News
Nigerians Paid ₦721 Billion in Bribes in 2023: NBS Report
A new survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that Nigerians paid an astounding ₦721 billion in cash bribes to public officials in 2023.
The report, “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” shows that over 95% of these bribes were in cash, and there has been a notable decline in public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
The most frequent recipients of bribes were healthcare professionals, public utility officers, and police officers. Bribes were mainly exchanged in public offices, on the street, and in respondents’ homes.
News
Rep Abdulmumin Jibrin Confirms Passage of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills
House of Representatives member Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills will be passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics Today on Sunday, November 24, Jibrin dismissed doubts about the Bills, emphasizing their importance to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I have never had any doubt about the consideration and passage of the Tax Reform Bills. We will pass the tax reform bills,” said Jibrin, who chairs the House Committee on Housing and Habitat.
His statement followed calls by the Northern Elders Forum urging lawmakers from the region to reject the Bills, which have sparked nationwide debate.
Entertainment
BBNaija’s Phyna Denied Entry to Lagos Restaurant Over Revealing Outfit
Big Brother Naija winner Phyna revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that she was denied entry into a Lagos restaurant due to her outfit, which the establishment deemed “indecent.”
Expressing her shock, Phyna shared a video of the outfit in question and concluded her post with “WTF!!!” The incident sparked a debate among her followers, with some supporting Phyna’s right to dress freely while others backed the restaurant’s dress code policy.
The viral discussion highlights ongoing conversations about fashion, personal choice, and societal norms in public spaces.
News
“Private Jets, Including Oyedepo’s, Can’t Fly Without Government Clearance” – Keyamo
The Nigerian government has reaffirmed that private aircraft owned by prominent individuals, including Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, cannot operate from private airstrips without proper clearance from relevant authorities.
This was stated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday.
Keyamo’s clarification comes amidst discussions about the regulation of private airstrips, following a call by the House of Representatives approximately two months ago to revoke airstrip licenses granted to Bishop Oyedepo and other private individuals or organizations.
The lawmakers expressed concerns over national security, citing the alleged use of such facilities to smuggle illegal arms into the country by suspected sponsors of terrorism.
Explaining the government’s stance, Keyamo emphasized that strict protocols are in place to ensure that no aircraft or drone can operate in Nigerian airspace or land at private airstrips without thorough vetting.
He detailed the procedures required for any aircraft entering or leaving the country, underscoring the role of security and regulatory agencies in maintaining control.
“Every aircraft, regardless of its ownership, must adhere to international airport procedures,” Keyamo said.
“If a private jet is arriving in Nigeria, it must first land at an international airport, where agencies like Customs, Immigration, and the NDLEA will conduct thorough checks.
Only after this can the aircraft proceed to a private airstrip.”
Similarly, Keyamo explained the protocols for outbound flights.
“If you are flying out of Nigeria, you must start at an international airport.
Your plane will go through all the necessary clearances, including customs and immigration processes, before you are allowed to take off,” he added.
The minister stressed that at every stage of the process, authorities are involved in granting approvals to ensure that the system is not exploited for illicit activities.
“No private airstrip can be used for unauthorized purposes without the express permission of the authorities,” he noted.
This development highlights the government’s efforts to balance the privileges of private aviation with national security concerns.
Bishop Oyedepo, who is one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious leaders and the founder of the globally recognized Living Faith Church, owns several private jets.
His airstrip license has been a subject of public discourse, especially with allegations surrounding the misuse of private facilities.
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