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Tag: Fed Govt

  • 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).

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    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.

  • Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    The Federal Government is set to engage retired military personnel to reclaim ungoverned spaces and strengthen national security.

    This followed the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Reclaiming Ungoverned Spaces for Economic Viability and the Repositioning of the Nigerian Legion corps of Commissionaires and Veterans, at the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday in Abuja.

    A statement yesterday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, said Musa was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Richard Pheelangwa.

    The defence minister said the repositioning of the Nigeria Legion was part of a broader government commitment to ensure that veterans who have served the nation with honour are not left behind but are empowered to live dignified and productive lives after service.

    He described the initiative as a deliberate and strategic policy intervention designed to address long-standing structural and operational challenges that have limited the contribution of the defence community to national development.

    Musa also described the Nigeria Legion as “a critical institution with a proud history of service, sacrifice and patriotism”.

    The minister said it has continued to play important roles in supporting national security and veterans affairs, stressing that evolving socio-economic realities makes it imperative to reform and reposition the corps for greater relevance and sustainability.

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    He called for a strategic shift from an over-reliance on military offensive to a more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable approach to national security adding that while military operations remain indispensable, enduring peace and stability can only be achieved by addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that enable insecurity to persist.

    The committee has three Terms of Reference. These are:

    ·    To reposition the veteran community to support national economic development;

    ·    To deploy veterans to secure Ungoverned Spaces and ensure that the areas are brought under effective oversight and development; and

    ·    To reposition the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires, strengthen operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration and promote their contribution to national security.

    Musa urged members of the committee to adopt innovative, practical and forward-looking approaches that reflect contemporary realities, “gathering and foster trust between communities and the state”.

    Members of the committee were drawn from the Joint Services Department of the ministry, the Nigerian Legion, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, as well as representatives from the Offices of the Minister of Defence and Minister of State Defence.

  • Fed govt’s ₦501bn power sector bond records full subscription

    Fed govt’s ₦501bn power sector bond records full subscription

    …Investors back Tinubu-led power reforms as pension funds, banks subscribe fully to ₦501bn bond

    …Inaugural PPSDRP issuance targets legacy GenCo debts, liquidity restoration and sector revival

    The Federal Government has successfully raised ₦501 billion through the inaugural bond issuance under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme (PPSDRP), achieving 100 per cent subscription from pension funds, banks, asset managers and other investors.

    The landmark issuance marks a major step towards clearing long-standing debts in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), restoring liquidity across the power value chain and strengthening investor confidence in the sector.

    The PPSDRP, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to address legacy payment arrears owed to power generation companies (GenCos), which for more than a decade constrained liquidity, weakened balance sheets and discouraged fresh investment.

    Speaking at the bond issuance signing ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, described the programme as “a decisive reset of the electricity market,” combining debt resolution with broader financial and structural reforms.

    According to a statement made available to journalists at the State House, by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, the signing followed the successful completion of Series 1 Power Sector Bond Issuance by NBET Finance Company Plc, which closed at ₦501 billion. 

    Of this amount, ₦300 billion was raised from the capital markets, while ₦201 billion in bonds was allotted to participating power generation companies, reflecting strong investor confidence in the reform agenda.

    Under the programme, verified receivables for electricity supplied between February 2015 and March 2025 are being settled through negotiated agreements with GenCos. 

    Five companies; First Independent Power Limited, Geregu Power Plc, Ibom Power Company Limited, Mabon Limited and Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, representing 14 power plants nationwide, have so far executed settlement agreements with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

    The total negotiated settlement for the five companies stands at ₦827.16 billion, to be paid in four phased instalments. 

    Proceeds from the Series 1 bond will fund the first and second instalments, estimated at ₦421.42 billion, representing about 50 per cent of the total settlement amount, to be paid through a mix of cash and notes.

    Reacting to the development, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, said the programme had restored confidence in the sector and unlocked fresh investment.

    “Capital formation can only come when there is confidence, when you can truly see a line of sight in recovering investments previously made. 

    “Because we were being owed so much, it was a bit of a problem for us to put in more money. But last year we took the bull by the horns, based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in resolving the legacy issues, and I can say that once this process is over, construction will commence immediately on the second phase of our Egbin Power Plant”, Adesina said.

