Author: GANUX

 

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has raised concern over the inadequate provision for pension arrears in the 2025 national budget recently signed by President Bola Tinubu.

 

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, PTAD, Mr Olugbenga Ajayi, on Friday.

 

The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Ms Tolulope Odunaiya, said this during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Tanimu Yakubu, in Abuja.

 

Odunaiya expressed worry that the 2025 appropriation, which totals N54.99tn, does not adequately cover accumulated pension liabilities, despite its overall increase compared to the previous year.

 

She said the omission threatens the welfare of retired civil servants who rely solely on pensions for survival.

 

The statement read, “During the meeting, Odunaiya emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between PTAD and the Budget Office to ensure the timely and efficient resolution of pension-related issues. She expressed concern that the 2025 National Budget does not adequately provide for pension arrears, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support.

 

“Odunaiya noted that shortfalls in budgetary releases directly affect the well-being of pensioners, many of whom depend solely on their pensions for survival. As part of her recommendations, she proposed the establishment of a joint committee to address the challenges.”

 

She stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration between PTAD and the Budget Office to resolve pension challenges and recommended the immediate creation of a joint committee to address them.

 

Responding, Yakubu accepted the proposal and formally set up the committee.

According to the statement, the committee comprises officials from both PTAD and the Budget Office and is tasked with developing actionable solutions to ensure pension obligations are met without delay.

 

President Bola Tinubu signed the 2025 Appropriation Act into law, approving a record budget of N54.99tn, the highest in Nigeria’s history.

 

The budget was raised from the initial proposal of N49.7tn submitted to the National Assembly.

 

The fiscal plan makes provisions for N13.64tn in recurrent expenditure, N23.96tn for capital projects, N14.32tn for debt servicing, and N3.65tn for statutory transfers, while projecting a deficit of N13.08tn, to be financed through domestic and external borrowing.

 

The budget assumptions include a crude oil benchmark of \$75 per barrel, oil production at 2.06 million barrels per day, an average exchange rate of N1,400/\$, and an inflation target of 15 per cent.

The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved the issuance of a N758bn bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities, including accrued rights and pension increases.

 

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, explained that the approval authorises the Debt Management Office to raise the funds needed to clear the backlog of pension arrears.

 

The National Pension Commission earlier said that the approval of an N758bn bond to settle longstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme would benefit university professors, low-income earners, and others.

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the provision of water to Abuja satellite towns is dear to the heart of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Wike stated this after he inspected some projects in Abuja on Friday, while responding to a question about his recent visit to China.

 

The minister had, on May 1, travelled to China to finalise discussions with officials of the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group over the water project.

 

He said that the FCTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGCOC for the provision of water in satellite towns, adding that the visit to China was a follow-up on the project.

 

He recalled that the Tinubu-led administration had promised to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply, part of which would be delivered along Airport Road in the second year in office.

 

He added that beyond the city water supply, Tinubu directed that Abuja satellite towns must be provided with clean water.

 

Wike stated, “This is a critical project for Mr President.

 

“As I speak to you, Mr President has included part of the funding of the satellite towns in the National Budget, which has been passed.

 

“We have also included it in our Statutory Budget, which has been laid before the National Assembly.”

 

Wike said that the water project would begin with Bwari, Karu, and part of Kubwa, adding that the procurement process was already at the Bureau of Public Procurement.

 

He said that CGC, the company executing the Greater Abuja Water Supply, would execute the project.

He commended Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration to deliver impactful projects to FCT residents, cutting across roads, health, education and other sectors.

 

He explained that 85 per cent of the FCT Statutory Budget, if passed, would be dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15 would be spent on new projects.

 

The minister said that beyond road infrastructure, there were ongoing projects in the health sector.

“So, when we say projects, it doesn’t mean only road infrastructure. Education and healthcare are part of the ongoing projects, particularly in education.

 

“If you see the number of schools being renovated, you’ll understand that education has a significant allocation in the budget,” he added.

 

He disclosed that about N140 billion was allocated for capital projects in the education sector alone in the statutory budget.

 

Wike stated, “Our intention is not to award new projects but to complete the existing ones so that they will not be abandoned.

 

“All those abandoned projects will be brought back to life and completed for the use of the people.”

 

NAN

 

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has condoled with the family of the late Chief Imam of Maru Central Juma’at Mosque, Alkali Sulaiman, where he donated N5 million, 10 bags of rice and other foodstuffs.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the late cleric was abducted by bandits who later killed him alongside two of his children.

 

This was contained in a statement issued in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Friday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

 

According to Idris, the minister was represented at the condolence visit in Maru town by a delegation led by the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ibrahim Dangaladima.

