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  • FG backs IPAC documentary on 25 years of democracy

    FG backs IPAC documentary on 25 years of democracy

    The Federal Government has assured the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) of support for the production of a documentary on 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance when a delegation from IPAC paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, on Friday.

    Idris expressed the determination of the Federal Government to collaborate with IPAC for successful production of the documentary.

    He commended the members of the Council for their efforts in maintaining their individual’s party policies, a healthy opposition to the government in power and sharing the need for all to come together in the interest of the country.

    “This documentary you want to do is not just for IPAC or the government of the day, it is for the democracy that all of us are thriving to protect in the interest of our country.

    “I want to commend you, and to say that this ministry, together with all its agencies, and indeed the Nigerian media in general, will collaborate with you to ensure that the documentary ends up projecting our country’s  25-year-old democracy journey.

    “I want to also assure you that the documentary will see the light of the day. I can assure you that this ministry will be fully behind it.

    “More so, if there is any other area you have for us to collaborate to grow our democracy, let us know. That is why this ministry is there. It is for Nigerians and that is what President Bola Tinubu strives to do.

    “The President is leading Nigeria. He is not just leading APC members. He is working to ensure that there is prosperity for Nigeria. And that is why North, West, South, East, wherever you go to, projects are ongoing for Nigerians to benefit from.

    “We will not only continue to collaborate with you, deepen our engagement and respect each other’s views, but also respect our individual identities as political parties.,” Idris said.

    According to him, the government feels happy, honoured and great that members of IPAC from different political parties are joining hands with the ruling party to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy survives.

    He stressed that ”Tinubu as a democrat respects healthy competition, because, that is what allows democracy to grow.

    “Tinubu also recognises the need for us to come together as a people for the purpose of growing our own nation.”

    Speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Mr Yusuf Dantalle, said the documentary on 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria would x-ray the gains of democracy in the country.

    “This documentary chronicles Nigeria’s journey over the last 25 years, celebrating our successes, acknowledging our challenges and highlighting lessons learned.

    “It captures not just political milestones, but also advancements in infrastructure, health care, education and social cohesion.

    “As a strategic communication tool, this project aims to tell our story to the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, through the powerful medium of film.

    “It will serve as an educational resource, a unifying force and a reminder of the importance of democracy in shaping Nigeria’s progress so far.

    “So, the unbroken documentary drama will feature some of the finest Nollywood actors, supported by a professional crew and state-of-the-art equipment,” he said.

    According to him, the documentary will have several key benefits for Nigerians, such as fostering national unity, inspire future generations to protect democracy, and serve as a historical record that reflects our resilience.

    Read Also: FG debunks fresh claims of targeted killings of Christians

    “It will also raise awareness about the role of political parties and democratic institutions in shaping Nigeria’s future.

    “Sustaining democracy is a collective effort, and this project will recognise the contributions of all stakeholders, political parties, civil societies, the media, and Nigerian people.

    “Additionally, we will be honouring outstanding individuals with the Ambassador and Grand Ambassador Awards for their leadership and dedication in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey,” Dantalle said.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Committee for the Project, Mr Dan Nwanyanwu, explained that when events were documented in form of film, people would watch it to the end.

    “On behalf of all the political parties and IPAC, I want to thank you for giving us this support. This is the greatest support we have had”.

    (NAN)

  • FG to unveil reforms to curb illegal charter operations

    FG to unveil reforms to curb illegal charter operations

    The federal government on Thursday assured Nigerians of a drop in airfares.

    The government also disclosed plans to roll out measures to curb illegal charter operations across the country.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who disclosed this during the third ministerial press briefing said the federal government has lost billions of naira to the illegal charter operations, which date back 40 years.

    The minister, while stating the federal government’s commitment to tackle the practice, revealed that the reforms to be unveiled would mandate regulators to publish the names of airlines that are approved to fly, proper documentation and manifest of those on board the chartered flight.

    He also said the control tower would not clear any flight for takeoff without proper identification of the crew members and passengers.

    He noted that the poor regulation of their operations was partly responsible for relevant authorities to get the identity of some passengers and crew members during crashes.

    The minister has also assured that there would be a drop in airfares soon with the signing of the Cape Town Convention and the Dublin Conference the ministry attended earlier in the year.

    On the high cost of tickets, he said: “We have domestic tickets and we have international tickets. I talked about domestic tickets and the fact that we don’t have access to lease aircraft at very cheap costs. We only could go for the very expensive option of leasing aircraft or buying aircraft. We are addressing that and we are going to see results very soon with the Cape Town Convention and the Dublin Conference we went to, the deals are coming in, so we’ll see results there. 

