Category: Uncategorized

The Algerian government has decided to reduce the state budget by half due to a financial crisis caused by the global collapse in oil prices and worldwide coronavirus lockdowns .

The government has decided to reduce the budget by “ 50 percent ” for this year , President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ’ s office said in a statement .

Despite this huge reduction, the government also agreed at a cabinet meeting to increase the minimum wage from 18 , 000 dinars ($ 140 ) per month to 20 , 000 dinars, while income tax will be abolished for those earning 30 , 000 dinars or less , the statement said .

The government also postponed from Sunday until 10 May consideration of a finance law , which seeks to frame a response to the coronavirus pandemic .

A collapse in hydrocarbon prices this year — caused by plunging demand due to societal lockdowns designed to combat the spread of the virus and exacerbated by a brief price war between key players Russia and Saudi Arabia – is putting ever greater pressure on Algeria ’ s external accounts.

Even before this year ’ s crisis took hold , Algeria ’ s foreign exchange reserves had fallen to $ 62 billion at the end of 2019 , from $ 180 billion in 2014 .

The draft law factors in a plunge in oil receipts this year to $ 20 . 6 billion , compared to the $ 37 . 4 billion previously anticipated .

Tebboune on Friday ruled out approaching the IMF for a bailout , contending that “ accumulating debt harms national sovereignty” when it is owed to foreign institutions.

He said he preferred to rely instead on domestic borrowing .

AFP

The Federal Government has failed to review the N 123 . 5 to N125 / litre pump price of petrol for the month of May 2020 despite continued crash of crude oil price.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency had stated that the cost of petrol would be reviewed monthly in accordance with the fluctuation of crude oil price in the international market .

“ What we have in place is a market reflective pricing system . Petroleum products prices will be adjusted in line with market realities and the result is what we see presently with prices on the downward slide , ” the PPPRA’ s Executive Secretary , Abdulkadir Saidu, said recently .

Saidu added , “Accordingly , price will naturally be adjusted to reflect a true picture of market fundamentals at any particular period , high or low . ”

Brent , the crude against which Nigeria ’ s oil is priced, tumbled in price repeatedly in April 2020 , crashing below $ 20 per barrel on many occasions , before picking up marginally towards the end of April.
The commodity traded at $ 26 . 44 per barrel on Sunday , shedding $ 0 . 04 or 15 per cent as of 10 . 05 am Central Standard Time.

The crude oil market – based pricing regime in Nigeria came into effect on March 19 , 2020 , following government ’ s approval for the adjustment of petrol price from N145 to N125 / litre.

On March 31 , 2020 , the PPPRA met with oil marketers , the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation , the Central Bank of Nigeria and other stakeholders, after which the cost of petrol was reduced to N123 . 5 /litre .

Based on the agency ’ s words that price reviews would hold monthly , petrol users had anticipated another review on April 30 , 2020 . But this did not happen.
Saidu had stated that the PPPRA would continue to monitor price trends and advise monthly guiding price for all petroleum products , based on prevailing market realities and other pricing fundamentals.

He explained that the plunge in oil price occasioned by the outbreak of COVID- 19 and slowing global oil demand had a direct bearing on the Expected Open Market Price of petrol , pushing it to a level below the previous pump price cap of N145 /litre .

Senior officials of the agency stated on Sunday that the agency was studying the global oil market but had yet to put together a new price for the month .

“ We are also in touch with the petroleum products ’ marketers on this and we have advised them to continue with the last price band ( N123 . 5 to N125 / litre) , ” an impeccable source at the PPPRA told our correspondent in confidence .

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo- Olu , has ordered all civil servants in the state to stay away from work on Monday , May 4 .

Reports says that the five-week- old total lockdown imposed on the nation’ s economic capital terminates on Sunday night , May 3 , and the new phase of gradual easing starts on Monday , as ordered by the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ).

But the governor in a statement asked all its civil servants not to resume work immediately, noting that the delayed resumption is a deliberate attempt to prevent overcrowding in the state.

He , however , said only emergency workers and those on essential duties would be allowed to work on Monday .

Sanwo- Olu said , “ In amending the work guidelines earlier issued, which stopped members of the public service from Grade Level 1 to 12 from going to work ; we have had to review this position and we are extending the directive to all civil servants , regardless of level . All civil servants must stay away from work on Monday .

“ On Tuesday , only officers from Grade Level 15 and above have express permission to come to work. All other essential officers that may need to be at work will be informed by the Accounting Officer of each Ministry as may be required .

“ From Monday on , there will be a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am and all movements within these hours are prohibited, except for people on essential services , which are agro -products , petroleum products , relief materials , and food supplies .

