Nigeria News (Standard)
Taraba Sanitation Agency Cuts Sweepers’ Allowance by ₦5,000 Amid Funding Constraints
Chairman Illiya Kefas says decision not from Governor Agbu Kefas as agency faces rising costs in 16 LGAs
Chairman Illiya Kefas says decision not from Governor Agbu Kefas as agency faces rising costs in 16 LGAs
The Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency has reduced the monthly allowance of street sweepers under the Operation Keep Taraba Clean programme from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000, citing the need to sustain its operations across the state. The agency’s chairman, Illiya Kefas, announced the development on Tuesday in Jalingo, clarifying that the decision was an internal administrative measure and not a directive from Governor Agbu Kefas.
Kefas explained that the pay adjustment was implemented following an increase in the number of workers recruited into both state and local government civil services, which has put pressure on available resources. He stated that with more personnel now engaged across Taraba’s 16 local government areas, maintaining previous allowance levels became unsustainable for the agency. “The arrangement was an internal decision to sustain the activities of the agency and not a directive from the governor,” Kefas told journalists.
The reduction has drawn concern among sweepers and residents, as it means beneficiaries now receive half of the ₦20,000 monthly allowance they were previously paid before earlier cuts. The cut comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs and inflationary pressures. According to Kefas, operational costs have continued to climb as the workforce expands, making it difficult for the agency to meet all financial obligations at prior rates.
Agency officials have maintained that while they regret any hardship caused by the new allowance structure, their priority remains ensuring that sanitation services continue uninterrupted across all local councils. No official response has yet been issued by workers’ representatives or organised labour regarding the pay cut. Attempts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.
The agency said it will monitor developments and review its financial capacity periodically. Meanwhile, stakeholders in Taraba are calling on government and relevant authorities to find lasting solutions to funding challenges affecting essential public services.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Presents Certificates of Return to Ekiti Governor Oyebanji, Deputy After Second Term Win
Presentation in Ado-Ekiti follows Oyebanji’s re-election; APC extends dominance as opposition parties yet to react
Presentation in Ado-Ekiti follows Oyebanji’s re-election; APC extends dominance as opposition parties yet to react
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday presented certificates of return to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, confirming their victory in the just-concluded Ekiti State governorship election. The event, which held at INEC’s state office in Ado-Ekiti, formally marks the start of their second term in office under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to INEC officials, the presentation ceremony was attended by top state government functionaries, party stalwarts, and security agencies. Governor Oyebanji and his deputy received their certificates after being declared winners by the electoral umpire following the collation of results across all local government areas in Ekiti. The APC leadership in the state described the development as a mandate renewal and commended voters for their turnout.
Oyebanji’s victory is significant for Ekiti State and the South-West geopolitical zone, as it extends APC’s control amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political observers note that the re-election consolidates APC’s position in the region and could influence federal–state relations on key policy matters. Stakeholders have also highlighted that the poll was conducted with fewer reported incidents compared to previous cycles, reflecting growing confidence in INEC’s processes.
In his remarks at the ceremony, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State emphasised adherence to electoral guidelines and urged politicians to respect democratic norms as post-election petitions may arise. As at press time, opposition parties were yet to issue official statements on the outcome or indicate whether they would challenge results at the tribunal.
With certificates now issued, attention shifts to Oyebanji’s second-term agenda as Ekiti residents await further details on governance priorities. Analysts expect a renewed focus on infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment initiatives within the state.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FAAN Approves ₦1,500 Airport Cab Tariff, Sets October 2026 Deadline for Vehicle Upgrade
Cab operators in Lagos and Abuja oppose new policy as FAAN cites inflation and safety concerns for tariff hike
Cab operators in Lagos and Abuja oppose new policy as FAAN cites inflation and safety concerns for tariff hike
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has approved an increase in airport taxi tariffs from ₦500 to ₦1,500 at major airports, including Lagos and Abuja, effective immediately. The agency announced the decision on Monday, stating that the adjustment was necessary due to rising operational costs and the need to maintain airport infrastructure amid persistent inflation.
The new policy also mandates that all airport taxis must be manufactured from 2012 onwards, with operators given until October 2026 to comply. This directive has drawn strong opposition from members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO), who argue that the timeline is too strict given current economic challenges. NUPCO members threatened to suspend operations at Lagos and Abuja airports starting July 1 if their concerns are not addressed.
FAAN defended its decision by highlighting that the previous ₦500 tariff had remained unchanged for over eight years despite increases in inflation and operational expenses. The agency said, “Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport.” According to FAAN, multiple extensions have already been granted for the vehicle upgrade requirement: initially set for January 2026, then June 2026, and now potentially October 2026 as a final compliance deadline.
The authority emphasised its commitment to engaging registered cab companies directly through established stakeholder channels rather than through associations or unions. FAAN also clarified that the latest extension is intended as a goodwill gesture recognising prevailing economic conditions but warned no further extensions would be considered after October 2026. “It must be emphasised that the objective of the policy is not to punish operators or deprive anyone of legitimate business opportunities,” FAAN said in its statement.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between regulators and transport operators nationwide as inflation, foreign exchange volatility and rising vehicle costs continue to affect service delivery. FAAN reiterated its intention to maintain high standards for safety and comfort at Nigerian airports while promising continued dialogue with licensed transport providers.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kano PRP Accuses Kwankwaso of Bulk Purchase of Party Nomination Forms
PRP alleges former Kano Governor’s supporters are buying up forms ahead of primaries; NNPP yet to respond
PRP alleges former Kano Governor’s supporters are buying up forms ahead of primaries; NNPP yet to respond
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano State has accused former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his associates of orchestrating a mass purchase of its nomination forms, raising tension ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries in the North-West state. The allegation was made public on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, as party officials claimed that PRP’s internal democracy was under threat.
According to PRP leaders in Kano, a group linked to Kwankwaso—who is also a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—allegedly bought a significant number of nomination forms for key elective offices under the PRP banner. The party described this move as an attempt to hijack its candidate selection process and destabilise its preparations for the next election cycle.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Kano State, a region known for its competitive multiparty politics and strong personalities. Kwankwaso, a former Governor and influential figure within the NNPP, has often been at the centre of major political realignments in Kano. The PRP’s claim highlights growing concerns among smaller parties about interference from more prominent political actors seeking to influence their internal affairs.
In a statement released by its state executive committee, the PRP condemned what it called ‘wholesale purchase’ of nomination forms. “Such actions undermine our party’s values and democratic ethos,” the committee said. As at press time, neither Kwankwaso nor any official from the NNPP had issued a response to the allegation.
Political analysts say this latest dispute could further complicate alliances and candidate negotiations in Kano ahead of general elections. The PRP has called on electoral authorities to monitor the situation closely, while party members have been urged to remain vigilant as primary elections approach.
INEC Presents Certificates of Return to Ekiti Governor Oyebanji, Deputy After Second Term Win
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FAAN Approves ₦1,500 Airport Cab Tariff, Sets October 2026 Deadline for Vehicle Upgrade
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