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Tag: Federal government

  • FG orders urgent rehabilitation of alternative routes ahead of flood threat

    FG orders urgent rehabilitation of alternative routes ahead of flood threat

    The Federal Government has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of alternative routes as part of contingency measures against potential flooding along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.

    The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been mandated to restore the Loko–Oweto–Agatu road to guarantee smooth vehicular movement should the major highway become impassable.

    Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, announced the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

    He said, “The Loko-Oweto-Agatu road will serve as a critical diversion should the Abuja-Lokoja highway be affected by floods. We are determined to ensure that movement of goods and people is not disrupted.”

    He added, “The Federal Executive Council has approved the urgent rehabilitation of key infrastructure, including strategic bridges across Lagos and Taraba states. This is to strengthen our economic corridors and ensure that no state is left without access to functional roads.”

    Goronyo commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his engineering excellence, noting, “The ministry is committed to delivering modern, safe, and durable infrastructure for all Nigerians. This administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on leaving a legacy of accessible roads.”

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    Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, outlined the agency’s focus, saying, “Our core priorities are to manage the road network effectively, especially economic corridors, address issues such as vandalism and overuse, and update the national road map with traffic statistics to guide maintenance planning. We are committed to ensuring that the roads serve Nigerians efficiently.”

    NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, praised the government’s intervention, stating, “The deployment of Compressed Natural Gas buses has reduced our transport costs by over thirty percent. We welcome the government’s focus on sustainable transport and road safety.” He further noted, “With the enforcement of axle load limits from October, no truck will be allowed to carry more than forty-five thousand litres. This will significantly reduce road damage and extend the lifespan of our highways.”

    Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, added, “Even a blind man can see this government is doing its best to keep Nigerian roads in order. We stand fully behind your work and will support all initiatives that ensure the safety and efficiency of our road networks.”

  • Fed Govt, women initiative launch digital agro trade to empower farmers

    Fed Govt, women initiative launch digital agro trade to empower farmers

    Federal Government, in collaboration with Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI), has launched Sovereign AgroTrade System (SAS), a technology-driven platform to transform agriculture by connecting farmers to markets, finance, and global opportunities.

    Speaking in Abuja at the launch with the theme: “Building Wealth from the Soil – Digitally and Inclusively,”  Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu  Abdullahi, said SAS was a an innovation that aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Abdullahi, represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy, Mohammed Sani, said SAS comprises four core digital tools: AgriXchange Marketplace for direct trading between farmers and buyers; NWAPDI Grow for microloans, savings, and mobile payments; AgriCert for product traceability and quality assurance; and FarmAssure for data-driven farm management.

    The minister noted that the platform addresses challenges faced by rural farmers, especially women and youth, who have often been at the mercy of middlemen and lacked access to competitive markets and financial services.

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    “We are unveiling a platform and launching a movement of Nigerians for Nigerians, mainly for women and youths.

    “This is not just about agriculture. It is about food sovereignty, financial sovereignty, and technological sovereignty,” he said, pledging that government support to integrate SAS into national agricultural strategies”.

    National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, said SAS was born from her experiences as a farmer struggling with low prices, poor market access, and inadequate financial support.

    Through SAS, Svensson noted that farmers can showcase their products, secure fair prices, manage farms with digital records, access finance, and tap into local and export markets.

    She stressed that the platform will help retain youth in agriculture by making it profitable and dignified.

    “SAS is not just a technology, it is a promise that our farmers will no longer be at the mercy of middlemen, volatile markets, and unreliable payment systems.

    “When women farmers rise, nations are fed, economies are strengthened, and communities are transformed,” Svensson said.

    She acknowledged the support of partners including Norcom LLC, BIPOWER, Terra FinTech, state agriculture ministries, the Bank of Agriculture, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

    The SAS platform is now available to farmers in all 774 local government areas of Nigeria, with NWAPDI urging cooperatives, institutions, and communities to adopt it as a tool for wealth creation, food security, and national pride.

  • Fed Govt urges partners to invest in youth-led innovations

    Fed Govt urges partners to invest in youth-led innovations

    The Federal Government has urged the private sector, donor agencies, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to make sustained investments in youth-led innovations.

    The government said this is a critical pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while building a better future beyond 2030.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, spoke during the commemoration of this year’s International Youth Day Youth Innovation Funfair with the theme:  Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.

    He urged partners to support promising youth initiatives with funding, mentorship, and access to markets.

