News
Tinubu repositioning Nigeria’s judiciary to strengthen justice delivery – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu is repositioning the judiciary to strengthen the administration of justice.
Wike stated this at the inauguration of the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that President Tinubu’s approval for the construction of the Appeal Court Complex, accommodation for judges and justices and retirement homes was a testament of the importance attached to the judiciary.
“There are things that must be done for us to get it right, and one of the things that must be done for this country to move forward is to put the judiciary where it is supposed to be.
“This is the essence of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He explained that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem had during the 2023 Legal Year requested for the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and accommodation for judges.
He said: “I took the matter to president Tinubu, and he graciously approved.
“That there are three arms of government, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, and all must be treated equally.”
The minister stressed that the project would be completed before September 2025, adding that he would not be a party to a project that would take more than two years to deliver.
He said that the project would be executed at N37 billion, adding that N30 billion had been provided in the 2024 budget.
The minister warned the contractor, Visible Construction, not to collect money and fail to deliver the job, saying “you have collected the first set of money, I don’t want to hear it has been raining.
A bill for the establishment of a National Identity Database Scales Second Reading in Senate
“You collected the money when it was raining, so you must also do the job as it is raining.
“The contract was given to him to deliver in 16 months, but he promised to deliver between 12 and 13 months if funds are made available,” Wike said.
He added that president Tinubu had also approved the construction of 40 housing units for the accommodation of judges and justices.
He said that out of the 40 houses,10 would be allocated to the Court of Appeal, 10 to the Federal High Court and 20 to the FCT Courts.
He further said that Tinubu had equally approved the construction of retirement homes for judges and justices, beginning with the heads of courts.
“Mr President has approved the construction of retirement homes for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT, President of the Industrial Courts and the President of the Court of Appeal.
“The Chief Judge of FCT also requested for more court rooms for the Magistrates in Maitama, Asokoro and Garki Districts.
“I want to assure that the foundation of the accommodation and retirement homes will be laid in August and completed before September 2024,” Wike said.
Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, was sited in Dakibiyu District.
Ahmad added that the complex, which was located within the vicinity of the Code of Conduct Bureau and the FCT High Court.
He said that the five-storey complex would consist of 10 courts consisting of 10 suites for the Justices, administrative offices for the Registrar, support staff, and file rooms for storage of case documents.
Other facilities, he said, include conveniences and recess areas for the justices.
Earlier, Dongban-Mensem thanked Wike and Tinubu for recognising the role of Judiciary and taking steps to provide what it needs to perform its task.
“This marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to strengthen the administration of justice in our great nation,” she said.
Inaugurating the construction of the complex, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode, Ariwoola thanked Tinubu, Attorney General and Wike for the support to the judiciary.
“All the judiciary needs is to be left alone to perform its role unhindered as much as possible. Once you take care of the judiciary, you’ve taken care of justice,” he said.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a revised documentation requirement for transactions conducted through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the apex bank’s acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali
The CBN said the new initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to foster seamless intra-African trade, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency for Nigerians engaging in cross-border payments within Africa.
Launched by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat in January 2022, PAPSS serves as a centralized payment and settlement platform that enables instant, secure, and efficient cross-border transactions throughout Africa.
By facilitating payments in local currencies, PAPSS minimizes reliance on third-party currencies, reduces transaction costs, and supports the rapid expansion of trade under the AfCFTA.
In a recent circular referenced TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/006 issued on April 28, 2025, CBN outlined the key changes to the documentation requirements associated with PAPSS transactions.
The key changes it added take effect immediately and include simplified documentation for low-value transactions, which allows customers to now use basic KYC and AML documents provided to their authorized dealer banks for low-value transactions of up to $2,000 and $5,000 equivalent in naira for individuals and corporate bodies, respectively.
“For transactions above the thresholds, all documentation as stipulated in the CBN foreign exchange manual and related circulars remains mandatory,” the bank said.
Also, the CBN added that applicants are responsible for ensuring all regulatory documents are available to facilitate the clearance of goods, as required by relevant government agencies.
“Authorized dealer banks may now source foreign exchange for PAPSS settlements through the Nigerian foreign exchange market, without recourse to the CBN.
“All export proceeds repatriated via PAPSS shall be certified by the relevant processing banks.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria urges all banks to adopt PAPSS and commence originating transactions in line with this new policy.
“In addition, CBN encourages exporters, importers, and individuals to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and leverage PAPSS for cross-border transactions within Africa,” the statement said.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives is set to host the country’s first National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy, aimed at driving new laws, attracting investment, and pushing Nigeria further along its energy transition journey.
This was revealed during a press briefing by the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene, who described the event as a turning point for energy legislation in Nigeria.
He said: “The conference aims at bringing together key stakeholders and industry players to discuss renewable energy legislations, energy transition, renewable energy financing, investment opportunities and related matters.
“It’s about developing a national legislative framework on renewable energy”.
The conference, which is being organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will take place under the UNDP Parliamentary Development Program.
Rep. Ogene noted that recent legal reforms have created space for state governments to play a more active role in Nigeria’s power sector. He pointed to the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No.33), now signed into law, which allows states to legislate on electricity matters within the national grid. Before now, states could only act on off-grid power.
In addition, he highlighted the Electricity Act of 2023, which came into effect in February 2024.
“It permits states to issue licenses for all electricity activities – generation, transmission and distribution across the entire power sector value chain,” he said.
The Committee Chairman further stated that the new National Integrated Electricity Policy, expected in 2025, will guide states in forming new electricity markets, where solar power and other renewable sources will be key to reaching underserved communities.
Ogene explained, “The conference has three clear objectives:
“To promote dialogue among legislators, experts and stakeholders on critical legislative priorities.
“To establish a coordinated platform for federal and state lawmakers, and to produce a clear, time-bound legislative action plan.
“International partners are also on board. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will participate, and parliaments from South Africa, Ghana and Gambia have confirmed attendance. Ghana is sending a three-man delegation led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin”.
In another major highlight, the Netherlands-based platform INCLUDE will host a Pan-African Legislative Dialogue session on renewable energy, to be chaired by the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
“The session will focus on how to establish a unified legislative framework on renewable energy development, investment and financing.
“The time has come for us to act. This is not just another conference – it is the foundation of Nigeria’s renewable energy future”, Ogene added.
Expected outcomes from the conference include new policy and legislative reform proposals to boost renewable energy use, as well as draft laws that will encourage public and private sector investment.
Other goals are to enhance collaboration between federal and state lawmakers, raise public awareness, and roll out a practical roadmap for implementation and progress tracking.
The event will also feature a technology showcase of renewable energy innovations and business opportunities.
-
Metro11 hours agoGunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor
-
Politics23 hours agoJust in: Ex- Gov Okowa accepts betraying Southern Nigeria, laments running with Atiku
-
Metro11 hours agoFCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations
-
News11 hours agoJust in: FG declares tomorrow public holiday
-
News23 hours agoBoko Haram Kill Mourners, Kidnap Others In Borno
-
News2 hours agoAlleged money laundering: EFCC produces Aisha Achimugu in court
-
News23 hours agoDeputy Speaker Leads Defection of PDP Stalwart Chris Igwe, 13,000 Followers to APC In Abia
-
News4 hours agoJUST IN: Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu Rtd, dies at 84