The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Fed Govt ends use of tax credit scheme for road construction

    Fed Govt ends use of tax credit scheme for road construction

    The Federal Government has discontinued the practice of allowing large corporations to directly fund road repairs using their tax obligations.

    It mandated that such payments should instead be remitted to the national treasury.

    The government insists that all road projects must be handled through the normal budget process approved by the National Assembly.

    Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, said this change complied with the Constitution and financial laws.

    Under the old system, known as the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, the likes of Dangote, BUA, and MTN were allowed to fix federal roads and then subtract the cost from the taxes they owed the government.

    Adedeji said that even though the plan was meant to help the country, it was causing a problem with how the law works.

    He stated that the job of the tax office is to collect money, not to decide how that money is spent on construction.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    Adedeji said: “No matter how good a programme is, the first thing that it must have is good products.

    “The remits of the Nigeria Revenue Service is to assess, to collect, and to account for taxes. Appropriation is not part of the remits of the Nigeria Revenue Service.”

    He explained that when a company is given a tax credit to build a road, it is like the government is spending money without following the proper rules.

    He said the tax office must collect the money first and give it to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which is the body mandated by law to share and handle public funds.

    “When you give tax credits for roads, it is an appropriation act, because you spent the money, but your remit is to collect and give it to the constitutional body that will sign that money,” he added.

    Apart from the law, the NRS boss said his agency does not have the engineers or the technical skills to check if a road built by a company is actually worth the amount of tax they are claiming.

    He said while companies are still welcome to fund roads, the government must be the one to approve how public money is used.

    This decision comes after a big gap was created when the NNPC stopped funding roads through this scheme in 2025, leaving about N3 trillion worth of projects without money.

    Before now, NNPC had paid for over 21 roads, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the government was now looking for new partnerships with private investors to finish these roads.

    Many big projects are affected by this shift. For years, Dangote Group used tax credits for the road leading to the Lekki Deep Seaport, while BUA Group worked on the Bode-Saadu-Lafiagi Road.

    Other companies like MTN worked on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, and NLNG funded the Bodo-Bonny Bridge in Rivers State.

    The government believes that by going back to the central budget system, they can make sure all spending is transparent and follows the law.

    This ensures that every kobo collected as tax is properly accounted for before it is spent on infrastructure.

  • APC plans inclusive congresses, convention

    APC plans inclusive congresses, convention

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted key stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of the ruling party’s preparation for an inclusive congresses and national convention in line with its growth and expanding membership.

    The meeting, which held at the State House, Abuja, had in attendance party’s national leadership, sub-national leaders and the APC Caucus in the National Assembly. It was described as a strategic session to align preparations and ensure synergy among the various arms of government and the party structure.

    Speaking after the meeting, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, said the engagement with the President was to review the party’s readiness for the forthcoming congresses and convention.

    “It was just a brief meeting to review the preparations for the convention and the congresses and the synergy between all arms of government so that we can be on one page; the sub-national, the national, the National Assembly and the party,” Yilwatda said.

    According to him, the party leadership also assessed the prevailing political environment and resolved to ensure that the process would be broad-based and inclusive, particularly in view of the influx of new members and governors into the party.

    “Same timetable, the same planning activities, but just to study the environment and review our preparation as a party and ensure inclusivity,” he said.

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    Yilwatda added that the APC was determined to carry all stakeholders along as it expands.

    He said: “Both at national and sub-national, I want to carry everybody along with the party. We have new members who have come in, new governors, new members, the party is expanding every day; we are growing beyond bounds. We want to ensure that in the course of this growth nobody is left behind,” he stated.

    At the meeting were: Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman, Governor Abdurahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; House of Representatives Chief Whip Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President; Femi Gbajabiamila and the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

    On the President’s role in the party’s preparations, Yilwatda said Tinubu was fully supportive, describing his counsel as valuable.

    “Excellent. Mr. President, as you know, is a shrewd politician, very experienced, and his advice was remarkable,” he said.

    He also credited the party’s continued growth to Tinubu’s political experience and leadership.

