The Nation Newspaper

Category: News

  • Globacom donates ₦1bn to Lagos Security Trust Fund

    Globacom donates ₦1bn to Lagos Security Trust Fund

    Globacom has donated ₦1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to support security infrastructure in the state.

    The donation followed the company’s participation in the LSSTF Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with chief executives hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on January 30, 2026.

    Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, described the donation as a major boost to the Fund, which relies on voluntary contributions from corporate organisations to support security operations.

    Read Also: Globacom dismantling fetters to Nigeria’s digital future

    Ogunsan said the funds would be used to procure security equipment, including multipurpose helicopters and drones, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, digital communication equipment and Smart CCTV systems to enhance policing and rapid response across the state.

    A senior Globacom executive said the donation reflects the company’s belief that security is a shared responsibility necessary for economic growth and public safety.

    Globacom said the intervention aligns with its corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include support for disaster relief, education, youth development and digital inclusion.

  • Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    • …says Nigeria won 373 medals in 2025, backs unified funding framework under NSC

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set in motion a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s sports sector, directing key ministries and agencies of the Federal Government to reset sports funding and make the industry more economically viable.

    The President announced the plan on Friday evening in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, where he described sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands and a major tool for unity and global influence.

    The President said the reforms were anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which he described as a strategy to position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.

    He added that his administration would build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, active grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations, and hosting major international events in Nigeria.

    “Sports is our national asset and thus must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature and demands devoid of any bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he said.

    Tinubu pledged that the future of Nigerian sports would be “planned, properly funded, and competitive,” assuring that athletes would be supported early, prepared thoroughly, and celebrated proudly.

    “Nigeria will continue to win, with pride,” the President declared.

    “In 2025… scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud,” Tinubu wrote, citing the achievements of individual champions in athletics and other sports, Nigeria’s “winning female football and basketball teams,” and the Super Eagles who, despite finishing with a bronze medal at AFCON2025, “captured our hearts.”

    The President disclosed that Nigerian athletes recorded what he called an unprecedented 373 medals across all sports in 2025, stressing that the performances proved Nigeria’s capacity to excel when talent is supported with structure and preparation.

    “From grassroots competitions to continental and global stages, the evidence is clear that when talent is supported with structure and preparation, Nigeria delivers,” he said.

    Tinubu commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what he described as progress despite challenges, praising the commission’s leadership under its chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, for driving a reform agenda aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and “shared prosperity vision.”

    However, the President acknowledged longstanding issues that have undermined Nigeria’s sports development, particularly delays in funding and weak infrastructure investment.

    “For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” he said, adding that “no meaningful investment is made towards sports infrastructure development and maintenance that meets international benchmarks.”

    Tinubu declared that the cycle must end, announcing that he had approved and directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation to reset sports funding starting from the 2026 fiscal year.

    He said adequate provisions must be made annually in the national budget for sports infrastructure development, maintenance, sporting activities, programmes, events, and participation in international competitions.

    He further directed that all funds appropriated for sports must be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to.

    “Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” the President stated.

    As part of the reform, Tinubu said allocations for sporting activities currently spread across various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would be reviewed, restructured and streamlined, with savings transferred into a unified funding framework under the NSC to strengthen domestic programmes and international participation.

  • 2,000 doctors shut out of housemanship yearly, MDCN tells Senate

    2,000 doctors shut out of housemanship yearly, MDCN tells Senate

    About 2,000 newly qualified medical doctors in Nigeria are unable to secure housemanship placements every year due to limited capacity in the existing centralised system, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has told the Senate.

    The Registrar of the Council, Dr. Fatimah Kyari, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while defending the MDCN’s 2026 budget before the Senate Committee on Health.

    Kyari explained that although about 6,000 medical doctors graduate annually from accredited medical schools across the country, the current Centralised Housemanship System can only absorb 4,000, leaving a shortfall of 2,000 every year.

    “A total of about 6,000 medical doctors are produced annually from the various medical schools, while the Centralised Housemanship System in operation has capacity for 4,000 medical doctors,” she said.

