Business

Reps Give Condition To Approve Buhari’s Fresh Loan Request

The House of Representatives has outlined conditions under which the lower federal chamber would give it’s approval to the fresh loan request of N4.89 trillion made by President Muhammadu Buhari for the implementation of projects across the country.

This is even as the House pledged that it would scrutinise the fresh loan request.

Benjamin Kalu, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, made this assertion on Thursday during a media briefing after plenary.

He said, “There is a projected new borrowing of N4.89trn.

“We are looking at approving it on the condition that there is the provision of the details of the borrowing plan and where it is going to because it was reflected in the MTEF.

“Now, when you break down this proposed expenditure for 2022, which is at N13.89trn, you have a makeup of total recurrence, non-debt of N6.21trn, personnel cost by MDAs at N3.47trn, and capital expenditure exclusive of transfers of N3.26trn.

“Special intervention recurrence amounting to N350bn and special intervention capital of 10bn.

“We are thinking these should be approved but subject to debate by the House.”

Theharmattannews had reported that the Federal Government, in a letter to the National Assembly, sought an appeal to borrow N4.89trn domestic and foreign loans to finance the 2022 budget deficit of N5.62trn.

This was contained in the highlights of the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper presented to the House.

Nonetheless, Kalu noted that the House of Representatives will ensure the loan request is debated amongst the lawmakers before ratification.

Business

Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price to N825 per litre

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol to N825 per litre from N835 per litre as competition continues in the domestic market.

Recall that last month, the 650,000 barrels per day refinery reduced the gantry price of petrol to N835 per litre from N865 per litre.

The latest adjustment is targeted at giving customers more value, as well as consolidating its leadership position in the domestic market.

Business

NIMC hikes NIN service fees, increases date of birth correction to N28,574

Federal Govt Launches NIN Diaspora Enrolment Centre In UAE

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a revised price list for National Identification Number (NIN) issuance and other related services.

On May 1, the NIMC announced a review of the pricing structure for all its services.

In its report on Saturday, the commission said the cost of correcting the date of birth on a NIMC slip has increased to N28,574, reflecting a 74.87 percent rise from the previous fee of N16,340.

According to the new price list, modifying other details such as name or address now costs N2,000 per transaction, up by 31.41 percent from the earlier fee of N1,522.

While initial NIN enrolment and issuance of slips remain free, NIMC said the reissuance of lost or damaged NIN slips now costs N600, an increase from N500.

Premium enrollment services offered at licensed lounges, visa centres, and pre-booked VIP services now cost N20,000, and VIP reissuance of NIN slips is priced at N3,500.

Additionally, the commission said the fee for retrieving a NIN via USSD services has risen to N50 from N20.

For Nigerians in the diaspora, NIMC said adult enrollment at regular service points in African countries now costs $50, enrollment for children is $30, and reissuance of NIN slips abroad is priced at $6.

According to NIMC, in African countries, the commission said correcting a date of birth now costs $55, and modifying other fields costs $10.

In non-African countries, the commission said name corrections are priced at $60, while other changes cost $20.

In its executive summary of the revised price list, NIMC explained that the adjustments considered the current inflation rate of 32.70 percent, saying most services were increased by at least 20 percent, with certain exceptions based on the nature of the service.

Business

NCAA sanctions Kenya Airways over passenger complaints

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Kenya Airways for several consumer-related violations involving three passengers, including one Gloria Omisore.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Achimugu stated the NCAA issued a sanction letter on Wednesday to Kenya Airways regarding the passengers’ complaints

“The infractions include failure to provide care, lack of transparency in carriage terms, poor communication with the Authority, and mishandling refunds and baggage.

“In accordance with the NCAA Regulations 2023, Kenya Airways must pay fines and compensate each affected passenger with 1,000 special drawing rights.

“The airline has seven days to comply. Failure to do so will result in more severe penalties,” Achimugu said