    “But the international ones, one of the major reasons they used to give is that their monies were trapped in Nigeria. There was a time when we came to office, there were airlines that had a three-year backlog, not just one year, not two years, three-year backlog of funds trapped in Nigeria. We had the Naira in the CBN, that’s the sales of tickets.

    “When their agents sell tickets to you in Naira, those Nairas are evacuated and dropped in the CBN. CBN will now get the dollar equivalent and repatriate. That is how it is done, so that the tickets will be sold in Naira. So all of these tickets were sold in Naira for three years plus, four years, but the CBN had no liquidity, no dollar equivalent to send to these foreign airlines. So the funds were trapped. 

    “Because of the deft policies of this government on the withdrawal of subsidy and floating of Naira, liquidity began to rise and that’s why I was thanking the president for the unusual attention he paid to aviation. 

    One of the first things the president did when liquidity began to rise in the CBN was clearing the backlog of the trapped funds for aviation. $893million, almost a billion dollars, was cleared of trapped funds. And so we called the international airlines, what they used to do was; if you want to buy international tickets, you will see business class Z grade, J grade but it’s all the same. One can be N2m cheaper than the other. Those ones, they open it for countries that they know that once they sell the ticket, they can get their money immediately. But they now open only the high fare for Nigerian passengers since the last three to four years. 

    “They said because they were taking into account inflationary rates of the money that will be trapped, they don’t know when they will get the money back. So they were building on top of it, inflationary rates, that by the time they want to get the money back, the Naira may have collapsed. 

    “So instead of selling a ticket for N2million, they will sell it for N7m, whereas Ghana will sell it for that price. This was an issue of policy.

    “Bola Tinubu being very smart on this, he cleared that first. And so we called recently and they have been enjoying this high price because Nigerians were paying. So by the time we cleared this thing, they were still enjoying the high fares. We said, no, you cannot continue to enjoy it. We have cleared the backlog. So you cannot continue to open up the high tickets only to Nigerian passengers. 

    “So, that discussion is going on now and the NCAA is championing that. I think they held a parley with them on that and with one or two other factors in terms of our high taxation; our airports they said is the highest in Africa. 

    “So, FAAN, NAMA and the ministry are looking at them to see what we can do about it. Because it’s not my call. We have to talk to the minister of finance. So don’t look at the aviation minister because I’m not in charge of revenue. I have no right to say I will review revenue.

    “So I have no right to say the aviation sector, we are cutting down this revenue, cutting that revenue. These were things we met on the ground. So it’s good I just say it out.

    “The taxes imposed in our airports and in our aviation, they said it’s one of the highest in Africa. And the airlines coming in, they figure that in too, because they have to pay and that still goes down to the passengers. So it’s a holistic problem we are looking at and we are going to come to that. But I just want to be honest and frank about that but one major one has been tackled, which is the clearing of the backlog of the foreign trapped funds.

    “As part of measures to boost the economy of the country and encourage local operators, the Minister also said plans are ongoing to introduce the FlyNigeria Act initiative.

    On the need to curb illegal charter operations, the Minister said: “The issue of the closure of GAT is a recommendation so far by the Task Force and like I said, we may not go that far but we will roll out measures to curb illegal charter or private jets and the activities they engage in and when we roll them out, please, nobody should complain.

    “If you are a big man, don’t go to the airport to take a private jet if you don’t see the list of those jets that are licensed to fly and carry passengers because if anything happens to you, we will not be responsible. 

    “The control tower will not clear you to fly unless the pilot files in a manifest of those people on that aircraft, whether you are a big man or not. We are rolling out many reforms. They will ground the aircraft until you file a flight plan with the passengers in that aircraft and their ID card because that is what is obtainable in commercial flights. They compare ID cards with your ticket presented, so why can’t we have the same in charted flights or are the big men better than me and you? They must also bring their ID cards.”

    On the FlyNigeria initiative, Keyamo said: “The Fly Nigeria Act will mandate the prioritization of Nigerian flag carriers for government-funded travel, a bold move to support local airlines and stimulate economic growth. We have 13 active private airlines in Nigeria and 

    there is need to support local airlines by making policies to support their growth”

    The Minister also stated that his diplomatic efforts led to the resumption of the suspended Emirates flights to Nigeria on October 1st, 2024.

