News
NGO Asks CCB to Probe Asein, NCC Boss over Double Salary

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has asked the Code Of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to probe John Asein, director-general of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), over the collection of double salary from government.

John Asein, director-general of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)
Asein is being accused of holding the position and collecting the salary of Executive Director of the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria while serving as a DG of NCC.
HEDA, in the petition to the CCB signed by Olanrewaju Suraju, chairman, said the offences were strict liability and are in clear violation of the country’s constitution.
Suraju posited that the allegations levelled against the DG of NCC is a strong disdain for public accountability and established checks and balances under the laws.
The petition reads, “In the light of the report and the allegations by the anonymous caller and documentary evidence provided, we have distilled the following actions/allegations initiated against the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission.
“The collection of the remuneration after retirement, allegations of receiving salary between January to April 2016 after retiring in December 2015 which is contrary to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
“Whilst serving as a Director at the Nigerian Copyright Commission, doubled as a director f the Books and Gavel, private company limited by shares.
“Also, the allegations of receiving from a public office and holding the position of Executive Director of the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), a commission.”
The anti-corruption crusader added that the allegations conveyed a flagrant abuse of office and the undue exercise of privilege and impunity by a public officer, stating that it portrays total disrespect for democracy and the constitution of the country.
“The above allegations runs afoul of Code of Conduct for Public Officer, Part 1, of the Fifth schedule in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 1 of the Code, which states that a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.
“Section 2 of the Code states that without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, a public officer shall not receive or be paid the emoluments of any public office at the same time as he receives or is paid the emoluments of any public office.
“Also, Section 10 of the Code, which states that a public officer shall not be a member of, belong to, or take part in any society the membership of which is incompatible with the functions or dignity of his office,” Suraju added.
HEDA stated that it trusts the capacity of the CCB to thoroughly and urgently investigate and begin the probing of Asein without giving in to intimidation and corruption.
“We believe strongly in due process and the rule of law, which is why we are forwarding this petition to your office for an urgent action.
We humbly demand that an urgent and immediate investigation be initiated to uncover the true position with the aim to ascertain the verity and possible prosecution,” Suraju said.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
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