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Reps Leadership Visits Dangote Refinery On Familiarization Tour

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…as Speaker Abbas express desire of in-depth understanding of the sector
By Gloria Ikibah
The leadership of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has paid a familiarization tour to the Dangote refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.
The familiarization visit, which was on the invitation of the Dangote Group, was initially planned to jointly take place with the leadership of the Senate on June 3, 2024. However, the leadership of the National Assembly had to put the visit on hold to meet with the leadership of the organized labour on the strike it embarked on at the time.
The Senate leadership has since embarked on the visit separately, while the House leadership slated July 20 for its own.
The House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday ahead of the familiarization visit.
Speaking when the leadership was conducted round the facility by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Saturday, Speaker Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within our nation’s economy.
Abbas said that the purpose of the visit was to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery.
According to him, this initiative aligns with the legislative agenda of the 10th House, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development.
“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.
“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country.
“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
“In line with the renewed agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the House of Representatives are committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. We understand that a robust partnership between the government and private enterprises like Dangote Group is essential for sustainable development. To this end, we are dedicated to enacting policies that support business growth, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote transparency and accountability”, Speaker Abbas stated.
While recognizing the importance of engaging with industry leaders to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions, the Speaker urged Dangote to maintain an open line of communication with the National Assembly and the House leadership.
He said that constructive dialogue will ensure that the national assembly can address any operational challenges swiftly and foster an environment conducive to optimal economic growth.
“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.
“Dangote refinery “symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.
“As we tour this state-of-the-art facility, it is impossible not to appreciate the significant contributions that Dangote Group is making to our economy. From job creation to the reduction of our import dependence, the refinery stands as a testament to the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on our nation. It provides thousands of jobs, promotes local content, and drives technological advancements within our borders. Such efforts are crucial in our collective pursuit of economic stability and growth.
“The economic significance of the private sector globally cannot be overstated. Across the world, private enterprises are the engines of economic growth, driving innovation, increasing productivity, and fostering competitive markets. They play a critical role in wealth creation, poverty reduction, and the overall improvement of living standards.
“By investing in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, the private sector propels nations toward sustainable development and economic resilience. It is through a vibrant private sector that economies can diversify, innovate, and compete on a global scale.
“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape”, he stated.
The Speaker was in company of the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip, Rep. Usman Bello Kumo; Deputy House Leader, Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Whip, Rep. Adewumi Onanuga; Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi.
Also in the delegation were the Chairmen of relevant oil and gas committees and their deputies.
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FG increases allowances for Civil Servants

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The Federal Government has approved an increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants.

Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, in a move expected to increase the take-home pay of civil servants and boost the morale of the government’s workforce.
Walson-Jack said the increment affects workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).
This is targeted at ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres of the civil service.
According to her, the allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, leading to better earnings for senior and junior officers.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved a review of some key allowances for civil servants.
Some of them include duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance.

The head of service said almost all allowances in the Public Service Rules have been revised.

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One key reform is the approval of 100 percent DTA, which is for civil servants attending approved training programmes irrespective of whether travel is involved or not.
She said, “Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA.”
Apart from salary-related adjustments, the Federal Government has also introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The scheme, which provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, takes effect from January 1, 2026.

For the head of service, the move is part of efforts to enhance dignity in retirement. She maintained that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.

The Federal Government equally confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at financially protecting workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.

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Nigeria’s latest reforms followed an increase in calls from labour unions for improved welfare for civil servants as the cost of living continues to soar, putting more pressure on workers.
It comes about two years after the Federal Government approved a salary rise of between 25% and 35% for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.

The salary structure includes the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
Support for Oyo Workers

In the meantime, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a ₦10,000 monthly transportation support fund for civil servants in the state to cushion the impacts of the rising costs of living.

Makinde said this will run for an initial period of three months. According to him, the move is part of the Oyo government’s response to prevailing economic pressures, particularly the rising cost of transportation.

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The governor said it will help lessen the financial burden on civil servants in the state and ensure uninterrupted service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.

“This support is a direct response to the realities our workers are facing,” Makinde said. “We understand that transportation costs have gone up significantly, and as a government, we must act to ease that burden.”
The transport allowance took effect in March, 2026.

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Military set to try suspected coup plotters, set up General Court-Martial

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The Nigerian military on Friday inaugurated a General Court-Martial to try officers accused in an alleged coup plot, marking the formal commencement of proceedings.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the accused officers were brought to the venue of the sitting, the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, at about 8:53 a.m. under tight security.

Journalists were, however, denied access into the courtroom as proceedings commenced behind closed doors.

Several civil lawyers were observed arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, suggesting the presence of legal representatives for the accused.

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The sitting signals the beginning of the military’s internal trial process following months of investigation into the alleged plot.

The case dates back to October 2025 when about 16 serving military personnel, comprising senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline.

Subsequent investigations by military authorities, however, established that some of the officers had cases to answer bordering on an alleged attempt to overthrow the constitutional government, leading to the decision to subject them to court-martial.

NAN reports that more than 30 accused officer were brought in a “Marcopolo” luxurious bus.

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In a related development, the Federal Government had earlier arraigned several civilian suspects and retired military personnel before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the same alleged coup plot.

The defendants, Including a retired Major General and a serving police officer, were charged with offences bordering on treason and terrorism.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court subsequently ordered their remand in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.

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The parallel proceedings underscore the dual-track approach, with serving military personnel facing court-martial, while civilians and retired officers are being tried in civilian courts.

Further details of the court-martial proceedings were not immediately available as at the time of filing this report. (NAN)

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Oyedele Formally Assumes Office as Finance Minister Vows to Sustaim Reform Momentum

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The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has formally assumed office following the completion of the handover process by the former Minister, Mr. Wale Edun, OFR.

The handover was conducted Thursday 23rd April 2026, within the stipulated timeline following President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s directive.

Mr. Edun’s period in office was marked by the advancement of key fiscal and economic reforms aimed at stabilising the macroeconomic environment and repositioning the economy for sustainable growth.

These included efforts to strengthen revenue performance, improve fiscal coordination, and support broader structural reforms under the Administration’s economic agenda.

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The newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Oyedele in his remarks commended the outgoing Minister for his service and contributions to the ongoing reform efforts in the economy.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the confidence reposed in him to serve in this capacity. He also extoled Mr. Wale Edun for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Welcoming the new Minister to the Ministry in this new capacity, the Permanent Secretary, Finance, Mr. Raymond Omachi and Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma pledged full support and loyalty of the Management and staff of the Ministry in advancing the Minister’s mandates.

Mr. Oyedele reaffirmed his readiness to working closely with the leadership and staff of the Ministry in order to deliver concrete outcomes aligned with the government’s economic priorities.

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He emphasised the need to build on existing reforms while focusing on measurable impact across key sectors of the economy.

The assumption of office signals continuity in the Ministry’s service delivery to the nation, with focus on deepening economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and improved outcomes for Nigerians.

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