• ASUP suspends two-week strike after reaching an agreement with FG
• CBN reiterates that old naira notes remain valid
• VP Shettima in Dubai for the launch of oil facility
• Lt. Changfe Maigari becomes the first female pilot in Nigerian Navy
• 36 State Governors approve the creation of state police

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

ASUP suspends two-week strike after reaching an agreement with FG

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its two-week strike after reaching an amicable settlement agreement with the federal government.

The union had announced that it would embark on strike and disrupt the lectures in all federal universities due to the federal government’s inability to perform any of the nine items in the work plan jointly developed to resolve some pending trade dispute issues.

ASUP released a statement explaining that it had attained a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on December 9 after embarking on its strike on December 2.

CBN reiterates that old naira notes remain valid

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated that the ₦1,000, ₦500 and ₦200 notes remain the country’s legal tender.

The apex bank has released a statement through Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, to reassure Nigerians amidst the rumours of old naira notes no longer valid in the country.

“The Bank’s previous clarifications and to offer further assurance, the CBN wishes to reiterate that the subsisting Supreme Court ruling granted on November 29, 2023, permits the concurrent circulation of all versions of the ₦1000, ₦500, and ₦200 denominations of the Naira indefinitely,” the statement reads in part.

VP Shettima in Dubai for the launch of oil facility 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has flown out to Dubai to represent President Bola Tinubu at the oil production and storage facility launch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The construction, primarily owned by a Nigerian company, Oriental Energy Limited, is set to become one of Nigeria’s biggest accomplishments in the global oil and gas industry scene.

The launch, set for today, is described by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, as “a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian enterprises on the global stage.”

Lt. Changfe Maigari becomes the first female pilot in Nigerian Navy

Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history by becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.

The Nigerian Navy was established in 1964 and has produced male pilots for 60 years. The mother of one revealed that she was elated to have accomplished such a feat, but the win was not only hers; she recognised all her female colleagues from whom she drew inspiration.

36 State Governors approve the creation of state police

The 36 governors of Nigeria have all agreed to create state police to combat the insecurity and high crime rates in their states.

The result was verified by the National Executive Council (NEC) as it received reports from all 36 state governors, deferring the concluding decision to January 2025.