The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal government

  • FG signs $158m agric value chain deal

    FG signs $158m agric value chain deal

    The Federal Government on Wednesday signed a $158.15 million financing agreement to kickstart the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), a landmark initiative targeting food security, job creation, and rural development.

    The agreement, sealed at the State House in Abuja, was signed by representatives of the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the French Development Agency (AFD), with co-funding from all parties involved.

    The eight-year initiative, validated on March 21, 2024, was conceived following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s request during UNFSS stocktaking in Rome on July 24, 2023, that IFAD should scale-up its portfolio in Nigeria and mobilise additional partners and donors to support the agri-food transformation and food security of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    It is expected to sustainably reduce poverty, enhance nutrition and better resilience of rural and most vulnerable populations in the nine northern states, which include Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoko, Yobe and Zamfara.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony of the financing agreement for the VCN project at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima described the initiative as a product of critical thinking about the economic reality of the northern region.

    Shettima, in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said it is a fulfilment of the promise made by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce poverty in Nigeria, restore dignity to the nation’s farmers, and ensure food security.

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    “It is a declaration of faith in the North—not as a region of deficits, but as a place of abundance. It also invites us to play our part in fulfilling the promise to reduce poverty, nourish our people, and restore dignity to farming families across Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Yobe, and Zamfara.

    “What has brought us together today is an investment of $158.15 million, co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and other stakeholders. This reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising what matters most—people, productivity, and prosperity,” VP Shettima declared.

    Recalling that the administration recently commenced foundation laying for the construction of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across Nigeria, the VP said said the VCN programme will feed into the SAPZs, serving as “a steady pipeline of raw materials and ensuring our processors no longer grope for quality inputs. 

    “This synergy will shift us from exporting raw produce to exporting value-added goods—creating jobs, wealth, and industrial stability,” he added.

    Shettima observed that “the recent global trade disruptions and the resurgence of protectionism are loud warnings” to Nigeria to begin to grow what its people eat and produce what they trade. 

    His words: “The agricultural tariffs and retaliatory postures of global powers like the U.S. and China have rattled commodity chains. For a nation that has long relied on food imports, the message is clear: we must grow what we eat and produce what we trade.

    “The VCN answers this call. By making wheat, maize, and animal feed viable for commercial cultivation, and by investing in irrigation, processing, and storage facilities in states like Kebbi and Jigawa, we are not just securing food—we are laying the groundwork for agricultural exports that can rival our oil.

    “What makes this programme exceptional is that it targets the underserved: women, youth, persons with disabilities, and returnees. It recognises that peace and prosperity are twin goals—and that in communities scarred by conflict, agriculture is not just a livelihood; it is rehabilitation.” 

    Noting that the Federal Government will deploy digital tools to track every step, “from farmer registration to market access, from input distribution to yield analysis”, the VP assured that “in regions where migration and insecurity are fuelled by joblessness, the VCN provides vehicles for enterprise, income, and dignity.”

    Former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly, commended IFAD, the federal government and other partners for the conception of the programme, describing it as a well-thought-out initiative that will transform the lives and livelihoods of many in the target states and beyond. 

    He pledged the commitment and support of the National Assembly in the implementation of the various interventions contained in the programme.

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari said the signing of the financing agreement represents a significant milestone in the efforts to transform the agricultural landscape in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration 

    He noted that the participation of the nine states and the presence of other critical stakeholders underscore the commitment of the sub-nationals and the federal government in fostering inclusivity in agricultural development and economic empowerment.

    The Minister expressed confidence that the VCN will deliver programmes and projects that will improve agricultural productivity and the overall well-being of small-holder farmers, farmer groups, and women across the region. 

  • Fed Govt partners U.S. hospital to establish two liver transplant centres

    Fed Govt partners U.S. hospital to establish two liver transplant centres

    The Federal Government has announced plans to establish liver transplant centres in two Federal Tertiary Health Institutions, in partnership with the globally renowned Mayo Clinic.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, announced the partnership via his official X handle, following a strategic visit to the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Rochester, Minnesota, United States.

    Salako said the initiative is part of a broader collaboration with Mayo Clinic to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for advanced medical care, including liver transplants, cancer research, and precision medicine.

    The partnership, the minister explained, would not only boost Nigeria’s transplant infrastructure but also position the country as a regional leader in high-end medical services.

