- CBN restricts BDCs to $25,000 fx weekly, one dealer bank
- Police uncover 200 illegal immigrants occupying three-bedroom flat in Kebbi
- Senate collates data on Nigerians abroad, plans to reverse japa
We have highlighted the five most important developments in the news today, Thursday, February 6, and present them below.
5 issues in the news that should matter to you today
1. Senate okays President’s request to sack Sokoto, Abia, Adamawa RECs: The Senate has granted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to terminate the appointments of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in charge of Sokoto, Abia, and Adamawa states.
The affected RECs are: Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto), Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State), and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia).
The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during plenary.
2. CBN restricts BDCs to $25,000 fx weekly, one dealer bank: On Wednesday, February 5, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released new guidelines that permit Bureau de Change (BDC) operators to purchase up to $25,000 weekly from Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) to meet retail market demand.
In a circular signed by Dr. W. J. Kanya, the Acting Director of the Trade & Exchange Department at the CBN, the apex bank also outlined the compliance requirements to ensure transparency and curb potential forex misuse.
3. Obaseki’s govt left behind N682.6b debt, other liabilities – Committee: The Edo State Assets Verification Committee headed by Ernest Umakhihe on Wednesday, February 5, submitted its report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, which revealed there were noticeable anomalies in the way and manner contracts were awarded in the last administration of Godwin Obaseki and urged that all the contracts and MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) be reviewed.
Receiving the committee’s report at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo commended the team for their dedication and assured them that their recommendations would be acted upon.
4. Senate collates data on Nigerians abroad, plans to reverse japa: The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has expressed concern over the growing trend of Nigerians migrating abroad in search of better opportunities, commonly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome.
The committee, chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi), has vowed to address this issue as part of its strategy to strengthen the nation’s economy and reduce mass emigration.
5. Police uncover 200 illegal immigrants occupying three-bedroom flat in Kebbi: The Kebbi State Police Command said on Wednesday it uncovered over 200 suspected illegal immigrants living in a three-bedroom flat in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi.
According to Abubakar, preliminary investigations revealed that all the illegal immigrants are from Francophone West African countries, with the breakdown as follows: Burkina Faso, 35; Benin Republic, 11; Niger Republic, five; Mali, four; and Ivory Coast, 110.