Nigerian newspaper headlines December 20, 2016.
Punch
Arik workers begin indefinite strike over unpaid salaries
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, National Union of Air Transport Employees and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria have directed workers of Arik Air to commence an indefinite strike action today (Tuesday) over non-payment of seven months’ salaries.
Vanguard
FG to earn $2bn from new cash call policy
The federal government is expected to earn about $2 billion (about N61 billion) from a new cash call policy that comes into effect in January 2017, while its oil production is set to increase to 2.5 million barrels per day in 2019.
Guardian
Estimated billing by electricity firms, a rip-off, says NUJ
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel of Bayelsa State has described the estimated billing system of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) as a rip-off.
Thisday
FG Secures $150m World Bank Support for Mining Development, Says Fayemi
The federal government, through the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, has secured $150million (N45.7 billion) support from the World Bank for the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MSSED or MinDiver) programme.
Leadership
Nigeria Not All About Corruption, PMB Tells New Ambassadors
President Muhammadu Buhari has given new ambassadors-designate the task of projecting Nigeria’s positives ideals and contributions to the world to counter the taint of crime and corruption heaped on the country’s image by foreign elements.
Premium Times
Nigeria announces policy proposal to restructure inefficient primary healthcare system
To make Nigeria’s inefficient primary healthcare system effective, the government plans an overhaul that could lead to some sort of financial autonomy for individual health centres.
The Sun
Recession: FG closes 9 foreign missions
The Federal Government has approved the closure of nine foreign missions and their conversion to non-residency representation or concurrent accreditation, as part of measures to reduce the cost of running Nigeria’s foreign representations in the face of economic realities.
The Nation
Abuja airport to be shut for six weeks, says minister
The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja will be closed between February and March next year, Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika said yesterday.