The House of Representatives has summoned Dangote, Bua, and other cement manufacturers in Nigeria over alleged arbitrary increases in the price of cement. The House also mandated its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Commerce, Industry, and Special Duties to investigate the matter.

The summons follows a motion brought by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi and Hon. Ademorin Kuye during plenary in Abuja. The lawmakers expressed concern that cement manufacturers have increased the price of their products by up to 50%, leading to significant hikes in building costs and rents across the country.

They noted that the raw materials for cement production are sourced locally and not affected by exchange rate volatility, and the cost of production has not significantly changed since last year. The lawmakers accused cement manufacturers of capitalizing on exchange rate fluctuations to raise prices.

The lawmakers described the price hike as an affront to the efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improve living conditions for Nigerians. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi emphasized that despite government interventions, the price hike was unnecessary.

To address the issue, Hon. Babajimi Benson suggested a sectoral debate to understand the factors behind the price increase, while Hon. Sada Soli called for compassion, considering the potential impact on the national economy and investments.

The committee is expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) the authority to execute a search on multiple generator companies, following concerns of untoward behavior and business practices.

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the Commission initiated the investigation due to the significance of the electricity power industry, particularly in providing alternative power sources. Abdullahi emphasized the critical importance of affordable and reliable power supply for businesses and households, especially small businesses and vulnerable households.

Abdullahi stated, “That investigation is currently at various stages. Extensive briefings with topmost officials in government, and evidence gathering from relevant targets have also occurred.”

Furthermore, Abdullahi highlighted the Commission’s decision to file criminal charges against Mikano International Limited and Others for alleged obstruction of justice and failure to comply with lawful requests during the execution of the search warrant. The charges, according to Abdullahi, are in violation of Sections 28(5), 33, 110, and 111 of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

“The Commission is strongly committed to ensuring compliance and transparency in the enforcement of the law,” Abdullahi affirmed.

He reassured consumers and businesses that the Commission would continue to enforce the law in a fair and humane manner, emphasizing the importance of adherence to regulatory frameworks to prevent exploitation of consumers and ensure economic and market stability.

The action taken by the FCCPC underscores the government’s determination to uphold consumer rights and promote fair business practices in Nigeria.

The Federal Government, under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, has launched its strategic plans for the period 2024 to 2028, aimed at advancing the transformative roadmap of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

During the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Rt. Zaphanial Jisalo, highlighted the comprehensive five-year plan’s alignment with the visionary Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda, anchored in progress, innovation, and inclusivity, seeks to rejuvenate the nation.

Jisalo outlined the strategic pillars, priority areas, goals, objectives, interventions, and key activities encapsulated within the plan. Developed through stakeholder engagement, the plan emphasizes job creation, innovation, economic growth, social development, sustainability, and inclusivity to combat extremism and promote national security.

“Our strategies encompass bolstering local production, reducing imports, supporting our farmers, nurturing emerging sectors, empowering the vulnerable, and ensuring accessible healthcare, education, and housing,” stated the Minister.

He emphasized that the plan signifies the ministry’s commitment to fulfilling citizens’ aspirations, aiming to catalyze Nigeria’s progress towards a future of economic prosperity and social development for all.

Jisalo expressed unwavering determination to execute the plan meticulously, highlighting the importance of efficiency, accountability, and transparency. He emphasized the need for collaboration and partnership across sectors to harness collective strengths for national development.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ibiene P. Roberts, extended gratitude to stakeholders and partners for their contributions to the plan’s success. She affirmed the collective efforts toward realizing the objectives and aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda, fostering a better and more prosperous Nigeria.

The launch of the strategic plans underscores the government’s commitment to driving sustainable development and realizing the transformative vision outlined by President Tinubu’s administration.

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu, presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting, has issued a directive to security personnel to rescue over 200 kidnapped students in Kaduna state without paying any ransom to the abductors.

The directive came following deliberations during the FEC meeting, prompting President Tinubu to emphasize the priority of rescuing the students unharmed.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the directive public while briefing State House Correspondents.

According to Idris, President Tinubu instructed security personnel to pursue the abductors and ensure the safe rescue and reunion of the captives with their families, without yielding to any ransom demands.

The abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, by bandits has sparked national outrage.

Reports indicate that the bandits demanded a ransom of N40 trillion from the Federal Government, along with motorbikes, Hilux vans, and other materials.

President Tinubu’s firm directive underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable schoolchildren. Further details on the rescue operation are awaited.

Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd., revealed that the corporation recorded 9,000 infractions on its pipelines in the span of one year.

Kyari disclosed this during an oversight function of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft, conducted at the NNPC Ltd. headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

He highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken by NNPC to address the issue of illegal activities, stating, “From 2022 to date, we have deactivated 6,465 illegal refineries and removed 4,876 illegal connections to pipelines out of 5,570 discovered.”

However, Kyari expressed concern about the persistent challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and oil theft, noting that despite efforts to remove illegal connections, new ones often appear shortly afterward.

He emphasized the widespread nature of the problem, stating, “It is obvious that crude oil theft is almost an end-to-end issue in Nigeria; it is very obvious that everyone is involved.”

Kyari highlighted the audacious nature of the perpetrators, with illegal activities occurring in close proximity to settlements and government offices.

He underscored the critical importance of addressing security concerns to safeguard Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a unified approach involving all security agencies and private security firms.

In response to the challenges, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the Special Committee, acknowledged the complexity of operating oil and gas pipelines in Nigeria. He lamented the prevalence of infractions, including breaches at oil wellheads, flow stations, loading terminals, and export facilities.

Ado-Doguwa expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in regulatory activities and instances of official complicity in crude oil theft.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s determination to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta region, through concerted efforts and enhanced regulatory measures.

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal government to allocate funds for the establishment of cancer treatment centers and the implementation of free cancer treatment programs across Nigeria.

In a motion of national importance, the House mandated the Federal Ministry of Health to direct all Teaching Hospitals to establish Cancer Treatment Centers and commence free treatment for cancer patients.

Sponsored by Honourable Yusuf Ahmad Badau from Kano state, the motion highlighted the urgent need to address the rising number of cancer cases in Nigeria and the devastating impact of the disease on affected individuals.

Badau emphasized the alarming rate of cancer-related deaths, attributing them to the lack of government intervention in cancer treatment. He pointed out the financial burden faced by many patients, particularly low-income earners in rural communities, where awareness of cancer prevention and management is limited.

“The disease has claimed countless lives due to the absence of accessible and affordable treatment options, especially for those in underserved areas,” stated Badau.

The House adopted the motion and called on the federal government to enact the necessary legal framework to ensure the provision of free cancer treatment in all Teaching Hospitals. This move aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and reduce the high mortality rate associated with cancer in Nigeria.

The call for free cancer treatment underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing public health and addressing the healthcare needs of all citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic status.