    “As a way of accommodating the 6,000 at once yearly, there is need to include state and privately owned hospitals in the Centralised Housemanship System,” Kyari added.

    She stressed that expanding the scheme to cover state and private hospitals would not only ensure placement for all graduates but also help address the worsening brain drain in the health sector.

    According to her, the inability of young doctors to secure timely housemanship positions often pushes many to seek opportunities outside the country.

    Read Also: Nigerian doctors perform W/Africa’s first robotic gynaecological surgery

    Kyari also lamented poor funding of the council, revealing that no capital funds were released to MDCN from the N1.2 billion appropriated for capital projects in the 2025 fiscal year.

    She said that of the N100 million approved for overhead costs, only N37.5 million was released.

    However, she noted that the council received N13.859 billion out of the N16.8 billion earmarked for personnel costs in the same fiscal year.

    In his response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), assured the registrar that the committee would work to ensure adequate funding for the council to enable it carry out its statutory responsibilities effectively.

  • NUPRC working with OPTS to address multiplicity of fees, says Eyesan 

    NUPRC working with OPTS to address multiplicity of fees, says Eyesan 

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) are working together to address multiplicity of fees and rents to make the countey’s oil and gas sector more competitive. 

    NUPRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan made this known at meeting between the management of the NUPRC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)

     at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Friday. 

    This was contained in a press statement the commission’s Head, Media and Strategic Communication, Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu issued last night.

    The statement quoted her as saying, “We are working with the industry on harmonizing the fees and rents that we charge,” she said, adding, “The whole idea is to harmonise and reduce it to the barest minimum so that we can reduce the cost of operations.”

    She said NUPRC and NNPC have pledged to deepen collaboration in order to boost operational efficiency.

    According to the statement, Eyesan, said the NUPRC and the NNPC – as creations of the Nigerian government – have similar goals.

    She added, “As major instruments of the government in the industry, we are aligned toward the same goal and I think this is pivotal and we must not lose this golden opportunity.”

    Eyesan said the NUPRC is focused on reducing the cost of operations by harmonizing fees and rents to make Nigeria’s oil and gas sector more competitive. 

    To this end, the NUPRC boss revealed that the Commission was working closely with the The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)S) to address the multiplicity of fees and rents in order to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness. 

    Read Also: NUPRC blames fragmented policies for Africa’s unexploited 180TCF gas

    Eyesan further stated that the Commission is working on enhancing measurement and hydrocarbon accounting. 

    “We have done the first phase which is to audit what we already have. The second phase, which will commence shortly, will be the real implementation of the metering standards and this entire programme will entail us having a data center and having all the meters in all our locations to standard,” she stated.

    The NUPRC boss said the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) had so far been a success but maintained that there was a need to fully utilise these funds for its intended purpose as this would enhance community peace and improve the operating environment.

    Eyesan encouraged NNPC – as the country’s national oil company – to participate in the ongoing 2025 licensing round and deepen exploration.

    In his remarks, the NNPC GCEO, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, reiterated the need for an improved relationship between the national oil company and the regulator.

    Ojulari hailed Eyesan’s appointment as CCE, adding, “Your antecedents, your track records, your integrity, your forthrightness and clarity for those who have had the privilege of interacting with you, excites the industry.”

    He said the NUPRC had continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership, in terms of regulation and has been “promoting transparency and shaping an enabling environment crucial for investment and operational excellence which is good for the industry.”

    The NNPC boss said the national oil firm had recently launched the national gas master plan which would boost the country’s gas production.

    Ojulari said critical projects like the OB3 and the AKK gas pipeline have continued to progress. He also presented a copy of the Gas masterplan to the CCE.

    He, however, maintained that there was a need to reduce the cost of operation in Nigeria to attract fresh investments and boost Nigeria’s energy security. This, he said, would not be possible without the NUPRC’s regulatory role.