 

Matawalle prayed to Allah to forgive the deceased and give his immediate families, as well as the people of Maru town and Maru Emirate, the fortitude to bear the loss.

 

He announced the cash donation, 10 bags of rice, 10 cartons each of spaghetti and macaroni to the bereaved family.

 

Matawalle lamented how banditry was recently taking a new dimension in the state, where religious leaders were being targeted.

 

He assured that his ministry would continue to deploy more personnel to the state in order to completely eliminate the criminals.

The minister said that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, was taking all the necessary steps to end banditry in the North-West region.

 

He further explained that the resident had provided all the necessary equipment to the military, vowing, “Soon, we will ensure the return of peace in the region.”

 

Matawalle called on the citizens to assist the security agencies with accurate intelligence in order to win the war against banditry and other criminalities

 

He said that security required every well-meaning citizen’s support, irrespective of political or religious inclinations.

 

Matawalle emphasised the need for synergy with state governments in the North-West region with the Federal Government to bring a total shutdown against the bandits and their terrible, inhumane activities.

 

Receiving the delegation, the Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Gado-Maigari, described the minister’s visit and gesture as a great relief to the deceased’s family and the people of the emirate.

Gado-Maigari thanked the minister for his magnanimity to the people of the state and urged him not to relent in doing so.

 

NAN

 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, with results of 39,834 candidates being withheld.

 

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this on Friday during the official release of the 2025 UTME results at JAMB headquarters, Bwari.

 

Oloyede revealed that the seizure of results was due to suspected examination malpractices, and about 80 individuals are being probed for exam-related offences with Anambra State having the highest number of suspects.

Details later…

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned the Managing Director of Sunsteel, Olalekan Adewoye, on Thursday over alleged $680,622.65 fraud in Lagos.

 

Adewoye was arraigned by the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

 

This was disclosed in a statement released by the agency on X on Friday, stating that the MD was arraigned alongside his companies, Sunlek Investments Limited and Sunsteel Industries Limited, on a two-count charge, bordering on alleged stealing and obtaining property by false pretence to the tune of $680,622.65.

 

In the statement, one of the charges reads, “That you, Olalekan Adewoye, Sunlek Investments Limited and Sunsteel Industries Limited, sometime between 2013 and 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with a dishonest intent, stole and converted, for your own use, the aggregate sum of $680,622.65 (Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty- two Dollars Sixty-five Cents), property of Hexagon Im-und Export GmbH & Co KG, a German Company, being the value of construction materials supplied to you, and you thereby committed an offence, to wit, obtaining property by false pretence, contrary to and punishable under Section 1(1), (2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid L. Tukur, requested a trial date and asked for the defendant to be remanded in custody.

 

The defence counsel, Olusegun O. Jolaawo SAN, informed the court of a pending bail application, stating that the defendant had never jumped the administrative bail granted by the EFCC.

 

The judge, Dada ordered that the defendant should continue to enjoy the adminstrative bail earlier granted by the EFCC, but the defendant must deposit his passport and documents for two landed properties with the court registry.

 

The case was adjourned to June 3 and 19, 2025, for the commencement of the trial.

 

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has joined millions of admirers across Nigeria and the diaspora in celebrating Ambassador Professor Mary N. Lar on the occasion of her 90th birthday, describing her as “a distinguished mother, a moral compass, and a symbol of purposeful leadership.”

 

Professor Mary Lar is the wife of the first National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and the first civilian governor of Plateau state, Solomon Lar

 

In a congratulatory message, on Friday Mutfwang described Prof. Mary Lar as a symbol of wisdom and a beacon of hope, whose immeasurable contributions to humanity cannot be quantified.

 

Paying glowing tribute to the elder stateswoman, Mutfwang said: “Your legacy of love, compassion, and inclusivity transcends the boundaries of faith, ethnicity, and generations.”

 

Reflecting on her remarkable journey from a classroom teacher to First Lady of Plateau State and later Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, the Governor stated: “Your life continues to inspire excellence, dedication, and patriotism. It speaks volumes of the strength, dignity, and capacity of Nigerian women in nation-building.”

The governor further described Prof. Lar as “a beacon of hope and a firm pillar in our shared quest for a united and progressive Plateau,” commending her for preserving the noble ideals championed by her late husband, Chief (Dr.) Solomon Daushep Lar, during Nigeria’s formative democratic years.

 

Mutfwang praised her outstanding contributions to education, especially her role in establishing institutions that have “nurtured respected sons and daughters of our land.”

 

He added: “You remain a towering figure, a burden-bearer, a compassionate mentor, and a shining light for our resilient youths on the Plateau and beyond.”

