Business
FG okays N24.2bn free Internet for 20 airports, varsities, markets
The federal government has approved two contracts worth N24.20 billion for the provision of broadband for free internet in 75 public places including 20 airports, tertiary institutions and markets across the country.
This was disclosed to newsmen on Wednesday by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.
According to him, the free internet services will cover airports, public universities and markets spread across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.
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The Council also approved two major contracts for the construction of a Centre of Excellence for environmental restoration in Kana Local Government Area of Rivers State and a 100-bed specialist hospital in Ogoni.
According to the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, the projects are aimed at facilitating efficient and cost-effective approaches to contamination management and environmental restoration, while supporting the well-being and welfare of the people who have been impacted by the negative effects of contamination in those areas.
Other memos approved at the weekly meeting of FEC include the approval for contract for the dualization of the roads bordering Ekiti and Ondo States worth over N95 billion with a completion period of 54 months.
The Ministry of Aviation also got approval for the construction of a 150-room capacity hostel worth over N2 billion, according to the Minister of Information and Culture, who briefed journalists on behalf of the Minister, Hadi Sirika.
Business
Naira depreciates again, trades at N1,402/$
Naira depreciates again, trades at N1,402/$
The Nigerian currency, naira, on Thursday slightly depreciated at the official market, trading at N1,402.67 to the dollar.
Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), showed that the naira lost N11.71
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This represents a 0.84 per cent loss when compared to the previous trading date on Tuesday April 30, when it exchanged at 1,390.96 to a dollar.
However, the total daily turnover increased to 232.84 million dollars on Thursday, up from 225.36 million dollars recorded on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the naira traded between 1,445.00 and N1,299.42 against the dollar.
Naira depreciates again, trades at N1,402/$
Auto
Appeal court takes over NURTW case as NIC withdraws
Appeal court takes over NURTW case as NIC withdraws
The National Industrial Court has withdrawn from a case involving Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, Board of Trustees chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa’s ambition to return as president of the union over lack of jurisdiction.
The industrial court’s decision was made to avoid conflict with the Court of Appeal, where the matter is already being heard.
Before the NIC announced its decision to hands-off the case, the defendants’ counsel, Mr. O.I. Olorundare SAN, had informed the court that the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, and that the industrial court could not continue to adjudicate on the same matter.
The counsel cited authorities to support his claim, adding that the National Industrial Court does not have concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Appeal.
The presiding judge, O.O. Oyewunmi, struck out the case, stating that the Appeal Court had taken over the matter and that the Industrial Court must respect the hierarchy of courts.
Alhaji Yasin and six others took the case to the Appeal Court, challenging the decision of the industrial court recognising a delegates’ conference held on May 24, 2023, where Baruwa was proclaimed as President of the union for a second term in office.
With the latest NIC judgement, both parties will now proceed to defend their positions at the Court of Appeal and await the final judgement.
Business
Multichoice shuns court order, proceeds with increase of DSTV, Gotv packages
Multichoice shuns court order, proceeds with increase of DSTV, Gotv packages
Despite the intervention of the CCPT, Multichoice Limited has proceeded to increase packages price for DSTV and GOTV as announce on Wednesday last week.
Newstrends had earlier reported that the corporation announced that the new rates will go into effect on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in a statement.
Meanwhile, on Monday, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited was ordered by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja to suspend the planned prices and tariffs hike on packages and services.
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The three-member tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, gave the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade.
News prices includes: DStv, Premium bouquet, the price moved from N29,500 to N37,000; Compact+ from N19,800 to N25,000; Compact from N12,500 to N15,700; Confam from N7,400 to N9,300, among others.
For GOtv users, Supa+ increased from N12,500 to N15,700; Supa moved from N7,600 to N9,600; Max from N5,700 to N7,200; Jolli, from N3,950 to N4,850, among others.
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