• NLC demands reversal of electricity tariff hike for Band A customers
• Tinubu set to greenlight the Sokoto-Badagry super highway in August
• UNIBEN shuts down indefinitely over electricity protest
• Keir Starmer becomes the UK’s new Prime Minister, dethroning Rishi Sunak
• Oyo Governor declares public holiday for 2024 Hijrah 1446

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

NLC demands reversal of electricity tariff hike for Band A customers

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reverse its rule on incrementing electricity tariff for all Band A customers.

Earlier this week, the NERC publicly announced that the electricity tariff for all Band A customers would be increased from ₦206.8/kWh to ₦209.5/kWh effective immediately, without prior warning.

The President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, frowned upon this action and called the NERC to reverse its rule on the electricity tariff, stating that the development would put more businesses and companies in jeopardy and stifle their income.

Tinubu set to greenlight the Sokoto-Badagry super highway in August

President Bola Tinubu is set to approve the commencement of the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry super road in August 2024 as part of his legacy to leave the nation.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed that the first phase of the 1000km Sokoto-Badagry super highway would be flagged off by the President in Kebbi State as the project would commence from the 258km section within Kebbi.

UNIBEN shuts down indefinitely over electricity protest

The University of Benin has reportedly shut down indefinitely over the protest by students complaining about the two-month blackout.

A spokesperson for the university, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, stated that the students were intent on disrupting the school’s academic calendar by protesting on the Benin-Lagos Expressway till the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) restored power supply to the Ugbowo main campus in the university.

“Following the refusal of students of the University of Benin to shift ground on their demands for 24 24-hour supply of electricity and more, considered unrealistic by the university’s senate, the university has stopped academic activities indefinitely”, Ehanire said.

Keir Starmer becomes the UK’s new Prime Minister, dethroning Rishi Sunak

Labour Party’s Keir Starmer has been announced as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after meeting the requirements of the 326 parliamentary seats.

The general elections held in the UK saw the declaration of Keir Starmer as the new prime minister. At the same time, Rishi Sunak, the outgoing PM from the Conservative Party, will have to leave the office after failing to meet the required votes.

“Change begins now. It feels good, I have to be honest,” Starmer said upon winning the general election.

Oyo Governor declares public holiday for 2024 Hijrah 1446

The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared July 8, 2024, will be a public holiday for the celebration of the new Islamic calendar year, Hijrah 1446AH.

According to reports, the day is meant to be preserved by the Muslims in Oyo State, encouraging them to celebrate Hijrah on a work-free day as their culture and traditions were deemed of high value to the State Governor.