Top Nigeria Newspaper Headlines Today 24th October 2024 [Thursday]

Below is the summary of Top Nigeria Newspaper Headlines Today 24th October 2024 being Thursday.

Top Nigeria Newspaper Headlines Today 24th October 2024 [Thursday]

1. On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the dismissal of five ministers from his cabinet, marking a significant reshuffle in his administration. The ministers let go include Uju Kennedy, who served as the Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education; Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, who held the position of Minister of State for Housing and Development; and Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth. This move is seen as part of the President’s broader strategy to enhance governance and streamline his cabinet.

2. In a notable political development, Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, has publicly criticized the 24-member transition team of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Pius Odubu. Nehikhare claims that the team is unprepared for a peaceful transition scheduled for November 12. He expressed concerns over the team’s apparent reluctance to engage in discussions, highlighting their failure to attend crucial joint committee meetings. This lack of participation raises questions about the APC’s commitment to a smooth handover of power.

3. The Federal Government has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to construction giant Julius Berger, demanding acceptance of a substantial N740.79 billion proposal for the completion of a critical segment of the Abuja-Kano Highway. Following the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, emphasized the urgency of resolving the matter swiftly, warning that failure to comply could lead to termination of the contract. This ultimatum underscores the government’s determination to accelerate infrastructure development.

4. In the legal arena, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano State High Court has scheduled a hearing for November 20 to address various pending applications related to a corruption and misappropriation case involving Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his wife, Dr. Hafsat Ganduje, alongside six other defendants. The case has attracted considerable public attention, given its implications for political accountability in Nigeria.

5. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently indicated that Nigeria’s currency, the naira, is exhibiting signs of stabilization. This positive trend is attributed to recent interest rate increases and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to clear foreign exchange backlogs. The IMF shared these insights during a press briefing held in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, suggesting that Nigeria’s economic measures may be yielding fruitful results in stabilizing its currency and enhancing investor confidence.

6. In a significant development in Nigeria’s oil sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced the direct supply of petrol to select oil marketers, bypassing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. Reports indicate that many oil marketers are now seeking to procure petrol directly from the refinery, while others continue to rely on imports. With hundreds of millions of liters of imported petrol expected to arrive in Nigeria within the next two weeks, this shift could alter the dynamics of the country’s fuel distribution landscape.

7. The Federal High Court in Lagos delivered a notable verdict on Wednesday, convicting and sentencing 41-year-old Canadian national Adrienne Munju to 11 years in prison for her role in importing 35.20 kilograms of Canadian Loud (Cannabis Sativa) into Nigeria. Justice Dehinde Dipeolu presided over the case and provided an alternative punishment of a N100 million fine for the two charges leveled against Munju by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. This ruling highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

8. In a surprising legal turn, the Federal Government has withdrawn money laundering charges against Tigran Gambaryan, an executive with Binance Holdings Limited. Gambaryan faced serious allegations amounting to $35 million, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His discharge was reportedly influenced by health concerns and diplomatic pressures, raising questions about the complexities of international financial regulation in Nigeria.

9. Law enforcement in Rivers State has successfully apprehended three notorious kidnappers who have been instilling fear among travelers along the Port Harcourt-Owerri highway. The Rivers State Police Command announced that these individuals were linked to numerous armed robberies and kidnappings, including the recent abduction of a corps member. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on criminal activities affecting the safety of road users in the region.

10. In an effort to safeguard critical national infrastructure in Abuja, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained nine individuals suspected of vandalizing essential public assets. These arrests are part of a renewed initiative aimed at protecting vital services and deterring criminal behavior, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of national infrastructure.