    “We are working towards strengthening our partnership on collaborative research, policy development, public health initiatives, capacity building, cancer infrastructure development, clinical trial opportunities and so on.

    “Nigeria is working towards establishing Liver Transplant Centres in at least two of our Federal Tertiary Health Institutions in partnership with Mayo Clinic,” he said.

    During the visit, Salako led a Nigerian delegation to meet with Professor Folakemi Odedina, a Nigerian-American from Ogun State and the Enterprise Deputy Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Centre.

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    The delegation also held a virtual meeting with the Executive Director of the Centre, Cheryl Willman, who was unable to attend in person due to a bereavement.

    “It was an opportunity to explore areas of partnership and collaboration between the Mayo Clinic Cancer Programme and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment to advance shared goals in cancer research, precision medicine, and health equity for Nigerians and the global Black community. It was also an opportunity for a guided tour of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,” Salako said.

    The minister emphasised that the discussions focused on strengthening ties in collaborative research, policy development, public health initiatives, capacity building, cancer infrastructure development, and clinical trial opportunities, all aimed at improving health equity for Nigerians and the global Black community.

  • Fed Govt calls for deeper collaboration to tackle health challenges

    Fed Govt calls for deeper collaboration to tackle health challenges

    The Federal Government has underscored the need for stronger collaboration among researchers, health professionals, and policymakers to advance Nigeria’s health sector.

    Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated that continuous innovation and equity are central to the ministry’s agenda.

    Salako made the remarks at a three-day national conference in Abuja on Monday, themed “Exploring Excellence in Ethical Conduct, Leadership for Research Integrity through Empowerment (EXCEL-RITE).”

    The conference was organised in partnership with the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).

    EXCEL-RITE seeks to promote a culture of ethical and transparent research across academia, government, and industry.

    Salako, represented by the ministry’s Special Advisor on Research and Innovation, Dr. Lolade Adeyemi, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing quality healthcare and promoting sustainable solutions.

    “The theme of this conference resonates deeply with our mission at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

    “We are dedicated to continuously enhancing quality, promoting equity, and championing sustainable innovation in our health systems,” he said.

    He commended the conference organisers for bringing top health leaders under one platform, stressing that such initiatives are vital for developing strategies to tackle Nigeria’s complex health challenges.

    The Minister urged participants to actively engage, share insights, and build lasting partnerships that could lead to tangible improvements in Nigeria’s health outcomes.

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    He stressed the importance of inter-disciplinary collaboration in research and policy formulation, adding that collective expertise and shared objectives are critical for the country’s health security.

    Board Member of IHVN, Dr. Aba Sagoe, highlighted the urgent need for increased research funding in Nigeria.

    “Universities are very much in need of funding, particularly for research. There is so much to be done, not only in medicine, but also in pharmacy, agriculture, and many other fields,” she said.

    Sagoe noted that many Nigerians are eager to engage in research but lack the necessary institutional support and funding to do so.

    “We have to really go into research because there’s so much to be done. Many people here in Nigeria would like to enter into research areas, but they need encouragement and, most importantly, funding to make it possible.

    “I’m very happy to be here. I am also learning, and I hope to come back with lots of information and encourage others to pursue research in Nigeria,” she said.

    IHVN’s Chief Operating Officer and Principal Investigator for the conference, Dr. Charles Mensah, explained that EXCEL-RITE was built on a vision to foster responsible conduct in research, enhance collaboration, and drive impactful change across disciplines.

    Mensah said the conference aimed to promote research integrity, establish best practices and standards to uphold the credibility of research processes.

    According to him, it will also encourage adherence to ethical principles to prevent misconduct in scientific endeavours.

    He further explained that the conference would strengthen capacity building by equipping researchers, students, and institutional leaders with the knowledge and skills to implement ethical research practices.

    Additionally, he said it would facilitate cross-disciplinary learning through training, workshops, and collaborative programmes.

    “The conference will enhance collaboration and policy development by bridging gaps between academia, government, and industry for effective partnerships.

    “It will also support the development of policies that align with global standards for research ethics and governance,” he said.

    The conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including researchers, health workers, and policymakers, all focused on finding innovative solutions to improve the well-being of Nigerians.

