Health

FG, Ogun, Commence Final Interviews for Health Professionals

By Web News 211

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Ogun State Government, have commenced final interviews for young professionals selected as National Health Fellows under the National Health Fellows 2.0 programme across the state’s 20 local government areas.

The exercise followed an earlier announcement by the Sector-Wide Approach ,SWAp, Office of the Federal Ministry of Health that 774 candidates would be interviewed nationwide between January 12th and 16th

Speaking at the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Abeokuta, the State SWAp Desk Officer, Dr Olamide Agunbiade, said the initiative, introduced by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, was aimed at engaging young Nigerians in strengthening the health system.

Dr Agunbiade explained that the programme equipped unemployed and underemployed youths with basic public health skills, while exposing them to community health challenges and practical solutions through training, mentorship and field engagements.

He noted that fellows from the first cohort made notable contributions to state health programmes, including the 2026 Annual Operational Plan, the MAMII initiative and activities of the Primary Healthcare Development Board.

Two candidates shortlisted, Mr Oluwasegun Shotunde and Mrs Paulina Ademola described the interview as rigorous but fair, expressed
optimism that the programme would enhance their capacity to contribute to healthcare development in their communities.

Edited by Taiwo Akinola

Security

We collaborated with US on Airstrike – FG

By Web News 461

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, says Nigeria provided the intelligence that led to the United States’ airstrike on terrorist targets in the country and formally approved the operation before it was carried out.

Tuggar stated this on Friday while speaking on Channels Television, a day after the US confirmed it had conducted a strike as part of counter-terrorism operations.

According to the minister, the operation was the outcome of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and was not motivated by religious considerations.

He said, “It’s Nigeria that provided the intelligence. I was on the phone yesterday for 19 minutes with Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the United States. We spoke extensively, and we agreed that I was going to speak with President Tinubu for President Tinubu to give the go-ahead.

“And I did speak with him and it was agreed also that the statements that would follow would be statements that would show clearly that it is a strike against terrorism and that it is part of the ongoing joint operations between Nigeria and collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.”

Tuggar said Nigeria had long sought deeper collaboration with the United States and other countries to combat terrorism, describing the strike as a vindication of the Tinubu administration’s security strategy.

The minister added, “Nigeria has remained consistent in its approach, which is to work with all partners that are committed to the fight against terrorism, irrespective of what religion, who the victims are, whether they are Muslims or  Christians, and irrespective of what type of terrorism, be it terrorism being carried out in the name of one religion or the other, or indeed even bandage. So this is an ongoing process.

Merry Christmas Greetings from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan

“We have been working closely with the Americans. This is what we’ve always been hoping for: to work with the Americans, work with other countries to combat terrorism, to stop the death of innocent Nigerians. So this is a vindication of the Tinubu administration.

“For those who thought that there was some foot-dragging or, you know, the government wasn’t doing enough, it is a clear indication that we are committed and we are prepared to work with all countries.”

He stressed that the operation had nothing to do with religion, noting that its sole purpose was to protect innocent lives, whether Nigerian or foreign.

“It is not to do with religion, it is to do with protecting Nigerians and the innocent lives of either Nigerians or non-Nigerians. This was clear. We spoke twice.

“We spoke for 19 minutes before the strike, and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on,” he said.

The US President, Donald Trump, on Thursday confirmed the US carried out an airstrike targeting suspected terrorist elements in Nigeria.

Reports say that US officials said the operation was conducted based on shared intelligence and in coordination with Nigeria’s government, amid ongoing efforts to weaken extremist groups operating in parts of the country.

Months before the strike, Trump had warned that Washington could take action against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, citing repeated attacks and what he described as violence targeting Christian communities.

Trump’s comments at the time drew mixed reactions in Nigeria, with officials insisting that insecurity in the country was not religiously motivated and that both Muslims and Christians had been victims of terrorism and banditry.

Nigeria has for years faced multiple security threats, including insurgency by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East, as well as banditry and terror attacks across the North-West, leading to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.

Although, the US has long supported Nigeria through intelligence sharing and military assistance, direct US strikes on Nigerian territory are uncommon and often draw public attention.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Health

FG Endorses Mandatory Drug Test for Public Service Applicants

By Web News 269

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective applicants into the Public Service.

