Wednesday Briefing: Katsina Watchtower, Rising Prices and an Implausible Regulation
Good morning.
I am covering the interminable wait for the return of the Katsina children, inflation and an implausible regulation from the NCC.
Parents Keep Vigil In Katsina
It’s been four days since more than 300 students from the Government Science Secondary School students in Kankara area of Katsina State were abducted. On Tuesday, parents of the students converged at the school where they were taken, waiting for the federal government to keep its word. Two of the parents said they couldn’t sleep and will continue to keep vigil at the school until their children are rescued safely.
Teacher’s Strike: The National Union of Teachers have threatened to down their tools if the federal government cannot ensure adequate security in classrooms.
Boko Haram: The terrorist group claimed responsibility for the Kankara kidnapping. If confirmed, analysts believe it could mean the Islamic sect is expanding.
Zamfara: The state government shut down ten schools to avoid bandit attacks.
Prices are soaring
Nigeria’s inflation rate continues to disobey the law of gravity - keeps rising. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday, the rate has increased by 14.89 per cent (year-on-year). Meanwhile, food prices rose by 18.3 per cent in November, compared to 17.38 per cent
World Bank: The global lender has approved Nigeria’s request for a $.1.5 billion loan.
A wave of school shutdowns
As Covid continues to spread, states are beginning to take measures again to stem the tide. Kaduna, Jigawa and Kano all announced school shutdowns on Tuesday.
NCDC: Over 700 new Covid cases were recorded late Tuesday.
What Next: Access to vaccines will be key. The World Health Organisation are in talks with Pfizer and Moderna about how to ensure poor developing countries like Nigeria have access to the high-tech product.
What else is happening?
NIN: The federal government is asking telecommunications operators to delist SIMs that are not registered with a national identification number within two weeks.
Sports Festival: After it was postponed due to Covid, the National Sports Festival has now been scheduled for February.
Uganda: Omah Lay and Tems have been released and are now with the Nigerian mission in the East African country.
Finance Bill: The Senate has passed the piece of legislation, which is expected to improve tax laws and financial regulations in response to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian economy.
US Election: The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, congratulated Joe Biden on his win over incumbent Donald Trump.
That’s it for today. Enjoy the rest of your day.