 

“The governor offered his heartfelt congratulations on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, praying for continued good health, long life, and wisdom for the iconic stateswoman”, a statement by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, added.

 

The National Association of the Blinds, Akwa Ibom State Council has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to assent to the disability bill earlier passed by the state’s House of Assembly.

 

The Chairman of the association, Stephen Solomon, who made the appeal in Uyo on Thursday during the first anniversary of the union’s Exco, said that the bill, if passed, would reduce discrimination, segregation, and concealment.

 

He explained that the bill, when signed into law, would empower them to advocate for their rights in the state

 

“We appeal to the governor to assent to the Akwa Ibom State disability bill as passed by the House of Assembly because that is the only thing that will give us a backup to start advocating for our rights.

 

“If the bill is assented to, it will help in reducing discrimination, segregation, and concealment,” he said.

 

Solomon also called for the inclusion and integration of persons with disability into the scheme of things in the state, especially in employment and other empowerment programmes, saying that such would give them the opportunity to take care of themselves and their families as well.

He, however, lamented that many people with disability are out of school, particularly the blind, and urged the government to look in that direction to ensure that such an issue is addressed.

 

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Uyo, Augustine Udo pledged his support and solidarity with the blind association and commended them for their resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to advocating for inclusion and empowerment.

 

He expressed hope that the structure of the bill awaiting assent is equitable enough to accommodate all the interests of people with disability.

 

He added, “In just one year, your association has become a voice of hope, courage, and transformation.

 

“You have inspired the wider community with determination to break barriers and promote equal opportunities.”

 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has released the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results.

 

Over 1.94 million candidates registered and sat the examination in 118 towns and over 700 centres across the country.

 

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced the release of the results at a press conference held at the board’s headquarters, Bwari, in Abuja on Monday.

 

The examination which began on Friday, April 19, ended on Monday, April 29, 2024.

 

The board earlier explained that it chose to delay the release of the results by some days because it needed some time to scrutinize the results to ensure credibility and integrity of the results, ensuring that there are no questions or any form of unclarity concerning the results particularly as regards the issue of impersonation, mixed biometrics, and other forms of malpractices.

However, in this report, PUNCH Online highlights the step-by-step guide on checking this year’s JAMB result via the website and the SMS options. See the processes below:

 

Check JAMB results 2024 via the website

 

Visit the JAMB eFacility Portal: Open a web browser and visit the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s eFacility portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login.

Enter your login details: Here, you’ll need to provide your email address and password you used during registration.

Access your results: Once you’ve entered the required details, click on the “Check UTME Results” button. Your UTME score for each subject taken will be displayed on the screen.

 

Checking JAMB results 2024 via the SMS

 

Open your messaging app: On your mobile phone, launch your text message application.

Compose a new message: In a new message, type “RESULT” (all caps) followed by your JAMB Registration Number.

Send the SMS: Send the message to either 55019 or 66019, the official JAMB result from SMS numbers.

Receive Your Results: JAMB will then send you a reply SMS containing your UTME scores for each subject taken.

Service Charge: This method incurs an N50 charge which will be deducted from your mobile phone airtime.

 

The operators of the helicopter that claimed the life of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife, son, and three others in February 2024, may soon face criminal charges in the United States, aviation industry operators and experts have confirmed.

 

The helicopter, an Airbus EC130B4 operated by Orbic Air, LLC, under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, crashed near Halloran Springs, California, on February 9, 2024.

 

On board were Wigwe, his wife, Doreen, their first son, Chizi, and former NGX Group Chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, along with two pilots, all of whom died in the crash.

 

A final report by the US National Transportation Safety Board cited “pilot disorientation” and a violation of flight protocols, especially the decision to proceed under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions, as key causes of the crash.

 

Additionally, a faulty radar altimeter, which had been flagged during a repositioning flight earlier that day, was noted as another potential contributor to the tragedy.

 

Aviation professionals in Nigeria now assert that the US government is likely to pursue charges of criminal negligence against Orbic Air before a judicial panel of inquiry.

 

The panel would review the case and determine the extent of liability and also the extent of punishment applicable to the helicopter company.

 

Speaking to The PUNCH, Capt Muhammed Badamasi, a retired pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, said the matter was already a legal one, noting the state as the plaintiff and the helicopter company as the defendant.

 

He said, “It’s already a legal matter. The panel of inquiry will determine whether the crash and the resultant deaths were due to a breach of the company’s safety protocols. If so, it becomes a judicial issue, and charges may follow.”

Badamasi emphasised that any legal process would be handled in the US, noting that agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and representatives from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau may be involved as interested parties.

 

Badamosi emphasised that as legal scrutiny intensifies, the case may become a watershed moment for regulatory enforcement in private charter operations, both in the US and internationally.

