The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned one-day nationwide protest against the proposed 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs to allow for further dialogue with the federal government.

The demonstration, which was scheduled to take place across all 36 states and Abuja, was put on hold following a meeting with government officials on Monday night at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Confirming the suspension, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that both parties agreed to set up a broader committee to review the telecom tariff structure.

He explained, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to examine the entire tariff structure and develop a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.”

“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives from both sides and is expected to present its findings after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement. The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of the committee’s work.”

Ajaero further noted, “The outcome of the committee’s work will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, boycott, and even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we have put forward.”

While the planned submission of protest letters has been suspended, Ajaero stressed that the NLC remains concerned about other economic issues, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation on workers.

He also pointed out that the congress had expressed dissatisfaction with the rising cost of electricity and the proposed tax policies, insisting that all unresolved labor-related matters must be addressed.

A communique issued after the meeting confirmed the formation of a 10-member joint committee, with five representatives from the federal government and five from the NLC, to resolve outstanding concerns.

It read in part, “Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the proposed 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs in the country, which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposed, citing its potential negative impact on Nigerian workers and the economy, with a threat to proceed with a one-day nationwide mass protest, the following resolutions were reached: That there is a need for the parties to sit together in a technical group to resolve most of the contentious issues raised during the discussion; consequently, a 10-man joint committee was set up, comprising five (5) representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”

The committee has been given two weeks, starting from February 3, 2025, to complete its work and submit a report.

The NLC urged Nigerians to remain patient as discussions continue, assuring that unresolved labor-related concerns remain on its agenda.

The communique was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; and the General Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned Dr. Olu Agunloye, the former Minister of Power and Steel, before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja.

Agunloye faces charges related to the award of a contract for the construction of the 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station in Taraba.

The EFCC brought an amended seven-count charge against him, accusing him of forgery, disobeying a presidential directive, and accepting gratification.

According to the EFCC, Agunloye awarded the Mambilla project contract on May 22, 2003, to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) without any necessary budgetary provision, approval, or cash backing.

Additionally, the anti-graft agency alleges that the former minister received N5.212 million from SPTCL and Leno Adesanya, facilitated through Jide Abiodun Sotinrin.

This amount was allegedly transferred to Agunloye’s Guaranty Trust Bank account in exchange for conveying the Federal Government’s approval for the Mambilla project in favor of SPTCL.

Agunloye pleaded not guilty to the seven amended charges read to him in court.

During the trial, Adewale Agunbiade, a former Compliance Officer at GT Bank who now works with Jaiz Bank Plc, testified as the second prosecution witness (PW2).

In his testimony, Agunbiade revealed that he had not been issued a letter from Jaiz Bank authorizing his testimony, and he had not received a witness summons from the EFCC to appear in court.

The witness further stated that when he informed the EFCC operatives that he no longer worked with GT Bank, he was told that he had prepared documents related to the case proceedings.

When questioned if he had presented his identification card to the court to prove his employment with Jaiz Bank, Agunbiade stated that he had not done so, despite giving his evidence-in-chief on September 23, 2024.

Following cross-examination, Justice Jude Onwugbuese adjourned the case, with further hearing scheduled for February 24, 2025.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for participating in the sale and enforcement of third-party insurance policies, describing it as a distraction from their primary responsibilities.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA condemned the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) approval of the initiative, calling it an improper deviation from the force’s core mandate of maintaining law and order.

“The fundamental duties of the police include law enforcement, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property none of which authorize them to engage in commercial activities such as selling insurance,” the statement read.

The group warned that allowing the police to take on roles outside their constitutional mandate could weaken their effectiveness in tackling insecurity across the country.

It also called on Nigerians to challenge the initiative in court, particularly if it results in undue harassment of motorists who already have valid insurance from licensed providers.

HURIWA further urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil society organizations to take legal steps to prevent what it described as a potential avenue for extortion.

“The Nigeria Police Force is supposed to be an institution dedicated to public safety, not a business enterprise trading in insurance policies. This move raises serious concerns about their priorities,” Onwubiko stated.

The rights group insisted that the police should concentrate on their constitutional duties and avoid activities that could erode public trust in the institution.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Mustapha Mohammed, the Chief Executive Officer of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, over allegations of defrauding Hajj pilgrims of N144,162,500.

Mohammed appeared before Justice T.G. Ringim of the Federal High Court in Gombe on a three-count charge of obtaining by false pretenses and intent to defraud.

