Top 10 Stories From Nigerian Newspapers Today, 19th January 2023

Here we present to you the top 10 stories across Nigerian newspapers today, Thursday, 19th January 2023, on business and economy, politics and entertainment.

1. CBN To Arrest New Naira Hawkers, Says Banks Dispensing Old Banknotes Will Be Sanctioned

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to arrest persons selling the new naira notes, as it begs banks to come collect the redesigned currencies.

The apex bank also said it was already monitoring banks that were still dispensing old naira notes from their ATMs. Read more.

2. Marketers Blame NNPCL Over Lingering Fuel Scarcity 

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of being responsible for the lingering fuel Scarcity across the country.

The oil marketers said the NNPCL has been politicising the fuel supply process and making fake promises as they still don’t get direct supply.

3. Electricity Subsidy Gulps N120bn in 2022 Nigerian Govt

The Nigerian government has disclosed that subsidy on electricity gulped N120 billion in 2022.

The subsidy just like that of fuel, is ideally meant to reduce the cost for Nigerians.

4. 2023: Catholic Bishops Urges Nigerians to Elect Patriotic Leaders

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on all Nigerians to get their permanent voter cards and vote patrirotic leaders, who have capacity to tackle the challenges of insecurity, economy and can unite the entire country. Read more

5. Buhari Approves NNPCL N1.9trn Investment In Road Projects

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendation for the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to invest N1.9 trillion in 44 federal road projects across the country.

This will come under the tax credit policy. Read more.

6. I Won’t Step Down For Peter Obi, Says Kwankwaso At Chatham House

Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed questions has said he will not step down for the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi.

Speaking at the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House), London, Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State, said he would neither step down nor join forces with Obi.

He said Instead that he is more qualified than the Labour Party Presidential flag bearer.

7. NEMA Begins Another Food Distribution At IDPs In Borno

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun the routine distribution of food items for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps, host communities and liberated communities in Borno state.

The exercise was conducted by staff of NEMA North East zonal office led by the Zonal coordinator Muhammad Usman Muhammad Aji.

8. Emefiele Appeals Against Court Summon Over $53m Judgement Debt

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, approached the court of appeal in Abuja seeking it to set aside an order of a Federal High Court compelling his appearance in a $53 million judgment debt proceedings.

The dispute arose from an alleged $70 million judgment against Linas International Ltd for the lawyer’s (Joe Agi) assistance with the Paris Club refund.

9. CBN Sensitises Traders on New Naira notes

As the Central Bank of Nigeria maintains it’s positions on phasing out the old banknotes (₦1,000, ₦500, ₦200), by January 31, it has begun nationwide sensitisation of the people, especially traders and artisans, about the new naira notes.

The apex bank on Wednesday took its sensitisation on the new naira notes to Dutse ultra-modern market in Jigawa State.

Similar exercise was also carried out in Port Harcourt.

10. FG Plans To Reduce Borrowing

Nigeria’s Federal Government is making plans to cut its debt service revenue ratio and the even as it is not planning to explore the bonds market in 2023.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahme made made the disclose during an interview at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.