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Low-key Christmas celebration as transport fare, prices of essential items skyrocket

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The 2023 Christmas season in Nigeria is being marked by widespread somberness among the majority of citizens. This can be attributed to the prevailing economic crisis that has compelled people to observe Christmas with restrained festivities.

The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 has led to a relentless surge in the prices of essential commodities, hindering the ability of many Nigerians to engage in traditional Christmas celebrations. The escalation in transportation fares has further compounded the situation, preventing numerous individuals from reuniting with their loved ones during this festive season.

The escalating cost of food items, including rice, chicken, and goat, has reached unprecedented levels, with a significant impact on households. For instance, the price of a bag of local rice, previously sold at N44,000, has now soared to as high as N61,000 in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In contrast to previous years, where families typically purchased goats and chickens to enhance their celebrations, the exorbitant prices in 2023 have disrupted these customary practices. A goat, which could be acquired for as low as N25,000 last year, now costs around N70,000, primarily due to increased transportation expenses related to fuel issues.

While President Bola Tinubu approved a 50% discount for inter-state road travel during the festive period, the implementation has faced challenges. Travelers have encountered difficulties securing affordable tickets, and many have been left stranded in parks due to the excessive charges imposed by transport companies.

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Despite efforts by the Federal Government to alleviate the burden on travelers through agreements with select transport companies, such as GIG, Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata, and Area Motor, complaints about high fares persist. Motorists and passengers express frustration over the lack of justification for the fare hikes, especially in the absence of fuel scarcity.

The aviation sector is not spared from these challenges, as flight tickets have become exorbitant, exceeding N200,000 for a one-way trip from Abuja or Lagos to any part of the East.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, acknowledges the monitoring of companies against excessive pricing but emphasizes that Nigeria operates in a free market where the government lacks the authority to impose prices.

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Police arrest Portable over G-Wagon debt

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested popular musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.

DAILY POST learnt that the controversial singer was nabbed on Tuesday following his alleged refusal to pay the debt he incurred when he purchased G-Wagon from a car dealer in the state.

According to reports, Portable had paid only N13 million after purchasing the vehicle, which was worth N27 million. He was said to have refused to pay the N14 million balance.

The car dealer reportedly took the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the singer.

When contacted by DAILY POST, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest.

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He simply said: “The report is true. He was arrested today.”

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Electricity Tariff Hike: Labour Shuts Down NERC, DisCos In States

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) took action yesterday by shutting down offices of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) nationwide.

This protest was sparked by the recent increase in electricity tariffs by NERC and the DisCos, with the unions demanding a complete reversal of the hike and the reclamation of public electricity assets.

During the protest at NERC headquarters in Abuja, workers displayed placards bearing messages such as “We are not a generator Republic” and “Let the poor breathe. Give us affordable and constant light,” indicating their frustration with the current state of the power sector.

NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticized the privatization efforts as a failure and called for a reversal of the tariff increases. He emphasized the disproportionate impact on wage earners who cannot adjust their income to offset rising utility costs, unlike business owners.

Ajaero also highlighted the adverse effects on small and medium-sized enterprises, crucial to Nigeria’s informal economy, exacerbating the unemployment crisis.

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The labour center reiterated its rejection of the recent tariff hike and urged the government to honor previous agreements, including a halt to further increases until specific conditions are met.

In response, NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba, acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest and assured consideration of concerns regarding tariff affordability and energy source diversification.

Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC picketed the headquarters of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) in Plateau State, the offices of NERC and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Ebonyi State, and the headquarters of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Ondo State.

Similar protests occurred in Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Kebbi, and Ekiti States, demonstrating widespread discontent with the electricity tariff hike across the country.

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Katsina Gov swears in new Head of Service, retains former Reform Adviser

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Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has sworn in Alhaji Falalu Bawale as the state’s new Head of Service.

The Katsina Governor also swore in the immediate past Head of Service, Usman Isiyaku, as Special Adviser on Public Service Reforms and member of the State Executive Council.

Addressing the audience at the swearing-in ceremony after administering the oath of office and oath of allegiance to the appointees at the Katsina Government House Chamber, Governor Radda stated that both the new Head of Service and the Special Adviser were appointed on merit.

He called on all the permanent secretaries to join hands with the new head of service to enable them deliver for the progress of the state.

According to the Katsina Governor, the major challenge facing the incumbent administration was the issue of time, as the state government had a lot to cover.

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Turning to the Special Adviser, Governor Radda described him as a committed and trustworthy personality, which prompted the state administration to retain him to enjoy more from his vast experience.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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