The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Kaduna unveils 2025 health facility census, targets stronger data-driven health planning

    Kaduna unveils 2025 health facility census, targets stronger data-driven health planning

    The Kaduna state government on Thursday unveiled the findings of its 2025 health facility census, a comprehensive mapping of all public and private health facilities across the 23 local government areas, designed to strengthen health planning, budgeting, and service delivery.

    The dissemination meeting in Kaduna drew government officials, development partners, health professionals, and civil society groups, who described the outcome as a major leap toward evidence-based governance in the sector.

    Speaking as Special Guest, the Commissioner for the Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, said the census aligns with the state’s commitment to strategic budgeting, efficient resource utilisation, and improved service delivery. He stressed that credible data remains the backbone of effective governance.

    “We commend the Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health, the Primary Health Care Board, and Mindset Nigeria for delivering this census using methodological rigour and international best practices,” he said. “The findings are crucial for budget projections and planning cycles, and will support Kaduna State in strengthening healthcare delivery for all residents.”

    Ahmed also thanked the Gates Foundation for funding support, describing it as a demonstration of its commitment to strengthening health systems.

    Earlier, the Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Baba B. Alhaji, said the census covered primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities, assessing staffing levels, equipment, accessibility, and service availability, including maternal health, malaria, family planning, and other essential services.

    “The census provides an updated understanding of our health infrastructure and aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s human capital development agenda,” he said.

    Read Also: Kaduna govt denies El-Rufai’s claim of ₦1bn payment to bandits

    Dr. Alhaji outlined several quality assurance procedures deployed during the exercise, including multi-layer supervision, field monitoring, data auditing, and random spot checks to validate enumerators’ submissions.

    He also commended the NATVIEW Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI) and Mindset Nigeria for updating the Health Facility Census dashboard and offering technical support that improved data quality, management, and visualization.

    Senior Technical Manager at Mindset Nigeria, Fumi Oyerinde, said the census identified both known and previously undocumented facilities by cross-checking the National Facility Registry, the DHIS database, and GRID3 mapping systems.

    She said enumerators then assessed each facility to determine service availability, equipment levels, staffing, and readiness to deliver essential healthcare.

    “This information is critical to planning,” she noted. “If a facility in a ward does not provide delivery services, the state now has evidence to upgrade staffing or equipment. This will help reduce maternal mortality and ensure services are closer to the people.”

    Oyerinde added that the updated master facility list—now hosted by the Bureau of Statistics—will support all government agencies and development partners working in the state.

    Officials said the census provides a strong foundation for targeted interventions and future reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, reducing mortality rates, and improving equitable access to quality health services.

  • Energy access: Zamfara holds stakeholders meeting to review electricity policy bill

    Energy access: Zamfara holds stakeholders meeting to review electricity policy bill

    Zamfara Ministry of Works and Infrastructure says its one-day stakeholders’ engagement will improve energy access and strengthen the power sector in the state.

    The programme was organised in collaboration with the Zamfara State Electrification Agency (ZEA) and S2R Consulting.

    It brought together key players in the electricity sector such as government officials, individuals, community leaders, legal experts, and technical specialists.

    The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Lawal Barau, in his address at the event in Gusau on Tuesday, said that the engagement would help review and validate the state electricity policy and bill.

    He said it was also to appreciate stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the electricity sector in Zamfara.

    The commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Mechanical in the ministry, Mr Sanusi Mande, said the engagement marked a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to develop a unified and progressive electricity framework.

    Read Also: Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    He emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing gaps within the power value chain.

    Barau reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with all relevant actors toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Electrification Agency, Mr Muzammil Muhammad, noted the importance of developing a strong and forward-looking policy framework that would guide the state toward a sustainable and reliable electricity system.

    He said the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that would attract investment and promote efficient electricity generation, distribution, and management.

    He highlighted the new opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, the expanded regulatory powers granted to states, and the strategic pathways Zamfara could adopt to strengthen electricity governance, improve market efficiency, and accelerate access to power across communities.

    Muhammad said that the new electricity policy and bill were designed to align Zamfara with ongoing national power sector reforms. 

  • Zamfara Zakkat board settles N67 million debts for 909 prisoners 

    Zamfara Zakkat board settles N67 million debts for 909 prisoners 

    The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal. 

    This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.

    According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and, this year, released N67,204,700 in settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.

    In addition, 200 women small-scale business owners received ₦50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.

    Read Also: Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    The board also presented starter packs to 100 women who completed a three-week poultry production training program to help them start their own businesses.

    Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.

    Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Dauda Lawal, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.

