1. Yuletide: President Tinubu Approves 50% Reduction in Nationwide Transport Fares

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a 50% reduction in transport fares for interstate road travelers during the Christmas and New Year period. The federal government will subsidize 50% of the transport fares for interstate road travelers across the country. Additionally, train rides will be free nationwide from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who assured that all logistics for the implementation have been worked out in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and luxurious bus owners.

2. Minister Dismisses Claims of Advocating Tax Exemption for Women

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, has refuted claims that she advocated for tax exemption for women in Nigeria. In a statement, the Minister clarified that she did not propose women should be exempt from paying taxes, emphasizing that tax payment is a civic responsibility for both men and women. The clarification comes in response to reports suggesting otherwise.

3. Tinubu Submits Names of Supreme Court Justices for Senate Screening

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the names of eleven justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to the Senate for screening and confirmation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement while reading a letter sent to the Senate. The National Judicial Council had recommended the appointment of these justices, and their confirmation is pending approval from President Tinubu and the Senate.

4. Nigeria’s Debt Hits N89.71 Trillion — DMO

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has reported that Nigeria’s total public debt increased to N89.71 trillion at the end of the third quarter of 2023. This marks a slight increase of 0.61% compared to N87.38 trillion recorded at the end of June 2023. The DMO stated that domestic debt increased by N1.8 trillion, while external debt reduced from $43.16 billion to $41.59 billion during the same period.

5. Amosun Labels Oshiomhole APC’s Biggest Threat

Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described ex-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, as the party’s biggest and most destructive threat. The comment comes after Oshiomhole revisited the 2019 APC primaries, claiming that the party spent N2.4 billion to win governorship elections in Kwara, Imo, and Ogun States. Amosun countered, stating that APC conducted the worst primaries in Nigeria’s history under Oshiomhole’s leadership.

6. Defected Rivers Lawmakers Withdraw Impeachment Notice Against Fubara

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the PDP to the APC have withdrawn the impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The decision was made during their sitting on Wednesday, complying with the resolution reached during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. The withdrawal was attributed to respect for the President.

7. Tinubu’s Ex-Minister, Lalong Sworn In As Plateau South Senator

Former Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has been sworn in as the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Lalong resigned his position as the Minister of Labour and Employment to take up the Senate seat.

8. Bread Prices Set To Increase By 20% In January 2024 – Nigerian Bakers

The President of the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Onuorah, has announced an impending increase in bread prices ranging from 15 to 20% in Nigeria starting January 2024. Onuorah cited rising production costs, including heightened cargo clearance expenses, forex rate fluctuations, and escalating energy costs, as reasons for the price hike.

9. Lagos Orders Trucks, Tankers Parked On Apapa-Oshodi Expressway To Vacate Immediately

The Lagos State government has directed trailers and tankers parked in Cele bus stop, inward Tincan Port axis, to vacate the area immediately. The directive aims to address the obstruction caused by articulated vehicles along the Apapa-Oshodi expressway, disrupting traffic flow.

10. Akpabio Declares Senate Seats Of Umahi, Geidam Vacant

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the seats of David Umahi and Ibrahim Geidam in the Senate vacant following their appointments as ministers. Umahi represented Ebonyi South, and Geidam represented Yobe East. By-elections will be conducted by INEC to fill the vacant senatorial positions.

These headlines provide a snapshot of recent developments in Nigeria, covering a range of issues from transportation and politics to the economy and governance.