Author: Akintayo Adams

Campaigning has begun in Japan for the October 27 election, where newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seeks to secure a majority for the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Key issues include rising prices, regional security, and LDP scandals. A recent poll shows the LDP leading at 26.4%, ahead of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party’s 12.4%. Ishiba aims to boost Japan’s economy, support low-income households, and push for a new security policy in the region, but faces challenges over the party’s past controversies. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

King Charles III is embarking on his first official tour of Australia as monarch, sparking renewed debate about whether the country should become a republic. The visit, from October 18 to 26, includes a Commonwealth summit in Samoa. Despite battling cancer and pausing treatment for the trip, Charles will focus on topics like climate change, medical research, and sustainability. Anti-monarchist sentiment is rising, with groups in Australia protesting his visit. Reparations for slavery are also expected to dominate discussions at the Commonwealth meeting. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 32.70% in September 2024, following two months of decline, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report by the National Bureau of Statistics. This marks a marginal rise of 0.55% from August 2024’s 32.15%, reflecting ongoing price pressures. Year-on-year, inflation surged by 5.98 percentage points from 26.72% in September 2023. Food prices remain a key driver, with food inflation reaching 37.77%, driven by staples like rice, maize, and yams, further intensifying the inflationary trend. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Nigeria’s national electricity grid collapsed again on Tuesday morning at 9:17 a.m., marking the second collapse in less than 24 hours. This latest failure follows Monday evening’s collapse, which caused power generation to drop to zero, leaving the country in total blackout. The Eko Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the incident, assuring customers that efforts are being made to restore the grid. The recurring grid failures have sparked concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s electricity supply. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

INEOS, part-owner of Manchester United, has ended its multi-million-pound annual payment to former manager Sir Alex Ferguson as part of cost-cutting measures. Following a face-to-face meeting, INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson that the club would no longer continue his payments. Ferguson, who had served as a global ambassador and non-executive director since retiring in 2013, will remain a non-executive director and attend games, but payments will cease after this season. INEOS has been slashing costs, including reducing 250 jobs at the club. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) has become essential for individuals and businesses operating in Nigeria, as it helps streamline tax payments and ensure compliance. Issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), TIN is mandatory for opening business bank accounts, applying for government loans, or obtaining import/export licenses. A proposed bill aims to require TIN for opening new bank accounts or maintaining existing ones, tightening financial oversight and improving tax revenue collection from various sectors, including banking, insurance, and stockbroking. Applying for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria is a free process, and no payments are required. Applicants need…

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced that five international airports—Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu—are set for concession. This, according to him is part of the government’s plan to overhaul the aviation sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will play an advisory role in the process. The minister also revealed that Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari Airport has been upgraded to international status, with full operations expected by January 1, 2025. This move is aimed at fostering economic growth, particularly in the North-East region. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) announced a major power outage across its network on Monday due to a system collapse, which occurred at approximately 6:48 PM. The outage affected numerous areas, leading to widespread blackout. EKEDC reassured its customers through a message on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that efforts are being made to resolve the issue in collaboration with national grid authorities. The company is working to restore power as soon as possible and promised to provide updates once the grid stabilizes. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Nigeria’s petroleum marketers are optimistic that they will sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a cheaper price than the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) once the Dangote Refinery begins direct sales to them. Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), stated that bypassing NNPCL’s additional fees would allow for more competitive pricing. “We are still waiting on Dangote Refinery on the direct sale of its petrol to our members and the price template. “Our petrol price will be cheaper than that of NNPC Retail price if Dangote Refinery sells petrol to us,” he said.…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦77,000 for the lowest-paid workers in the state, effective immediately. This was announced following a meeting between the government and organized labor groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade. This decision was revealed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi. Talabi said, “The meeting is at the instance of Governor Abiodun, who has directed that no worker in the state should earn less than ₦77,000 starting from October. “The governor means well for the people of the state and has proactively taken steps…