  • Zamfara gov’t lauds partners, CSOs for promoting peace building 

    Zamfara gov’t lauds partners, CSOs for promoting peace building 

    The Zamfara Government has reiterated its commitment to promote peace building and conflict resolution and commended partners and Civil Society Organisations support towards achieving sustainable peace in the state.

    The state Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, gave the commitment in Gusau on Tuesday while declaring a one-day meeting on ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS) Early Programme for Katsina and Zamfara’.

    The meeting was organised by the Civil Society Organisation, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), in partnership with NEEM Foundation.

    The meeting was organised under a project ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS)’, on Regional Early Warning -Early Response (EWER).

    The meeting was attended by traditional and religious leaders, members of the Community Peace Committees, farmers, herders, CSOs, religious organisations, and other relevant stakeholders from Katsina State and Zamfara.

    Read Also: Zamfara residents sensitized on fire safety measures 

    The deputy governor described the meeting as one of the key achievements of the ECOS project in both Katsina and Zamfara.

    “This is timely, considering the needs and importance of peace and stability to society.

    “This aligns with the state government’s commitment under Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration to promote peacebuilding, community dialogue, and conflict resolution and to ensure sustainable peace and stability among communities in the state.

    “As we all know, Gov. Lawal was fully prepared and committed to continue partnership with local, national, and international NGOs to promote peace, stability, and general development of Zamfara.

    “On behalf of the state government, I would like to commend VAI and NEEM Foundation for their contribution to peacebuilding in the state.

    “This initiative is not only timely but commendable considering the choice of the time and the target stakeholders from the two states currently affected by insecurity,” Mummuni said.

    In their separate remarks, the Emirs of Gusau, Abdulqadir Ibrahim-Bello and Kaura Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad, assured the commitment of traditional institutions in the state to continue supporting projects for peace building.

  • Veterinary doctors commend Lawal over payment of clinical students’ allowances 

    Veterinary doctors commend Lawal over payment of clinical students’ allowances 

    The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Zamfara State Chapter, has commended Governor Dauda Lawal for the timely commencement of allowance payments to fresh Zamfara Clinical Veterinary Students.

    This was revealed by Dr Kaka’u Dalla Dalla, Publicity Secretary, NVMA Zamfara State Chapter, in a statement on Tuesday. 

    The statement said, “This thoughtful intervention demonstrates the Governor’s unwavering commitment to educational development, human capacity building, and the advancement of the veterinary profession in the state.”

    The doctors said by supporting our young clinical trainees, the administration has not only eased their academic journey but also reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening veterinary public health and animal welfare in Zamfara.

    Read Also: Group decries shortage of veterinary doctors in Oyo

    “The NVMA Zamfara State Chapter expresses profound appreciation for this gesture and assures the Government of its continued partnership in promoting quality animal health services, food safety, and improved livelihoods for the people of Zamfara State.

    “We encourage the beneficiaries to remain dedicated, disciplined, and focused as they prepare to serve the state and the nation.”

     Zamfara schools to remain open as gov’t adopts new security measures  

    The Zamfara State Government says it is not considering closing schools despite rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across parts of the country.

    Instead, the state government has introduced new security measures to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks.

    The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, disclosed this while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the state capital.

    Madawaki’s assurance comes amid the recent abduction of 25 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and the attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State that saw about 315 students and staff abducted.

    These attacks have led some northern states to announce mass school closures, but Zamfara says it will not follow suit. Instead, authorities are strengthening security in and around schools to deter bandit attacks. 

    “We have already done what we are supposed to do, and when you talk about security, you do not disclose your actions to the media. But we have taken steps to safeguard the interests of our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of.

    “We are in contact with all the security agencies, and they are giving us the necessary support to ensure our schools operate without hindrance. We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term,” Madawaki said.

    Madawaki explained that states embarking on mass closures largely operate boarding schools, whereas Zamfara currently runs mainly day schools due to insecurity.

    “As of now, most of the states that have closed their schools operate boarding systems where students stay in hostels. Bandits often strike at night when people are asleep. Here, we are yet to resume our boarding system. Our schools run during the day,” he said.

    He noted that schools in areas with persistent insecurity remain closed until conditions improve.

    “Where we feel there is insecurity, the schools have already been closed. Where there is relative peace, we have allowed students to continue since the term is almost ending. If there is a need to extend holidays, we shall do so,” he said.

    The commissioner added that some higher institutions, including the state university, polytechnic and college of education, are already on holiday.

    “They are due to resume in December, but because they keep boarding students, we will extend their holidays until January to assess the situation before they return.”

  • Lawal offers scholarships for health courses for Zamfara students at Igbinedion University

    Lawal offers scholarships for health courses for Zamfara students at Igbinedion University

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State. 