  • Admission for sale

    Admission for sale

    Unfortunate. When the Federal Government Colleges were first established in 1966, the objectives were noble. Apart from an urge to bring together the best children in the common entrance examinations and expose them to the best teaching environment available, it was expected that they would promote unity in the country.

    However, parents of children in the unity colleges are protesting that the admission process has been corrupted, with parents required to pay up to N600,000 to secure a place in the highly-rated schools, irrespective of their scores in the entrance examination.

    It is even the more unfortunate, if not ironical, that the colleges really at the centre of the alleged scam are located in Lagos, a state dubbed the ‘Centre of Excellence’. The Kings and Queens colleges, Federal Science and Technical College,Yaba, and Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos, are those mostly besieged by desperate parents intent on forcing their children and wards in.

    Now that petitions have been forwarded to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the buck is at his desk to sanitise the process and ensure probity in the schools.

    Besides the admission process, parents/teachers forums are believed to have taken over the running of the schools, deciding how much extra the parents must pay, and in some cases, not rendering account.

    The minister, on a visit to Lagos recently, personally made the observation and promised to do something about it. It is said to be so bad that parents who will be offered seats while around on visiting days, are charged N200 each. This is odious.

    While the ministry is said to have pegged the maximum amount that could be charged per student to support the management in smooth running of the schools at N12,000, some of the parents teachers forums are said to have raised it to N21,000, in utter defiance of the directive.

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    It is understandable that parents who want the best for their children, and could not pay the prohibitive fees being charged by elite private schools could be desperate to secure places in the federal colleges, but there could be no justification for the slack in monitoring by the inspectorate division of the supervising ministry. The probe should not stop at the level of the schools and their managements, officials of the education ministry who apparently colluded with them should receive stiff punishment. It is time the government showed that it could not just bark, but bite.

    It should be noted, too, that scarcity played some part in this. If there are enough good public secondary schools at the federal and state levels, the desperation to force children into the few unity schools would not be so much. It is a challenge for the state governments that own most of the schools at the basic and secondary levels to upgrade quality and consequently win the confidence of the general public.

    As the minister had earlier observed, the practice of relying on parents to engage teachers who are not on the school payroll must be curbed. He said some of them have been so exploited for as long as 27 years on a salary of N50,000. This is really sad. How did the practice gain so much ground for so long? Why would the Federal Government not adequately staff its schools? It is worse that many of such teachers are poorly educated and report to the parents forum leaders. This weakens the control by the management and affects the quality of education in the schools.

    Dr Alausa should not stop at lamenting the situation. He should overhaul the system. If the situation calls for the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he should not hesitate to invite the institution. We have tolerated rot in the educational system for too long. It is time to show that Nigeria would not accept underhand dealings any more, especially where the young ones are involved.

  • Sallah: Fed Govt declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays

    Sallah: Fed Govt declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays

    The Federal Government has declared Monday, 31st March and Tuesday, 1st April , as public holidays to mark the Eid-il-Fitr celebration.

    Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

    He extended warm congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.

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    In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

    He expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-il-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

  • FG begins clampdown on irregular migrants August 1

    FG begins clampdown on irregular migrants August 1

    The Federal Government said it would commence a serious clampdown on irregular migrants from August 1.

    According to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo the government has given a grace period of three months from May 1 when the new Expatriate Administration System (EAS) would be fully operational to August 1 when it would commence enforcement.

    Tunji-Ojo stated this in Abuja during a meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association NECA.

    He said something like an immigration amnesty programme would be given for the regularisation of due processes for three months.

    He however warned that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate a situation where some companies obstruct the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) from carrying out its legitimate duties.

    Tunji-Ojo stated that among the issues discussed at the meeting, the parties agreed “ that the era when companies, some very few companies behave irresponsibly by distorting, blocking, blockading, and as a matter of fact, avoiding being subjected to immigration laws will no longer be tolerated.”

    The Minister said : “We all agree with the private sector, by virtue of the law, immigration service has a right to do their job and they must perform their mandate. 

    “So, we have said we will be very hard on any company that avoids or prevents the Nigeria Immigration Service from carrying out its legal responsibility. We will not tolerate that. We will not tolerate that going forward.

    “And besides that, we also reviewed the fees, because we know that the fees at the moment are not sustainable for certain citizenship and business activities of government and we have jointly agreed, negotiated and agreed. 

