₦500 fuel levy won’t begin automatically in 2026 Nigerians urged to disregard misleading claims Implementation requires the Finance Minister’s formal order The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has announced that the proposed ₦500 fuel levy will not take effect automatically on January 1, 2026. This clarification comes from the Committee’s chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, … Read more
New Zealand has revealed plans to ban greyhound racing, citing an “unacceptably high” injury rate among the dogs. The sport has faced long-standing criticism, with allegations of animal mistreatment and doping by some breeders. The government intends to phase out the industry over the next 20 months, providing time to rehome the racing dogs and … Read more
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun implementing its ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml. EKO HOT BLOG reports that the enforcement kicked off with an operation targeting distributors at Rumuokoro Market in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A statement released … Read more
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has revealed that northern governors require more time to consult on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms. He explained that this was the reason they advised the President to withdraw the bills for further discussions. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, Governor Zulum clarified that the northern governors … Read more
The Oyo State government has imposed a ban on heavy-duty trucks and articulated vehicles from using the newly inaugurated Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso road. In a statement issued on Thursday, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, explained that this decision was made to protect the road, which is crucial for improving agricultural transportation, trade, and inter-city travel. … Read more
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Nigerian airline operators will now purchase Jet A1 fuel exclusively from the Dangote Refinery. This move follows an agreement between the operators and the refinery, which has Keyamo’s full support. EDITOR’S PICKS Health, Planning Ministries Partner with AfDB on Sustainable System Project Shamim … Read more
Sweden’s government announced yesterday a substantial increase in grants for immigrants who choose to return to their home countries, aiming to encourage more voluntary departures. Starting in 2026, immigrants opting to return will be eligible for up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000), according to the right-wing administration supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Migration Minister … Read more
The Presidency has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration did not mislead Nigerians about the removal of fuel subsidies. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, addressed concerns following a statement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding financial strains that have contributed to the current fuel scarcity. EDITOR’S … Read more
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has raised concerns about the severe conditions faced by public sector retirees, revealing that some still receive a meager N500 as their monthly pension. Alhassan Musa, the union’s secretary in Kaduna State, described the situation as “pathetic,” highlighting that many retirees, especially in Southern and oil-producing states, are living … Read more
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced an increase in passport fees, effective September 1, 2024, explaining the rationale behind the decision in a recent update. EKO HOT BLOG notes that NIS cited four primary reasons for the fee hike, which has generated varied responses on social media. According to the service, the increased fees … Read more
The presidency defended the extension of the 2023 Supplementary Budget’s capital section, stating it is necessary to ensure the full implementation of projects hindered by funding issues. EKO HOT BLOG reports that the presidency on Friday defended the National Assembly’s decision to extend the lifespan of the capital section of the 2023 Supplementary Budget, emphasizing it … Read more
Governors of the thirty-six states will meet today to discuss the proposed new minimum wage, having previously rejected the federal government’s ₦62,000 proposal due to financial constraints, while labor unions demand ₦250,000. Eko Hot Blog reports that Governors of the thirty-six states have scheduled an emergency meeting for today, Wednesday, to address issues related to … Read more
NGO urges the government to regulate prices of goods and services instead of increasing the minimum wage to address economic challenges and alleviate hardship caused by inflation. EKO HOT BLOG reports that a non-governmental organisation, Safe and Better Nigeria, has stated that regulating the prices of goods and services, rather than increasing the minimum wage, is … Read more
The Organized Private Sector (OPS) supports a ₦60,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers. OPS warns that wages over ₦100,000 could harm small and medium-sized enterprises. If wages exceed ₦100,000, OPS members would seek tax relief or exemptions from the government. EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Organized Private Sector (OPS) has expressed its approval of a … Read more