A statement on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said the approval is part of efforts to address the growing problem of illicit drug use and its impact on national development and security.

He said Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.

The statement partly read, “The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the Public Service, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security.

“Consequently, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals are hereby directed to include mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.”

Imohiosen added that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have also been directed to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in conducting the tests in line with established standards and procedures.

“The directive, which was contained in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including extra-ministerial departments, is in line with the determination of the present administration to decisively tackle the menace of drug and substance abuse and insulate the national workforce from unwholesome practices,” he said.

He noted that the policy was informed by concerns over the rising rate of drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths.

“The directive on the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective applicants is premised on the concern raised by the Federal Government over the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse, especially among the teeming youth in the country, with far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity, and national security,” the statement added.

This initiative builds on a series of anti-drug measures introduced in 2025.

In November, the Nigeria Customs Service mandated drug testing for all incoming recruits and serving officers to enhance discipline and border security.

Additionally, a July directive approved university-wide drug screening, signaling a nationwide push to address substance abuse.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Education

FG Appeals to Striking Resident Doctors

By Web News 307

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has appealed to the striking doctors to suspend the strike, stating that the Federal Government has met most of their demands.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Minister said the Federal Government has cleared about 60 per cent of the backlog of arrears owed to health workers.

However, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, emphasized the need for further dialogue to holistically address all outstanding issues.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has stated that its nationwide “total, comprehensive, and indefinite” strike, which began on Saturday, will continue until the Federal Government fully meets its demands.

NARD listed several unresolved demands, including unpaid arrears, allowances, and entitlements such as the 25/35 percent CONMESS review, promotion arrears, upgrade arrears, and accoutrement allowance, some of which have been pending for over five years.

The association described these demands as the minimum necessary to sustain the nation’s healthcare system and uphold the dignity of medical practice.

Hours after NARD announced its indefinite strike, the Federal Government stated that it would release ₦11.99 billion within 72 hours to settle part of the salary and allowance arrears owed to medical professionals across the country.

Channels/Adebukola Aluko

Education

NLC Gives FG 4 weeks to Address Education Sector Crisis

By Web News 232

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its affiliate unions in the education sector have issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government to resolve all lingering issues affecting the sector, warning that failure to do so would trigger a nationwide workers’ action.

The NLC and the unions also declared a “no pay, no work” stance in response to the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy following the ongoing two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

Speaking after a joint meeting in Abuja on Monday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the unions had resolved to act as a united front to end the government’s persistent breach of agreements and neglect of the education sector.

Mr Ajaero said the unions involved include the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, National Association of Academic Technologists , NAAT, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, SSANIP, Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, ASURI, and the College of Education Staff Union, COESU, among others.

 “The NLC, after extensive deliberation with the unions in the tertiary institutions on finding solutions to the perennial problems in that sector, has resolved to work with the unions to find a lasting solution to the issues they have been facing all these years,” Ajaero said.

He noted that, the unions agreed to establish a framework for engagement on the implementation of existing agreements, sustainable funding of education in line with UNESCO’s 25–26% budgetary recommendation, and the review of wage structures and allowances for academic and non-academic staff.
“We discovered that those government officials sent to meetings often go there without mandates.

Henceforth, no trade union, whether in tertiary institutions or elsewhere, will go into any meeting with government representatives who lack authority to make binding commitments. You go and finish a negotiation, sign an agreement, and then go back to renege — never again,” he declared.

The NLC President explained that a coordinated team would be established to launch a national campaign for education reform and accountability, saying “We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU, but the problem goes beyond one union. All other unions are equally involved.

“If after four weeks this negotiation is not concluded, the organs of the NLC will meet and take a nationwide action involving all workers and all unions in the country so that we get to the root of this crisis.”

Rejecting the government’s “no work, no pay” policy, Ajaero maintained that the unions would respond in kind.

“The so-called policy of no work, no pay should henceforth be no pay, no work. You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We discovered that 90% of strikes in this country are caused by failure to obey agreements,” he said.

“You can’t refuse to honour agreements and then punish the other party. It’s a matter of cause and effect — those who cause the problem should bear the consequences. You can’t beat the child and ask the child not to cry.”