According to the EFCC, he and an accomplice, Nazifi Sale Idris (currently at large), allegedly collected N97,080,000 from Hamza Ibrahim Maina under the guise of securing visas, flight tickets, and accommodation for the 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj.

Another count accuses him of fraudulently obtaining N29,082,500 from Ibrahim Arabia for the same purpose.

The anti-graft agency stated that these offenses violate the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Following his plea, the EFCC’s counsel, S.H. Saad, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody.

However, Mohammed’s lawyer, M.Z. Gambo, applied for bail, which the prosecution opposed.

Saad argued that the defendant had eight additional fraud-related petitions against him, totaling N120,869,500, and posed a flight risk if released.

After hearing both sides, Justice Ringim adjourned the case for a ruling on the bail application and ordered Mohammed’s remand at the Gombe State Correctional Facility.

The Danish government has expressed keen interest in expanding its investment footprint in Enugu State, citing the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic transformation.

A delegation of Danish government officials and business leaders, led by the Consul General of the Royal Danish Embassy in Nigeria, Jette Djerrrum, met with Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday to explore areas of collaboration.

Djerrrum, who also serves as the Head of Trade at the Danish Embassy in Nigeria, said Denmark’s growing interest in Enugu was driven by the state’s shared values and its remarkable progress under Governor Mbah’s leadership.

She noted that Mbah’s speech at the 34th anniversary of German reunification in Lagos last year reinforced Denmark’s confidence in Enugu’s investment climate.

She commended the state’s rapid transformation, saying, “People often focus on negative narratives about Nigeria, but Enugu is proving that there are good stories too. This is a place where transparency, accountability, and efficiency are prioritized.

“We are impressed by the governor’s focus on education, especially the Smart School initiative, the agricultural value chain, waste-to-energy projects, and the expansion of logistics infrastructure, including the international airport and cargo facilities. Things are moving fast here, and we want to be part of it.”

Djerrrum highlighted Denmark’s expertise in sustainable energy, agriculture, and logistics, stating that her country was eager to support Enugu’s development efforts.

She revealed that Danish companies had already begun investing in the state, including the supply of tractors and plans for a new tractor assembly facility.

“The low-hanging fruit for collaboration will be agriculture, which aligns with Enugu’s economic priorities. We also see opportunities in logistics and capacity building. Denmark is known for waste-to-power, wind, and solar energy, and while these transformations take time, we are ready to support Enugu in these areas,” she added.

Governor Mbah welcomed Denmark’s interest in the state, reiterating his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and reducing investment risks.

He described the visit as a significant boost to his government’s plan to grow Enugu’s economy to $30 billion within six years.

“We have already signed an agreement with the Danish company ODK Group for the procurement of tractors, and they are also willing to establish an assembly plant here. But this is just the beginning,” Mbah said.

He emphasized Enugu’s agricultural potential, revealing that the state had secured over 300,000 hectares of land for farming.

“Like Denmark, agriculture is a vital part of our economy, accounting for 40% of our GDP. We are rolling out a Farm Estate initiative across all 260 electoral wards in Enugu to drive large-scale commercial farming.”

Mbah also disclosed plans to establish Special Agro-Processing Zones to support agribusinesses, providing essential infrastructure such as water, roads, electricity, and warehousing.

“In livestock, we have secured $20 million for a major ranch project that will accommodate over 20,000 cows. We are also looking for strategic partners in this sector,” he added.

The governor further outlined investment opportunities in tourism, healthcare, logistics, and aviation, stressing that Enugu was open for global business partnerships.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, February 3, 2025, arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, Abuja.

Yusuf was brought before the court on a five-count charge relating to embezzlement, abuse of office, and fraudulent activities amounting to N90,439,178.

One of the charges alleged that between 2016 and July 2017, while serving as NHIS Executive Secretary, Yusuf approved the purchase of a personal vehicle for N49.1 million, exceeding the allocated budget of N30 million.

The EFCC argued that this act violated Section 22 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Another charge accused him of awarding a contract worth N10.1 million to GK Kanki Foundation, a company in which he had a private interest.

The contract was meant to train 90 individuals, but only 45 people reportedly participated.

Similarly, the EFCC alleged that Yusuf awarded a media consultancy contract of N17.5 million to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf.

Upon reading the charges, the former NHIS boss pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, subsequently requested a trial date. While the defense counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose the request, he urged the court to keep his client in EFCC custody pending the bail hearing.

Justice Nwecheonwu, however, ruled that Yusuf be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility and scheduled the bail hearing for February 12, 2025.