    Read Also: Fed govt honours 12 teachers with N350m

    He added, “on behalf of the Generation Companies, I’d like to thank the President for this resolution.”

    By clearing historic arrears, the PPSDRP is expected to improve liquidity for GenCos, strengthen their capacity to meet operating and debt obligations, unlock new investment and support more reliable electricity supply to households and businesses. 

    The programme also reinforces fiscal discipline through validated claims, negotiated settlements and transparent capital market financing.

    When fully completed, the programme is projected to impact 4,483.60MWh/h of electricity generation capacity and finalise settlement for 290,644.84GWh of electricity billed since February 2015, laying a foundation for capacity expansion by companies serving over 12 million registered electricity customers nationwide.

    Verheijen acknowledged the support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, as well as key institutions including the Debt Management Office, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Pensions Commission.

    “The Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to disciplined implementation of the programme. We look forward to the participation of other power generation companies as part of our broader reforms aimed at building a financially sustainable electricity market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth”, Verheijen said.

  • Fed govt honours 12 teachers with N350m

    Fed govt honours 12 teachers with N350m

    …First Lady hails teachers’ sacrifice, urges excellence, innovation

    The Federal Government has awarded 12 outstanding teachers across the six geopolitical zones with N350,000,000 in recognition of their dedication, innovation, and impact on Nigeria’s education sector.

    The awards were presented on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 in Abuja, with the theme: “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”

    During the summit, Alausa stated that the government would sustain reforms aimed at empowering teachers and restoring dignity to the profession.

    Giving a breakdown, the minister said the 12 best-performing teachers were selected from both basic and senior secondary education levels across the six geopolitical zones.

    Alausa explained that the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with three teachers nominated from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at both the basic and senior secondary school levels.

    He said that each of the selected teachers would receive N25,000,000, while the overall best-performing teacher nationwide would receive N50,000,000.

    The minister described the awardees as exemplifying professionalism, integrity, innovation, and dedication to learners, noting that they represent the best of the teaching profession in the country.

    “This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” he said.

    The minister said the recognition of the teachers reflected the government’s broader education reform agenda under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Alausa said, “Teachers are the foundation of education, and education is the foundation of national development. No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.

    “No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected.”

    He pledged that the government would continue to invest in teachers through structured training, improved career pathways, and fair rewards, noting that education remained central to national development.

    Beyond the Federal Government’s awards, the Governor of Kebbi State also promised N5 million each to all the awardees, amongst other gifts from others.

    The summit was designed to strengthen the teaching profession and advance sustainable education reforms, while fostering dialogue that will shape national education policy and inform future reform initiatives.

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, paid glowing tribute to teachers across the country, describing them as the quiet architects of nation-building.

    She urged them to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and uphold integrity in shaping future generations.

    The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education for convening the summit, noting that its theme was timely and strategic in addressing longstanding challenges within Nigeria’s education sector.

    “I am delighted to join you today at this National Teachers’ Summit, a gathering of teachers and education professionals whose dedication, sacrifice and commitment lay the foundation for our nation’s future,” she said.

    According to her, meaningful education and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported.

    Drawing from her background as an educationist and former classroom teacher, the First Lady said she understood first-hand the demands of the profession and the lasting impact teachers have on society.

    “Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations. They shape young minds, instill values and nurture hope. Sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning,” she stated.

    Senator Tinubu reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that education remains a central pillar of national development.

    She said the federal government was committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the acquisition of skills required to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.

    She particularly lauded the launch of the EduRevamp Portal by the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as a landmark initiative that would strengthen continuous professional development for teachers nationwide.

    Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasised that empowering teachers is central to national education reform.

    The minister encouraged participants to engage actively and ensure that deliberations translate into tangible actions for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system.

    She said, “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, and empowerment of its teacher. Empowering teachers is not an isolated intervention; it is the foundation upon which sustainable education reform is built.”

    On his part, the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, commended the federal government for organising the summit.