With this declaration, Nigeria’s labour movement appears poised for a major showdown with the federal government unless concrete action is taken to address the lingering crisis in the nation’s education sector.

Vanguard/Taiwo Akinola

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News

FG Cancels Independence Day Parade

By Web News 483

The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement was signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.

It added that the government regrets any inconvenience caused, but stressed that, other activities lined up for the anniversary will proceed as scheduled. These include the traditional presidential broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.

“The Federal Government deeply appreciates the understanding of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges all citizens to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” the statement added.

This year’s theme is “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation’’.

Culled/ Taiwo Akinola

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Health

FG Tightens Border Control over Ebola Outbreak

By Web News 198

The Federal Government has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all points of entry in response to the ongoing outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Akpan Nse, disclosed this in an exclusive interview.

Nse also noted that additional staff had been employed to strengthen border surveillance in the country.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four health workers, had been reported as of September 5, 2025.

The outbreak comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa is grappling with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera, malnutrition, and population displacement.

The DRC’s last outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred in the north-western Equateur Province in April 2022.

It was brought under control within three months.

In Kasai Province, previous Ebola outbreaks were reported in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the country has experienced 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans.

It is transmitted to people through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats (believed to be the natural hosts). Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated objects, or the body of someone who died from the disease.

In the ongoing outbreak, samples tested on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the capital, Kinshasa, confirmed that the cause was Ebola Zaire, a strain of the Ebola virus.

Dr Nse noted that although Nigeria was at risk of importing the virus due to high levels of international travel with the DRC, Port Health Services was on alert and had strengthened surveillance to prevent this.

He said, “We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry across the country—airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound traveller coming from Congo to Nigeria is thoroughly screened, and we collect their medical history through mandatory forms.

“We have also reactivated our portals. Every passenger on every flight coming to Nigeria from Congo is screened upon arrival. This applies to airports, seaports, and land borders. Even if passengers transit through Congo on their way to Nigeria, they must undergo screening.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Communication

Media Expert Calls for Facility Upgrade in FG Establishments

By Web News 293

By Adebola Ajayi

Federal government has been urged to intensify efforts in upgrading and providing the necessary equipment and working tools for its Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to enhance efficient service delivery to the people.

The Chairman, Board of Editorial, Penpushing Media, Mrs Olufunke Fadugba made the plea when she led a delegation of members of the Board, on a courtesy visit to the Management of Radio Nigeria Paramount FM, Abeokuta.

Mrs Fadugba who described the condition of many federal government offices as worrisome, said the situation was hampering the skills and knowledge of workers to contribute meaningfully to nation building.

The Chairman of Editorial Board of Penpushing media, while congratulating Mrs Olugbenro on her appointment General Manager of Paramount FM Abeokuta, advised her to embrace humility, hardwork and team spirit in the discharge of the new task, encouraging the members of staff to provide the necessary support in the quest to take the station to an enviable height.

Responding, the General Manager, Paramount FM Abeokuta, Mrs Oluremi Olugbenro appreciated the members of the Board for the visit, describing the Penpushing Media as a reservoir of information and entertainment, comprising thorough-bred professionals.

Mrs Olugbenro noted that the  mission of the organisation aligned with that of the Federal Road Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, which aimed at providing impartial, credible, proactive and creative broadcasting for National development, hence the need for mutual working relationship.

She however commended the management and staff of the station for their moral support since her assumption of office and appealed for them to sustain the tempo.

Highpoint of the courtesy visit was the tour of the station by the delegation of the members of Board of the Penpushing Media, which included the founder, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, and the former Chairman of Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Elder Eddie Aina.

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Economy

Renewed Hope Initiative: FG Empowers 500 Women

By Web News 332

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

About 500 women in Ogun state have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme of the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Items distributed include grinding machines, deep freezers, generators, and other equipment.

The programme, held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, was aimed at boosting small-scale enterprises and strengthening household income.

Represented by Mrs Taiwo Bello, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the initiative seeks to unlock potential, promote economic independence, and create opportunities for women across the country.

