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EndHungerProtest: FG sells rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag
#EndHungerProtest: FG sells rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag
The Federal Government on Monday said it has started to distribute an additional 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state to be sold at designated centres at N40,000.
This is as the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has insisted that there is no need for the protest as most of the demands put forward by the organizers are being addressed.
Already, ahead of the August 1 national protest, President Bola Tinubu has said that he is protesting on behalf of the youth by addressing most of their grievances.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that 10 trucks of rice to each state was a measure put in place to address poverty and high cost of living.
The Minister said, “And the position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the federal government and therefore it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again because most of those things that the protesters are putting forward are already actually been addressed or are being addressed by government and like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government.
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“The President has listened to be voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it.
“Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do for example, the effort that government is making, in ensuring that food is being made available.
“The last Council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks 20 precisely had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually In need of them to poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need, but government did not stop there there is also rice that is being sold at about 50% of its cost, a bag of rice is being sold at N40,000 as we speak now.
“This rice have been taken to various centers across all the states of the federation, and is being sold at 40,000 Naira, centers have been created. So that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at 40,000 naira
“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed, this is just the beginning I know that some of the comments you hear is that it is never enough. Government has not pretended that this supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.
“Of course, this is like I I said an interim measure because there is so much investment that is going into the agricultural sector. And the rainy season is here. We expect that the prices of food items will come down as investments are also being made not just for the traditional agricultural produce, but also for the irrigation activities in many of these states of the federation. So we expect that as we move forward, prizes of food items, commodities will of course, come down.”
#EndHungerProtest: FG sells rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag
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Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence and military cooperation between both nations.
According to a statement issued by Ahmed Dan Wudil, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the agreement establishes a framework for strategic collaboration in key areas including military training, intelligence sharing, defence production, joint operations, and broader security development initiatives.
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The pact was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, while Dr. Khaleed H. Al-Biyari represented the Government of Saudi Arabia.
The statement described the MoU as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria–Saudi Arabia defence relations, enhancing cooperation on emerging threats, and improving collective capacity to manage evolving security challenges.
The Defence Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership will support existing efforts to combat insecurity across parts of the country. It added that the collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building strong international alliances in pursuit of national and regional stability.
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
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BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
The Nigerian Senate has granted President Bola Tinubu approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilising the neighbouring country after a recent failed coup attempt.
The Senate said the decision was necessary to safeguard democracy in Benin and prevent a potential influx of refugees through the Nigeria–Benin border should instability escalate.
President Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated 8 December 2025, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President hinged the deployment request on Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to seek legislative approval for external military engagement.
When Akpabio subjected the motion to a voice vote, senators unanimously endorsed the request, giving the President full backing to proceed with the mission.
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Akpabio explained that the deployment was made at the formal request of the Benin Republic government, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in restoring stability following a brief takeover attempt by renegade soldiers.
The crisis erupted on Sunday when a group of soldiers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon’s democratically elected government. The coup was swiftly neutralised by Beninese authorities, with the soldiers arrested within hours of their broadcast.
In response to the attempted takeover, President Tinubu had earlier deployed Nigerian military fighter jets in support of Benin’s loyalist forces, helping to secure critical national assets and reinforce regional defence obligations.
The Senate’s approval now provides constitutional backing for the continuation of Nigeria’s military involvement in Benin, marking a significant step in West Africa’s ongoing efforts to counter unconstitutional changes of government.
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
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BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Nigerian Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the recent failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.
The request, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, was made pursuant to Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Senate consent for external combat deployment. Tinubu said the move followed an official plea from the Beninese government after its security apparatus came under threat.
According to the President, the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding “ties of friendship and brotherhood” with Benin and reflects the nation’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, stability, and democratic governance in West Africa.
Coup Attempt in Benin and Nigeria’s Response
The crisis erupted when soldiers under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized the state television station in Cotonou and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. They declared the dissolution of state institutions and closure of borders.
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In response to a direct request from Benin, Nigeria swiftly deployed fighter jets and ground forces to assist loyalist troops in retaking key installations. The intervention, supported by the ECOWAS Standby Force, helped dislodge the mutineers and restore constitutional order.
Benin’s government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been foiled, with several of the plotters fleeing. The incident occurred as the country prepares for its April 2026 presidential election, sparking renewed concerns about political stability across the sub-region.
Senate Debate and Regional Implications
Tinubu’s request has stirred debate among legal analysts and political commentators. While supporters argue that the President acted within constitutional limits due to the urgency of the situation, critics question whether deploying troops abroad without prior approval is permissible under Nigerian law.
The unfolding situation carries significant implications for ECOWAS security, Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, and future responses to rising instability across the region. With multiple coups in neighbouring nations in recent years, the swift action in Benin is seen as a renewed effort to deter unconstitutional power grabs.
The Senate is expected to formally deliberate on the President’s request within the constitutionally required timeframe.
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
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