Good Evening. Here is today’s News Brief from The Matrix:
1. FG Generates N2.5tr In Taxes From Google, X, TikTok, Others In H1 2024-NITDA
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed that technology companies like X, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to the Nigerian government in the first half (H1) of 2024.
2. Equities Market Recovers As Investors Gain N286bn At Close Of Trading
Investors in the Nigerian equities market gained N286bn at the end of the trading session on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as the equities market recovered from yesterday’s loss.
This followed a surge in the share prices of stocks like GOLDBREW, THOMASWY, and FTNCOCOA amongst others on the trading floor.
3. Cash Scarcity: CBN Releases Designated Contacts For Reporting Erring Banks
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released a list of designated contacts for bank customers to report any banks whose Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are empty or are having difficulties in withdrawing over the counter.
4. Tinubu Departs South Africa After Bi-National Event
President Bola Tinubu has concluded his visit to South Africa after co-chairing the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The event emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between both nations, focusing on economic growth, security collaboration, and cultural exchange.
5. Ekiti Court Remands Dele Farotimi For Allegedly Defaming Afe Babalola
A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was remanded by an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court on Wednesday over allegations of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University.
Farotimi was arrested at his Lagos chambers on Tuesday by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command.
6. CBN Directs Banks To Ensure Efficient Cash Disbursements Via Counters, ATMs
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive to Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to improve the efficiency of cash disbursement to customers both over the counter and through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
The directive, signed by CBN Acting Directors Muhammed Olayemi (Currency Operations) and Aisha Isa-Olatinwo (Branch Operations), follows widespread complaints of cash scarcity across the country.
7. Pastor Bolaji Idowu Denies ₦1.5 Billion Fraud Allegations, Says “I’m Not Into Real Estate”
Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has publicly denied allegations linking him to a ₦1.5 billion fraud.
Speaking during his “Next Level Prayers” session on Wednesday, Pastor Idowu addressed the viral social media claims, refuting accusations of involvement in fraudulent real estate transactions.
8. South Korean Opposition Moves To Impeach President After Martial Law Controversy
South Korea’s political crisis deepened on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers filed a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his unprecedented attempt to impose martial law, which was swiftly overturned by parliament.
The conservative president’s declaration of martial law, citing threats from North Korea and “anti-state forces,” marked the first such move in over four decades. It led to nationwide protests and condemnation from political allies and critics alike.
9. Nigeria, South Africa Operationalise Advisory Council On Trade, Investment Efficiency
In a bid to enhance economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, both countries have fully operationalised the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made this known on Tuesday in Cape Town, South Africa, at the Nigeria -South Africa Business Roundtable.
10. Reps Task Solid Minerals Ministry On Upscale Of Lithium Industry, Value Chain
The House of Representatives has tasked the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to request increased funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to enable it to carry out mineral site mapping and high-resolution airborne surveys, including radiometric and electromagnetic surveys, to accurately determine the quantity of lithium deposits in Nigeria.
