The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • LASUTH-ARD backs NARD’s indefinite strike

    LASUTH-ARD backs NARD’s indefinite strike

    The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Association of Resident Doctors (LASUTH-ARD) has declared full support for the resumption of the nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12. 

    Speaking at a press briefing, the President of LASUTH-ARD, Dr. Akerele Alaba, said resident doctors in LASUTH would fully comply with the directive of the national body to resume the Total Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike (TICS 2.0), tagged “No Implementation, No Going Back.”

    Dr. Akerele recalled that NARD had embarked on a nationwide strike on November 1, 2025, which was suspended on November 29, 2025, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government on November 27. 

    According to him, the agreement covered 19 demands expected to be implemented within one month.

    “The federal government has failed to fulfill its own part of the agreement. Many of the items have been totally neglected, altered, or only half implemented,” he said.

    He disclosed that the decision to resume the strike followed resolutions reached at NARD’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on January 2, 2026. 

    At the meeting, NEC resolved to resume TICS 2.0, mandated centre presidents to hold congress meetings and directed centre-based protests from January 12 to 16, 2026. 

    This will be followed by regional and national protests coordinated by the NARD National Officers’ Committee.

    Dr. Akerele confirmed that LASUTH-ARD held its congress on Sunday, with members fully endorsing the strike action.

    He explained that NEC would only consider suspending TICS 2.0 after the full implementation of key minimum demands, including the reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja five, payment of promotion and salary arrears, full implementation of the professional allowance table with arrears captured in the 2026 budget, reintroduction of the Specialist Allowance, resolution of house officers’ salary delays, and the resumption of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process.

    The LASUTH-ARD president highlighted several unresolved local welfare concerns affecting resident doctors in Lagos State. These include the abandonment of the Resident Doctors’ Quarters project, unpaid advancement arrears, exclusion of resident doctors from housing and pension schemes, non-payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers, and the unpaid December 2025 bonus.

    He also called on the Lagos State Government to ensure timely payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), while appreciating the state government for its consistent yearly payment of the fund.

    Dr. Akerele appealed to the Lagos State Government to urgently address these issues, stressing that the strike decision, though difficult, was taken in the collective interest of doctors’ welfare, dignity, and the sustainability of healthcare delivery nationwide.

    He added that resident doctors in LASUTH were currently rendering full services but would comply with the strike directive once it takes effect.

  • NNPCL debt forgiveness: Group tackles ADC over comments on President’s Constitutional powers

    NNPCL debt forgiveness: Group tackles ADC over comments on President’s Constitutional powers

    The Centre for Energy Governance and Public Finance Accountability has strongly rebutted claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for reconciling and removing legacy balances owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) from the Federation Account. 

    During a press conference at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Friday, the group described the ADC’s allegations as unfounded and misleading, emphasizing that the action was not an arbitrary debt forgiveness but a necessary fiscal reconciliation.

    The controversy stems from the President’s directive to remove approximately $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in legacy entries from the Federation Account books. 

    These balances, accumulated over decades, include unresolved disputes from production sharing contracts, fuel subsidy obligations, and royalty assessments predating the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). 

    The Centre argued that maintaining these disputed figures distorted public finances and created unrealistic expectations for revenue distribution among federal, state, and local governments.

    Official records indicate that the reconciliation involved key institutions, including the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and focused solely on balances up to December 31, 2024. 

    Executive Director Dr Opialu Fabian stressed that no actual cash was withdrawn from allocations, as these were not collectible revenues but accounting distortions that had persisted despite multiple audits.

    “The Centre for Energy Governance and Public Finance Accountability has convened this important press conference to respond to unfounded claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the reconciliation and removal of certain legacy balances attributed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) from the Federation Account,” the statement said. 

    “The debate has been framed as a constitutional crisis and a deliberate deprivation of revenue due to states and local governments. Given the gravity of such allegations, it is important to ground this conversation in facts, law, and the historical context of Nigeria’s petroleum revenue administration.

