Newspaper Headlines: Unborn Nigerians to inherit N10trn debt and NGF considers talks with bandits

February 24

09:03 2021

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The bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Tuesday, made the headlines in many Nigerian newspapers on Wednesday. Reports say many were killed and wounded in the attacks on four locations in the state. The senate’s confirmation of the ex-service chiefs as ambassadors despite protests against their nomination also made the headlines.

The Guardian raised the alarm over the country’s debt profile in its cover story. The newspaper said the federal government is passing a new debt of N10 trillion to unborn Nigerians. The newspaper reported that the government has disregarded the Central Bank of Nigeria Act (2007) as it moves to restructure its estimated $25.6 billion overdrafts with the monetary authority into a 30-year debt. In another report, the newspaper said the senate defied protests to confirm the ex-service chiefs as ambassadors.

The Nation reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected a bill in the house of representatives seeking to allow state governments to negotiate minimum wage. The bill is aimed at moving the fixing and negotiation of minimum wage from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. The newspaper also reported the comment of Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), that the directive of the apex bank to financial institutions on cryptocurrency transactions was in the best interest of the country’s financial system.

The Punch reported that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) might opt for dialogue with bandits and people affected by their activities to address insecurity in the country.
The newspaper also reported the comment of Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, on the need for restructuring to be driven by economic and financial viability and not political expediency.

Boko Haram hit four locations in Maiduguri, killing scores, Daily Sun reports. The newspaper said many were killed and wounded in bomb attacks in the Borno capital. The newspaper also reported that hoodlums burnt down three police stations and killed four officers in Abia state.

Daily Trust reported as its cover page the bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Tuesday. The newspaper said many were killed and dozens injured. The newspaper said nine boys playing football were among those who died in the “terrorist attack”. It also reported that the Nigeria Governors Forum said there is no term for acts of banditry and kidnapping other than terrorism.

The Nigerian Tribune reported that the bomb blasts which rocked Maiduguri, on Tuesday, was after the military reclaimed Marte. Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, explained why he invited the military to Orlu, the newspaper also reports. In another report, the newspaper said the senate will probe the multimillion dollar safe school initiative.