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    “We have met in the middle in so many instances and we have shifted and considered grounds, different instances and the detailed breakdown will be provided officially, and I think will be signed by both the ministry and you.

    “One other thing that we have also agreed on is, of course, the new fees, the new administration system will take effect from the 1st of May 2025. So, we said from that 1st of May, we will create an immigration amnesty programme for regularization of due processes for three months, that is, May to June, June to July, and of course, July to August. 

    “So by 1st of August, there will be a strict clampdown on irregular immigrants and we hope that people will take advantage of the three months period to be able to regularize and subject themselves to established immigration protocols.”

  • FG begins 3D drone mapping of Abuja

    FG begins 3D drone mapping of Abuja

    The Federal government has launched a drone imagery acquisition project to create a 3D city view of Abuja.

    The initiative which is being conducted by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) and a U.S.-based company, PLACE, aims to provide high-resolution aerial and street-level data to support urban planning, infrastructure development, and business operations, the Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Abduganiyu Adebomehin, said.

    The ongoing project is expected to be concluded in the first week of next month.

    PLACE’s aerial data offers a ground sample distance of approximately 5cm, which is significantly higher than the typical 40–50cm resolution of commercial satellite imagery.

    The enhanced detail will improve the mapping of property boundaries, land use, economic activity and road networks.

    This was disclosed in Abuja recently by Adebomehin while debriefing key regulatory bodies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in preparation for the commencement of the project.

    Adebomehin explained that the 3D data will enable stakeholders to accurately assess building footprints, heights, and their spatial relationship to roads, marking a notable advancement in Africa’s urban data capabilities.

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    “It’s a first in Africa, providing data that accurately maps building footprints as they stand, along with the road network. It even allows for an appreciation of building heights in relation to the roads,” he said.

    According to him, a Safety Operational Risk Assessment was conducted to ensure compliance with aviation and security protocols.

    He also disclosed that the OSGOF mobilized its staff for site assessments before the project’s commencement.

    Frank Pichel, the team leader for PLACE, emphasized that the high-resolution drone imagery will transform government service delivery and boost private sector efficiency.

    He noted that the data would be instrumental in monitoring urban changes and refining road outlines, and he pointed out the potential for developing machine learning models to classify road surfaces and automate infrastructure planning.

    “We would be mindful of the environment during the exercise and take cognizance of peoples safety and all the regulations law will be followed strictly during the exercise,“ he assured.

    Capt. Maikano Wilson, General Manager of General Aviation for NCAA’s U.A.S Unit, stressed the need for coordination with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA )to secure necessary air traffic control clearances and ensure overall safety.

    The Head of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at OSGOF, Hafiz Azeez, assured that public privacy would not be compromised during the drone mapping exercise.

    “During drone digital mapping exercise members of the public privacy and safety would not in any way be compromised,” he said.

  • Prisons still in terrible conditions, says Fed Govt panel

    Prisons still in terrible conditions, says Fed Govt panel

    •Most inmates suffering for lack of legal representation, others

    A Federal Government’s visitation panel on prisons has said the conditions of the correctional centres and their inmates are appalling and unbearable.

    The panel, headed by a former Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), found that most inmates are languishing in prisons due to lack of legal representation and the inability of the Legal Aid Council (LAC) to cope with the huge number of cases it is handling.

    The findings are contained in the report the panel submitted yesterday in Abuja to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    Fapohunda said in the course of the panel’s assignment of auditing prisons, members interfaced with various categories of inmates and found their conditions unpalatable.

    The panel chairman said besides the challenge of lacking legal representation, most inmates suffer ailments that the prison authorities could not fund the cost of medication.

    He urged the AGF and the Federal Government to help the nation’s prisons and their inmates with a view to alleviating their poor conditions.

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    Fapohunda also urged the AGF to convene an emergency meeting of Body of Attorneys-General to debate the issue of the deplorable conditions of prisons and inmates and proffer solutions that would make life bearable for the inmates.

    “It would have been odd in the extreme if the working group had simply focused on the status of Section 35 inmates and ignored the plight of other inmates deserving urgent attention.

    “This category of inmates includes those without legal representation. Indeed, several inmates continue to be kept in detention for periods longer than the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for their offences because they do not have legal representation.