Wife of the State Governor and Coordinator of the Initiative, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for bridging critical gaps in women’s empowerment.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs also described the programme as timely, urging beneficiaries to make good use of the items to achieve self-reliance and community development.

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Economy

Forty Farmers Get Grants to Boost Fish Production

By Web News 256

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Federal Government is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO and the European Union to empower fish farmers and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s fishery resources.

The intervention also included the launch of  a 200 million naira support initiative to boost aquaculture towards meeting the country’s annual fish demand of more than 3 million tonnes.

At the official launch of the Scaling Fish Farming Fund Project in Ogun State, 40 fish farmers at the Eriwe Fish Cluster in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the State were provided with grants to enhance their production capacity. 

Speaking at the event, the Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Wellington Omorogbon, represented by Mr. Paul Opuama said the project was aimed at ensuring better livelihoods for the farmers. 

Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Nigeria, Mr. Koffy Kouacou explained that the project funded by the European Union, the GIZ and other development partners in conjunction with both the federal and state governments would ensure the availability of adequate funding for fish farmers, with a view to boosting fish production in the country.

The FAO Country Representative affirmed that the set of 40 beneficiaries, under the pilot scheme, would receive between 2.5 and 5 million naira each to upscale their fish farming business and production.

The Agriculture Programme Manager of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Hugh Briggs pointed out that Nigeria was given the lion share of the grant, totalling 5 million Euros to boost fish production in the country through project being implemented in 12 countries of the world. 

The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo represented by the Director of Fisheries department, Princess Victoria Ojelade, while applauding the intervention also called for the extension of the kind gesture to other fish clusters across the state.

Other partners and stakeholders in separate contributions renewed their commitment to continuous collaborations with the Nigerian Government and the Fish farmers to further strengthen the aquaculture industry for food security, nutrition, and economic growth.

Religion

FG Declares June 6, 9 Holidays to Mark Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

By Web News 141

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

On this occasion, Mr Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslim faithful both home and abroad, calling them to continue to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, and to also use the period to pray for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He assured Nigerians that the people-oriented reforms and initiatives carried out, in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration, are to restore Nigeria on the path of progress”.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to join hands with the present administration in its efforts to restore the glory of Nigeria as a great nation,” the statement concluded.

Channels/Adetutu Adetule

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Environment

FG Dispatches Delegation to Niger as Death Toll Hits 151

By Web News 122

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State in response to the devastating floods that have swept through Mokwa and surrounding communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The floods, which resulted in the deaths of at least 151 people and the displacement of over 3,000 individuals, have also destroyed more than 260 homes, township roads, and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba, according to figures released by the Niger State Government.

Leading the delegation were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

The team paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, to deliver the President’s message of condolence and solidarity.

This was contained in a statement signed by Idris media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.

Speaking during the visit, Idris conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that Tinubu had ordered the immediate deployment of federal resources to support the relief effort.

“We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, to come and see the people of Niger State particularly the Governor and officials of the state government to commiserate with you; to sympathize and empathise with you on what has happened in Mokwa Local Government Area

Mr. President is personally saddened by this and yesterday he directed that every available resources of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa and that’s why you are seeing me in the company of my brother, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affair,” Idris said.

The National Emergency Management Agency has already conducted an assessment of the disaster and mobilised to deliver immediate support.

According to the statement, Idris confirmed that NEMA is working with state authorities to ensure victims are cared for, bodies recovered, and aid delivered efficiently.

In addition to the emergency response, the president has tasked the National Orientation Agency with ramping up public sensitisation campaigns, especially in flood-prone communities, to enhance disaster preparedness and response in future incidents.

“This is also a call to our people to take this as a warning against future occurrences, especially all those living around the areas where this kind of disaster is prone to happen,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation added that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons would now take over from NEMA to provide continued assistance to displaced individuals.

Deputy Governor Garba expressed appreciation for the federal government’s rapid intervention and underscored the severity of the disaster.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Infrastructure

FG Closes Ijora Bridge April 27

By Web News 83

The Federal Government has confirmed there will be a full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos from April 27 for critical repair works.

The Federal Controller of Works, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, disclosed this during an inspection of the bridge on Monday.

