In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Tuesday 19 November, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.

Default: 34 states, FCT shun N263bn UBEC grants – Punch

The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Hamid Bobboyi, says 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory have yet to access the N263,043,551,250.30 Universal Basic Education matching grant for 2024.

We call on the National Assembly to consider amending the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act to create more flexible and inclusive conditions for accessing UBEC grants, ensuring that states can readily benefit from these funds to improve education outcomes. We also urge governors to take immediate steps to access these grants, which are critical to enhancing infrastructure, teacher training, and learning resources in their states.

SIT-AT-HOME: Gunmen kill 5 security operatives, PG critically injured in Abia, Anambra – Vanguard

Gunmen enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order in Anambra State have killed four individuals and critically injured the President General (PG) of Abatete, Mr. Chimame Ezigbo.

We call on governors in the Southeast to urgently prioritise collaborative efforts to curb the escalating insecurity threatening the region.

NERC to DisCos – Replace old meters at no cost – Daily Trust

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has warned electricity distribution companies against collecting money from its customers to replace their old meters that are not embedded with the software to enable their upgrade.

We call on NERC to, beyond just warning, enforce strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure DisCos comply with its directive to replace old meters at no cost to consumers. This should include setting up a transparent reporting system for customers to report violations, imposing penalties on non-compliant DisCos, and conducting regular audits to verify that upgrades are being carried out as mandated.