Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Witness Tells Abuja Court NSTIF Contractors Met All Conditions in ₦2.2bn Fraud Case
Testimony comes as former Labour Minister Ngige faces scrutiny over procurement practices at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
Testimony comes as former Labour Minister Ngige faces scrutiny over procurement practices at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
A prosecution witness has told an Abuja court that contractors engaged by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF) fulfilled all requirements in the controversial ₦2.2 billion contract fraud case involving former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige. The testimony was given on Thursday during ongoing proceedings in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the witness, whose evidence forms part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) investigation, the contractors complied with all stipulated guidelines and procurement conditions before their contracts were awarded by NSTIF. The EFCC has alleged irregularities in contract awards during Ngige’s tenure as minister, prompting a high-profile trial that has drawn attention to procurement practices within federal agencies.
The case is significant as it highlights persistent concerns about transparency and accountability in public sector contracting in Nigeria, especially regarding major federal institutions like NSTIF. The anti-graft agency’s probe into the alleged fraud is part of wider efforts to address corruption and recover public funds misappropriated through inflated or improperly awarded contracts.
During Thursday’s hearing, the EFCC’s witness maintained under cross-examination that due process was observed by the contractors, noting that all relevant documents and performance guarantees were provided as required by law. However, defence lawyers have insisted there were no grounds for the fraud allegations, arguing that due diligence was followed throughout the process.
The court adjourned further hearing to a later date for continuation of trial. The outcome is expected to shape ongoing discourse about contract awards and anti-corruption measures in federal ministries, departments and agencies across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Court Jails Man for Impersonation, Orders Community Service After EFCC Prosecution
Justice Dipeolu convicts Samuel Oliveth Louis for cyber fraud; EFCC warns public against online impersonators
Justice Dipeolu convicts Samuel Oliveth Louis for cyber fraud; EFCC warns public against online impersonators
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced one Samuel Oliveth Louis to jail and mandated community service after he pleaded guilty to impersonation and cyber-related fraud. The judgement was delivered by Justice D. I. Dipeolu on Tuesday, following a one-count charge brought against Louis by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Louis was arrested in September 2024 after investigations revealed he had posed as a white man named ‘Eric Rolly’ on Telegram, with intent to deceive unsuspecting victims and obtain financial benefits. The prosecution told the court that his actions contravened Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Cybercrime remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with authorities stepping up efforts to clamp down on online impersonators who exploit digital platforms for fraudulent activities. The conviction of Louis highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to restore public confidence and deter similar offences, especially as Lagos continues to report high numbers of cyber-related cases.
Speaking after the judgement, an EFCC spokesperson urged Nigerians to remain vigilant online and report suspicious activities promptly. “This conviction demonstrates our resolve to prosecute offenders under the Cybercrimes Act,” the official stated. Legal experts say such rulings are critical in reinforcing Nigeria’s anti-fraud framework and sending a clear signal that cyber offences carry serious consequences.
With this verdict, the court has also ordered community service as part of Louis’s sentence—a measure increasingly adopted to foster rehabilitation while serving as a deterrent. Stakeholders expect continued collaboration between security agencies and the judiciary to reduce cybercrime incidents across Lagos and other urban centres.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-jails-man-for-impersonation-orders-community-service/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Extreme Heat Costs Nigerian Women Workers Billions in Annual Earnings, Report Reveals
New study highlights economic loss among low-income women due to rising temperatures; calls for urgent government intervention
New study highlights economic loss among low-income women due to rising temperatures; calls for urgent government intervention
A new report has revealed that extreme heat is causing significant financial losses for poor women workers in Nigeria and across the globe, with annual earnings dropping by over $57 billion. The findings, released on Thursday, underscore the disproportionate impact of climate change on women engaged in informal and low-wage sectors, particularly in urban centres such as Lagos and Kano.
The report points out that as temperatures continue to rise, many female workers—especially those working outdoors or in poorly ventilated environments—are forced to reduce their working hours or miss work entirely due to health risks associated with heatwaves. This reduction in productivity directly affects their daily income, compounding existing challenges faced by women in the labour market.
Experts say the issue is especially pressing for Nigeria given its large population of women engaged in informal trading, agriculture and domestic work. With limited access to cooling infrastructure and social safety nets, these women bear the brunt of lost earnings and increased health risks. The report urges governments at all levels to prioritise gender-responsive climate adaptation policies and invest in affordable cooling solutions for vulnerable communities.
According to the findings, without urgent intervention, the economic consequences of extreme heat will continue to widen gender inequality and hamper national development goals. Analysts are calling on federal and state authorities to collaborate with international partners to implement early warning systems, expand social protection programmes, and ensure access to health services for affected workers.
The study has sparked renewed debate among labour unions and advocacy groups who are demanding stronger policy action. As Nigeria continues to experience record-high temperatures, stakeholders warn that failure to address this issue could undermine ongoing efforts towards economic empowerment for women.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Minister Wike Declines to Drink at Abuja Karu Water Project Commissioning as Shettima Leads Ceremony
Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains
Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains
A viral incident at the commissioning of the Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja on Monday drew attention after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, refused to drink water from the new facility, while Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, took a symbolic sip. The event took place in Karu area, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at providing potable water to Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and neighbouring communities within Abuja Municipal Area Council.
According to videos circulating on social media, Shettima was seen drinking from a glass filled with water drawn directly from the newly completed supply network. The act was intended as a demonstration of confidence in the quality of the water now available to residents. However, Wike, standing beside the vice president during this symbolic gesture, did not drink from his own glass—a moment that quickly became a subject of intense discussion online and among residents.
The Karu Water Supply Network is one of the flagship projects under President Tinubu’s administration in the FCT and is designed to address long-standing challenges around access to safe and reliable drinking water for fast-growing satellite communities on Abuja’s outskirts. Many residents in these areas have historically depended on unsafe or unreliable sources for their daily water needs. At the event, Vice President Shettima stated: “We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to breathe life into a fundamental human right that has eluded this bustling community for far too long.” He emphasised that improved access to clean water would directly benefit public health and enhance living standards for thousands.
Minister Wike also commended the completion of the project, noting during his remarks that it would improve daily life for many residents who had previously faced difficulties accessing clean water. He recalled promising during the flag-off ceremony that government would deliver on its commitment: “By June next year, we will return here to commission this project and the people of Karu, Orozo, Kurudu and neighbouring communities will have access to clean drinking water,” he said at that earlier event.
Despite official optimism about the project’s impact, it was Wike’s refusal to take part in the ceremonial tasting that dominated social media reactions. One user remarked: ‘A public servant questioning a public infrastructure made by his office… How do you trust who does not trust his work.’ As at press time, neither Wike nor officials of FCT Administration have issued any statement explaining his decision or responding to speculation. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment.
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