    “The working group found that an alarming high number of inmates in the custodial centres under review were without legal representation. The AGF is invited to note that although the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria is mandated to provide free legal services to inmates without legal representation, it is presently under-resourced and thus barely able to make a significant difference,” he said.

  • Fed Govt lauds UK’s £250,000 tech donation for afforestation

    Fed Govt lauds UK’s £250,000 tech donation for afforestation

    The Federal Government has partnered Zander Corporation Limited of the United Kingdom (UK) for the transformation of agricultural practices and restoration of degraded lands across the country’s most vulnerable ecological zones.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the partnership at a meeting with the management of the bio-technology company at the Presidential Villa yesterday in Abuja.

    The Zander Corporation donated afforestation technology products worth £250,000 to Nigeria.

    Shettima expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to afforestation as a key strategy in combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, VP Shettima said: “There is a critical intersection between innovative technology and efforts at combating desertification and agricultural transformation in this country.

    “As a nation committed to afforestation and sustainable land use, we recognise the value of partnerships that introduce cutting-edge technologies like those from Zander Corporation.”

    The Vice President stressed the need to maximise the potential of the five-hectare pilot project, suggesting diversification into vegetable production and tree crops, such as cashew, which has a high global demand.

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    “We are in a unique position to take advantage of this opportunity. I want to assure you and your team of the Federal Government’s support.

    “Sokoto State has already demonstrated commitment and I believe that the Borno and Katsina governments will also embrace this initiative,” he said.

    The Vice President acknowledged Lord Oxford’s commitment to training Nigerian agronomists in the best practices for implementing the technology.

    He added: “There is an incestuous relationship between ecology and economy in the northern part of this country.

    “This innovative technology by Zander Corporation can be our saving grace.”

    Lord Oxford reaffirmed Zander Corporation’s dedication to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, saying the company had been in the country for over 12 years.

    “We have made a donation of our products to Nigeria for deployment in several northern states to demonstrate our capabilities and the remarkable results that can be achieved in agricultural and environmental projects,” he said.

    Lord Exford explained that the corporation had recorded successes in countries with stetches of deserts, such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya, and Southern Spain.

    Also, the Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, affirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing Zander Corporation’s technology.

    “We have established a committee to oversee the implementation of these products, which have proven highly effective in building resilience during the pilot programme.

    “We are piloting this project in Katsina, Borno, and Sokoto states, with five hectares of land already prepared for deployment.

    “We are committed to ensuring that the initiative directly benefits the communities affected by desertification with a view to building resilience and sustainability in agriculture and management of the dry land in the north.

  • Fed Govt to tackle insecurity with LGA Proof of Address system

    Fed Govt to tackle insecurity with LGA Proof of Address system

    The Federal Government has promised to collaborate with the states, local governments and stakeholders to address the issue of insecurity in Nigeria through the Local Government Proof of Address System.

    The government said it is activating a system that will be implemented across all 774 local government areas to provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address while serving as an essential tool for administrative processes in both the public and private sectors.

     Speaking at the South West stakeholders sensitisation meeting for the initiative, held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr George Akume, said that the initiative is a step toward strengthening governance, enhancing security, and improving efficient service delivery at the grassroots level.

    Akume, who was represented by a Director in the SGF Office, Mrs Helen Gapriya, said the Idea underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling the nation’s key challenges while laying the foundation for a safer and prosperous nation.

    He said: “Our nation’s inability to fully identify addresses and provide accurate data has compounded many problems, making it difficult to combat criminal activities, secure communities, and plan effectively for development during budget planning. In the light of these challenges, the introduction of the Proof of Address system is not just timely but necessary for the strengthening of our national identity management infrastructure.

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    “This initiative will strengthen national security, improve government planning, and foster a more orderly society. Besides, by enabling accurate identification and location verification, it will help curb various societal vices, contributing to a safer and more structured environment for all.

    “The Local Government Proof of Address System is a critical component of our efforts to strengthen the capacity of local governments to deliver essential services to our citizens and reduce the need for physical documents and unnecessary of these efforts, and we’re pleased to share the outcomes with you.”

    He said series of meetings have been held in the past, while the sensitisation of the southwest zone marks the launch of a nationwide campaign which will cover the remaining zones in the coming days.