    Read Also: Debt forgiveness for NNPCL

    “It is crucial to note that the balances in question are not recent revenues generated under the current administration. They are long-standing legacy entries accumulated over decades, many of them arising before the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). 

    “These entries stem from unresolved production sharing contract disputes, domestic crude supply obligations under the fuel subsidy regime, royalty assessment disagreements, and persistent reconciliation gaps between NNPC, regulators, and revenue agencies.”

    Critics, including the ADC, have invoked Section 162 of the Nigerian Constitution, claiming the President overstepped his authority by approving the removal without broader legislative input. 

    However, the Centre countered that the section pertains only to valid, payable revenues, not disputed or unverifiable claims that could turn the Federation Account into a “repository for accounting fiction.”

    This move aligns with PIA reforms aimed at transforming NNPC Ltd into a commercially viable entity under international accounting standards. By addressing these legacy issues, the administration seeks to enhance fiscal transparency and predictability, benefiting all government tiers through more accurate revenue projections.

    “For years, these balances remained on the Federation Account books despite repeated audits and reviews that questioned their accuracy, legal enforceability, and collectability. Treating such disputed figures as assured income created a distorted picture of public finances and fostered unrealistic revenue expectations across all tiers of government,” Fabian added. 

    “Contrary to claims of an arbitrary executive write-off, the President’s approval followed a formal reconciliation process involving relevant fiscal and regulatory institutions, including presentations made to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    “Official records show that approximately $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion were removed from the Federation Account books after reconciliation established that these figures were either duplicated, overstated, unsupported by verifiable documentation, or no longer legally recoverable. The directive applied strictly to legacy balances accumulated up to December 31, 2024.”

  • Tinubu congratulates Prince Omole on birthday, lauds diaspora advocacy, national service

    Tinubu congratulates Prince Omole on birthday, lauds diaspora advocacy, national service

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Prince Ade Omole, a prominent ICT executive, legal professional and public affairs strategist, on the occasion of his birthday on January 9.

    In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Prince Omole as a committed patriot whose work in Diaspora mobilisation and national advocacy has significantly contributed to projecting Nigeria’s reform narrative on the global stage.

    Widely recognised as the “Face of the Nigerian Diaspora,” Prince Omole is a leading Diaspora figure and serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council (NDVC), where he has been at the forefront of advocacy for increased Diaspora participation in Nigeria’s democratic and development processes.

    Prince Omole also played a strategic role in the 2023 general election, having served as Director of the Diaspora Directorate of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council. 

    Read Also: Tinubu rejoices with Abegunde on birthday, hails loyalty, service

    He is equally one of the conveners of The Asiwaju Group, a platform noted for mobilising national and Diaspora support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Commending his efforts, President Tinubu acknowledged Omole’s sustained engagement with Nigerians abroad and his constructive contributions to national discourse, describing him as an advocate whose work reflects deep commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

    The President further noted that Prince Omole currently serves as an executive at Renewed Hope Global, where he is actively involved in articulating and projecting the achievements of the Tinubu administration to international audiences.

    “Prince Ade Omole exemplifies purposeful service and commitment to Nigeria’s progress. His contributions to Diaspora mobilisation and national advocacy reflect the positive values and patriotism that our nation requires,” President Tinubu said.

    He wished Prince Omole good health and many more years of impactful service to the nation.

  • Activist urges Tinubu to ‘correct injustice, waste’ of Niger Delta’s 13% derivation

    Activist urges Tinubu to ‘correct injustice, waste’ of Niger Delta’s 13% derivation

    Renowned Niger Delta environmental activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has urged President Bola Tinubu to correct “decades of injustice and waste” surrounding the management of the Niger Delta’s 13 per cent oil derivation fund.

    He called on the President to halt the current practice of paying the derivation funds directly to oil-producing state governments and instead channel the resources into federally coordinated mega development projects across Niger Delta.