    “The expansion, the growth, is because of his experience and his depth of knowledge in political cycle,” the APC chairman added.

    The party recently released the adjusted time-table for its various congresses and the National Convention.

    In the reviewed time-table, the ward congresses has been fixed for February 18; the local government congresses are scheduled for February 20; state congresses for March 7; zonal congresses for March 21; and the National Convention to hold between March 27 and 28, all this year.

    The APC is expected to intensify consultations across the federation ahead of the convention and congresses, as the party leadership seeks to consolidate unity and accommodate new entrants within its ranks.

  • Remi Tinubu’s presence at U.S. prayer excites Trump

    Remi Tinubu’s presence at U.S. prayer excites Trump

    United States President Donald Trump yesterday acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast  in Washington, D.C.

    In his address during the event, Trump drew attention to Mrs. Tinubu. He described her as a respected figure and noting her role as a Christian pastor in the largest church in Nigeria.

    The event, a long-standing tradition in the U.S. capital that brings together political and religious leaders, took a notable turn when the American president paused his address to spotlight the Nigerian First Lady.

    President Trump described her as a woman of significant influence and faith, acknowledging her spiritual role back home.

    “We’re honored to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honor. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too,” Trump said, searching the crowd before acknowledging her presence.

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    The recognition followed a period of complex diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Abuja.

    Recently, the U.S. government has kept a close eye on security and religious dynamics within Nigeria.

    This followed earlier comments from the U.S. administration concerning the protection of faith-based communities.

    The Federal Government had maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains dedicated to upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their creed.

    The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event that brings together political leaders, faith leaders, and dignitaries from across the world for prayer and reflection.

  • Nigeria, World Bank strengthen partnership to boost economy

    Nigeria, World Bank strengthen partnership to boost economy

    The World Bank has agreed to provide enhanced supports to speed up Nigeria’s economic reforms to attract large-scale investment and open up more job opportunities for the country’s fast-growing population.

    At a high-level discussions in Abuja between Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Managing Director, Operations, World Bank Group, Ms. Anna Bjerde, the World Bank said it would provide enhanced supports for ongoing initiatives to deepen Nigeria’s reform agenda to ensure more visible positive impacts on the daily lives of Nigerians.

    Both sides agreed that sustained cooperation between Nigeria and the World Bank would be crucial in ensuring that reforms translate into lasting economic gains and improved living standards for citizens.

    Bjerde said the World Bank would continue backing investment-driven growth strategy, with strong attention on infrastructure delivery and greater involvement of the private sector.

    She said: “Our support will remain focused on helping Nigeria turn its plans into tangible outcomes, especially in infrastructure and private sector-led growth,” Ms. Bjerde said.

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    She expressed satisfaction with the direction of Nigeria’s economic reforms and praised the government for its clear sense of purpose.

    According to her, international markets and development partners are paying closer attention to Nigeria, as confidence in the reform agenda continues to build.

    She said: “The clarity of direction we are seeing is encouraging, and it is contributing to growing interest from investors and partners”.

    Edun told the World Bank delegation that recent policy steps taken by the administration are beginning to yield positive momentum across key sectors of the economy.

    He said the government is firmly focused on growth, investment and employment creation as central pillars of its economic strategy.

    “Our priority is to create an environment where investment can flow, businesses can grow and Nigerians can find meaningful work.

    “The reforms underway are designed to unlock productivity and place the economy on a more sustainable path,” Edun said.

    A statement issued yesterday by the Ministry of Finance outlined that key areas discussed during the meeting, which involved officials from both sides, included improving access to stable electricity supply, boosting agricultural productivity, speeding up the rollout of digital infrastructure and making trade easier across borders.

     The discussions pointed to Nigeria’s shift from making reforms to delivering real results, with both sides committed to building a stronger economy that provides jobs, stability and shared prosperity for Nigerians.

    The meeting also restated the federal government’s economic path under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with officials noting that confidence in Nigeria’s reform programme is gaining ground among global investors and development partners.

