ABUJA — Nigeria’s ambitious drive to raise funds through its nationals abroad has fetched it a whopping $300 million realised through its first Diaspora Bond, which had been oversubscribed by 130 percent, demonstrating investors confidence in the economy.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, heard that some officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, received about N264.8 million to rig the 2015 general elections.

ONITSHA —The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, yesterday, deplored what it termed the poor state of national economy and rising poverty level in the country.

YENAGOA— DISTURBED by the activities of land racketeers and indiscriminate construction of buildings in Yenagoa and its environs, Bayelsa State governor, Mr Seriake Dickson has inaugurated a 10-member Land Use and Allocation Committee, with a declaration that henceforth, government will be responsible for the provision and sale of land to members of the public for private, commercial and industrial purposes.

General Motors now expects U.S. new vehicle sales in 2017 will be in the “low 17 million” unit range, reflecting a widespread expectation that the industry is headed for a moderate downturn, a top executive said.

ABUJA—Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said yesterday that the Federal Government would set tougher conditions for states in respect of payment of second tranche of London-Paris Club loan refund, which would be released soon.

By Simon Ebegbulem BENIN—FOLLOWING the appointment of the secretary of Edo State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Osaro Idah, as Special Adviser on Political Matters and Community Development, by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the state chapter of the party yesterday, appointed Mr Lawrence Orka as the new state secretary of the party. The decision […]

MAKURDI—Benue State Executive Council has approved the release of N200 million from the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme facility for disbursement to women cooperatives and civil servants towards boosting agricultural production in the state.

LOKOJA—A Kogi State high court sitting in Lokoja, yesterday, set aside the suspension of the member representing Igalamela/Odolu constituency in the state House of Assembly, Friday Sanni, and ordered that his entitlements as a member of the House be returned to him.

The naira yesterday appreciated to N365 per dollar in the parallel market in response to boost in dollar supply.