    The activist, the Ibe-Serimoowei of the oil-rich Gbaramtu Kingdom in Delta State, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.

    He said existing system had failed to deliver meaningful development to oil-bearing communities due to corruption, mismanagement and diversion of funds by some state governments.

    Mulade said despite trillions of naira disbursed to Niger Delta states over the years as derivation funds, many communities suffered from poverty, environmental degradation, unemployment and lack of basic infrastructure.

    “The 13 percent derivation fund was designed to bring development and relief to oil-producing communities, but sadly, that objective has been largely defeated.

    “What we see today is massive diversion, mismanagement and misappropriation of oil derivation funds, with little or no impact on the lives of the ordinary people in the creeks and host communities,” he said.

    In an earlier New Year message, Mulade urged the Federal Government to implement more people-friendly economic policies and also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intensify development in riverine communities as year 2026 begins. 

    He also called on Deltans to support government efforts by maintaining peace and unity across ethnic lines, noting that “peace is essential to attracting and wooing investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development in our dear state.”

    Commending Governor Oborevwori for ongoing infrastructural development in major urban centres, Mulade urged the governor to extend similar projects to riverine areas predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiris.

  • MAAUN Group felicitates first female Nigerian Law School DG Odusote

    MAAUN Group felicitates first female Nigerian Law School DG Odusote

    MAAUN Group of Universities, has congratulated Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, on her recent appointment as the first Female Director General of the Nigerian Law School by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The congratulatory message was conveyed to Dr. Odusote in a statement by the Founder of MAAUN Group, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo on Friday.

    “I want to use this opportunity to felicitate Dr. Titilayo Odusote for being the first female to be appointed as the Director General of this prestigious institution.

    Read Also: NERC, NMDPRA meet on energy security enhancement

    “As  Nigeria’s first female to be appointed as Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Titilayo Odusote deserves to be celebrated for attaining the milestone,” Prof. Gwarzo said.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognising her wealth of experience and accomplishments, expressing confidence that the new DG who served in various academic and administrative capacities, will deliver on her mandate.

    Gwarzo, who doubles as the President of Association of Africa Private Universities (AAPU), prayed to Almighty Allah to guide and give the new DG wisdom to take the institution to greater heights.

  • Tax Reforms Act: Groups name speaker Tajudeen Abbas as Man of the Year

    Tax Reforms Act: Groups name speaker Tajudeen Abbas as Man of the Year

    Three prominent civil society organizations, led by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET), have named Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the Man of the Year 2025 for his exemplary leadership in promoting transparency, particularly in handling the controversial tax reform laws.

    The groups praised Abbas for his pivotal role in championing transparency within Nigeria’s governance framework, particularly through the swift and public release of certified tax reform documents amid swirling controversies.

    In a joint statement issued here in Jos on Saturday, the organizations highlighted Abbas’ dedication to accountability as a beacon for Nigerian democracy in their annual review of 2025’s key figures and events.

    Signed by Dr. Adebayo Lion Ogorri, Executive Director of CESJET, Comrade James Awe and Danladi Danjuma, the statement described Abbas as a “trailblazer in restoring faith in public institutions.”

    It emphasized his decisive actions in overseeing the disclosure of four critical tax reform laws, which were signed into effect by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     These measures, the groups argued, not only quelled misinformation but also set a new standard for legislative integrity.

    “Abbas’ leadership exemplifies why he deserves this honor,” the statement read. “In a year marked by fiscal challenges and public skepticism, he steered the House toward unprecedented openness.

    “By mandating the immediate release of verified copies of the tax acts—including the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the National Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act—he ensured that Nigerians could access authentic records without delay.

    “This move directly addressed concerns over discrepancies in circulating versions, proving his commitment to evidence-driven reforms that prioritize fairness and national development.”

    The CSOs built a compelling case for Abbas as Man of the Year by pointing to his hands-on guidance throughout the tax reform journey.