She said that the bridge connecting Ijora Causeway to Apapa needed comprehensive repairs, especially replacement of defective bearings beneath the deck.

Mrs Kesha said: “This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases.

“We are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath.

“A lot of the bearings are defective, and approximately 50 of them will be replaced across three sections.”

Mrs Kesha emphasised the importance of the Ijora Bridge as a major route leading to Apapa, home to two of Nigeria’s busiest ports, Tincan and Apapa ports.

She acknowledged the disruption the closure would cause but said that it was necessary for the safety of commuters and to prevent further deterioration.

The Nation/Adetutu Adetule

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Religion

FG Declares Monday, Tuesday Public Holiday to Mark Eid-el- Fitri

By Web News 187

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration or Sallah festival by Muslims.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

In his statement on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fast, highlighting the significance of the holy month in fostering self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual renewal.

 Tunji-Ojo called on all Muslims to continue embodying the virtues of love, generosity, and peace, emphasizing the need for national unity and religious harmony.

He also urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us reflect on the lessons of Ramadan, embrace one another with love and forgiveness, and work together to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” the minister stated.

He further encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while extending acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the values of Ramadan and Eid.

On behalf of the Federal Government, Tunji-Ojo wished all Muslim faithful a joyous Eid Mubarak and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness and fulfillment to everyone.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Governance

Presidency Says Direct Federal Allocations to LGs Starts End of January

By Web News 350

The Presidency has announced that starting from the end of January, local government areas across Nigeria will begin receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC), marking a significant step towards local government autonomy.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made this disclosure during an interview on Arise News on Thursday night.

He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s landmark July 2024 judgment, which declared state control over local government funds unconstitutional.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agbim, the apex court ruled that allocations to local governments should either be paid directly or through states.

However, given the ineffectiveness of the latter, the court mandated direct payments to local councils.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), advocating for the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Despite the ruling, implementation had been delayed to ensure proper mechanisms were in place. Dare confirmed that these arrangements are now complete, paving the way for local governments to begin receiving funds directly by the end of January.

“We have a President who ensures local government autonomy. I spoke to a local government chairman, who said, ‘Oh, I will be getting N2.9bn, instead of the N200m I was getting before’.

“From the end of this month, LG will receive the money directly,” Dare explained.

Dare also called for greater scrutiny of state and local government financial management. “One state collected N499 billion last year—nearly four times its previous allocation—yet there’s little to show for it,” he noted.

He stressed that while the Federal Government often faces criticism, attention must also shift to how states and local governments utilize their resources.

“The framers of our constitution created the three tiers of government for a reason. It’s time to hold states and local governments accountable,” Dare added.

Vanguard/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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News

Breaking: NLC, TUC, Suspend Nationwide Strike

By Web News 305

The organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday, suspended their ongoing strike for five days.
A labour leader, who disclosed this to newsmen, said the unions are expected to issue a statement shortly before the commencement of negotiations with the government.

The strike, which commenced on Monday, was called to protest the failure of the Federal Government to approve new minimum wage by May 31, as well as its failure to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.
The leadership of the organised labour met government representatives on Monday night, and the Federal Government expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to raise the N60,000 offered as the minimum wage.

The agreement stated, “The President of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000; and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalise an agreeable National Minimum Wage.”

The organised labour also agreed to “immediately hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, and no worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action.”
The organised labour also agreed to “immediately hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, and no worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action.”

These resolutions were signed on behalf of the Federal Government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Newspeak/Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Education

FG Student Loan Fund Kicks off May 24

By Web News 518

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFund on Thursday, announced May 24, 2024, as the official date for “the opening of the portal for student loan applications.”

The announcement was made in a statement by the media lead for the NELFund, Mr Nasir Ayantogo.

Mr Ayantogo, in the statement, said the opening of the application portal marked a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to “fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.”

On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

A member of the a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said Presidential Strategy Team, Mr Dele Alake, explained that the move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education”.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

Although the government initially announced that the scheme would be launched in September, it suffered several delays leading to an indefinite postponement in early March.

The presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.

After receiving briefing from the NELFund team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the president had directed the fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.

President Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.”

“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.”

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFund to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.

Through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.

