Reps fail to effect 50% pay cut amid hunger protests, and blame bureaucracy

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Reps fail to effect 50% pay cut amid hunger protests, and blame bureaucracy - The Nigerian House of Representatives had unanimously passed a resolution on July 18, 2024, to slash their salaries by 50% for the next six months. This drastic measure was meant to demonstrate solidarity with the nationwide hunger protests that erupted on August 1. However, the much-touted pay cut has hit a bureaucratic roadblock, leaving the legislators still collecting their full salaries. According to House spokesman Rotimi Akin, "necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions" have delayed the implementation. Each member had pledged to contribute 300,000 Naira per month to a collective fund, which would have generated 108 million Naira monthly for the government's intervention efforts. The failure to enact the pay cut has drawn criticism, especially as the hunger protests in the North have turned violent, prompting curfews and military warnings. With the government's response under scrutiny, the lawmakers' inability to follow through on their pledge has further eroded public trust.

Abuja Hosts Major ESRI User Conference West Africa 2024 - Abuja, Nigeria is gearing up for the inaugural ESRI User Conference West Africa 2024 from September 10-11. This key gathering brings together GIS professionals, academics, and industry leaders from across the region.

To register for the Esri User Conference West Africa 2024, please click the link:  https://africabusinessconvention.com/event/esri-user-conference-west-africa-2024/

The conference highlights the growing significance of GIS in areas such as infrastructure, environment, disaster response, and urban planning. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with the latest ArcGIS software, learn from leading experts, and network to foster partnerships and share best practices. With increased accessibility to satellite imagery, GPS devices, and open-source software like QGIS, GIS data is driving innovation throughout West Africa. This conference serves as a launchpad for the future, empowering participants to leverage GIS technology to create positive change. It underscores the region's commitment to harnessing the power of geospatial information to address pressing challenges and shape a better tomorrow. The conference is scheduled to take place at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja. Read more

FG presents wide-ranging strategy for economic growth, and citizens' welfare - The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has outlined an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the country's economy while prioritizing the welfare of its citizens. The multi-faceted approach aims to address food security, inflation, and access to affordable financing for businesses of all sizes. Recognizing the critical role of food prices in combating inflation, the government has committed to making nutritious food accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. This includes drawing from food reserves, facilitating imports, and implementing proactive food production initiatives. As food prices decrease, it is expected that inflation will drop, stabilizing the exchange rate and lowering interest rates. This, in turn, will create an environment conducive for investment, productivity growth, and job creation – essential steps in reducing poverty. To support businesses, the government has introduced a range of financing schemes, including a $800 million soft loan from the World Bank's IDA with a 40-year term and 1% interest rate. Additionally, the government has provided grants and low-interest loans for nano, small, and medium-sized enterprises, while eliminating withholding taxes and implementing other fiscal measures to lower operational costs.

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