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I’m Not Thinking About Re-Election, Nigerians Will Thank Me For Taking Tough Decisions — President Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has stated that there will come a time when Nigerians will appreciate his administration for making difficult policy decisions.

Tinubu made this remark on Saturday during the south-west assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The event was attended by leaders of the APC from the south-west geopolitical zone, including governors, deputy-governors, federal and state lawmakers, and former elected officials.

During the event, Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff, who represented Tinubu, acknowledged that the reforms implemented by the current administration have drawn significant criticism.

He reassured APC members that these tough decisions are necessary for the country’s future, and expressed his appreciation for the support shown to his government.

The president emphasized that his focus is not on the 2027 election but on improving the quality of life for Nigerians and leaving behind a prosperous nation for future generations.

“We acknowledge that our decisions have been tough, but they needed to be taken. The gains are at the end of the tunnel,” the president said.

“That time will come when we will all be happy and thank our government for taking those decisions. Right now, I am not thinking of the next election but about the next generation.

“This is why we are implementing reforms that are long overdue. This is the hallmark of a true leader.”

In his keynote address, Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti, spoke about the significance of the APC merger in 2013, which he noted was the first successful political coalition in the country since the first republic.

Fayemi highlighted that since its formation, the APC has remained unified and consistently won elections.

He stressed the need for the party to avoid complacency and to focus on wealth creation programs for the people.

“Our party, particularly in the south-west should commit to the facilitation of wealth and employment creation for our people,” Fayemi said.

“We must expand social security and skills acquisition policies to enhance human development, embark on wholesale revamp of our education system to ensure it is fit for purpose, and the intensive fostering of measures aimed at expanding inclusivity for those who are objectively marginalised in the polity.

“While we can be proud of the road we have travelled since 2015, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels as a party or be complacent about anything.

“It is imperative that we openly and honestly acknowledge current challenges and develop a coherent and comprehensive plan that can enable us to confront them.

“This we must do by learning lessons of experience.

“We should also be ready to mobilise for the urgent and necessary task of rebuilding the hope of our compatriots both in project Nigeria and in our ability as a party committed to leading the charge against underdevelopment, disunity, and insecurity.”

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu added that now is the time for the party to unify and work together for the betterment of the region.

“Now is the time for us to live in unity and work together in pursuit of goals that will uplift our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“We must restore family values, confront youth restlessness and tackle the growing ‘get rich quick’ mindset.

“Our country is facing difficult times like many other countries but the good news is that the president is addressing these challenges with focus and determination.

“It is up to the citizens not to succumb to laziness, but to cooperate with the Government to achieve the swift recovery we all desire.”

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NCC Unveils Initiative To Combat Fraud, Spam Messaging

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The Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled a draft regulatory framework aimed at addressing fraud, spam, and other challenges in the “Application-to-Person” messaging sector.

The telecom regulator made this announcement in a statement on Friday.

The proposed framework was introduced during a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, a key step towards enhancing the sector’s integrity and ensuring a fair, transparent environment for all parties involved.

The draft framework, presented by the acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, seeks to regulate the A2P messaging space.

A2P messaging, used for notifications such as bank alerts, promotional campaigns, and government updates, has become a vital communication tool in Nigeria.

However, the sector faces significant challenges, including consumer protection concerns, fraud, and data privacy issues, as well as an unequal distribution of value within the ecosystem.

“The international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces gaps that have led to issues such as fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.

The regulator emphasised its commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring a secure, transparent environment for businesses, consumers, and service providers.

The proposed framework aims to address these challenges by protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and holding service providers accountable.

“This forum marks a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges,” the NCC said. “We are here to engage with all stakeholders—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to refine the framework and ensure it meets the needs of the entire ecosystem.”

The NCC stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in creating an effective regulatory environment.

The commission’s efforts are focused on promoting a sustainable A2P messaging ecosystem that enables business innovation, enhances communication efficiency, and supports Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.

Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback and contribute ideas during the forum to help shape the final framework.

The NCC reiterated its commitment to creating a regulatory environment that supports innovation while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders in the A2P messaging sector.

For further updates, the NCC urged stakeholders to remain engaged throughout the regulatory process, stressing the importance of cooperation in shaping the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.

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JUST IN: Oil Marketers Reduce Petrol Price By 11.8% To N939.50 Per Litre

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Oil marketers sourcing “Premium Motor Spirit”, “PMS”, also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery have reduced the price by 11.8 percent to N939.50 per litre, down from N1,060 per litre.

As of Thursday, December 19, petrol was still being sold at N1,060 per litre in Lagos and surrounding areas.

However, by Friday, MRS, a leading marketer, along with others, had adjusted their prices, now selling at N939.50 per litre.

It’s worth noting that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had earlier lowered the ex-pump price of petrol to N899.50 per litre, down from N970 per litre.

According to the refinery, this price reduction is intended to offer much-needed relief to Nigerians ahead of the holiday season.

Anthony Chiejina, the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, made this announcement.

“To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on “PMS” (“petrol”). From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM,” Chiejina said.

‘‘Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank.”

 

More to come…

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EFCC Allocates N18bn For Allowances, N5bn For Travels In Proposed 2025 Budget

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to allocate N18 billion for allowances in 2025.

This figure is part of the proposed 2025 budget currently under consideration and awaiting approval by the national assembly.

As per the appropriation bill, the EFCC’s total budget for 2025 stands at approximately N62.2 billion.

This budget includes personnel costs (N38.6 billion), overheads (N20.9 billion), and capital expenditure (N2.2 billion).

Within the allowance budget, N1.7 billion is designated for “non-regular allowances,” while “regular allowances” are set at N16.7 billion.

Other proposed expenditures for the EFCC include welfare packages (N1.4 billion), fuel and lubricants (N2 billion), financial charges (N1.2 billion), construction and provision of office buildings (N1.1 billion), and maintenance services (N2.1 billion).

The EFCC also plans to allocate N4.9 billion for “local travel and transport,” with “international travel and transport” expected to cost N1.7 billion.

The proposed budget includes N800 million for the purchase of fixed assets.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu unveiled the N49.7 trillion 2025 “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity.”

In his address to the national assembly, Tinubu stated that it was time “we rewrite Nigeria’s narrative together.”

The primary focus of next year’s budget will be the defence, infrastructure, health, and education sectors.

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