    The minister noted that young people are not merely beneficiaries of the SDGs, but co-creators of solutions that can transform Nigeria and the world.

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    Olawanle added: “Your innovation is the bridge between today’s Nigeria and the Nigeria we dream for future generations.”

    The minister noted that with over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the country’s greatest asset is its youthful population, whose creativity and energy are already driving change in agriculture, health, education, renewable energy, and digital technology.

    According to him, young innovators face significant barriers, particularly limited access to finance and market opportunities.

    He added: “The Youth Innovation Funfair, organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, was designed to bridge these gaps by connecting youth innovators with investors, partners, and mentors.”

    Olawande pledged the ministry’s commitment to improving policies for youth entrepreneurship, expanding access to finance, creating opportunities for global exposure, and ensuring youth voices are central in decision-making at all levels.

  • Strike: FG sets up committee to drive health sector agreements Implementation

    Strike: FG sets up committee to drive health sector agreements Implementation

    The Federal Government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the implementation of agreements reached with health sector unions and associations as part of a broader strategy to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the nation’s healthcare system.

    The committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Izaq Adekunle Salako, with membership drawn from key government institutions, including Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; a representative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment; a delegate from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and a member of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

    Also on the committee are representatives from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Budget Office.

    The committee’s establishment follows recent constructive engagements between the Federal Government and the leadership of all health sector unions and associations.

    The discussions are part of an ongoing reconciliation process aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the health sector while addressing the welfare concerns of health workers.

    According to a statement yesterday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, who led the government delegation during the meeting, reaffirmed the administration’s recognition of health workers as critical to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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    He said President Bola Tinubu is committed to improving healthcare delivery through increased investment in infrastructure, equipment, services, and the welfare of health professionals.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciates all Nigeria’s health workers, whom he regards as key to realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.

    “His administration has made significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, services, and welfare, and will do even more,” Professor Pate noted.

    Highlighting the progress made under recent health sector reforms, the Minister noted that Nigerian hospitals are now attracting patients from other West African nations, as well as from Europe and America.

    He described the meeting as the first of its kind, commending the unions for their dedication and constructive participation.

    Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, lauded both the health unions and the Ministers of Health and Social Welfare for their commitment to dialogue.

    He stressed that the agreements must be implemented consistently and uniformly and called for continuous engagement between the government and health sector stakeholders to maintain industrial peace.

  • Corps members ‘season

    Corps members ‘season

    • Presidential honour, increased allowances are ways of putting smiles on corps members’ faces

    This can appropriately be tagged youth corps members’ season. Just last year, the Federal Government increased corps members’ stipend from N33,000 to N77,000, in line with the country’s economic realities.

    And now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured some deserving youth corps members. Again, just as the affected corps members were celebrating the honours, came also the news that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has raised corps members’ allowance in the state from N20,000 to N30,000. The state is thus one of the states that have increased corps members allowance to reflect the country’s economic reality.

     In all the instances, that should be the spirit.

    Tinubu announced the honourees at the President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony (2020-2023) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. By so doing, the president only continued in the tradition of the Federal Government to honour deserving corps members annually.

    Governor Fintiri and other governors who have increased corps members’ allowance too only did what a public official who is in a position to better the lot of these young ones on national service should do to make life meaningful for them.

    National service used to be a pleasant experience that many a graduate looked forward to. Many establishments readily supported the corps members with free accommodation, subsidised transport fare and generally augmented whatever the NYSC paid the corps members as allowances.

    But that was then.

     It would seem that was indeed the era that the corps members were seen as valuables tools for national development.

    Yet, this was a laudable scheme with the main goal of cementing the bond of unity among young Nigerian youths.

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    Since its establishment in 1973, the Federal Government has taken some measures to build and sustain the confidence of participants in the scheme. One of these measures was its institution of awards for corps members who distinguished themselves during the one year national service in 1974.

    The NYSC National Honours Award is a significant feature in the annual calendar of events of the scheme.  Several corps members have received the national honours.

    So, it didn’t come as a surprise that President Tinubu decided to follow in the tradition by honouring corps members who distinguished themselves during the 2020-2023 service years.

    The president approved immediate employment of the 200 honourees into the federal civil service. He also awarded each of them N250,000 in recognition of their outstanding service.

    The president did not forget 10 corps members who suffered one disability or the other in the course of their national service as they were also offered automatic employment.

    “We will never forget their sacrifice,” he noted.

    Each of the honourees was also awarded a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate programme at any Nigerian university.