    He added that his strategic meeting with Emirates Executives facilitated a Codesharing Agreement with local airlines, adding that Emirates has successfully entered into a Codesharing agreement with Air Peace.

    He expressed hope that more codesharing agreements will come on board soon.

    Read Also: FG reduces reliance on costly commercial borrowing – Edun

    The Minister while admitting that there were challenges in the sector, highlighted areas he would focus on to surmount the challenges.

    He said: “Development of a Master plan for our major airports to transform them into proper hubs and aerotropolis and reviewing the concession process of major airports to ensure it is more transparent to deliver world-class infrastructure. 

    “We will support and empower our local operators (as we did with Air Peace) to compete with other international airlines on more international routes and facilitate the acquisition of aircraft under the dry lease agreement. 

    “Training and re-training of Aviation Professionals (Accident investigators, Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers) and also address issues relating to flight delays and cancellations.

    “We will review our BASA to favour our local operators and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre. We are in an advanced stage of discussions with investors across the world who are willing to do this through PPP. 

    “We are also making conscious and gradual efforts towards embracing eco-friendly practices and green technologies in line with ICAO’s long-term Global Aspirational Goal of net-zero carbon emission in the aviation sector.

    “We will rehabilitate some airports and airstrips and collaborate with state government to improve State Airports infrastructure”. 

  • FG approves modular refinery construction in Abia

    FG approves modular refinery construction in Abia

    The federal government has approved the construction of a modular refinery in Abia State.

    The modular refinery, according to the Governor of the state, Alex Otti, who broke the news during the flagging-off of the reconstruction of the 11.1-kilometer Obehie-Umudibia-Owaza road, will be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.

    The project, Otti further stated, would be cited at the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West local government area of the state.

    Flagging off the road project at St. Ann Secondary School, Obehie Asa, Otti said that the road at completion, would boost marketability and viability of Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP).

    He said that significant changes would occur in the area after the completion of the road.

    “This project is therefore not just about creating access to the towns and villages along these corridor, it is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons and reigniting the dreams that once starred the souls of our fathers.

    “I’d like to inform you that just a few days ago, we got the good news that the Federal Government has approved a modular refinery which would be cited inside the AIIP.

    “That modular refinery will be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.

    “My assurance is that every support we can give as a Government shall be availed to you as we work together to create a robust industrial cluster that will accelerate the rapid socioeconomic development of the area and fast-track the restoration of the years that have been lost to poor leadership,” Gov. Otti stated.

    Governor Alex Otti, who declared that the era of neglecting the Ukwa people is over, said that Ukwa would no longer be a forgotten place.

    “Today, we officially declare that the era of neglect of Ukwa and all the communities within the land is over.

    “Ukwa shall no longer be a forgotten place. Your land will yield forth its best fruits, and your barns shall never be empty again.

    “You will enjoy the riches of the environment, and the oil in your land shall bring you boundless prosperity.

    “You will not only get what is due you at the resource allocation table, the various levers of our administration shall collaborate extensively with agencies like the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other interventionist establishments to restore the years that has been lost to the politics of exclusion and deceit. Gov. Otti stated.

    While responding to various requests from leaders of the area, Governor Otti assured them that the Umuzike – Obokwe – Ngwaiyiekwe road would soon be flagged off for reconstruction, having been approved in the 2025 budget.

    He promised to restore electricity in Asa land before the end of this month and directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday to visit the area and find out what it will take to restore electricity in the area.

    On the appeal for portable water, Gov. Otti noted that he has already declared a state of emergency in the water sub-sector, assuring that the water problem confronting many communities in the State will soon be a thing of the past.

    While thanking the stakeholders from various political parties for joining him and his vision for the State, he urged the people to support and cooperate with the contractors.

    Speaking also, the Member representing Ukwa-West State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Adiele, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, and the Mayor of Ukwa-West LGA, Pastor Dike Nwankw,o expressed the happiness and gratitude of Asa people to the Governor.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, while noting that Governor Alex Otti has continued to connect communities through road infrastructure, described the road as a gateway into Asa and the Abia Industrial Innovation Park.

    He noted that the project with a 12-month delivery timeline will equally open up the area for greater economic opportunities by creating direct and indirect jobs as well as increasing heavy financial flow into the area.

    Also speaking, the General Manager, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Venerable Joshua Onyeike thanked the Governor for providing the commission a level playing ground to perform its statutory mandate of providing essential services to oil producing areas, adding that the Governor has in many ways demonstrated his love for Ukwa people.

    He disclosed that there are other projects the Governor would be doing in Ukwa land and assured the Governor of the continuous support of the Ukwa people.