    Read Also: PSAN, 99 other CSOs throw weight behind NASS action on tax reforms ACT

    From facilitating broad consultations with stakeholders to leading intense committee reviews and plenary discussions, the groups said Abbas insisted on processes that were inclusive and grounded in Nigeria’s economic needs.

    They added that his prompt response to a lawmaker’s alert about inconsistent document versions—triggering an internal probe and public dissemination—demonstrated proactive vigilance.

    According to them, this not only safeguarded the laws’ authenticity but also reinforced public trust in the National Assembly as a custodian of accurate records.

    “In an era where opacity breeds distrust, Abbas has shown that transparency is not just a policy but a principle,” the statement added, urging other leaders to emulate his approach.

    Beyond the tax reforms, the organizations lauded Abbas for navigating numerous political and institutional challenges in 2025, maintaining unity in the House despite intense pressures.

    The groups pointed to his role in fostering harmony among diverse interests, facilitating progressive legislation, and championing initiatives like open parliament events that enhanced public engagement and earned global acclaim.

    Abbas’ efforts in supporting youth and women empowerment through policies and constituency projects, as well as his active parliamentary diplomacy—positioning Nigeria prominently in regional and international forums—were also highlighted as key achievements.

    The CSOs described 2025 as a defining year for the 10th House under Abbas, where he emerged as a pillar of stability, service, and accountability.

  • Wizkid becomes first African to hit 10billion Spotify streams

    Wizkid becomes first African to hit 10billion Spotify streams

    Grammy-nominated singer Wizkid has made history as the first African artist to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify.

    This achievement is a proof to his global influence and popularity, with hits like “One Dance” with Drake, which has nearly 4 billion streams, and “Essence” featuring Tems, with over 334 million streams.

    According to the latest figures as of January 2026, Wizkid tops the list of Africa’s most-streamed artists on Spotify, with Burna Boy following closely behind on more than 9.5 billion streams.

    Rema ranks third with 5.6 billion streams, while Tems has surpassed 4.4 billion. South African star Tyla has accumulated 3.7 billion streams, and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr trails closely with 3.3 billion streams.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Wizkid, Davido lead list of Africa’s most awarded music artists

    Wizkid’s third studio album, Made In Lagos Deluxe, is his most streamed project on the platform, with over one billion streams.

    Wizkid’s success extends beyond streaming numbers, as he’s received numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack.

    He’s also won several BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Billboard Awards, claiming his position as a leading African artist.

  • Insecurity: NMA threatens strike in Edo

    Insecurity: NMA threatens strike in Edo

    The Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State Branch, has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike action beginning from Saturday, January 10th, 2026 over the kidnapping of two medical doctors, Dr. Abu Babatunde and Dr. Stephen Osamaye.

     Dr. Babatunde works at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi while Dr. Osamaye works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua.

     They were abducted separately on January 1st and January 2nd 2026.

    A statement by Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, said the kidnappings raised concerns about healthcare professionals’ safety in Edo State as well as undermining healthcare delivery.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s dilemma in fight against insecurity

    The Edo NMA demanded mmediate release of the Doctor’s, enhanced security protocols for Edo State residents and regular engagement between NMA Edo and the Edo State Government on security concerns.

    Dr. Oseghale said Doctors would withdraw services statewide if the demands were not met.

    “A safe working environment is crucial for healthcare providers. We’ll continue to withhold services until our demands are met and colleagues are safe.

    “We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives should take this seriously, as they’ll be held responsible for consequences of our action.”

  • Sapele Anglican Peace Forum backs Primate’s reconciliation move

    Sapele Anglican Peace Forum backs Primate’s reconciliation move

    After more than ten years of internal division, members of the Diocese of Sapele Anglican Peace Forum say the church must choose forgiveness over factionalism.

    “We acknowledge that the Diocese of Sapele has been in crisis since 2015,” the group said, describing the conflict as one that has lingered despite “various attempts” at resolution that failed to bring lasting peace.