    “In appreciation of their service to the nation, all the awardees will receive N250,000.

    “Finally, each award recipient will be granted a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programmes up to a degree in any university in the country,” Tinubu declared.

    The President was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. He commended the awardees for their “discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity.”

    We commend the president for continuing in the annual NYSC tradition, but which for one reason or the other did not hold for some time (hence the combination of three years 2020-2023).

    We also praise the honourees who were selected among the thousands of them that participated in the service for being worthy of such recognition.

    In like manner, we thank Governor Fintiri and his colleagues who have put smiles on the faces of the corps members in their own little way. This is quite thoughtful of them.

    We urge the corps members to reciprocate the kind gestures by rededicating themselves to the core values of the national service.

    We also seize this opportunity to remind the NYSC about the case of some of the corps members who are yet to benefit from the arrears of the increased stipend that the Federal Government approved for them last year.

    They are waiting expectantly. NYSC should make it happen.

  • Fed Govt extends deadline for recruitment into para-military agencies

    Fed Govt extends deadline for recruitment into para-military agencies

    The Federal Government has extended by one week the recruitment applications into para-military agencies.

    The agencies are: the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

    The board of the services gave the extension notification in a statement by its Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.) in Abuja.

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    It said: “The closing date for application for its ongoing recruitment exercise has been extended by one week.” “The recruitment portal, which was initially set to close on Monday, August 4, will now remain open until Monday, August 11, 2025.

    “This extension is geared towards providing additional opportunity for applicants willing to be enlisted into any of the paramilitary services as well as the board.

    “Applicants are hereby reminded that the authentic portal address remains htpps://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng

    “The board wishes to reiterate that its recruitment process is free of charge as well as remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process,” Gen. Jibril said.

  • ‘We are leveraging PPP model to drive aviation growth’

    ‘We are leveraging PPP model to drive aviation growth’

    The Federal Government said yesterday that it is leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) model  to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation and aerospace sector.

    Speaking at the 10th Airport Business Summit Expo 2025 in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, stressed the government’s strategic push to involve private capital and expertise in developing critical aviation infrastructure.

    He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, PPPs have become a core component of national economic planning, especially in the aviation sector, which plays a pivotal role in trade, tourism, connectivity, and competitiveness.

    According to him, the Ministry, working under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework, has already executed several high-impact PPP projects.

    These include airport terminal concessions in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, as well as Build-Operate-Transfer models for facilities such as cargo terminals, maintenance hangars, and airport hotels.

    He cited the  Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MM2)  as a flagship example of PPP success in West Africa.

    Dr. Kana said, the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of new concession agreements further signals the government’s intent to deepen private sector involvement.

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    He pointed out that, partnerships with global organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and private equity investors have also broadened funding options for key infrastructure projects.

    “Our engagement with international partners—including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Development Bank (AfDB), and private equity investors—has created new avenues for funding critical infrastructure without overburdening public finances”.

    Recognising the importance of a stable investment climate, the Ministry, he noted has collaborated with other federal agencies to simplify procedures, improve transparency, and reduce risk for investors.

    “Our Airport Development Master Plan is aligned with national economic priorities and regional development goals. This has been complemented by legislative reforms, enhanced regulatory oversight through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the upgrade of aviation security and safety infrastructure—all of which build investor confidence.

    “Looking ahead, the government is eyeing further PPP opportunities in areas such as air navigation services, aerotropolis development, and aerospace technology parks.”

    These future-oriented initiatives, Dr. Kana emphasised aim to position Nigeria as a regional hub for aviation services, aircraft maintenance, and even space technology.

    The Permanent Secretary extended an open invitation to investors, both domestic and international, to view Nigeria not merely as a market, but as a long-term partner.

    He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safety, infrastructure resilience, and productive collaboration with the private sector.

    “With the private sector as a strategic ally. We are confident that the Nigerian aviation sector will not only meet the aspirations of today but also soar into the opportunities of tomorrow.”

    The convener of ABSE/ Managing Director, FCI International, Mr Fortune Idu said in the past few  years, the organisation has submitted over ten reports outlining the articulated position of industry stakeholders to make airports more financially viable and sustainable, focusing on a plan – based PPPs.

    He noted as the government is making concerted efforts to get airports on the right track for sustainable growth, the industry is increasingly coming to terms with the deterioration of airport’s land infrastructure and unplanned partition and allocation of federal airport space.