    “As the national energy company operating commercially under the Petroleum Industry Act, our success is intertwined with the regulatory stewardship which we are absolutely confident will be taken to the next level. We believe that deepening this partnership will greatly enhance our ability to unlock more value for Nigeria,” he stated. 

  • Wike threatens to sack STDD coordinator over waste buildup in FCT suburbs

    Wike threatens to sack STDD coordinator over waste buildup in FCT suburbs

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday threatened to sack the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, over the failure to evacuate waste that has taken over strategic roads in the suburbs.

    Wike said Zulkiflu’s appointment would be terminated if the waste is not cleared between February 9 and 10.

    The minister noted that this was not the first time he had taken a tough stance on waste management in the FCT.

    In 2025, Wike had warned contractors handling waste disposal that excuses would not be tolerated, stressing that payments would be based strictly on performance.

    Wike said, “If I see that refuse from Orozo down to Apo-Karshi by Monday or Tuesday, February 9th-10th, your job will be terminated. Whatever you can do, make sure this is handled. Look at this, it’s very embarrassing. Those places are no longer villages; development has taken over the whole area. Nobody will accept that.”

    Speaking after an inspection tour of some road projects, Friday, the Minister said president Bola Tinubu is doing massive road work in satellite towns, not just cities, to ensure that every part of the FCT is opened.

    Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the Apo-Karish Road which was awarded since 2010 by the past administrations but recorded no success, resulting in revocation and engagement of a new contractor.

    He said, “One very important road all of us know is the Apo-Karshi Road. That road was awarded in 2010. And of course, we have been to that road more than ten times. But because of the importance of that road, we couldn’t wait longer because of the excuses of the contractor. So, we had to seek the permission of Mr. President and we got that job terminated, and was awarded to SCC.”

    Wike also commended the work on Karu township and Kubwa-Gbazango- Bwari roads.

  • Natasha lauds NAFDAC for intercepting fake drugs, urges sustained vigilance

    Natasha lauds NAFDAC for intercepting fake drugs, urges sustained vigilance

    Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan has commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its recent interception of fake drugs and substandard products, describing the agency’s actions as a critical step in safeguarding public health and saving lives.

    The Senator made the remarks while participating in the 2026 Budget Defence session of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the Senate Committee on Health, where she joined her colleagues to scrutinise allocations and performance benchmarks in the health sector.

    Speaking during the session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan praised the Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr Mojisola Adeyeye, for what she described as “exceptional diligence and courage” in confronting the menace of counterfeit drugs across the country.

    “I want to specially commend the Director-General of NAFDAC and her team for their unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerians from fake and dangerous drugs,” the Senator said.

    “The interception of these counterfeit products is not just an enforcement success; it is a lifesaving intervention that reinforces public confidence in our healthcare system.”

    She noted that the proliferation of fake drugs poses a grave threat to national health security, adding that NAFDAC’s consistent enforcement actions have helped curb a problem that has long undermined medical outcomes and public trust.

    “Fake drugs kill silently and erode trust in our health institutions. What NAFDAC is doing is restoring that trust and sending a strong message that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for counterfeiters,” she added.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further urged sustained legislative and budgetary support for the agency to enable it to expand surveillance, modernise laboratories, and strengthen border and market enforcement.

    “As legislators, we must ensure that NAFDAC is adequately funded and empowered. Supporting this agency is supporting the health, safety, and dignity of Nigerians,” she stated.

    The Senate Committee on Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and ensuring that MDAs in the health sector are adequately resourced to deliver on their mandates, particularly in the fight against fake and substandard medical products.

  • JOHESU suspends nationwide strike, directs members to resume work 

    JOHESU suspends nationwide strike, directs members to resume work 

    • …to monitor implementation of terms of settlement with FG  

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike action to allow for the implementation of the FG-JOHESU terms of settlements. 

    The union took the decision to suspend the strike which entered the 84 day during an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) emergency hybrid meeting. 

    The union commenced an indefinite strike on November 14, 2025,over the non implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) by the Federal Government.  

