Headlines
NCC applauded for effective regulations
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been applauded for its efforts in ensuring effective regulations aimed at protecting the rights and interests of consumers of telecom services as well on its efforts in promoting the provision of improved services at fair and affordable prices to Nigerians.
The commendation came from the Management of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic non-interest commercial bank, which paid a familisation visit to the Commission (NCC) to seek areas of collaboration between the two corporate entities.
Speaking during the visit on Thursday (27/02/2020), Hassan Usman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, said while Nigeria has not reached the promised land of telecom regulation, the “NCC deserves commendation for its efforts in consistently ensuring regulatory efforts that have now made telecoms services more affordable to majority of Nigerians, a reality that can easily be benchmarked against what is happening in other countries.”
Usman also affirmed that the fact that ICT had become crucial to the development of every sector of the economy with positive multiplier effects in the life of every business and Nigerian, is the reason NCC deserves commendations.
The Jaiz Bank CEO equally noted that because banks currently rely on broadband Internet to provide efficient and effective services through seamless connectivity for intra and inter-banking services provision, the Commission’s efforts in further deepening access to seamless broadband connectivity to businesses and individuals have been of tremendous benefit to Jaiz Bank.
Speaking about the bank’ operations, Usman said it remains the first Islamic commercial bank established by the Federal Government to operate on a non-interest business model, which makes it different from conventional banks that charge interest in every area of its transaction.
He said the bank was committed to supporting individuals, the public and private sector to attain financial goals through loans for mortgage, supporting start-ups as well as those in real estate businesses. Overall, Usman said the significant role NCC plays and does well, necessitated the visit to the Commission to see how NCC and its staff can work with Jaiz Bank to derive banking benefits from Jaiz Bank financial services.
Responding, Yakubu Gontor, Director, Finance Services, NCC, who received the bank’s team on behalf of Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, thanked the Bank’s Management for its recognition of the regulatory role of the NCC in deepening access to broadband, which has enhanced promotion of digital financial inclusion in the country.
Gontor noted that, though the Commission, like other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), now remits directly to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is paid from the TSA by the CBN as directed by the Federal Government.
Gontor, however, called on the Bank to patronise the staff of the Commission to open accounts since its has enticing packages at low interest rates to support mortgaging and loans. Gontor also tasked the Staff Cooperative of NCC to leverage on the opportunities at Jaiz Bank to source funding to build its proposed Staff Estate at Lugbe.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
