The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has recommended that MultiChoice, a satellite pay TV company, delay its proposed subscription price increase and continue with the current pricing until the commission has completed its investigations.

In a statement made yesterday in Abuja by Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director of Corporate Affairs, the FCCPC noted that this recommendation followed MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its forthcoming appearance before the commission.

While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6 along with all relevant officers to provide a comprehensive response.

Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, pending the commission’s review and final determination on the matter.

FCCPC noted that maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period.

Further updates, according to the commission, will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has begun the medical screening for candidates in the ongoing recruitment of police constables for the 2022 exercise.

The screening, which began on February 26, will run until March 12 at designated centres in the 17 police zonal headquarters.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said candidates who participated in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted on March 5 and 6, last year, are advised to check their application status and print out their invitation slips via the recruitment portal: https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng.

Adejobi said: “Successful applicants from the first batch of the recruitment process have already been called up for training, while other candidates are urged to follow up on their application status.”

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the NPF to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring that only qualified candidates proceed to the next phase.

The Nigerian Government entered into a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) on Wednesday, with the objective of establishing Nigeria as a prominent participant in the global halal market, currently valued at $7.7 trillion.

This agreement is expected to promote investment, enhance technical cooperation, and provide market access in essential sectors, including food production, pharmaceuticals, finance, and livestock for both countries.

At the signing ceremony at the Makkah Halal Forum in Saudi Arabia, Vice President Kashim Shettima remarked that this collaboration represents a pivotal opportunity to transform Nigeria into a powerhouse of the global halal economy.

Senator Shettima, who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President spokesman, said, “This collaboration is an important step in our ambition to not only tap into the lucrative halal market but to establish Nigeria as a leading global player.

“We are committed to leveraging this collaboration to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and diversify our economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The agreement was executed with HPDC, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Fahad Alnuhait, in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Chairman of the Makkah Halal Forum’s Organizing Committee, His Excellency Mr. Fawaz bin Talal Al-Harbi, and Chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel.

Also speaking, Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, said the partnership builds on Nigeria’s growing Islamic finance sector, which has seen success through Sukuk bonds for infrastructure financing and the establishment of Islamic banks like Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, and Lotus Bank.

Sheriff explained that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) will support the initiative through capacity building, regulatory framework development, and financing opportunities.

“This agreement aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda by creating new jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and diversifying our economy.

“The halal economy extends beyond Muslim consumers. Non-Muslim majority countries like Brazil, Australia, and Thailand are already leveraging the sector for substantial export growth,” he said.

The Nigerian delegation also included the Chairman of Dar Al Halal Group, Alhaji Muhammadu Ladan Dikko; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole who was represented by Ambassador Nura Rimi; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Ambassador Mahmoud Lele, and R’representative of the Standard Organization of Nigeria, Hajiya Amina.

Others are the Chairman, Nigeria-Saudi Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Ibrahim Usman; Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by Nur Muftau Baba Ahmed; CEO of Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Aneyi, represented by Mustapha Aminu; Deputy President of NACCIMA, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, and Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi, represented by Mrs. Jelilat Ismaila-Ayinde.

VP Shettima had during the Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in September last year emphasized the economic potential of the sector, noting that “increasing Nigeria’s halal exports to OIC markets from two percent to six percent could boost the country’s GDP by $540 million, while strategic import substitution could add nearly $1 billion by 2027.