    Quoting directly from scripture, the forum reminded members of the spiritual cost of prolonged bitterness. 

    “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” the statement read, adding pointedly: “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

    The Peace Forum, drawn from churches under the defunct Special Archdeaconry, said its members were united by “a genuine desire to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation within the Diocese.” 

    According to them, their action follows a clear directive from the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, issued in a letter dated December 12, 2025.

    “We have come together to take sincere and deliberate steps toward lasting peace in the Diocese of Sapele,” the forum stated.

    Based on consultations across the archdeaconry, the group said reconciliation already enjoys broad support. “We can confidently say that a large majority support the ongoing reconciliation process,” the statement noted.

    The forum appealed to dissenting voices to reconsider their stance. “We therefore appeal to all who are still aggrieved to sheath their swords and bury the hatchet,” it said, stressing that “in the pursuit of peace and unity… no sacrifice required of any member will be too great.”

    The forum rejected a separate letter dated December 20, 2025, which claimed to oppose the Primate’s directive. The group said those behind the letter acted without authority.

    “We strongly condemn and hereby declare null and void the purported rejection of the Primate’s directives,” the forum said, describing the authors’ claim to represent the defunct Special Archdeaconry as “false and misleading.”

    Looking ahead, the group expressed hope rather than hostility. “It is our earnest prayer that God Almighty, who established the Diocese of Sapele, will hear our prayers,” the statement read, adding that they expect the planned Reconciliation and Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to bring the long crisis to an end.

    The statement was signed by the chairman of the Peace Forum, Sir (Chief) Peter Garbot Adjekpiyede (KSC), JP, and the secretary, Bro. Mudiaga Majar Afitara, and circulated to church leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, and government officials.

    It was also endorsed by other members of the Diocese of Sapele Anglican Peace Forum from Cathedral Church of St. Luke: Sir Peter Adjekpiyede; Rev’d Canon F. Onoshefe; Mrs Favour Onoshefe; Evang. John Agofure. From All Saints Anglican Church: Rev’d E. E. Otuogba; Olorogun Anthony Akpomiemie; Sir Chief Afoke Koko; Sir J. Johnny; Lady G. O. Koko. From St. Stephen Anglican Church: Rev’d Canon A. Obunegbe; Chief Godwin Asudo; Chief Hon. Wellington Oyibo; Mr Ikuemya Anthony; Mrs Efeya Eseoghene. And from St. Andrew’s Anglican Church: Rev’d Moses Ighedo; Dr (Mrs) E. I. Ighedo; Evang. (Mrs) L. Eko; Mr Roland Ijeleba; Bro. Mudiaga Afitara and others.

  • Group urges Tinubu to intervene over impeachment move against Fubara

    Group urges Tinubu to intervene over impeachment move against Fubara

    The Rivers Peace Agenda Forum (RPAF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, expressing concerns over recent developments surrounding impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    In a statement, the group described the impeachment notice initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as troubling and potentially destabilising for democratic governance in the state.

    “We, the concerned citizens, elders, and stakeholders united under the Rivers Peace Agenda Forum, are raising this SOS to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief because our dear state is being held hostage by undemocratic forces,” the statement declared.

    “The impeachment move initiated today against Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a brazen affront to the institution of democracy in Rivers State. It is a calculated attempt to overthrow the people’s mandate through the backdoor and impose chaos for selfish political interests.

    “The peace agreement personally brokered by President Tinubu in 2023 was meant to restore calm and allow governance to thrive.”

    The RPAF noted that Governor Fubara’s administration has continued to focus on governance and service delivery amid the political uncertainty, but warned that persistent conflict could undermine development efforts in the state.

    Appealing directly to the President, the forum called for decisive intervention to ensure adherence to the peace accord, protect democratic processes, and prevent any actions that could further polarise the state.

    The group stressed that maintaining political stability in Rivers State is critical for governance and development, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and the rule of law.