    Read Also: FG reduces reliance on costly commercial borrowing – Edun

    In their goodwill messages, a former legislator in the Old Imo State, Dame Victoria Akanwa and a former SSG, Pastor Ralph Egbu, applauded Governor Alex Otti for his landmark achievements across the state, and thanked him for coming to rescue the people of Ukwa from the bad roads the area have been known for.

    They appealed for the restoration of electricity and the provision of portable water in the area.

    In an address, the President General, Asa Development Union, Elder Goodluck Nwauju said that the Governor has through the road project, the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, and the recovery of over ten thousand hectares of land earlier taken over by the previous administration for a non-existent Enyimba Economic City project, demonstrated his love for Ndi – Asa.

    The event, which attracted many dignitaries, saw some major stakeholders of various opposition parties in Ukwa land presenting themselves to work with Governor Alex Otti, whom they unanimously declared is performing beyond expectations and should be supported.

    They officially declared their resolve to join the Labour Party to support Governor Otti in his determination to transform the state.

  • FG reduces reliance on costly commercial borrowing – Edun

    FG reduces reliance on costly commercial borrowing – Edun

    The federal government said it has improved its resource allocation strategy to enhance efficiency and sustainability

    With this decision, the government has also reduced the nation’s dependence on high-cost commercial borrowing. Instead, the government is exploring alternative funding sources, such as revenue generation, concessional loans, and strategic investments.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, disclosed this during a virtual address on Thursday at the opening of a two-day high-level interactive session in Abuja.

    The event focused on strengthening collaboration for sustainable financial management and national development, bringing together members of the Senate and House Committees on Finance, Heads of Agencies, and Directors from the Ministry.

    Edun stated that the administration has reached a stage where resource optimization takes precedence, leading to a shift away from borrowing from commercial markets. According to him, this shift is part of broader efforts to promote fiscal responsibility and reduce the financial strain caused by expensive loans.

    “We want to enhance public transparency, reduce waste, and foster accountability in public financial management while optimizing our resources. We are at that optimization stage, where there is less focus on borrowing, particularly from the commercial markets, which is quite high. We are focusing more on optimizing assets and attracting private sector investment, whether domestic or foreign. That’s the collaboration I keep referring to, and it emerges at every stage,” Edun stated.

    He expressed confidence in the government’s economic strategy, insisting that by using macroeconomic tools, Nigeria can significantly reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. He stressed the need for mutual respect, cooperation, and collaboration among key stakeholders in serving under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “This event demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Finance to partner with critical stakeholders at various levels in driving sustainable economic growth and sound financial management for our dear country,” he added.

    The Lead Speaker at the event, Senator Ita Enang, delivered a presentation on the importance of seamless coordination between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing economic policies. He pointed out that legislative committees must obtain a resolution from their respective chambers before conducting investigative hearings involving government officials.

    “Although you are the overseeing committee, you cannot, without a House resolution, invite a Minister or head of an agency to conduct an investigation over a matter. This is because you are a committee of the House, and before the House can receive such a report, it must reference its resolution authorizing the inquiry,” Enang explained.

    Read Also: Edun to IMF: economic reforms, social investment programmes working

    To enhance the transmission of bills between the Executive and the National Assembly, he recommended the establishment of an Economy Coordination Liaison Mission within the Ministry of Finance. According to him, this mission should work closely with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development and the Budget Office of the Federation to facilitate smooth interactions with lawmakers.

    Enang noted the presence of liaison officers from institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), who monitor and advance bills relevant to their mandates.

    He proposed that these institutions’ liaison personnel should operate under a unified directive from the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to ensure coherence in policymaking and prevent conflicting economic measures.

    “The entirety of this economic sector liaison personnel should, under the directive of the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, work in coordination with finance and related committees of each chamber of the National Assembly. This will prevent institutions from working in silos and producing outcomes that, while strengthening individual agencies, could inadvertently harm the national economy,” he stated.

  • FG gives contractor two-week ultimatum on Sokoto-Zamfara-Kaduna road project

    FG gives contractor two-week ultimatum on Sokoto-Zamfara-Kaduna road project

    The federal government has issued a two-week ultimatum to the contractor handling the Sokoto-Zamfara-Kaduna road project, warning that failure to comply with contract agreements could lead to revocation.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the warning during a working visit to Sokoto and Kebbi States to inspect ongoing projects. 

    He emphasized that the government would not tolerate substandard execution of contracts, stressing that all projects must align with agreed terms.