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

    The statement said, “We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State. 

    “The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.”

    She said the “students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.”

    Read Also: Nursing, expectant mums get supplement to boost wellness

    Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

    Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. 

    He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

    Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education. 

    He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

  • Group urges Wike to reactivate environmental courts, tribunals across FCT

    Group urges Wike to reactivate environmental courts, tribunals across FCT

    The CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently reactivate and strengthen dedicated Environmental Courts and Tribunals to tackle Abuja’s escalating sanitation and waste-management crisis.

    In a letter dated November 26, 2025, and addressed to the Minister, the organisation requested the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, alongside corresponding tribunals across the six Area Councils — AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali.

    CERADF noted that although the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions, the mechanism has become inadequate due to the growing scale and complexity of violations in the territory.

    According to the foundation, recent field assessments in Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village and parts of the Central Business District revealed widespread waste accumulation, blocked drainages, recurrent flooding, rodent infestation and mounting public-health risks.

    The organisation warned that these challenges not only overburden waste-management agencies but also contribute to pollution, pervasive foul odours and reputational harm to the nation’s capital.

    While acknowledging ongoing public sensitisation efforts, CERADF argued that such initiatives must be complemented by a specialised judicial framework capable of ensuring speedy trials, consistent enforcement of environmental laws and stiffer penalties for offenders.

    The group recommended the reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in all FCT Area Councils, collaboration with the Chief Judge of the High Court of the FCT to designate specialised judges, and the development of practice directions to guide environmental litigation.

    CERADF also urged the FCT Administration to empower NESREA, AEPB, the FCTA Environmental Task Forces and Area Council authorities to file charges directly before the proposed courts.

    Additionally, it called for the establishment of a multi-agency environmental enforcement and monitoring framework involving the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, AEPB, the FCTA, Area Councils and accredited civil-society groups.

    The foundation pledged its support through stakeholder engagement, research, environmental reporting and community mobilisation to promote sustainable environmental practices.

    According to the letter, signed by Ms. Iviakpellas Mercy (Country Director), Mr. Koko Ademuyiwa (Project Director) and Mr. Eswati Luka Ikpi (Director of Communications), reactivating the courts would strengthen environmental governance, safeguard public health and align Abuja with international standards.

    The letter reads in part: “The CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) respectfully presents this formal request for the reactivation and strengthening of dedicated Environmental Courts and Tribunals within the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Specifically, we request the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, as well as Environmental Tribunals across all six Area Councils. This call is made pursuant to relevant constitutional and statutory provisions and in recognition of the urgent environmental challenges confronting the nation’s capital.

    “The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), established in 1997, introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions. However, these measures have proven inadequate given the scale and complexity of the environmental crisis now facing the FCT.

    “Recent CERADF field monitoring across communities in Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village and even parts of the Central Business District revealed widespread waste accumulation and poor sanitation.

    “These conditions have resulted in overburdened waste-management agencies, blocked drainages and recurrent flooding, increased rodent infestation, heightened public-health risks, escalating pollution and offensive odours, and reputational damage to Abuja as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital. Weak enforcement, slow court processes and insufficient deterrent penalties continue to worsen the situation.

    “While public sensitisation efforts are ongoing, they cannot succeed without a dedicated judicial framework that ensures speedy trials, consistent application of environmental laws and firm sanctions for violators.”

    CERADF listed its recommendations to the Minister, including: Reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals across all six Area Councils to handle environmental offences and provide accessible avenues for justice.

    Collaboration with the Chief Judge of the FCT to designate specialised judges, develop practice directions, assign dedicated courtrooms and strengthen judicial capacity on environmental law.

    Empowerment of enforcement agencies, including NESREA, AEPB, FCTA task forces and Area Councils, to file charges directly before the specialised courts.

    A multi-agency enforcement and monitoring framework involving federal, regional and civil-society stakeholders.

    Comprehensive community-sensitisation campaigns to promote behavioural change.

    An annual FCT Environmental Compliance Assessment to track progress and guide reforms.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the FCT Administration through community mobilisation, research and environmental stewardship initiatives.

    “The reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in the FCT is timely, necessary and transformative,” the letter concluded. “It will strengthen enforcement, safeguard public health, elevate Abuja’s environmental standards and align Nigeria with international best practices,” the letter added.

  • Group calls for improved development, political reforms in Kogi East

    Group calls for improved development, political reforms in Kogi East

    A prominent Igala group from Kogi East has called for renewed focus on development and stronger political representation in the region.

    In a statement signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Dansoho, the group expressed concern over what it described as the limited developmental impact recorded in Kogi East under the current state administration.

    The group urged elected officials from the area to work more effectively toward bringing tangible projects to the region.