The portal, according to the statement, provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

“We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

“Students can access the portal on www.nelf.gov.ng to begin application,” the statement said.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Religion

Easter: FG Declares Friday, Monday Public Holidays

By Web News 428

By Daniel Adejo

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, 1st April, as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako.

He urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

According to the Minister, Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

He called on Christians to imbibe the virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.

He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged in society.

While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.

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Crime

Update: FG Files Tax Evasion Charges against Binance

By Web News 511

The Federal Government on Monday initiated proceedings against Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange platform over tax evasion.

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

In the suit with number: FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, FIRS implicated Binance with four tax evasion accusations adding that it was a decisive move aimed at upholding fiscal responsibility and safeguarding the economic integrity of the country.

Joined with the crypto company as second and third defendants in the suit are Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, both senior executives of Binance currently under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The charges levied against Binance include non-payment of Value-Added Tax, Company Income Tax, failure to file tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.

In the suit, the Federal Government also accused Binance of failure to register with FIRS for tax purposes and contravening existing tax regulations within the country.

One of the counts in the lawsuit pertains to Binance’s alleged failure to collect and remit various categories of taxes to the federation as stipulated by Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007 as amended.

Section 40 of the Act explicitly addresses the non-deduction and non-remittance of taxes, prescribing penalties and potential imprisonment for defaulting entities.

The charges further detail specific instances where Binance purportedly violated tax laws, such as failing to issue invoices for VAT purposes, thus obstructing the determination and payment of taxes by subscribers.

“Any company that transacts business in excess of N25 million annually is deemed by the Finance Act to be present in Nigeria.

“According to this rule, Binance falls into that category. So, it has to pay taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT) and also collect and pay Value Added Tax (VAT).

“But Binance did not do this properly. So, the company broke Nigerian laws and could be investigated and taken to court for this infraction,” Adekanmbi said.

FIRS, by the law setting it up and various others, is empowered to assess, collect and account for revenue accruing to the Federation and administer relevant tax laws.

Binance pleaded guilty to flouting anti-money laundering laws in the United States in late 2023, settling for a plea bargain that cost the company $ 4.3 billion.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Governance

SGF Inaugurates Oronsaye Report Implementation Committee

By Web News 331

The Federal Government, on Thursday, inaugurated a committee for the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which majorly recommends the merger of the government’s ministries, departments, and agencies to cut the cost of governance.

The inauguration of the implementation committee followed the announcement by the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government on February 28, 2024, that parts of the recommendations in the 12-year-old Oronsaye report would be implemented.

The 800-page report recommended that 263 of the statutory agencies be slashed to 161; 38 agencies be scrapped; 52 be merged and 14 be reverted to departments in various ministries, among others.

A statement on Thursday by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary General of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen,  said the SGF George Akume,  inaugurated “the Committee on the Implementation of the Recommendations on the Review of Reports and White Papers on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, and Commissions.”

“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while inaugurating the Committee on behalf of President Bola Tinubu stressed that the implementation of the White Papers on the report, which would involve the merger, relocation, subsuming or scrapping of some parastatals, agencies, and commissions is aimed at reducing the cost of governance and streamlining efficiency across the governance value chain,” he said.

Outlining the mandate of the committee, Akume said the committee would “identify redundancies and overlaps or conflicting objectives among the mandates of different organisational units.”

It will also “define strategic objectives to ensure the revised mandates align with the strategic objectives and priorities of the government.”

The committee is to “engage key stakeholders and gather input and feedback on the proposed revisions to the mandates.

“Draft clear, concise, and actionable revised mandates for the organisations involved in the restructuring.

“Ensure the revised mandates comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing government operations.”

On the committee are the SGF; the Attorney General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice,  Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, and the Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination, Usman Bala.

Others are Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reform, Dasuki Arabi; Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Abdullahi Gumel; Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (House of Representatives) Ibrahim Olarwewaju;  Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Okunola and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office,  Richard Pheelangwah.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Agriculture

FG Sets to Distribute Free Bags of Grains

By Web News 399

The Presidency on Friday revealed that the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains it promised for nationwide release two weeks ago are being bagged for distribution.

