Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 24th October, 2024

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 24th October, 2024

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm seven new ministerial nominees.

   This announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a recent session, where he read a letter from the president detailing the nominees. The prompt for the confirmation comes as part of Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen his cabinet and ensure that key governmental roles are filled.

2. The recent cabinet shakeup involved the dismissal of five ministers, a significant move that reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to optimizing government performance. This decision aims to inject new energy and perspective into the administration by bringing in individuals who can meet the current demands of governance and public expectations.

   The changes come as the president seeks to address public dissatisfaction with the government’s efficiency and responsiveness. By appointing new ministers, Tinubu hopes to foster a more dynamic and effective cabinet that aligns with the administration’s goals and objectives, ultimately enhancing service delivery to Nigerians.

3. In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio underscored the need for swift legislative action regarding the president’s request. He indicated that the Senate would prioritize the confirmation of the nominees, emphasizing the importance of having a fully functional cabinet to tackle pressing national issues effectively.

   Akpabio’s referral of the nominees to the Committee of the Whole signals a commitment to ensuring that the confirmation process is thorough yet expedited. The Senate’s quick action reflects an understanding of the urgent need for competent leadership in various ministries, especially as the government navigates numerous challenges facing the country.

4. Following the appointment of new ministers, President Bola Tinubu announced measures aimed at reducing the costs of governance. He directed that ministers and heads of federal agencies limit their official convoys to a maximum of three vehicles, a move intended to curb unnecessary expenditures and streamline government operations.

   Additionally, the president tasked the National Security Adviser with engaging military, paramilitary, and security agencies to find ways to reduce vehicle and personnel deployments. These directives highlight Tinubu’s focus on fiscal responsibility and efficiency within the government, aiming to allocate resources more effectively in line with the current economic landscape.

5. The Nigerian military has firmly denied allegations that its personnel are involved in the illicit supply of arms to bandits and terrorists operating in the country. This statement was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, in response to accusations from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who had suggested that some military members were aiding criminals.

   Major Gen Buba clarified that the weapons used by non-state actors are primarily obtained through raids on security formations, rather than through any facilitation from military personnel. He pointed out that the ongoing crises in Libya and the Sahel region significantly contribute to the proliferation of arms in Nigeria, complicating the nation’s security challenges.

6. In a significant development, the federal government has initiated a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s laws, marking the first such effort since 2004. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, announced the formation of a committee tasked with updating and reviewing existing legislation to ensure it reflects contemporary legal and social standards.

   This review is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda to promote the rule of law and enhance access to justice. Fagbemi expressed concern about the lack of updates to the nation’s legal framework over the years, emphasizing the need for clarity, predictability, and consistency in the country’s laws to support socio-economic development and legal reforms.

7. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism regarding the potential of the newly established Livestock Development Ministry. During a stakeholders’ workshop held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he underscored the vast opportunities available in Nigeria’s livestock sector, highlighting the interest from foreign investors eager to participate.

   Tinubu reassured stakeholders that both he and the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee are dedicated to attracting foreign investments to this sector. By fostering a supportive environment for livestock development, the president aims to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and contribute to economic growth through enhanced livestock productivity.

8. Defence Minister Mohammad Badaru has directed troops engaged in Operation Fansar Yamma to apprehend the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. This order reflects the Nigerian government’s ongoing commitment to tackling banditry and terrorism in the region while addressing security challenges.

   During his visit to the One Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, Badaru acknowledged the progress made by the military in recent operations but also recognized the persistent challenges that remain. His directives aim to reinforce efforts against organized crime and improve security for local communities affected by banditry.

9. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially dispelled rumors regarding the discontinuation of old ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1,000 banknotes. In a statement from the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the CBN declared that there is no deadline for phasing out these denominations, ensuring the public that they remain legal tender.

   This clarification comes as a relief to many Nigerians concerned about the validity of their cash holdings. The CBN has instructed its branches to continue issuing and accepting both old and newly designed Naira notes, emphasizing the importance of reliable communication to counter misinformation regarding currency status.

10. The Federal Government has filed a six-count charge against nine individuals for allegedly spreading false information about an attempt to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The defendants include the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper, its founder Oke Epia, and several other officials associated with the platform that published the misleading report.

The charges, filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, aim to address the serious issue of misinformation that could undermine the stability of government institutions. This legal action reflects the government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for spreading false narratives that could disrupt the political landscape.