Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has  identified the lack of a liquid foreign exchange market as a significant challenge for multinationals  exiting Nigeria.  He highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the economic and investment climate to attract and retain international businesses. Edun explained, “One of the major drawbacks, one of the major impediments for them (exiting multinationals) was they did not have a liquid foreign exchange market.” To address this, the Nigerian government has introduced a willing buyer, willing seller foreign exchange market.  Edun noted that while this market is not yet at…

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has deemed the June 3, 2024, notice of industrial action issued by Organised Labour as “premature, ineffectual, and illegal.” In a letter dated June 1, 2024, Fagbemi addressed his concerns to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo, emphasizing the legal shortcomings of the planned strike. The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient for the average Nigerian worker.  They highlight that many governors are not adhering to this wage, which expired in…

 Nigerian organised labour has affirmed its resolve to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike, defying eleventh-hour interventions by the National Assembly aimed at forestalling the impending industrial action. Despite intense negotiations held at the National Assembly Complex between the leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the labour leaders remained resolute in their decision to proceed with the strike, citing unmet demands regarding the national minimum wage and electricity tariff hike. The emergency meeting, spearheaded by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas…

A  Petty Officer (PO) in the Nigerian Navy, M. Nasiru  has been sacked  for allegations of theft.  The dismissal stemmed from accusations that Nasiru pilfered various items from the residence of a retired Naval rating who had  housed him and his family in Lokoja, Kogi State. According to the military signal, Nasiru  allegedly stole ;  30 pieces of wrappers, 3 veils, a Maxi generator, and 40 empty gallons, collectively valued at approximately 600,000 Naira.  These items were reportedly taken from the home of Mrs. Jumai Idris, the retired rating who had provided accommodation to Nasiru and his family free of…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended  a 70-year-old grandfather, Muhammadu Ibrahim for alleged  involvement  in illicit drug activities. The operation, which took place in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa state, resulted in the seizure of 57.2 kilograms of cannabis from Ibrahim.  The NDLEA’s Director of Media and  Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Ibrahim was arrested alongside three other suspects between May 29 and May 31 in various locations across the country. Babafemi said in Ekiti state, NDLEA officers conducted a raid in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Suleiman Kazeem, 35, and Sunday…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has  reflected on his turbulent path to leadership and the trials of his five years in office.  Speaking at his 64th Birthday and 5th Year Thanksgiving Service held at the Ogun State Government House Chapel, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta, on Sunday, Abiodun shared insights into the political obstacles he faced and the resilience that defined his tenure. In his address, Governor Abiodun recounted how his ascent to the governorship was met with resistance from an unexpected quarter—his own party.  Although he refrained from naming specific individuals, he revealed that his predecessor actively campaigned against him in favor…

In a recent series of interviews conducted by PLATFORM TIMES, residents of Ogun State offered a diverse range of opinions on the five-year tenure of Governor Dapo Abiodun. While some praised his efforts, others expressed significant dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance. Abiodun became governor of the state in 2019 and  was later re elected in 2023 for his second term in office . Opeyemi, a local businesswoman, delivered a scathing review, citing a lack of substantial development under Abiodun’s leadership. She highlighted the neglected conditions of major roads, such as Adatan/Carwash and Ewekoro/Papa roads, and credited former Governor Ibikunle…

Daud Olatunji  The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, the 83-year-old founder of the renowned Arrow of God Orphanage in Anambra State, on charges of human trafficking.  The arraignment took place at the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, under the auspices of Hon. Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who is presiding over the case. PLATFORM TIMES reports that Clara Ogo stands accused of involvement in the buying and selling of human beings for various purposes. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Ogo, a retired Nigerian Army Lt. Col and nurse, established the Arrow…

Daud Olatunji A Priest of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Egba, Archbishop Adegbemi  Adewale, has warned  that Nigeria’s problems will persist if the government fails to reform its policies.  The cleric said changing the national anthem is not a solution to the country’s challenges. Speaking at the church’s 42nd synod in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday, the Archbishop declared that Nigeria’s problems will persist unless government policies are reformed. Adewale while addressing the gathering, charged the  President, Bola Tinubu to take a drastic step in restabilizing the fast declining economy. He also stressed…

In response to ongoing discussions about a bill proposing a return to Nigeria’s regional government system, indigenes of Lagos State, under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, have vehemently declared that Lagos will not be part of the Western Region or Province. The group, advocating for a standalone status for Lagos, made their position clear in a statement circulated to the media on the night of June 1, 2024. The statement follows widespread circulation of a draft bill on social media, titled ‘A bill for an act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a new…