 

Echoing similar views, a retired pilot and current Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt Ado Sanusi, said the prosecution will be done by the state after the accident investigation body submits the root cause of the unfortunate incident.

 

He said, “Once the investigation report is out, the next step lies with the appropriate legal authorities. If negligence is established, it is within their jurisdiction to act accordingly. The role of the aviation industry ends with identifying the cause.”

 

Sanusi added that the appropriate agency of the state is expected to take up the matter, “but I know that their laws will be considered as appropriate.”

The NTSB’s report detailed how, hours before the fatal flight, a malfunction in the radar altimeter was observed during a transfer from a maintenance facility.

 

Despite the safety concern, the aircraft proceeded with the passenger flight later that day and ended the lives of six people.

 

Another industry expert, Chris Aligbe, noted that the matter will be prosecuted under American laws, adding that issues of negligence are no longer handled with levity in the aviation industry globally.

 

He said, “Before now, issues like this happened and the masterminds got away with it, but not anymore, things are changing. The root cause will be determined and prosecuted in accordance with the law of the land.”

 

The Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria has raised concerns over the declining sales of eggs in the country, citing rising economic hardships and low purchasing power among Nigerians.

 

This was stated by the Jigawa State chapter of the association under the leadership of Mr. Hussaini Gumel when they paid a courtesy call on Thursday evening to Governor Umar Namadi at Government House Dutse, the state capital.

 

According to Gumel, “Since the removal of fuel subsidy, our industry has been hit hard. Many Nigerians can no longer afford eggs, and our sales have plummeted,” attributing the decline in sales to the increasing economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

 

The poultry farmers’ leader noted that the situation is further exacerbated by the rising costs of production, including feed and other inputs. “We’re struggling to keep our businesses afloat,” Mr. Gumel said.

 

The association’s members, comprising both men and women, face numerous challenges, particularly in accessing affordable poultry feeds. “It’s disheartening that chicken feeds are significantly cheaper in Jos, Plateau State, compared to Jigawa and many other states. This disparity has made it difficult for poultry farmers in Jigawa to maintain profitability,” Gumel lamented.

 

The current economic situation has further exacerbated the challenges, with many Nigerians struggling to afford chicken and eggs due to limited financial resources.

 

“There’s no market for our products, and the lack of sufficient money in circulation among people is alarming,” Mr. Gumel said, warning that the business is on the brink of collapse.

 

Decrying further, the chairman stated that “the poultry farmers also lack essential infrastructure, such as refrigerators and cooling devices, to preserve their products in the hot weather. “We’re appealing for government intervention to prevent losses due to damaged products,” Mr. Gumel urged, emphasizing the need for support to maintain the quality of their products.

 

He also highlighted the need for training and capacity-building programs, particularly for women involved in the poultry business, saying, “We need government support to facilitate training and empower our members, especially women at home who are engaged in poultry farming.”

To boost demand and support the industry, Gumel urged the government to consider including eggs in the school feeding scheme. “This would not only increase demand but also provide a stable market for our products, saving poultry business owners from collapsing,” he said, emphasizing the potential benefits for both the industry and the state’s economy.

 

Moreso, the chairman urged Namadi to consider providing support to egg producers in the state. “We need government intervention to cushion the effects of these economic hardships,” he said.

 

However, Gumel stressed the importance of the poultry industry to the state’s economy, noting that it provides employment and income for many residents. “We need government support to keep our businesses running,” he said.

 

The association’s leader also called for policies that would promote the growth of the poultry industry and promised to work closely with the government to identify areas where support is needed most. “We’ll provide necessary data and insights to inform policy decisions,” Gumel said.

 

Responding, the governor assured the poultry farmers of his administration’s support, promising to look into the challenges facing the industry, saying, “We’ll work together to find solutions.”

“I understand the challenges you’re facing, and I’m committed to supporting the poultry industry in Jigawa State. We’ll work together to identify solutions to the feed scarcity issue and explore ways to make it more affordable for your businesses,” he noted.

 

The governor, therefore, acknowledged the importance of the poultry industry to the state’s economy and promised to consider the association’s requests. “Your industry provides employment and income for many residents, and we must support its growth,” he said.

 

Namadi also expressed interest in exploring innovative solutions to support the industry, including potential partnerships with private sector stakeholders, assuring the poultry farmers that “We’ll look into providing training and capacity-building programs for your members, especially women, to enhance their skills and productivity.”

 

Our correspondent reports that the egg producers’ plea comes as many Nigerians struggle to cope with the economic challenges posed since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, as the move has led to increased prices of goods and services, further squeezing the purchasing power of many citizens.