It added that the remaining 60,000 metric tonnes of grains would be purchased from the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Friday night titled, ‘Update on Tinubu administration’s efforts to ramp up food supply in the country’.

As a temporary response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising price of commodities, President Bola Tinubu, on February 8, ordered the immediate release of 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

Deliberations began in earnest after angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital and Kano to protest what they described as the rising cost of living in the country. Similar protests also erupted in Ondo State, Nigeria’s southwest.

Giving updates on the strategy, the Presidency said, “The Tinubu administration through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is in the final stages of releasing 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to support the vulnerable population across the country.”

“The grains in seven locations of strategic reserve are now being bagged for onward delivery to the National Emergency Management Agency.”

Explaining reasons for the delayed distribution, Onanuga stated, “The need to bag the grains, caused the delay as the bags were freshly ordered by government,” adding that, “Nigerians will not need to pay for the grain bags, as they are free.”

This will be complemented by the 60,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to be purchased by the Federal Government from the Mega Rice Millers, explained the Presidency.

Citing remarks by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, it said with the announcement of the impending releases of food commodities from the Strategic Reserve, there is a noticeable reduction in commodity prices across major grains markets in the country.

At the emergency meeting on February 8, the FG had revealed plans to inject a yet-to-be-disclosed amount of capital into dry-season farming to ensure a year-round food supply.

Idris explained, “There is a directive to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to invest massively in conjunction with Nigerian farmers and other producers so that we can have a better season coming up shortly.”

Giving updates on this, Onanuga said the first phase of the Dry Season Farming under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project kicked off in November 2023.

“It focuses on the cultivation of wheat across 15 wheat-producing states, covering 118,657 hectares and involving 107,429 farmers. The fields are green now and harvest will commence in a matter of weeks”, Kyari said.

“There are fantastic reports of the growth of wheat from Jigawa State, which is now targeting harvest from about 50,000 hectares, 10,000 hectares more than initially allotted under the programme,” noted Onanuga.

The Presidency also said Phase 2 of the Dry Season Farming will commence soon, across all 36 states and the FCT.

“It will cover rice, maize, and cassava. For rice, the target is 250,000 hectares involving 500,000 farmers with the expected output of 1 million metric tons of paddy rice.

“For maize, we are cultivating 55,000 hectares with 110,000 farmers thereby adding 165,000 metric tons to national maize production while for cassava, we are doing 35,000 hectares with 70,000 farmers to produce 525,000 metric tons of cassava”.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Energy

FG Halts Cooking Gas Export to Crash Price

By Web News 382

The Federal Government has banned the exportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly called cooking gas, in a bid to increase its volume domestically to warrant a crash in price.

It stated on Thursday that LPG producers in Nigeria and key stakeholders in the industry had been told to stop exporting the commodity out of Nigeria, following the recent jump in the cost of cooking gas.

Findings showed that the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and some other states had climbed to about N18,000. It was specifically N17,500 in Abuja on Thursday, a product that sold for less than N9,000 in November last year.

LPG dealers under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers had predicted mid-last year that a 12.5kg cylinder would cost N18,000 going by the incessant hikes in its cost.

To tackle this, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, constituted a committee in November 2023, headed by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.

But up till today (Thursday), the cost of the commodity has maintained a northward movement, as many LPG users are gradually shifting to the use of charcoal.

But while speaking on the sidelines of the internal stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Thursday, Ekpo stated that the Federal Government had asked LPG producers to stop exporting the commodity.

In November 2023, a kilogramme of cooking gas was about N700, but the product is now sold at about N1,400/kg. Some operators stated that the cost would increase further if the government failed to intervene.

Ekpo said, “With the issue of gas, you have seen the demonstration of the Federal Government by withdrawing all taxes and levies from the importation of gas-related equipment. It is a big incentive.

“On the issue of LPG (cooking gas), we are interacting with the critical sectors to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG. All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated. And when this is done, the volume will increase and, of course, the price will automatically crash.

“I’m in contact with the regulator, NMDPRA, we have meetings almost daily with the producers of the gas like Mobil, Chevron and Shell. So there is that hope that things will turn around.