    “After exhaustive deliberations and review of the terms of settlement of the conciliation meeting, the expanded NEC -in-Session voted unanimously to suspend the on-going indefinite nationwidestrike action to allow for the implementation of the FG-JOHESU Terms of Settlements,” JOHESU said in a communique signed by its National Chairman, Kabiru Ado Minjibir and Comrade Martin Adekunle Egbanubi, National Secretary on Friday in Abuja. 

    During the meeting with the government representatives, it was agreed that the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation, shall be structured to appraise all identified defects, gabs and implementation failures especially between 2009 and 2026.

    Other settlements reached at the meeting included, “Outstanding issues connected to the implementation of the adjustment of CONHESS shall kick start the CBA under the exclusive auspices of JOHESU members without any delay.

    “Budgetary allocation to take care of the implementation of the adjustment of CONHESS must form a cardinal part and projection of the 2026 Appropriation Act based on the existing template provided by the Technical Committee report of the High level body of the Federal government set-up by the FMoH in 2021.

    “Immediate withdrawal of the “NO WORK, NO PAY” directive issued in relation to the JOHESU Strike.  Sequel to the above the January 2026 salaries of JOHESU members must be paid immediately.

    “No member of JOHESU/AHPA that participated in this current strike shall be victimized, sanctioned or intimidated on the basis of their involvement in the strike.

    “Fundamentally and strategically, we put on very good record that failure to fully actualize these terms of settlement leaves the TUC and NLC with no other choice than to apply all lawful industrial relations methodologies to sort all outstanding issues of JOHESU members with the Federal Government.”

    The union commended Nigerians including: Sen. Godwill Akpabio, President of the Senate; Tajudeen Abass, Speaker, House of Representatives; Chairman Senate Committee on health Sen. Ipalibo Banigo; Chairman House Committee on Health Institutions, Amos Magagi; the Chairman and members of the Committee of CMDs/MDs; the leadership of various professional bodies and notable traditional rulers around the country; most especially His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, Ojaja 2 for their intervention during the crisis. 

    JOHESU also commended the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)  and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) for their intervention, support and solidarity throughout the period of the nationwide strike.

    “The entire leaders and members of JOHESU across all organs of JOHESU affiliate Unions (MHWUN, NUAHP, SSAUTHRIAI and NASU) for their resilience and commitment to the indefinite nationwide strike action.

    “While appreciating the masses for their understanding throughout the period of the industrial action, we appeal to consumers of health that, a recurring infliction of injustice and a huge trust deficit necessitated this unfortunate and avoidable JOHESU nationwide strike and hope that the Federal Government as well as other State Governments show both sensitivity and responsibility in ensuring Nigerians avoid this depth of suffering in foreseeable future,” the communique added.

  • Tinubu’s recognition by Trump a diplomatic win for Nigeria — Oshiomhole

    Tinubu’s recognition by Trump a diplomatic win for Nigeria — Oshiomhole

    • … Says praise of First Lady boosts Nigeria’s global image
    • … Describes moment as symbol of interfaith harmony, national pride

    The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has described the public recognition of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, by United States President Donald Trump as a positive diplomatic gain for Nigeria and a moment of national pride.

    Oshiomhole spoke after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Friday, saying the acknowledgement of the First Lady as a “respectable and responsible woman” reflected Nigeria’s growing visibility on the global stage.

    According to him, the gesture went beyond personal commendation and carried symbolic value for Nigeria’s international image and diplomatic relations.

    The senator also said the development conveyed a message of religious harmony, noting that the President’s Muslim faith and the First Lady’s Christian background showed that diversity within national leadership could coexist without tension.

    He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the moment by prioritising unity and collective progress over division.

    Oshiomhole added that such recognition should be embraced as a morale booster for the country, calling on citizens to project patriotism and confidence in Nigeria while working together to confront national challenges and ensure the gains of development are fairly shared.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole to Labour: Engage govt on tax laws 

    The First Lady had recently met with President Trump at the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where the US leader publicly praised her, describing her as “a very respected woman.”

