News – Page 32 – Democracy Radio

Bible Bee Sparks Debate on Moral Foundations Amid Rising Social Vices

By Julian Osamoto As concerns deepen over rising moral decay and social vices among young people, organizers of the Discipleship Bible Bee say investing in children’s spiritual growth is just as critical as their academic success. The 2025 edition of the competition concluded in Abuja, with Benjamin Bloom clinching the top prize of N1 million, while the second and third-place winners received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.Coaches were also recognised with cash rewards for their roles in preparing the contestants But […]

September 8, 2025

General

Group Urges NASS to Stop New Passport Fee Hike

By Oluwakemi Kindness The National Assembly has been called upon to immediately intervene in the recently approved upward review of international passport fees in Nigeria, describing the increase as “an unconscionable burden” on ordinary citizens. In an open letter on Sunday by HallowMace Foundation Africa, addressed to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the group said the new charges — ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport with five-year validity and ₦200,000 for a 64-page passport with […]

September 8, 2025

Economy

CBN’s Recapitalisation Drive to Strengthen Banks, Attract Investment — Cardoso

By Oluwakemi Kindness Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has assured that the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation exercise will deliver stronger, shock-resistant institutions capable of financing growth and restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Speaking at the European Business Chamber (Eurocham Nigeria) C-Level Forum in Lagos on Saturday, Cardoso said the recapitalisation programme is “making good progress” and remains central to the Bank’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and a resilient financial system. “Our primary objective is […]

September 8, 2025

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Economy

Customs Sets $300 Duty-Free Limit on Small Imports, Baggages

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments imported through express shipments and passenger baggage, effective Monday, September 8, 2025. A statement on Sunday said the decision was reached at the Board’s 63rd regular meeting held on September 2, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. By definition, a De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted […]

September 8, 2025 2

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Business

PENGASSAN Backs NUPENG, Demands Full Unionisation at Dangote Refinery

By Chinedu Echianu The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared its full solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in the ongoing dispute over workers’ rights at the Dangote Refinery. It will be recalled that Dangote Refinery recently procured 10,000 CNG-powered trucks to distribute petroleum products from its facility to retailers, and controversially set up a parallel drivers’ association — effectively barring them from joining NUPENG, the parent union […]

September 8, 2025 2

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Business

NBA Hails NSITF’s Presentation at 65th Annual Conference as Eye Opener

By Chinedu Echianu The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has described the participation of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) at its 65th Annual Conference in Enugu as an eye opener for many lawyers, particularly on the workings of the Fund and the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS). The commendation came when the Chairman of the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Owhor Clever (Esq), led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NSITF headquarters in Abuja. He praised the Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye-led […]

September 7, 2025 4

General

NCPC Boss Inspects Aircraft in Turkey Ahead of 2025 Easter Pilgrimage

By Chinedu Echianu The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has carried out a physical inspection of the aircraft designated for the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage in Antalya, Turkey. NCPC spokesman, Celestine Toruka in a press statement made available to Democracy Radio said Bishop Adegbite, who arrived in Turkey on September 5, was received by the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu. According to the statement, Atlasjet is the airline approved by the […]

September 7, 2025

Business

NLC Accuses Dangote of Anti-Union Practices, Threatens Nationwide Action

By Chinedu Echianu The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in a fierce battle against what it described as the “anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic capitalist strategy” of the Dangote Group. In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, alleged that Aliko Dangote and his associates have consistently engaged in union-busting, exploitative labour practices, and monopolistic capture of strategic sectors of Nigeria’s economy. […]

September 7, 2025

Local News

Abuja Leftist Coalition Demands End to Demolitions

By Chinedu Echianu The Network of Abuja Left Groups has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of endangering the housing rights of residents through what it described as indiscriminate demolitions across the nation’s capital. In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, the coalition condemned Wike’s repeated threats to sustain demolitions of settlements in Abuja, warning that such actions risk worsening homelessness and the city’s housing crisis. “Labeling those of us constantly affected by demolitions […]

September 7, 2025