AMCON to Liquidate Arik Air After Resolving Legal Cases, Cites ₦455 Billion Debt
Thisday Live

AMCON to Liquidate Arik Air After Resolving Legal Cases, Cites ₦455 Billion Debt

Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, AMCON spokesman Jude Nwauzor revealed that Arik Air owes the corporation ₦227.6 billion, while additional debts from its founder, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide's companies, including Rockson Engineering (₦163.5 billion) and Ojemai Farms (₦14 billion), bring the total owed to ₦455.1 billion as of December 2024. The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has announced plans to liquidate and sell Arik Air once all pending legal cases involving the airline are resolved.

Nigerians in Diaspora Spent ₦60 Billion During December Visits, Says NiDCOM Chair
 Daily Nigerian

Nigerians in Diaspora Spent ₦60 Billion During December Visits, Says NiDCOM Chair

Speaking during the 2025 budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Diaspora in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted that remittances from the diaspora have exceeded $90 billion over the last five years, underscoring the critical economic contributions of Nigerians abroad. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), disclosed that Nigerians living abroad spent approximately ₦60 billion during their visits to the country in December 2024.

Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road to Be Completed in 14 Months, Says Minister.
 All Africa

Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road to Be Completed in 14 Months, Says Minister.

Similarly, other descriptions and scope of works are the provision of median barriers and median drains where necessary, and the provision of CRCP 200mm thick on the carriageway and shoulders. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be ready for use within 14 months.

NCC Orders Telcos to Disconnect USSD Codes of Nine Banks Over Unpaid Debts
 The CableNG

NCC Orders Telcos to Disconnect USSD Codes of Nine Banks Over Unpaid Debts

In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, NCC Director of Public Affairs, on Friday, the commission stated that the disconnection will take effect on January 27 if the banks fail to settle their outstanding debts. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators to disconnect the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes assigned to nine banks due to unpaid debts.

CBN Fines Nine Banks ₦1.35 Billion for Failing to Dispense Naira During Yuletide.
 All Africa

CBN Fines Nine Banks ₦1.35 Billion for Failing to Dispense Naira During Yuletide.

The affected banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a cumulative fine of ₦1.35 billion on nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to comply with cash distribution guidelines during the festive period.

President Tinubu Hails Nigerian SMEs for Winning Zayed Sustainability Prize in UAE.
 All Africa

President Tinubu Hails Nigerian SMEs for Winning Zayed Sustainability Prize in UAE.

In a message shared on his verified X handle, Tinubu commended their innovative contributions to global sustainability and called their success a source of national pride. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised two Nigerian SMEs, Nafarm Foods and D-Olivette Global Enterprise, for their outstanding achievements at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE.

China Resumes Rail Development Loans in Nigeria with $253.7M for Kaduna-Kano Railway
 Global Construction Review

China Resumes Rail Development Loans in Nigeria with $253.7M for Kaduna-Kano Railway

Announced on January 7, the 203km standard-gauge line will link Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest city with a population of 4 million, to Kaduna, a central hub of 760,000 residents. After years of hiatus, China has resumed financing Nigeria’s rail projects with a $253.7 million loan approved by the China Development Bank to construct the Kaduna-Kano railway.

FCCPC and NCC Partner to Strengthen Consumer Protection in Telecom Industry.
 Premium Times

FCCPC and NCC Partner to Strengthen Consumer Protection in Telecom Industry.

The agreement, formalized on Tuesday in Abuja, underscores the agencies' commitment to greater regulatory collaboration and operational efficiency to safeguard the rights of telecom consumers nationwide. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance consumer protection and eliminate regulatory gaps in Nigeria's telecommunications sector.

Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspects for Stolen Trucks Following Tip-Off
 Channels TV

Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspects for Stolen Trucks Following Tip-Off

Azare revealed that the arrests followed credible information from a good Samaritan, which led to the recovery of the stolen trucks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, announced the arrest of suspects linked to the theft of trucks during his maiden briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Monday.

Three Nigerian women detained in Iraq plead urgently for repatriation assistance
 Daily Trust

Three Nigerian women detained in Iraq plead urgently for repatriation assistance

The women, identified as Adetunji Opeyemi Elizabeth, 36, Aladetan Rachael Tinuola, 28, and Adebayo Blessing Favour, 24, were arrested for lacking residence permits. Three Nigerian women detained in Karada Prison, Baghdad, Iraq, have called on the Nigerian government for immediate intervention to facilitate their return home.

Banks Face Disconnection Over ₦250 Billion USSD Debt as NCC Approves Telcos' Action
 The Nation Online

Banks Face Disconnection Over ₦250 Billion USSD Debt as NCC Approves Telcos' Action

The NCC has reportedly approved the suspension, which will last two weeks, giving customers time to migrate to compliant banks. Sources indicate the move aims to enforce accountability and protect telecom operators' revenue from USSD services. Several banks risk being disconnected by telecom operators for failing to comply with the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) directive to settle ₦250 billion in USSD debts.

Nigerian Military Bans Homosexuality, Cross-Dressing, Tattoos, and Drunkenness.
 Punch NG

Nigerian Military Bans Homosexuality, Cross-Dressing, Tattoos, and Drunkenness.

The directive, outlined in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, was signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024. Nigeria’s military personnel are now prohibited from engaging in acts such as homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, body piercing, tattoos, and drunkenness, whether on or off duty.

President Tinubu to Attend UAE Summit at Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Invitation.
 Channels TV

President Tinubu to Attend UAE Summit at Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Invitation.

The visit comes at the invitation of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced on Friday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attend a high-level summit in the United Arab Emirates from January 12 to 18.

President Tinubu Urges China to Boost Africa's $50 Billion Aid and Expand Nigeria-China Currency Swap
 MSME Africa

President Tinubu Urges China to Boost Africa's $50 Billion Aid and Expand Nigeria-China Currency Swap

During a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized Africa’s significant infrastructural needs and called for stronger project funding to foster economic growth. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the People’s Republic of China to increase its $50 billion aid package for Africa and expand the $2 billion Nigeria-China currency swap agreement to enhance trade and infrastructure development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Five Roads in Ikeja GRA, Reaffirms Commitment to Infrastructure Development.
 Thisday NG

Governor Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Five Roads in Ikeja GRA, Reaffirms Commitment to Infrastructure Development.

Speaking during the inauguration of five key road networks in Ikeja GRA, including Oba Dosumu Street, Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Sobo Arobiodu, and Sasegbon Streets, Sanwo-Olu assured residents that no part of Lagos would be left behind in the government’s efforts to enhance urban living and connectivity. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration's dedication to delivering quality infrastructure as part of its urban regeneration agenda.

Minister David Umahi Sets April 2025 Deadline for East-West Road Dualisation Project
 Daily Nigerian

Minister David Umahi Sets April 2025 Deadline for East-West Road Dualisation Project

In a statement released Thursday by Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, the minister emphasized the urgency of completing multiple box culverts in flood-prone areas along the route within the same timeframe. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced an April 2025 deadline for completing the dualisation of the East-West Road Section II-II, spanning Ahoada to Kaiama in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Three Nigerians Acquitted of Drug Trafficking Charges in Saudi Arabia, FG Confirms
 Independent NG

Three Nigerians Acquitted of Drug Trafficking Charges in Saudi Arabia, FG Confirms

Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi were apprehended on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced on Sunday that three Nigerian nationals arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been discharged and acquitted.