• NLC protests NBS’ report on unemployment rate in Q2 of 2024
• FG begins an investigation of migrated civil servants still on the payroll despite the resignation
• Tinubu is set to present the 2025 budget to the National Assembly on November 27
• EFCC places former Edo State Governor Obaseki on a watch list and flight ban
• Access Bank debunks VDM’s rumour about ₦500 million missing from a deceased’s account

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

NLC protests NBS’ report on unemployment rate in Q2 of 2024

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has attacked the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for releasing a false report stating that there has been a drop in the unemployment rate in Nigeria, whereas the reality is different.

According to the NBS report, Nigeria’s unemployment rate reduced to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the 5.3% recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

The NLC described the NBS’ report as a work of fiction, claiming that the report was in no way reflective of Nigeria’s economic reality. The NLC called the report a “fabrication designed to mislead the public” as the economy was deteriorating and factories were closing up, thereby creating unemployment for Nigerians

FG begins an investigation of migrated civil servants still on the payroll despite the resignation

The federal government has begun investigating migrated civil servants who still receive salary from the FG despite resigning and leaving the country.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, revealed that the federal government was determined to find those still receiving FG benefits despite having resigned and left the country.

“So, right now, just to sustain the momentum, we are still scrutinising using the IPPIS payroll to know who is here and who is out. And I think that will be a continuous process to ensure that people are not eating their cake and having them by going outside the country and still receiving their salaries,” she said.

Tinubu is set to present the 2025 budget to the National Assembly on November 27

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to present the 2025 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly on November 27, 2024.

The Secretary of Research and Information, Dr Ali Barde Umoru, announced the news at the National Assembly. He stated that the presentation would occur at the National Assembly, with selected journalists and individuals allowed into the chamber.

According to Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and  Economic Planning, the proposed 2925 budget is estimated to be ₦47.9 trillion, with new loans of ₦9.22 trillion.

EFCC places former Edo State Governor Obaseki on a watch list and flight ban

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed the ex-governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on its watch list as the anti-graft agency commences an investigation on the politician.

EFCC has reason to believe that the politician has been tainted with financial corruption as it investigates several transactions, including multiple contracts awarded during his tenure as governor of Edo State.

Though there is no substantial evidence to incriminate the politician, the EFCC is allegedly investigating all former governors and their actions during their tenure. Currently, Godwin Obaseki is on the anti-graft agency’s watch list.

Access Bank debunks VDM’s rumour about ₦500 million missing from a deceased’s account

Nigerian commercial bank Access Bank has responded to controversial self-proclaimed activist Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) ‘s alleged claim that the bank carpeted a deceased person’s ₦500 million.

Access Bank debunked the accusation, stating that the missing funds were false and would never engage in unethical practices that could harm its image.

“No N500m or any other fund or amount is missing from the subject customer’s account or any other customer’s account with us. We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions. Access Bank Plc operates with the highest ethical standards and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.” the bank wrote.