Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges Tinubu to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences

The Adams Oshiomhole has called on the federal government to take strong retaliatory economic measures against South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Group and DStv, amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

Oshiomhole made the remarks during plenary of the Senate of Nigeria on Tuesday, where lawmakers debated rising tensions following reports of violence against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. He urged President Bola Tinubu to consider revoking or reviewing operating licences of major South African-linked businesses in Nigeria, arguing that such actions could serve as economic leverage in diplomatic engagement.

The senator said Nigeria should not only condemn the attacks but also respond with reciprocal measures to protect its citizens and assert national dignity in international relations. According to him, economic pressure may compel South African authorities to take stronger action against perpetrators of xenophobic violence and prevent further attacks.

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Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, further argued that Nigerians affected by the unrest should be evacuated and supported to return home. He suggested that returnees could be reintegrated into local industries, which he said would help boost domestic productivity and create employment opportunities.

In response to the crisis, the federal government has begun arrangements for voluntary evacuation of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that at least 130 Nigerians have registered for the exercise, with more expected as the situation develops.

She noted that President Tinubu has expressed concern over the attacks and condemned xenophobic rhetoric, hate speech, and anti-migrant demonstrations in South Africa. Diplomatic engagements have also been intensified, including the summoning of South Africa’s acting high commissioner by Nigerian authorities.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence but also urged foreigners residing in the country to comply with local laws. The situation continues to draw attention across both nations as diplomatic discussions and evacuation efforts progress.

The proposal by Oshiomhole is expected to generate further debate due to the significant economic presence of South African companies in Nigeria, particularly in telecommunications and media, where they employ thousands of workers and serve millions of customers.

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges Tinubu to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences

LG Autonomy: S’Court Judgment Still Ignored Nearly Two Years After Ruling — NULGE

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)), Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, has raised fresh concerns over the continued non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, nearly two years after the landmark ruling.

Kankara made the remarks during the International Workers’ Day celebrations held last weekend, stressing that despite the July 2024 Supreme Court decision affirming that local governments should receive allocations directly from the Federation Account, there has been no effective implementation framework from the Federal Government.

The NULGE president said the situation remains unchanged, noting that the ruling clearly established local government financial autonomy, but the administrative structures required to implement it have not been activated. He expressed frustration over what he described as continued inaction, insisting that the judgment remains largely unfulfilled on the ground despite being the law of the land. The Supreme Court ruling had directed that allocations should no longer pass through state joint accounts but instead be paid directly to local government councils to strengthen grassroots governance and accountability.

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Kankara specifically faulted the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for failing to issue operational guidelines needed to implement the judgment. He said repeated engagements with both institutions have produced no tangible results, alleging that officials have repeatedly relied on excuses rather than taking action to enforce compliance. According to him, claims that local governments have failed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are misleading, insisting that no official directive or circular has been issued to that effect. He stressed that such a circular is necessary for councils to open accounts and begin receiving funds directly, as required by the Supreme Court ruling.

Kankara called on relevant federal authorities to urgently issue clear circulars and guidelines to both local governments and the CBN to enable full implementation of the judgment. He emphasized that the process is straightforward and only requires political will and administrative coordination to activate direct allocation payments to local councils.

Despite delays, the NULGE president said the union remains committed to sustained advocacy for local government autonomy, warning that patience may not be indefinite. He hinted at possible industrial action if the situation persists, noting that the union’s “struggle continues” stance reflects its readiness to escalate pressure through appropriate labour channels. Kankara also confirmed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)) is supporting the push for full implementation of local government autonomy, describing the backing as strong and consistent.

He further explained that NULGE itself cannot return to court to enforce compliance, noting that only the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has the legal standing to initiate further judicial action. According to him, consultations are ongoing with ALGON to ensure coordinated action on the matter.

Kankara also dismissed claims that local governments are already receiving direct allocations nationwide, describing such reports as inaccurate. He maintained that most states are still operating under the existing framework, with only isolated exceptions being reported.

LG Autonomy: S’Court Judgment Still Ignored Nearly Two Years After Ruling — NULGE

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations

The first batch of pilgrims from Ogun State has successfully arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations from the state and the debut of international flights at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo.

The pilgrims, numbering 345, departed Nigeria on Sunday night aboard a direct flight from the newly inaugurated airport and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, in the early hours of Monday.

Officials disclosed that the contingent comprised both male and female pilgrims, alongside members of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who are overseeing their welfare throughout the pilgrimage.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by Saudi authorities and subsequently transported to Medina, where they are expected to commence their spiritual activities ahead of the main Hajj rites in Makkah.

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The development represents a significant milestone for Ogun State, as the Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight since its commissioning in April 2026. The airport’s utilisation as a Hajj departure centre followed its approval by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), positioning it as a key hub for pilgrimage operations in the South-West region.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the successful airlift as a landmark achievement for the state’s aviation and infrastructure development, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and improving connectivity.

He added that the direct international operation would not only ease the burden on traditional departure centres such as Lagos and Abuja but also stimulate local economic growth through increased aviation activities.

The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board assured that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure the comfort, safety and proper coordination of all pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 Hajj airlift exercise is being coordinated nationwide by NAHCON, with several states participating in the phased transportation of intending pilgrims to the Holy Land.

The successful take-off from Gateway International Airport is widely seen as a step forward in decentralising Hajj operations in Nigeria while enhancing regional access to international travel.

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations