In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Monday 04 November, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
Families of detained minors cry for justice – Daily Trust
Families of detained teenagers, including 28 minors accused of joining #Endhungerprotest in Kano and Kaduna states, have cried out for justice. Parents and relations, who spoke to our correspondents, said that their children were innocent of the alleged treason, asking the authorities to facilitate their release.
We call on President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to urgently intervene in the plight of the detained minors.
These children, many from impoverished backgrounds, face unjust accusations of treason and are trapped by stringent bail conditions. We urge the administration to prioritise justice, uphold human rights, and facilitate the immediate and unconditional release of these minors to restore hope and faith in the rule of law for all Nigerians.
AFCON 2025: Libya begins mass arrest of Nigerians after CAF verdict – Vanguard
Following a recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board against the Libya Football Federation (LFF), tensions have heightened within Libyan media, with several platforms calling for punitive measures against Nigerian workers in the country.
We call on the Libyan and Nigerian governments to urgently collaborate to de-escalate the situation and protect the rights and safety of Nigerian workers in Libya. The Libyan authorities should take swift action to curb discriminatory practices and ensure justice, while the Nigerian government must work to secure the well-being of its citizens abroad through diplomatic engagement and support mechanisms.
FG begins food import, may extend zero-duty initiative timeline – The Guardian
The federal government is reportedly considering extending the timeline of the conditional duty-free food importation policy before the initial timeline elapses. This comes as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun disclosed that the FG has started importing food, riding on the interventionist policy.
We call on the President Tinubu government to prioritise sustainable, long-term solutions to food security by investing in local agriculture and empowering farmers with resources, infrastructure, and access to markets. While temporary measures like duty-free imports can offer immediate relief, the government should act swiftly to implement policies that foster agricultural growth, encourage innovation, and reduce dependency on imports, ensuring that Nigerians have access to affordable and nutritious food in the future.