“And that is also why we are having this engagement to know exactly what the problems are so that we can address them once and for all.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Labour

Walk Your Talk, NLC Tells FG Ahead 2-Day Nationwide Protest

By Web News 415

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Friday, directed its members and affiliate unions to begin mobilisation for a two-day nationwide protest expected to take place on February 27 and 28, if the federal government fails to implement all the agreements signed with it in October 2023.

The two-day nationwide protest according to the communique signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and the acting General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello will be taking place at the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it had earlier issued.

President of the NLC, Comrade  Ajaero, who addressed newsmen at the end of the union’s National Executive Council, (NEC) meeting in Abuja, asked his members to be on standby for an indefinite strike which would commence seven days after the nationwide protest if government still fails to meet its demands.

Ajaero noted that Labour was no longer interested in empty talks from the government but actions, urging the government to immediately implement the agreement and restore faith in the democratic process, as Nigerians were struggling to survive.

A communique read by the Congress President at the end of the meeting noted that on Monday,  29th May 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced during his inaugural speech the withdrawal of Subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria. 

It said that that singular pronouncement immediately led to the price of the product, which is central to transportation and power in Nigeria, escalated across the nation, throwing the nation into turmoil and confusion as citizens were left stranded, thus increasing suffering, hardship and angst among the populace.

It read: “Series of meetings were held with the federal government culminating in the signing of an Agreement which we now call the October 2 Agreement. This Agreement contained several safeguards which we had believed if implemented conscientiously would have gone a long way to ameliorate the suffering and hardship that the ill-conceived and ill-implemented policies of the government have foisted on the masses and workers

“It also took notice of the decision of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the both Congresses of the NLC and TUC to demand that the Agreement be implemented. 

“To this end, NEC unanimously noted its deep disappointment and condemned the actions of the federal government in refusing to implement the agreements and reached the following decisions:

“That it reaffirms the 14days notice issued by the federal government within which to implement the Agreement and address the mounting crisis of survival in Nigeria.

“That the Notice expires on the Midnight of Thursday, the 22nd of February, 2024. If on expiration, Congress is not satisfied with the level of the Government’s compliance with the conditions of the Notice, it will be at liberty to take action that will compel the Government to implement the agreement.

“Declares a 2-day National Protest on 27th and 28th of February to demonstrate outrage on the mounting hardship and insecurity around the nation.

“If demands are not met after the nationwide protests to issue a Seven-Day notice that will expire on the 2nd day of March 2024 to the federal government after which an indefinite nationwide strike will ensue.  

“That Nigerian workers and people are not interested in empty talk now but action so, calls on all of affiliates, state Councils and Civil Society Allies to start mobilizing across the nation for effective action as the deadline approaches.

“As such, in light of the urgency of the situation and the continued suffering of the Nigerian people and Workers, the NEC-in-session calls for immediate action from the federal government to rectify these grievances and restore faith in the democratic process and social dialogue.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Economy

Efforts Ongoing to Arrest High Cost of Food Items – FG

By Web News 351

By Abdullah Bello

The Federal Government says it is strategising to arrest the high cost of food items in the country.

After the first meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said succour would soon be felt.

He explained that the meeting discussed the opening of the strategic food silos across the country, saying however that the modalities of releasing their contents to the public will be laid out in their subsequent meetings.

“Government is very concerned about what Nigerians are going through; therefore government is taking some action to ensure that Nigerians have some relief, in terms of the availability of food on the table. Some of these will involve unlocking the foods that are available in most of the storage facilities around the country, very soon a solution is in sight for Nigerians”, he stressed.

He said the government had begun discussions with major local millers and commodity traders to get information on what they have in stock, adding that such will provide insight into the appropriate level of intervention needed.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris emphasised that the government’s intervention was extremely necessary to thwart the bad intentions of those wanting to take advantage of the situation to make matters worse.

“What the government is noticing is that there’s still food in this country. Some people are taking advantage of the situation, especially, the depreciation in the value of our currency, which has led to the cost of these food items also going up. What I will tell Nigerians is that the President has directed that government needs to stem this tide. Government will not fold its arms and see the way Nigerians are suffering”, the Minister said.

The Minister of Information said the government would make a definite pronouncement on the outcome of the ongoing deliberations on the current food crisis being experienced.


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