TheCable

The Nation reports that the national assembly is ready to pass the 2024 budget before the December 31 target. The newspaper says banks are set to screen manufacturers and small businesses for the N75 billion palliative support fund.

Daily Trust reports that the federal government has come under fire over the huge number of Nigeria’s delegation at the ongoing COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The newspaper says the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has offered a full waiver on penalties and interests for overdue taxes, contingent on full principal payment before December 31, 2023.

Daily Independent reports that analysts said weak naira and the volatility in the foreign exchange market may hinder the implementation of the 2024 budget. The newspaper says Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said he is not a beneficiary of the recent decision by the federal government to reinstate the boat pilotage monitoring business that was previously handled by Intels Nigeria Limited.

The Guardian reports that Nigeria continues to depend on importation of petroleum products despite awarding over 57 refinery licences in the last 18 years and an additional five recently. The newspaper says the National Judicial Council (NJC) will unveil new justices of the supreme court.

THISDAY reports that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said the country would save $326 million from the agreement it reached with Intels Nigeria Limited on the contentious pilotage contract. The newspaper reports the federal government as saying that Nigeria will surpass the oil quota of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 2024.

The Punch reports that the migration of doctors and other health workers to other countries is taking a toll on hospitals in Nigeria. The United States embassy said over 150,000 Nigerians applied for visas in 2023.