of staff, and Colin Carroll, former chief of staff to Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg, were placed on administrative leave and dismissed on Friday.

Similarly, Pentagon’s former top spokesperson, John Ullyot, who resigned last week, criticised the Pentagon leadership in a POLITICO Magazine opinion piece published on Sunday. 

Ullyot claimed that Hegseth’s team had spread unverified accusations about three senior officials fired last week, falsely alleging that they had leaked sensitive information to the media.

 

Keyamo faults reports on concession deal, lengthy closure of Enugu Airport

Ehime ALEX
-
0
Keyamo faults reports on concession deal, lengthy closure of Enugu Airport

THE Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described media reports that the Federal Government had agreed to a lengthy concession period for the Enugu International Airport as untrue.

The minister stated this in a statement on Monday, April 21, by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.

He said while it is true that the Federal Government was considering proposals for the concession of five major airports, the reports that it had agreed to a lengthy period of concession of the Enugu airport were “utterly baseless and untrue.”

“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession. It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration.

“All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to the FEC for approval,” Keyamo explained.

Stressing that the review process had yet to be concluded, the minister, however, said he had some months ago directed that the aviation labour unions be included as part of the negotiating teams.

“Therefore, we must state unequivocally that the information suggesting a predetermined concession duration is false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection and mistrust in this process by those with entrenched interests,” Keyamo maintained.

The need to concession the Enugu and four other airports is a proactive measure to ensure the facilities meet and maintain international standards, given the increasing financial demands of their operations.

He added, “Many of our airports are presently running at a loss, so they have to be subsidised each month by the Federal Government. It is noteworthy that this initiative to concession started from previous administrations.”

He assured that the aviation ministry under his leadership would ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of the nation and the aviation sector.

The ICIR reported on Saturday, April 19, that the Federal Government ordered the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State to allow emergency repairs on a critical section of the runway.

The directive conveyed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) became necessary following the discovery of a sudden rupture in the asphalt surface of the runway, posing a significant safety concern.

The emergency repairs are to be conducted from April 22 to May 6, even as FAAN said the closure was in line with civil aviation regulations and part of efforts to ensure passenger safety and upgrade of airport infrastructure.

Appealing to travellers for the inconvenience this would cause them during the period of repairs and reopening of the airport, FAAN said all flights should be diverted to nearby airports, including the Asaba Airport in Delta State.

1...302303304...3,440Page 303 of 3,440