• NLC and TUC declare a nationwide strike starting November 14
• Federal government records ₦1.45 trillion saved from fuel subsidy removal
• Naira (₦) ranks 96th strongest currency in the world
• Nyesom Wike partners with Ireland in improving ICT in the FCT
• Foreign airlines reveal $700 million unpaid by Nigeria

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

NLC and TUC declare a nationwide strike beginning November 14

Following the brutal treatment of the Nigeria Labour Council (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, the NLC and TUC have requested to investigate the Commissioner of Police, Imo State and the unlawful activities against the NLC president.

The Organised Union have made known their anger at the treatment of Joe Ajaero and have declared a nationwide strike, which will begin on November 14: the Trade Union Council and Nigeria Labour Council.

The Organised Union also requested the arrest and prosecution of the governor’s aides. They stated that without their demands being fulfilled, they would embark on a nationwide strike, which would inherently affect the economy.

Federal government records ₦1.45 trillion saved from fuel subsidy removal

According to the FAAC report from Nigeria’s Governors Forum and National Bureau of Statistics, the Nigerian government has saved up to ₦1.45 trillion from fuel subsidy removal between June and September 2023.

A report revealed that the funds transferred monthly to a Non-Oil Revenue government account received ₦696.93 billion in June, ₦389.7 billion in July, ₦71 billion in August and ₦289 billion in September.

Before removing the fuel subsidy, the Nigerian government paid ₦1.828 trillion between January and May 2023.

Naira (₦) ranks 96th strongest currency in the world

Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, has been ranked the 96th strongest currency in the world, according to a report by FIJ.

This report coincides with the announcement that the US Dollar currency is also not the strongest in the world despite being the most traded currency in the international market.

According to a report by Forbes Advisor, the US Dollar ranks 10th as the Kuwait dinar (KWD) takes the lead as the strongest currency in the world. 

This ranking was based on determining the strongest currencies among the 180-odd traditional fiat currencies.

Nyesom Wike partners with Ireland in improving ICT in the FCT

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, welcomed the Irish ambassador, Peter Ryan, at Abuja on November 7 as they discussed the possibility of a strong alliance between both countries.

The minister emphasised his desire to increase job opportunities for the residents of FCT and the improvement of information and communication technology through Irish investors.

The Irish ambassador agreed with the meeting agenda, acknowledging that Nigerians in Ireland were successful and making their country proud with the deeds attached to their names.

Foreign airlines reveal $700 million blocked by Nigeria

In a meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, on November 7, foreign airlines aired their displeasure regarding the fees inaccessible to them by Nigeria.

They stated that Nigeria was yet to release 90% of the $783 million owned by them.

According to a report from the International Air Transport Association, Nigeria accounted for $783 million of airlines’ blocked funds.

The chairman of International Airline Operators, Mr Chima Kingsley, stated that Nigerian commercial banks held the bulk of the funds.