    The country expressed its ambition to deepen changes in the power and energy sectors while positioning itself as a major economic hub in West Africa.

    Officials pointed to Abuja’s status as the host city of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as part of Nigeria’s broader role in driving regional integration, trade and economic cooperation.

  • Senate defends action on Electoral Act Amendment

    Senate defends action on Electoral Act Amendment

    • ADC, NNPP, others fault Red chamber

    The Senate yesterday defended its passage of the Electoral Acts Amendment Bill.

    It also explained that its objection to the real-time uploading of poll results does not amount to the jettisoning of the electronic transmission of results.

    Ranking senators, led by Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the report that electronic voting was discarded was false.

    Also, the National Assembly set up the conference committees to harmonise the different versions of the bill passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee was mandated to conclude its assignment this month to enable the National Assembly transmit a harmonised bill to the President for assent.

    The House of Representatives passed the  Bill on December 23, last year, while the Senate approved its version two days ago.

    A key amendments by the Senate is the reduction of the period for the issuance of the electoral timetable from 360 days to 180 days.

    While the House of Representatives approved electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time and simultaneously with physical collation, the Senate retained the 2022 framework which allows the Commission to determine the mode of transmission..

    READ ALSO: The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

     Akpabio announced the constitution of the Senate Conference Committee, shortly after the Red Chamber passed its version of the Bill.

    The committee is expected to reconcile areas of disagreement with the version approved by the House of Representatives.

    The Senate committee will be chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.

    Members of the Senate Committee are Senators Adamu Aliero, Adeniyi Adegbomire, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Aminu Abbas and Tokunbo Abiru.

    Also, House of Representatives Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the Green Chamber conference committee will work with the Senate team in harmonising the Bill.

    Members of the House committee, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun (South West), include Fred Agbedi (South South), Sada Soli (North West), Ahmadu Jaha (North East), Iduma Igariwey Enwo (South East), Saidu Musa Abdullahi (North Central) and Zainab Gimba, representing women.

    Criticisms by opposition elements, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Buba Galadima and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have trailed the Senate’s passage of the bill.

    Electronic transmission intact, says Abaribe

    Abaribe told reporters in Abuja that the Senate neither voted against electronic transmission nor called for return to manual processes, stressing that the reports along those lines were incorrect and misleading.

    He said: “Yesterday (Wednesday), the Senate did not — I repeat — did not pass transfer of results which was in the 2022 Act. What we passed, and which the Senate President himself clarified while sitting on his chair, is transmission of results. And I need to make this very clear.”

    Abaribe lamented that the distinction between “transfer” and “transmission” had been wrongly interpreted, fuelling the impression that the Senate had taken Nigeria backwards on electoral reforms.

    He said senators were compelled to address the media because the Senate’s action had been misunderstood.

    Abaribe said: “We felt that it would be necessary to make a clarification of what happened yesterday, to put the record straight.”

    Noting that senators are conscious of the public trust placed on the National Assembly by Nigerians, he added: “Every one of us who is a senator, who has the privilege to represent a senatorial district, came here under the trust of their senatorial districts.

    “Each one of us infused in himself or herself a public trust handed to us by Nigerians to do the absolute best for Nigeria.”

    Abaribe explained that the provision for electronic transmission of results was not an afterthought but the product of an extensive legislative process involving both chambers of the National Assembly and key stakeholders.

    He stressed: “There was a joint committee of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, made up of members of the electoral committees in both chambers.

     “These joint committees had several retreats, both in Abuja and elsewhere, and each of those retreats was done with INEC and civil society organisations.

     “Everyone agreed, and at the end of the retreats, that electronic transmission of results was the way to go. That agreement was reflected in the reports laid before both the House and the Senate.”

    Dismissing claims that any clause supporting electronic transmission was removed at any stage of the Senate process, he said: “There was no going backwards,” he said. “As the Senate President reiterated yesterday, we are not going backwards; rather, we are going home.”