“ We want to use this as a demonstration of our commitment to the gradual easing of the lockdown . We do not want people to rush out tomorrow and see the easing of the lockdown as an attempt to believe that the spread of the pandemic is all over . ”

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Saturday night , of the total 2388 coronavirus infections reported in the country, 1068 cases were recorded in Lagos with about 30 attendant fatalities and 247 recoveries , the highest by any state in Nigeria .

Punch

The Inspector – General of Police , Mohammed Adamu, has decried the attack on policemen during the enforcement of the lockdown order occasioned by the pandemic in the country.

According to him , no fewer than 27 police officers had been assaulted while enforcing the federal government and state governments ’ stay – at – home orders .

He noted that some citizens had equally carried out attacks on police assets and facilities , adding that two police stations and police quarters were attacked and burnt down in Katsina and Abia States while 15 police vehicles and motorcycles were also damaged within the period .

The IG in a statement in Abuja , by the force spokesman , Frank Mba , warned that he would no longer condone the attacks on men and officers of the police .

It said , “The IGP notes that since the commencement of the COVID- 19 enforcement duties , a total of 27 police personnel have suffered series of attacks and assaults from members of the public at different times and locations .

“ Many of these officers are still in hospitals receiving treatment from the injuries sustained during such attacks . ”

Adamu said a female police officer, PC Ngozi Nkem , was injured in Agbor , Delta State when a police team was dispersing a group of persons holding a birthday party in clear disobedience to the social restrictions and distancing orders .

The IGP enjoined the citizens to continue to cooperate with the police and other security personnel and voluntarily comply with all COVID- 19 prevention orders .

The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has said those who attended the burial of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari have now completed their 14 days of isolation and have tested negative for COVID-19.

Consequently, they have been reunited with their families.

Acting Secretary Health and Human Services Secretariat in the FCT, Dr Muhammed Kawu disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said; “The Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT Administration is happy to announce that the individuals exposed during the burial of late Chief of staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, have completed their 14 days of isolation. Tests were conducted on them and they have all tested negative to COVID-19. They have been reunited with their families”.

Kyari was buried on April 18 at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, but the event saw many government officials violating the social distancing measures of the federal government.

Consequently, both officials and journalists who attended the burial were sent on mandatory 14-day isolation.

Vanguard

Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has began to relax some of the restrictions he put in place in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak by directing all categories of civil servants to return to work on Monday.

Ayade who about two weeks ago recalled civil servants from grade level 10 and above back to work, has now directed all civil servants to return to work tomorrow, Monday, May 4th, 2020.

In a statement issued by Mr. Christian Ita,Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Publicity reminded the returning civil servants that the no mask no movement order was still in full force and must be observed by them.

“Consequently, all the returning civil servants are, therefore, to wear nose mask as they resume in their various offices,” the statement emphasized.

The statement said other restrictions such as border closures and ban on large gatherings, be it social or religious, remain in place.

He also said that the measures will be reviewed as the days go by.

VANGUARD

The Central Bank of Nigeria and the banks in the country have agreed to shelve the planned sack of workers in the banking sector as a result of the pandemic .

This was contained in a statement by the apex bank’ s Director , Corporate Communications , Isaac Okorafor.

Earlier, the Presidential Task Force Team on COVID- 19 had said last week that banks would be allowed to re – open for commercial operations as the lockdown eases in parts of the country effective Monday , May 4 .

Some banks had proposed the idea of downsizing their workforce as they plan to recommence operations, a decision that has met public outcry.

But the apex bank said it convened a meeting with the banks to review the economic impact the proposed action would have on workers and their families, especially at such a difficult time .

It said , “ A special meeting of the Bankers ’ Committee was convened on May 2 , 2020 , to further review the implications of the COVID- 19 pandemic on the Nigerian banking industry . The Committee particularly deliberated on the issue of the operating costs of banks in view of the disruptions emanating from the global economic difficulties and decided as follows :

“ In order to help minimize and mitigate the negative impact of the COVID19 pandemic on families and livelihoods , no bank in Nigeria shall retrench or lay – off any staff of any cadre (including full – time and part -time ).

“ To give effect to the above measure , the express approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria shall be required in the event that it becomes absolutely necessary to lay – off any such staff .

“ The Central Bank of Nigeria solicits the support of all in our collective effort to weather through the economic challenges occasioned by the COVID- 19 pandemic . ”

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital , Sagamu , Ogun State , says its members will commence a three- day warning strike on Monday .

The warning strike by the association , whose members manage the isolation centres for the state government , is coming amidst the ravaging coronavirus in the state and the country.