    Read Also: Fed Govt moves to settle Oil Well ownership disputes

    He emphasised the importance of recognising and professionalising teachers as key pillars in education, noting that effective education depends on motivated, supported, and professional teachers.

    The NUT president also commended government funding for teacher development programs and encouraged sustained support to transform the education system.

    “Education transmission can only be achieved if teachers are professionalised, friendly, motivated, and supported to guide the learning process.

    “The teacher is always the teacher. We are proud to be here with our mother teachers of Nigeria. We commend the federal government for funding programmes that promote the professionalism of teachers in Nigeria,” he added.

    The event also witnessed the launch of Edurevamp Online teacher professional development portal designed specifically for the continuous professional development of teachers.

  • Fed Govt moves to settle Oil Well ownership disputes

    Fed Govt moves to settle Oil Well ownership disputes

    The Federal Government has begun a major process to settle long-standing questions over which states own newly producing and disputed oil and gas wells.

    This is a step that will determine how the constitutionally backed 13 per cent derivation funds are shared among oil-producing states.

     Speaking at the Coordinate Verification Exercise and plotting of crude oil and gas fields/wells in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu said the exercise covers all oil-producing areas, including Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, Delta and offshore locations.

     He explained that the law requires that states where minerals are produced must receive 13 percent of the revenue, especially from crude oil and gas. Because of this, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, asked RMAFC to help verify the exact locations of new and disputed oil wells.

     Shehu said the Commission responded by setting up an Interagency Technical Committee made up of NUPRC, the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the National Boundary Commission and RMAFC itself.

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     “The committee was formed in July, and after months of preparation, the team moved into the field around September and October to begin taking physical coordinates of oil and gas wells.

     “I was there myself at the opening ceremony, and we went actually to the field to take those coordinates,” the Chairman said.

     He noted that the work was done alongside the Surveyors-General of all the oil-producing states so that every state could witness the process. According to him, the teams went to difficult places, including the open sea, creeks and deep-water areas, to make sure no location was left out.

     The fieldwork, he said, ended last week, and the next stage is to begin plotting the coordinates using the data collected. This stage, which is expected to take about five days, will help clearly show where each oil well is located and which state is entitled to receive the derivation funds linked to it.

     “There have been traditional disputes between states in terms of who owns what. Whenever new oil fields start producing, they want to know which state actually owns that or which state should get that 13 per cent. We intend to do this fairly, justly and equitably, without any bias,” he said.

     The RMAFC Chairman said the Commission is using advanced equipment, including drones, to capture coordinates in areas that are hard or unsafe to reach physically.

  • Fed Govt pays N152b to local contractors

    Fed Govt pays N152b to local contractors

    The Federal Government has confirmed that it has disbursed N152 billion to contractors of verified contracts.

    The payment the federal government said followed established verification procedures designed to safeguard public funds and maintain accountability in government spending.

    In a statement, the Federal Ministry of Finance said the payment process is guided by existing laws and regulations to ensure transparency and protect taxpayers’ money. “The process of payment for contracts goes through various verification processes in line with extant laws and regulations, to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure accountability and transparency,” the ministry said.

    Acknowledging the financial pressure delays have placed on contractors, the ministry appealed for continued engagement as a pathway to resolving outstanding issues. “We also plead for continuous dialogue and engagement for effective resolution of all conflicts,” the statement added.

    The ministry assured contractors of its willingness to maintain open communication, urging them to respect the procedures and staff involved in handling payment requests. “We assure all contractors of our continuous support and openness to constructive dialogue and urge all contractors to respect the process and the personnel of the Federal Ministry of Finance, who have had to endure different levels of intimidation and harassment,” it said.

    It stated that all outstanding payment requests would continue to be processed in line with due process and handled “in a timely and consistent manner.”

    As part of broader efforts to address the contractors plight and restore confidence among local firms, the Federal Government has proposed setting aside N1.8 trillion in the 2026 budget to clear outstanding payments for capital projects executed under the 2024 fiscal year.

    Of this amount, N100 billion has been allocated specifically for indigenous contractors, many of whom have raised concerns over prolonged delays and worsening financial conditions.

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    The proposed budgetary provision follows recent protests by members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), who returned to the streets to draw attention to mounting debts and liquidity challenges within the sector.