    He disclosed that after the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters was presented, the Senate constituted an ad hoc committee to further review it.

    Abaribe said: “It was the report of that ad hoc committee, alongside the report of the Senate electoral committee and the executive session we held, that led to our agreement on Clause 60(3), which provides for electronic transmission of results, including real-time transmission.”

    He noted that confusion arose during plenary because of the crowded chamber and multiple conversations, prompting some senators to seek further clarification after the session.

    Abaribe said: “We went back individually to find out exactly what was done, and we were reassured. The Senate President himself confirmed – and you have the videos – that we passed electronic transmission of results.”

    He explained that a harmonisation committee had been set up to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill but stressed that the process was not yet concluded.

    “After our plenary session yesterday, we adjourned but did not come back to pass the Votes and Proceedings,” he said. “That is our rule, and you all here know it.”

    Other senators present at the briefing include, Austin Akobundu (PDP – Abia Central) Peter Jiya (PDP – Niger South), Ireti Kingibe (ADC – FCT), Victor Umeh (LP – Anambra Central), Binos Yaroe (PDP – Adamawa South), Kabeeb Mustapha (PDP – Jigawa South West, Khalid Mustapha (PDP – Kaduna North), Mohammed Ogoshi  Onawo (APC – Nasarawa South), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP – Sokoto South), Tony Nwoye (LP – Anambra North), Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central), Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central).

    Rotimi said the “Committee is mandated to confer with its counterpart from the Senate with a view to harmonising the differing provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill as passed by both Chambers, ahead of final passage by the National Assembly.”

    He added: “The House of Representatives reiterates its commitment to advancing electoral reforms that strengthen transparency, credibility, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.”

    Senate has rejected reforms, says ADC

    ADC alleged that the Senate is not interested in electoral reforms.

    The National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement that reforms are required to strengthen transparency and restore public confidence in elections.

    He also criticised the Senate’s decision to vote against reforms that would have allowed the electronic download of voter cards from I website, reduced the notice period for elections, and shortened the timeline for the publication of candidates’ list from 150 days to 60 days.

    Abdullahi said: “But what the Senate has done amounts to tampering with the laws to expand opportunities for rigging and foist logistical nightmares on INEC that will make future elections even less efficient.”

    Opposition parties: Senate has failed Nigerians

    Factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) counterparts Abdullahiand  Ladipo Johnson, said in a statement that the Senate had failed Nigerians.

    They urged the conference committee to adopt the position of the House of Representatives on real time transmission.

    The statement reads: “Yesterday, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria passed the amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, wherein, among other things, it rejected the proposal to make mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results at the polling units.

    “The grave  implications of this retrogressive act by the Senate has compelled us as spokespersons of the major opposition political parties to jointly address this issue, which is capable of derailing our hard-earned democracy.

    “With this anti-people and anti-democratic action, we are concerned that the APC-led Senate may have set Nigeria’s democracy back by many decades. It is therefore not surprising that it has deservedly attracted widespread opposition and condemnation from Nigerians across all divides.”

    “We are at a loss as to why a party that is currently deploying technology to run an e-registration of their members across the country is averse to using technology to transmit results.”

    Obi asks Nigerians to reject the proposed law

    Obi, who rejected the bill, said: “The Senate’s blatant rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results is an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation ahead of 2027.”

    He added: “This failure to pass a clear safeguard is nothing short of a deliberate assault on Nigeria’s democracy. By rejecting these essential transparency measures, they are eroding the very foundation of credible elections.”

  • Terrorists ‘killed Kwara villagers for refusing strange belief’

    Terrorists ‘killed Kwara villagers for refusing strange belief’

    • DHQ reveals cause of dastardly attack

    • Tinubu, AbdulRazaq meet at Aso Villa

    There was a flurry of activities yesterday following Tuesday night’s chilling attacks on a Kwara community, in which scores were murdered in cold blood by terrorists.

    Community leaders of Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area, in the northern part of Kwara State, said 75 people were buried the same day, with many bodies still scattered in bushes and on farms.