    The statement also highlighted the group’s support for Senator Sunday Karimi, noting that his recent comments on governance reflect the concerns of many constituents.

    According to Dansoho, the senator’s views align with the growing call for improved performance and more inclusive leadership across the state.

    The group further appealed for unity among political leaders in Kogi East, stressing the need for collective efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.

    It also acknowledged ongoing discussions among political stakeholders in Kogi East and Kogi West aimed at forming a broader alliance to strengthen development-focused advocacy in the state.

    The statement cautioned against attempts to discredit public officials through the media, urging leaders to prioritise collaboration and constructive engagement.

    Observers say the group’s intervention underscores shifting political dynamics in Kogi State, with emerging alliances potentially influencing future political developments.

  • Jigawa: Capital projects, human development takes lead in N901.8b estimate

    Jigawa: Capital projects, human development takes lead in N901.8b estimate

    Governor Umar Namadi yesterday presented a N901.84 billion proposed budget for 2026 to the Jigawa State House of Assembly, describing it as a plan to accelerate his administration’s development agenda.

    Titled “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa II,” the proposal, anchored on the state’s updated Comprehensive Development Framework and 12-Point Agenda, builds on the 2025 fiscal framework.

    The budget prioritises capital spending, with N693.4 billion (77%) allocated to capital projects aimed at expanding infrastructure, boosting agriculture, improving social services, and strengthening human capital.

    Education also received priority with 26 per cent of the total budget allocated to the sector to improve learning outcomes, expand tertiary education, and upgrade facilities.

    The agricultural sector got N75 billion for food security, irrigation, mechanisation, market development, livestock services, and youth agribusiness programmes. The government plan to implement AfDB-supported agricultural transformation projects.

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    The power sector was allocated N50.7 billion for grid extension, rural electrification, renewable energy projects, and solarisation of public facilities, including streetlights in 40 local government headquarters.

    Road construction and rehabilitation were also central to the plan, with major works lined up across all emirates. Priority projects include Kafin Hausa-Gafasa-Jabo, Guri-Margadu, Gwiwa-Daurawa-Shafe, and Harbo Tsohuwa-Gilima, alongside bridge works and tertiary road upgrades by SREMA.

    Other key allocations include N12.3 billion for water and sanitation, N25.4 billion for housing and urban development, N35.4 billion for environmental management, N27.2 billion for secondary healthcare, N20.1 billion for primary healthcare, and N38.6 billion for tertiary education.

    Youth, sports and culture received N2.8 billion.

    Namadi said the budget also incorporated measures to strengthen governance, improve institutional efficiency, and enhance transparency.

    The consolidated budget for the 27 local government councils stands at N288.85 billion, including N137.59 billion earmarked for capital projects such as mass housing, irrigation schemes, nutrition programmes, Tsangaya support and efforts to reduce out-of-school children.

    The governor described the budget as realistic and aligned with the state’s long-term development goals. He urged the Assembly to ensure quick passage to enable early implementation of priority projects.

  • Kaduna govt denies El-Rufai’s claim of ₦1bn payment to bandits

    Kaduna govt denies El-Rufai’s claim of ₦1bn payment to bandits

    • …demands evidence or public apology, threatens legal action

    The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the claim by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.

    El-Rufai made the allegation during a Channels Television interview, but the government described it as baseless and intended to undermine the state’s ongoing security progress.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said the claim was “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,” accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public.

    The government criticised El-Rufai for “recklessly weaponising sensitive security matters for political grandstanding,” saying such conduct is unbecoming of a former leader.

    Shu’aibu stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid ransom to any criminal group.

    “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” he stated, noting that the Governor has repeatedly clarified this in media engagements and stakeholder meetings.

    The statement referenced the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with national security protocols. ONSA has maintained that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.

    Outlining its security strategy, the government said it is pursuing a community-focused model anchored on enhanced military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

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    “The State engages communities, not bandits,” the statement emphasised.

    Grassroots organisations, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, also rejected El-Rufai’s claim, describing it as misleading and untrue. The group faced some of the state’s toughest security challenges during his tenure.

    The government further pointed to past allegations raised by senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration suggesting he used public funds to appease certain groups, calling his current accusations “deeply paradoxical.”

    Since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising affected communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust across ethnic and religious divides.

    The statement challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence—such as bank records, memos, or security correspondence—if he has any. It added that a similar allegation he made in September 2025 “collapsed under scrutiny” after no proof was provided.

    The government demanded that El-Rufai withdraw the claim and issue an unreserved public apology within one week, warning that failure to do so may compel the State to pursue legal action “to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”

    Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by “politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”