    Idu said :” It is unfortunate to note that  Federal airports have more tanker farms and fuel contractors than the aircraft and airlines operating in the country. Every fuel depot wants a space at the airport. This does not generate additional revenue for the airport , but it introduced additional risk and space constraints.

    “Therefore, I call on the Federal Ministry of Aviation to conduct a comprehensive land – use assessment that will identify land – use cases that can free up airport land .

    “ This assessment will then inform the conclusion of the airport master plan and halt the reckless acquisition of airport land by government agencies.”

  • FG grants five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas

    FG grants five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas

    The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to enable travellers comply with the new visa regime.

    The government said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.

    “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).

    “This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties,” the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said at the weekend.

    He said in a statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run until 30th September 2025.

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    He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.

    He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and;
    Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

    Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
    (https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.

    Akinlabi, an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.

    “For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”

  • Nigeria-Indonesian trade forum gets Fed Govt’s backing

    Nigeria-Indonesian trade forum gets Fed Govt’s backing

    Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to private sector collaboration to attract foreign investments and drive enterprise-led economic growth.

    The government has pledged support for Nigeria-Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum 2025 aimed at boosting  trade between both nations.

    Speaking at a briefing hosted by Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) in Lagos, Ms. Chalya Shagaya, senior special assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship, noted the administration’s resolve to work with private sector for  a conducive environment.

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    “Entrepreneurs are not just business owners; they are job creators, problem solvers and brand ambassadors

     “They are building the future, and with the support, they will survive the storm and dance in the rain,” she said.

    She noted that the government is moving beyond rhetoric to strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    Mr. Ishmael Balogun, president of NICCI, said Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council to coordinate MDAs to facilitate a smoother trade engagement.

    These MDAs include Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Health, as well as trade bodies such as Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and others.

     Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

    Balogun announced that the 40th Indonesian Trade Expo will take place from October 15 to 19 in Jakarta, followed by the Nigeria-Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum from October 21 to 23, also in the Indonesian capital.

    Currently, trade between Nigeria and Indonesia spans key sectors including oil and gas, manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods, household products, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics. In 2023, bilateral trade was valued at $4.7 billion, with projections to reach $5 billion in 2024.

    Balogun stressed the importance of deepening economic ties between both nations.

    “We must do more to strengthen our enduring bilateral relationship, expand market access, and boost trade volumes,” he said.

    To facilitate participation from the Asian market, NICCI has streamlined visa, accommodation, and tourism arrangements for prospective attendees of the forum. Interested participants are encouraged to visit www.nigerianindonesianchamber.com and www.niitf.org for more information.

    The Nigeria-Indonesian Trade Forum 2025 is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, investment matchmaking, and policy alignment to deepen economic collaboration between the two countries.

  • Fed Govt targets 5M LPG cylinders by 2030

    Fed Govt targets 5M LPG cylinders by 2030

    The Federal Government has set an ambitious target to distribute five million Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders by 2030, with an average of one million households being converted per annum over the next five years.

    This represents a significant increase from the previous target of converting one million homes to clean cooking gas by 2030.

    Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekpo, made this new target known during the flag-off ceremony of the NorthWest zone grassroots LPG penetration programme and cylinder distribution initiative in Sokoto State.

    A statement by Ekpo’s spokesperson, Louis Ibah quoted him as saying the programme is a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative and reflects the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to inclusive development, energy security, and economic empowerment.

    “We are revising the target upwards to distribute five million LPG cylinders by Year 2030, with an average of one million households being converted per annum, over the next five years. This zone, with its vibrant communities, cultural depth, and entrepreneurial energy, plays a pivotal role in helping us achieve that target,” Ekpo said.

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    He explained that the programme aims to promote the use of clean cooking gas across the country, protecting the health of women and children by reducing indoor air pollution, creating jobs and livelihoods along the LPG value chain, strengthening local enterprise through support for Nigerian manufacturers and distributors, and preserving the environment by curbing deforestation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    “I urge beneficiaries to use them responsibly, promote their use in your communities, and become ambassadors of clean energy in your homes and neighbourhoods,” said Ekpo.

    The Minister thanked the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for the ongoing support for energy development in the state. He also acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his commitment to the well-being of the people.

    Special appreciation was extended to  BUA Group, the main sponsor of the LPG cylinder distribution, which is crucial for bringing LPG access to underserved communities and promoting public-private collaboration.

    “Your contribution accelerates our mission to ensure clean cooking energy becomes a norm in Nigerian homes,” he said