    AICAN President, Mr Jackson Nwosu, said the protests were driven by what he described as growing desperation among contractors facing loan defaults and the risk of losing personal assets after borrowing to carry out government projects.

    “The government has failed to honour the agreement to pay contractors whose project details had been submitted and verified. Payments finalised before the closure of the payment portal at the end of December never reflected in our accounts,” he said.

    Nwosu also challenged official claims that the bulk of the debt had been settled, arguing that only a fraction of the outstanding obligations had been addressed. He said, “They claim 80 percent of the debt has been cleared, but in reality only 30 to 40 percent of payments have been processed.”

    According to him, payment warrants appeared to have stopped around May 2025, even as contractors continued work on ongoing projects, leading to a sharp rise in liabilities. He estimated that total outstanding obligations have now exceeded ₦4 trillion.

  • Kudos to Fed Govt

    Kudos to Fed Govt

    •Hefty allocation to pensions in 2026 budget will put smiles on the faces of pensioners

    Other things being equal, Federal Government pensioners have cause to smile this year, going by the N1.376 trillion that the government has proposed for pensions, gratuities and retirees’ benefits in the 2026 appropriation bill that is currently before the National Assembly.

    Of the amount, N94,538,656,847 is for civilian pension under the Office of the Head of Civil Service; military pensions and gratuity (DMP), N486,039,965,366; National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) – military retirees, N3,571,846,330; Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) civilian staff pension and gratuity, N6,610,178,920 and  Department of State Security, N28,611,520,421.

    Others are the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, N23,538,022,433; Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, N285,586,345,534; Police Pensions and Gratuities, N18,533,472,973; Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office, N18,409,612,175 and  universities pension, including arrears, N13,120,357,752.

    Parastatals’ pension and railway pensions are projected to consume N194,686,375,535; NELMCO, 17,548,870,129; National Pension Commission (PENCOM), N427,039,429,838  and other pensions N20,964,110,103.

    The money covers rising obligations to retired public servants as well as long-standing arrears across civil, military and paramilitary institutions.

    We commend the Federal Government for striving not only to pay current pensions but also gradually clearing the arrears.

    For decades, governments, federal and several states, have treated retirees’ matters with levity. It’s as if people currently in service forget that they too will retire someday, the way they treat pensioners. Until recent times, we used to see pensioners subjected to all manner of traumatic experiences just to collect what is their natural entitlement. Due to delayed payment of their entitlements, many were ejected from their rented apartments; many had their children withdrawn from schools due to their inability to pay school fees while many died as a result of sicknesses that they could not go to hospitals to treat for lack of funds. Many others died in the course of travelling long distances and staying on queues endlessly for equally unending verification exercises.

    Retirement should be a thing of joy after years of dedicated service to one’s fatherland. And it was so at the beginning until things began to deteriorate in the 1980s or thereabout.

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    It was after the failure of the former underfunded Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) that the government moved to a mandatory Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) that was initiated by the Pension Reform Act of 2004. This was later repealed and replaced with the Pension Reform Act 2014 to address corruption, mismanagement, and unsustainable pension liabilities. Under the new system, regulated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), both private and public employees contribute to a privately managed Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

    As with most things Nigerian, this too soon began to have hic-cups, with several federal ministries, departments and parastatals as well as state governments and others deducting their employees’ money without remitting same to their pension managers. 

    It is to the credit of the current administration that we are no longer seeing these ugly scenes associated with failure to pay pensions, or delay in doing same. Increased financial allocation to the state governments from the savings made on fuel subsidy withdrawal has put more money in their coffers. Although lack of funds alone could not have justified failure to pay pensions as and when due in the past; it was just a case of many governors not prioritising it. Many engage in frivolous expenditures as pensioner died on queues in the process of collecting their pension.

    Incidentally, the same political appointees who do not see pensions of people that served for decades as priority usually ensure that they get theirs on their way out of office.

    When we default in paying pensions, we are not only doing harm to the people concerned; we are also sending a signal to those in service that they need to help themselves because they would soon be left to their own devices when they retire.

