Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things to know this Wednesday morning, July 31

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things to know this Wednesday morning, July 31\

1. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has urged President Bola Tinubu to include more politicians and technocrats in his cabinet to address current economic challenges and public discontent.

2. The Nigerian Federal Government, via the Nigeria Customs Service, has temporarily suspended import duties and taxes on essential food items to help combat inflation and reduce the cost of living.

3. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has refused a new office allocation in the National Assembly, citing it does not reflect his seniority, following his removal as Chief Whip.

4. A Lagos High Court has limited the planned August 1 protests to two parks in Lagos to ensure public safety, in response to concerns over potential unrest.

5. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has grounded Arik Air’s operations due to an unpaid $2.5 million debt, a move criticized by the airline’s CEO as detrimental to passengers and the economy.

6. Organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, have rejected the Inspector General of Police’s suggestion for confined protests, insisting on street processions.

7. Atiku Abubakar’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, criticized President Tinubu’s administration, arguing that Nigeria’s problems are due to poor leadership rather than overpopulation, as claimed by Ayodele Fayose.

8. Senator Ireti Kingibe has demanded an apology from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his comments threatening to unseat her in 2027, criticizing his understanding of leadership.

9. Ahead of the nationwide protests, the Federal Government has designated all custodial centers as “red zones,” warning against any unauthorized access to these facilities.

10. The Federal Government has exempted certain salary earners from paying personal income tax, with those earning more than five million naira monthly still required to pay taxes. The government plans to raise the withholding tax threshold from ₦25 million to ₦50 million.