Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Power distribution companies in Nigeria have refuted claims of an electricity tariff hike commencing on January 1, 2024. Contrary to speculations, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not issued any directive for such an increase, as confirmed by various utility companies. Adekole Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communications at Jos Electricity Distribution Company, dismissed the rumors, stating, “At this moment, I am not aware of any moves to hike electricity tariffs. It’s still a rumor; no order from the government or NERC directing us to commence any tariff hike.” Emeka Ezeh, Head of Communications at Enugu Electricity Distribution Company,…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has initiated the supply of crude oil for the test-running of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited. Oil marketers have confirmed that the refinery will supply refined products, including Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and others, to 12 states, such as Abia, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta. The NNPCL stated that the ongoing test-running phase will be completed shortly, with the commencement of commercial production expected in the near future. Despite experts’ anticipation of reduced refined product costs, downstream operators caution against expecting a massive price crash. The Federal Government,…

In a  New Year broadcast, President Bola Tinubu openly acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians and pledged unwavering commitment to address the rising cost of living, high inflation, and an unacceptable under-employment rate that has plagued the nation. The President, who assumed office seven months ago, emphasized the need for drastic decisions to save the country and steer it towards prosperity. Tinubu admitted that some of his decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system, caused discomfort among citizens. However, he firmly stated their necessity, asserting that these measures were crucial to safeguard Nigeria…

In a surprising turn of events, President Bola Tinubu extended a hand of collaboration to opposition parties, calling for the formation of a unity government to collectively address Nigeria’s challenges.  The president made this unexpected announcement during his New Year broadcast, on Monday morning, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to propel the nation forward. Tinubu, who highlighted the drastic decisions taken during his seven-month tenure to save the country, acknowledged the discomfort some measures caused, such as fuel subsidy removal and changes to the foreign exchange system. Despite these challenges, he reiterated the necessity of such decisions to…

The gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu transcends political affiliations,saying that the president belonging to all Nigerians.  This proclamation took center stage during the PDP’s year-end party in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Adebutu’s assertion was prompted by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s exclusive claim to the presidency and accusations of deliberate resource withholding for Tinubu during the Presidential elections. Amidst the political tussle, speculations are rife about Adebutu contemplating a switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reinforce support for President Bola Tinubu in the South West.…

Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, said that so far a total of 10,697 medical laboratory scientists had left the country. Erhabor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a policy is being put together by the Federal Ministry of Health to address the problem. “The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” he said. He said that the policy when launched would regulate the migration of Nigerian health workers. Erhabor said that the government has reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity. “Government is considering…

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has called for the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating  loss of lives. Atiku urged an expansion of the security architecture as a proactive measure in Plateau and other states. The Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Plateau State, Kefas Mallai, reported a devastating toll of over 150 lives lost in Barikin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas due to gunmen attacks. Atiku, in a statement by his media adviser Paul Ibe, underscored the urgency for prompt and decisive government action to address the recurring atrocities, emphasizing the need for…

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has strongly refuted demands for the resignation of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, asserting that he bears no responsibility for the recent tragic killing of two policemen in the state. In response to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders and various opposition groups, urging Soludo to step down due to perceived inadequacies in handling insecurity, the National Coordinator of APGA Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, emphasized that security matters should not be politicized. Obigwe stated, “Politicizing security issues indicates the involvement of those behind the insecurity.  We condemn…

In a surprising development, a factional Speaker River State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie has officially resigned from his role as a member representing Ahoada East in the Assembly.  Ehie also  relinquished his position as the speaker of a prominent group of lawmakers, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape. The formal announcement of his resignation, encapsulated in a letter dated 29th December 2023, was directed to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the development stirred discussions within political circles, leaving many to speculate about the underlying reasons for this…

In a bid to enhance the productivity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide, the Federal Government is ambitiously working towards providing an uninterrupted eight-hour power supply by 2024.  Spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, this initiative will be executed in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a key arm of the Federal Government. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, unveiled this plan during a special end-of-year program, “2023: Year Of Transition,” hosted by Channels Television.  Emphasizing the strategic partnership with the REA, Adekunle-Johnson outlined the concerted efforts to implement…