    While praising the government for this caring decision to make pensioners laugh, we urge it to ensure that the arrears are fully settled within the shortest possible time, even as we urge state governments and other entities to always prioritise pension payment, to avoid the ugly experiences of the past.

  • Fed govt, ASUU to sign agreement to strengthen varsity system 

    Fed govt, ASUU to sign agreement to strengthen varsity system 

    The Federal Government has indicated that it has reached an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) aimed at strengthening industrial harmony and improving teaching and learning conditions across the nation’s universities.

    The government said the agreement is also expected to support sustainable development within the Nigerian university system.

    Both parties are scheduled to sign the pact on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the signing ceremony will be chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.

    Read Also: Tinubu prioritises welfare, equipment of Armed Forces, says Defence Minister

    The statement noted that the event marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to establish a stable, productive, and globally competitive higher education sector.

    “The agreement underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to constructive engagement with critical stakeholders and the resolution of industrial issues through sustained dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation. It is expected to further enhance industrial peace across Nigerian universities, create a more conducive academic environment, and reinforce confidence among students, staff, and the wider public.

    “This development aligns squarely with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises education as a strategic driver of national development, human capital growth, and socio-economic transformation.

    “The  ceremony will bring together senior government officials, representatives of ASUU, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners, and members of the media, reflecting a broad-based commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s education sector,” the statement said. 

    The government reiterated its dedication to sustaining reforms that will strengthen the university system and ensure the delivery of quality, accessible, and globally relevant education for all Nigerians. 

    “Members of the public are encouraged to follow the Ministry’s official communication channels for updates and highlights from the ceremony,” the statement added. 

  • Fed Govt directs reopening of 47 Unity Schools

    Fed Govt directs reopening of 47 Unity Schools

    The Federal Government has directed the reopening of the 47 Unity Colleges closed down over rising insecurity.

    The government announced the directive in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade.

    The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education across the country.

    The statement said: “After the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed. Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.

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    “The Federal Ministry of Education assures parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority. The Government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.

    “The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment.

    “This administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development. “Accordingly, it remains determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar. The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the Government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the cooperation, patience, and support of parents, school administrators, and students, and reiterates its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable, and uninterrupted education system across the nation.”

  • Fed Govt backs Bakassi Deep Seaport as Oyetola issues compliance certificate

    Fed Govt backs Bakassi Deep Seaport as Oyetola issues compliance certificate

    The Bakassi Deep Seaport has achieved a major regulatory milestone as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, presented the project’s Certificate of Compliance to Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, following recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The presentation, which took place in Abuja, signals fresh momentum for the deep seaport project and reinforces the federal government’s commitment to expanding the country’s maritime infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Presenting the certificate, Oyetola described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a strategic national asset capable of repositioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime and logistics hub. He assured that the federal government would continue to support Cross River State to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

    “This project has the capacity to significantly boost livelihoods, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities not only for Cross River State but for Nigeria as a whole,” Oyetola said.

    He also commended Otu for what he described as the commitment and pace at which the state government is driving the project, adding that sustained collaboration between the federal government, the state, and private sector partners would be critical to bringing the port to fruition.

    The minister linked the project directly to the administration’s broader economic and infrastructure reform agenda, noting that deep seaports remain central to Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.

    Receiving the certificate, Otu described the moment as historic, calling it a major milestone in Nigeria’s effort to unlock the full potential of the marine and blue economy.

    “Receiving this certificate is a significant boost that brings balance and momentum to our pursuit. I am confident that with the professionalism, diligence, and commitment of the ministry and private sector players, we are firmly on track with the deep seaport project,” he said.

    The governor said Cross River State is strategically positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria’s maritime development, drawing comparisons with Brazil and other coastal nations that have successfully leveraged maritime assets to drive economic growth.

    He also commended the president for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and for appointing Oyetola as minister, describing both decisions as timely and critical to the growth of the sector.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.

    According to him, the project would open a new maritime gateway for the country’s North-Central and North-East regions, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a major logistics hub for West and Central Africa.

    The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to complement existing port infrastructure, decongest major gateways and support the Federal Government’s drive to expand trade, boost revenue and deepen participation in the blue economy.