    Yesterday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the beleaguered village on Wednesday, more than six hours’ drive from Ilorin, the state capital, was at the Presidential Villa for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The President created Operation Savannah Shield, whose commander arrived in the state yesterday.

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun also joined the military in moving men and assets to Kwara State.

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) explained the motive behind the killings and how they were carried out.

    Defence spokesman Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba said in a statement that the terrorists entered Woro and neighbouring communities with the intention of imposing a “twisted” belief through terror and intimidation.

    The DHQ noted that the same spirit was “exhibited by the resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities, who stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats.”

    The DHQ revealed that the terrorists initially entered Woro with a request to conduct a preaching and indoctrination session in the village, which was outrightly rejected.

    It said troops were dispatched to dominate the area with robust patrols, surveillance and other security measures for about two weeks.

    “The cowardly terrorists, however, returned weeks later to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others.

    “These groups seek to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation,” the DHQ said.

    The military high command mourned with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the Kwara attack and similar incidents across the country.

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    It commended the remarkable spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists.

    While reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians, the DHQ called for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

    It said: “Efforts will continue to be intensified by the military, in conjunction with other security agencies, towards finding and bringing to account those responsible for the dastardly attack and indeed all terrorists in the country.”

    It was gathered that an extremist group, the Mahmuda group, operates between the northern part of Kwara and Niger State.

    AbdulRazaq, briefing reporters after he met with the President, said: “I came to brief Mr President about what happened in Kaiama and also to thank him for the prompt action taken by establishing Operation Savannah Shield.

    “Mr President directed the armed forces to move in, clean up the area and ensure that peace and calm are restored.

    “I am confident because, as I speak to you, the first commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara State, Ilorin, and has hit the ground running. We rely on the military to do what they do best.

    “That will go a long way in deterring criminal elements and bringing calm to the region in Kwara State.”

    Operation Savannah Shield is expected to confront not only terrorist elements but also kidnappers and other criminal groups that have, in recent times, extended their activities across parts of Kwara State and other Northcentral states.

    IGP deploys squad

    Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to Kaiama LGA.

    He added that the Force had begun a probe into the attack and a manhunt for the perpetrators.

    “Investigations are already underway, and all available resources have been mobilised to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. The perpetrators will not escape the long arm of the law,” he said in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

    The IGP described the incident as “deeply painful and tragic” and assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended.

    “The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the violent attack that occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Kaiama,” he said.

    The IGP extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the state.

    Egbetokun reassured the public that the police remained steadfast in their responsibility to protect lives and property.

    “The IGP reassures the public that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to do everything necessary to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens,” the statement quoted him as saying.

    He explained that the deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence assets to Kaiama and surrounding communities was aimed at restoring calm, strengthening security presence and preventing further acts of violence.

    The IGP urged the public to remain calm and support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information.

  • Fani-Kayode decries false narratives on Sokoto bombings

    Fani-Kayode decries false narratives on Sokoto bombings

    A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the claims in some quarters that the recent precision air strikes carried out by the United States military on insurgents in parts of Sokoto State were done without the knowledge of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the Federal Government.

    The ex-minister said the “false and mischievous” narrative was purposely put out by New York Times to belittle, demean, embarrass, and debase the Nigerian and the U.S. governments as well as their intelligence-gathering capabilities.

    He described the narrative as puerile and childish.

    Fani-Kayode said: “Anyone who honestly believes that the U.S. government based its intelligence to bomb parts of Sokoto State on the intel supplied by an Onitsha-based screwdriver seller who used Google map to source his information and not on the intel supplied by the Nigerian intelligence services must have a low self-esteem and a low intelligence quotient.

    “I respectfully urge such a person to get a sense.

    The false and mischievous narrative, which has been purposely put out by the New York Times to belittle, demean, embarrass and debase both the Nigerian and the U.S governments and their intelligence-gathering capabilities, is puerile and childish.

