1. President Tinubu Reshuffles His Cabinet
President Bola Tinubu has made changes to his cabinet. The reshuffle was announced after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja. The President dissolved two key ministries: the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development.
Additionally, he merged the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. This marks the first reshuffle since Tinubu became President in May 2023. During the process, five ministers were dismissed, ten were redesignated, and seven new ministers were appointed.
Tinubu thanked the dismissed ministers for their service and asked the new and reassigned ministers to approach their roles with seriousness, emphasizing the government's goal of promoting growth and development in the country. The President’s reshuffle reflects his desire to streamline the government’s operations and focus on essential national issues.
2. Rising Food Prices Linked to Grain Hoarders
Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has blamed grain hoarders for the rising food inflation in Nigeria. During a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Kano, Bello explained that merchants are stockpiling freshly harvested grains to create scarcity and drive up prices. This practice, according to Bello, is causing unnecessary hardship for Nigerians.
The FCCPC has been investigating and addressing the issue through town hall meetings in key cities such as Abuja and Lagos. Bello urged stakeholders to work together to stop these practices and ensure that food prices remain fair.
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3. Niger Delta Ministry and Sports Ministry Scrapped by President Tinubu
In an effort to streamline governance, President Tinubu has officially scrapped the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Ministry of Sports Development. These changes were announced during the FEC meeting. Tinubu's Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the restructuring and explained that a new Ministry of Regional Development would oversee all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The Ministry of Sports will now be handled by the National Sports Commission, ensuring a more efficient approach to managing sports activities in the country.
This restructuring aligns with Tinubu’s vision of reducing governmental inefficiency and ensuring that resources are better allocated to essential national priorities.
4. Nigeria Approves $618 Million Loan for Fighter Jets
The Federal Executive Council has approved a $618 million loan to procure six M-346 attack jets from Italy. The loan will cover the cost of the jets and the necessary ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force. The first batch of jets is expected to arrive by early 2025, with more deliveries continuing until mid-2026. This move is part of the government’s effort to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, explained that the decision to acquire these jets is part of the government’s broader plan to ensure national security and improve the military’s capacity to respond to internal and external threats.
5. Government Issues 60-Day Deadline for Property Owners
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issued a 60-day deadline for property owners holding Federal Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to clear their outstanding debts. Failure to comply within this period will lead to the revocation of their property titles. The announcement was made by Minister Ahmed Dangiwa during the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in Abuja.
Dangiwa expressed concern over the widespread non-compliance of property owners, noting that many have failed to pay ground rent and other statutory fees for years. He emphasized that the government needs this revenue to support its housing and development projects. Property owners are urged to settle their debts before the deadline to avoid losing their rights.
6. Charges Against Binance Executive Dropped.
The government has withdrawn money laundering charges filed against Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance, a popular cryptocurrency company. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier arrested Gambaryan on allegations of involvement in illegal cryptocurrency activities.
In a surprise move, the charges were dropped, and Gambaryan's lawyer confirmed that he was not involved in the company's broader financial decisions. The case highlights the ongoing complexities in regulating cryptocurrency activities in Nigeria.
7. Tinubu Sets Deadline for Handover by Sacked Ministers
President Tinubu has given sacked ministers a deadline of October 30 to complete the handover of their duties to permanent secretaries. The President’s directive comes in light of the recent cabinet reshuffle. The Secretary to the Government, George Akume, stressed that the ministries that have been merged or dissolved should ensure a smooth transition.
The government is working closely with civil service authorities to ensure that the handover process is carried out efficiently and that the reshuffled ministries continue to operate smoothly.
8. Edwin Clark Criticizes Scrapping of Niger Delta Ministry
South-South leader Edwin Clark has condemned President Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Clark argued that the Niger Delta region has specific development needs that should be addressed separately, and he believes the funds from the Niger Delta should not be used to develop other regions.
Clark pointed out that the Ministry was established to address issues like insecurity and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta, and scrapping it could undo the progress made over the years.
9. PDP to Appoint New National Chairman in November
The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has decided that the North-Central region will produce the next national chairman of the party. The decision was reached during a recent meeting of PDP leaders in Abuja. The current acting chairman, Umar Damgunm, will be replaced in November by a candidate chosen from the North-Central.
This move is part of the party’s strategy to prepare for the 2027 general elections and rebuild its internal structure after a series of leadership crises.
10. Benue Attorney General Suspended
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended the state’s Attorney General, Fidelis Mnyim, for his involvement in a legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The Benue government had joined other states in challenging the legality of these anti-corruption agencies.
Governor Alia expressed surprise at the state’s involvement in the lawsuit and has ordered the indefinite suspension of Mnyim pending further investigations.