    Trump also referenced her pastoral role in one of Nigeria’s largest churches, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and invited her to join him on stage during the February 4, 2026 event.

    The programme featured discussions on faith, global religious freedom and US-Nigeria security cooperation against terrorism.

    The encounter came amid heightened US attention to security developments in Nigeria, including Washington’s late-2025 designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over reported violence against Christians — a characterisation the Nigerian government disputed.

    Observers said the First Lady’s participation formed part of Nigeria’s soft-power diplomacy aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, with Trump reiterating commitments to support efforts to counter terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.

    Oshiomhole said his visit to the Presidential Villa was partly to extend New Year greetings to President Tinubu and to celebrate Trump’s glowing tribute to the First Lady during her US appearance.

  • Actor Nosa Rex urges veterans to adapt to ‘new age’ promotional trends

    Actor Nosa Rex urges veterans to adapt to ‘new age’ promotional trends

    Actor Nosa Rex has called on industry veterans to adapt to evolving social media trends, urging them to embrace innovative promotional strategies to stay relevant.

    Rex, who has been actively engaging with his audience through dance videos, said that interactive and entertaining content is key to capturing audience attention.

    In an Instagram video, Rex explained that his online presence is designed to entertain and engage, creating a gateway to share important messages about his films.

    Read Also: No weapon formed against you shall prosper – Nosa Rex celebrates son at 2

    “You don’t dance to sell your film. You dance to engage people, entertain them, and then they help you share the message,” he said in part.

    Rex cited actress Toyin Abraham as an example of an industry player who has successfully leveraged social media trends, including dancing, to maintain her box-office success.

    He warned that those who resist adapting to these changes risk being left behind, as newer creators are already setting the pace for modern film promotion.

    Rex advised filmmakers with upcoming cinema releases to remain flexible in their promotional strategies, emphasising that adapting to change is no longer optional in today’s Nollywood landscape.

  • Tinubu hails Pate, Anna Makanju on Devex Power 50 list

    Tinubu hails Pate, Anna Makanju on Devex Power 50 list

    • …says honour reflects Nigeria’s abundant talents at home, in Diaspora
    • …charges duo to keep pushing excellence in global development

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated two prominent Nigerians, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Anna Adeola Makanju, Vice President, Global Impact at OpenAI, on their inclusion in the Devex Power 50 List for 2026.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the recognition as well-deserved and a source of pride to Nigeria.

    The statement noted that Pate and Makanju were selected alongside 48 other global figures, including Ghana’s President John Mahama, for their role in shaping global development.

    “By their nomination, Pate and Makanju have made Nigeria proud. The honour is another testament to the infinite talents and potentials that abound in Nigeria and among Diaspora Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

    The President commended both nominees for what he described as their significant contributions to global development and their growing influence in critical sectors that affect human welfare.

    The Devex Power 50 is an annual curated list that identifies the 50 most influential people, organisations and initiatives shaping the future of global development.

    According to Devex, Prof. Pate made the list, among other reasons, for being the leading voice “advocating for improving health care access in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, with a particular focus on sourcing health products domestically.”

    The development organisation added that Pate’s advocacy goes beyond Nigeria, noting that he is pushing reforms in global health systems.

    His work, Devex said, includes efforts “to reform the international global health infrastructure, making him one of the most recognised health ministers on the African continent and beyond.”

    Read Also: Davido thanks father for support amid paternity controversy

    Pate previously served as the global director for health, nutrition and population at the World Bank.

    On her part, Devex noted that Makanju, who leads model deployment, policy and governance at OpenAI, has become a key figure in the fast-evolving global AI space.

    “She is leading OpenAI’s global outreach to governments, helping draft the first wave of AI guardrails and advising leaders on how to balance innovation with public safety,” Devex said.

    Makanju was previously a Special Adviser to former United States President Joe Biden.

    President Tinubu urged both Nigerians to remain committed to excellence and to continue contributing meaningfully to global development.

    He charged them to “continue working assiduously and striving for excellence in their chosen fields of human endeavour to further impact development worldwide.”