    Read Also: Downstream deregulation, forex reforms save Nigeria N6trn fuel import losses – NMDPRA 

    “No country will allow its country to be bombed in the name of fighting ISIS or anyone else on the words of an Onitsha utensils trader and neither would the Americans take such a precipitous and consequential course of action on the words of such an individual.

    “The Nigerian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has made it clear that the Americans took the action in collaboration with our Armed Forces and intelligence agencies, and that the intel they used to do so was given to them by our government.

    “I spoke with him exactly 10 minutes after the bombing took place and he not only assured me of this but also provided me with details of the build-up to the event.

    “The New York Times story can best be described as not only fake news but also nothing but a hefty load of disingenuous and infantile hogwash, and the paper is better washed down the toilet.”

  • Fed Govt intensifies anti-cancer efforts with new policies, eight oncology centres

    Fed Govt intensifies anti-cancer efforts with new policies, eight oncology centres

    The Federal Government has stepped up efforts in cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

    It has unveiled new national policies, expanded vaccination, upgraded facilities and free nationwide screening programmes.

    Minister of State for Health and The Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, announced this while addressing reporters in Abuja to mark this year’s World Cancer Day. The minister said the government was prioritising prevention by integrating vaccines into the national immunisation programme, expanding screening services and addressing modifiable risk factors linked to cancer deaths.

    He noted that over 40 per cent of global cancer deaths are linked to risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, obesity and air pollution, adding that many cases can be prevented through public health interventions.

    Salako said Nigeria has developed two key policy documents to strengthen cancer control: the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan, and the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026- 2030.

    The minister promised that the NCCP would guide federal and state governments, development partners and other stakeholders in improving prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research, survivorship and end-of-life care.

    He added that the plan prioritises vaccination, equitable access to screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, expansion of palliative care, adoption of precision oncology and artificial intelligence, workforce development and sustainable financing.

    Salako said the policies align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the National Health Act, World Health Organisation cancer strategies and global initiatives on childhood and breast cancer.

    He also announced that Nigeria was collaborating with Egypt and Kenya to establish the African Oncology Collaborative Network, expected to be unveiled before the end of the year.

    Highlighting the global burden of cancer, Salako said about 20 million new cases and over 10 million deaths were recorded worldwide in 2025.

    The minister warned that new diagnoses could exceed 30 million by 2050 due to population growth and ageing, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a higher burden.

    He said government has expanded screening and treatment capacity through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), with mammography machines and other equipment deployed to Federal Medical Centres in Abuja and Ebute-Meta; University of Benin Teaching Hospital; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto; Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

    Salako said the facilities now offer routine breast cancer screening services.

    He added that, as part of World Cancer Day activities, the ministry, in collaboration with NICRAT, is providing free cancer screening services nationwide throughout February.

    The programme started at the FMC in Abuja and will be officially flagged off tomorrow at the FMC Abeokuta (Ogun) before moving to Abakaliki (Ebonyi) and Jos (Plateau).

    Read Also: Nigerian, Pakistani navies partner to upscale shipbuilding capacity

    The minister said the programme targets screening at least 1,000 Nigerians per region.

    Salako formally unveiled the two policy documents and declared eight preventive oncology clinics operational nationwide.

    The Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said gaps persist in prevention, early detection, treatment and palliative care, largely due to uneven access to quality services.

    He said late presentation of cases were undermining treatment outcomes, prompting the launch of the Renewed Hope National Initiative for Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Coordinated Access to Networked Care.

    The initiative has established National Cancer Screening Centres in eight facilities across the six geopolitical zones.

    Aliyu said NICRAT was also reviving brachytherapy services and strengthening workforce capacity through specialist training and continuous professional development.

    He added that the centre’s Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research project was boosting research capacity, while expansion of the National Cancer Registry is improving data for policy formulation.

    According to him, the screening centres will focus breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers, common in the country, adding that skin cancer screening would be provided for persons living with albinism.