The ARD OOUTH in a letter written to Ogun State Governor , Dapo Abiodun , a copy which was obtained by newsmen , explained that the warning strike became imperative following the alleged refusal of the government to yield to its agitations on the need to better its members ’ welfare.

The letter was jointly signed by the President and General Secretary of the Association, Popoola Mutiu, and Osundara Tope , respectively .

They added that the association would review the response of the government after the three- day warning strike .

The letter read in part , “ We have a human face and we know people are the basis of our practice as medical professionals . We shall , therefore , exclude our members working at COVID- 19 isolation centre from joining the strike action . They shall not take part in the strike .

“ Following the three- day warning strike , we shall review the government ’ s response and appropriate action shall be taken thereafter.

“ The whole house is very much displeased with the government on issues that bother on our agitations and welfare.

“ We are perturbed with the non -committal response from the government despite repeated calls and letters to get their attention .

“ There has been no commitment whatsoever from the government on the issue of Appropriate Remuneration , Entry Level , New Minimum Wage , Hazard allowance and Life Insurance for our members .

“ No response to the letter written by the National Body of the Association of Resident Doctors notifying Ogun State Government on the aberration concerning the Appropriate Remuneration to her members at OOUTH.

“ Despite the inadequate response of Ogun State Government to the Health risks confronted by our members during this COVID – 19 pandemic , our members went ahead to continue their work diligently in their various departments and at the Isolation Centre .

“ We were taken aback by the arbitrary change in only hazard allowance to be given as COVID- 19 Special Hazard Allowance to all health workers . The 200 per cent increase in hazard allowance is just an increase from N5000 to N15 , 000 for just the month of April. ”

Ogun State Governor , Dapo Abiodun , has said residents of the state who work in Lagos State are not permitted to move out or into the state as the lockdown eases next week.

This was contained in the latest guidelines by the state government over the Federal Government- ordered partial lockdown in the state .

Announcing via Facebook , the governor said the lockdown in the state ends on Sunday , May 10 , as a result of the initial grace the state was granted.

He , however , stressed that the use of face masks would become mandatory for everyone in public places effective May 4 .

He also referred to the order of the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd . ) , restricting inter – state movement as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID- 19 .

Partial lockdown would begin in Lagos on Monday , May 4 , and business activities are expected to resume in the nation’ s commercial capital .

A tangible percentage of the working population in Lagos live in Ogun due to its affordable housing and nearness to the nation’ s economic epicentre .

But Abiodun said this category of people would not be permitted to move in or out of the Ogun as the lockdown eases .
He said , “ All schools remain closed , while students will continue with their DigiClass .

“ All essential service personnel will continue to work despite the lockdown .

“ All public religious gatherings remain banned . All pubs , clubs , stadia , public pools, spas, gyms, salons , etc. and all assemblies of more than 15 people remain banned . Restaurants may open on the approved days for take – out meals only .

“ Burials and naming ceremonies are allowed but there must not be more than 15 people including the officiating ministers.

“ There is a total ban on interstate travel ( outside Ogun) . If you work in Lagos or any other state but you live in Ogun State , you are not allowed to go to Lagos or any other state and return to Ogun. ”

Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje , has called for compliance with the lockdown in state two days after asking the Federal Government to ease the restriction .

Recalled that Buhari in a nationwide broadcast on Monday ordered a total lockdown in the state as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus disease .

But Ganduje asked the Federal Government to ease the 14 – day total lockdown on Thursday , saying it would result in economic hardship in the state .

The governor’ s appeal , however , led to an outrage on social media , with many commenters asking him to prioritise the health of residents.
On Friday, Kano recorded 92 new cases – the highest daily figure to be reported in any state in Nigeria within 24 hours.

After the new cases recorded on Friday, the governor in a series of tweets said the lockdown was necessary to curb the spread of the virus .

He also urged residents to obey the lockdown order and maintain social distancing .

He tweeted , “ We ’ re working fast to deal with the spread of # COVID19 in our great state with the conversion of some facilities in the state to isolation centres . The Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital , Murtala Muhammed Library Complex , Hospitality and Tourism Institute formerly Daula Hotel.

“ Sports Institute at Karfi and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital will now house carriers of the pandemic going forward . The Murtala Muhammad Library Complex is expected to accommodate over 200 beds and also an estimated 300 beds will be provided at Karfi Sports Institute .

“ I reiterate my plea for all Kano citizens to adhere to the lockdown rule . We need to slow down the virus and this is only possible with social distancing . Please stay in your homes . ”

With the 92 new coronavirus cases recorded on Friday, confirmed infections in Kano have increased to 311 .

Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ’ s website showed that Kano has recorded no recovery since Nigeria reported its first COVID- 19 case on February 27 .