    Aliyu said NICRAT is working with the National Health Insurance Authority to integrate cancer screening into health insurance coverage to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

    He added that the screening centres, including the FMC Jabi facility, have commenced weekday services with multidisciplinary teams comprising oncologists, surgeons, dermatologists, gynaecologists and family physicians.

  • Wike applauds President’s support for Judiciary, other arms

    Wike applauds President’s support for Judiciary, other arms

    •Minister dismisses claims of compromising third arm of govt

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Judiciary.

    The minister also dismissed claims that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja could compromise the independence of the Judiciary.

    Wike spoke after inspecting several judicial projects in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    The projects include the Court of Appeal complex, the Judges’ Quarters, and the heads of the Court of Appeal.

    The projects, which he said are presidential interventions to the third arm of government to ensure its independence, are being executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

    Wike insisted that the intervention is solely aimed at improving the welfare, security and efficiency within the third arm of government.

    He said: “There is nothing you would do that critics would not criticise. Before now, people complained that judges had nowhere to stay to do their work effectively. Now that the government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?”

    The FCT minister stressed that no democracy can function without a strong and independent judiciary.

    He noted that providing decent accommodation and a secure environment for judges does not undermine their constitutional independence.

    “You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to perform efficiently when they don’t have befitting places to stay. Even when funds are released to the judiciary, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” Wike stated.

    The minister explained that the projects followed a clear directive by President Tinubu after his inauguration in May 2023, mandating the FCT Administration to reduce the accommodation burden on judges and improve their welfare.

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    Wike explained that one of the key projects, a Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters, was between 85 and 90 per cent completed.

    “We were there this morning and saw that the work is almost finished. That directive was very clear, and we are glad that it is being faithfully implemented,” he said.

    The minister announced that the FCT Administration was also constructing 40 residential houses for judges, 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court, with plans underway to begin similar housing projects for the National Industrial Court (NIC).

    Wike stated that official residences, referred to as “Houses of Courts,” were being built for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

    “We believe that by June or July, with the speed of work we are seeing, these projects will be handed over for Mr. President to formally present to the Judiciary,” he said.

    Wike described the development as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.

    Allaying fears over delays in completing the Court of Appeal complex, Wike attributed the setback to last year’s unusually heavy rainfall but assured that the project is now nearing completion and would be inaugurated during President Tinubu’s third year in office.

    The FCT minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, reiterating the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system.

  • Councillors to President: local govt autonomy has earned you 2027

    Councillors to President: local govt autonomy has earned you 2027

    The restoration of local government autonomy and the attendant landmark grassroots development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have earned him his re-election in 2027.

    This was the verdict of the National Councilors Forum of Nigeria (NCFN), which spoke through its President, Dr. Evoh Okechukwu Nwikegwu, the councilor representing Enenaezeraku Ward in Ohaozora Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The forum declared its support for President Tinubu at a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The forum, which has members across party lines, noted that “as the closest arm of government to the people, councilors understand the aspirations of the citizens and see the direct impact of the President’s strategic reforms”.

    Nwikegwu described the Tinubu administration’s policies as transformational and rural governance-friendly.

    The NCFN president expressed joy that the Renewed Hope Agenda is now a living reality in rural communities across the federation.

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    The forum, a formidable nationwide network of 8,809 councillors covering all 774 local government areas and 176,836 polling units, maintained that restoration of Local Government autonomy was the administration’s crowning achievement, labeling it a game changer for funding and accountability.

    It said: “This move, combined with improved rural infrastructure and strategic reforms in agriculture, has laid a solid foundation for national prosperity.”

    The forum applauded the President’s efforts at strengthening national security through the modernisation of the Armed Forces and enhanced intelligence integration.

    Nwikegwu maintained that President Tinubu, since 2023, has demonstrated the necessary courage and competence to deserve a second term to consolidate his work.

    The councilors called for nationwide mobilisation for the President’s re-election in 2027, tasking ward leaders and grassroots coordinators of the forum to take the message of the Tinubu administration to every household across Nigeria.

    The NCFN is one of the largest and most influential grassroots political structures in the country, with a presence felt from urban centres to the most remote villages.