    Umahi explained that the project aims to upgrade the existing single-lane road to a dual carriageway to improve safety, ease movement, and boost economic activities in the region.

    “This is a crucial step toward ensuring safe and efficient road infrastructure, which will enhance the transportation of goods and services for the country’s economic prosperity,” he said.

    He further noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed strict adherence to contract standards, adding that the Ministry of Works has strengthened quality assurance and service delivery mechanisms.

    Read Also: FG directs MOFI to develop roadmap for asset valuation, management

    On his part, the North West Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Yakasai, highlighted that the Renewed Hope Agenda had significantly benefited the region. He cited major projects, including the Illela-Badagry dual carriageway, as part of the administration’s efforts to drive socio-economic development.

    Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Idris Muhammad Gobir, expressed appreciation for the federal government’s commitment and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote the state’s growth.

  • FG renames NIYEEDEP to YEIDEP to empower 20 million youths

    FG renames NIYEEDEP to YEIDEP to empower 20 million youths

    The federal government has officially renamed the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP) to Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP).

    This was disclosed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) issued on Thursday following the signing between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Civil Society and Global Development Partners on February 5, 2025.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented the Federal Government, while Comrade Kennedy Iyere, Founding President of Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), represented the Nigerian Civil Society and Global Development Partners.

    According to Comrade Olawande, the name change was necessary to give Nigerian youths a sense of ownership of the strategic economic intervention.

    He noted that the programme aims to provide economic platforms and empowerment opportunities for youths to become entrepreneurs, reduce unemployment, and contribute to national development.

    According to him, as of today, over two million youths have registered for YEIDEP, making it the largest youth economic empowerment programme in Nigeria’s history.

    Read Also: FG, stakeholders move to standardise biofortified provitamin A maize release

    On his part, Comrade Iyere emphasised that YEIDEP is crucial for Nigeria’s economic restoration, national security, and social stability.

    He urged local and global stakeholders to support the programme, stating, “For Nigeria’s economic wellbeing, national security, and social stability, it is YEIDEP or nothing.

    “The programme’s goal is to empower 20 million youth farmers, food, and agro-allied entrepreneurs within the next two years. Youths can register for YEIDEP by visiting the website.

    “The programme is also being partnered by several banks including Fidelity Bank, Keystone Bank, Union Bank, Lotus Bank, Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, Sterling Bank and JAIZ Bank to provide financial support and services to beneficiaries.”

  • FG, stakeholders move to standardise biofortified provitamin A maize release

    FG, stakeholders move to standardise biofortified provitamin A maize release

    To combat malnutrition in Nigeria, experts and stakeholders have emphasized the need for a standardized policy governing the release of biofortified maize enriched with provitamin A. 

    Stakeholders voiced their concerns in Abuja during a Validation Workshop for the Development of Micronutrient Standards for the Provitamin A and Non-Provitamin A Maize Variety Release in Nigeria, organized by HarvestPlus in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

    The workshop on setting standards for the market release of biofortified Provitamin A maize, in line with global best practices, brought together experts from the Variety Release Committee, the Seed Council, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, and leading universities.

    The goal was to review and refine existing draft standards to ensure only maize varieties with the required beta-carotene levels are classified as provitamin A maize. 

    Yusuf Dollah Fouad, Country Manager for HarvestPlus Nigeria, underscored the importance of biofortification in addressing nutritional deficiencies, stressing that through conventional breeding, staple crops are enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals, making them more nutritious. 

    Noting that biofortification is not strange to Nigeria, Fouad pointed out that the country is a global leader in crop biofortification, with widely cultivated varieties such as vitamin A-rich maize, cassava, and sweet potatoes, as well as iron- and zinc-enriched millet.

    In collaboration with the National Cereal Research Institute, efforts are also underway to introduce zinc-fortified rice varieties this year, he revealed. 

    Fouad highlighted the importance of ensuring rural communities have access to these nutrient-rich crops, saying, “While fortified packaged foods are available in urban centers, many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, rely on what they grow on their farms

    “But by cultivating biofortified varieties, farmers not only secure nutritious food for their families but also improve their income.

    “Besides, the crops are climate-smart, high-yielding, and resilient, making them attractive to farmers beyond their nutritional benefits. 

    “However, one major challenge in the adoption of provitamin A maize is the absence of standardized guidelines for its release”.

    He, however, warned that without clear standards, ordinary yellow maize could be falsely sold as vitamin A maize, misleading consumers and undermining efforts to tackle vitamin A deficiency.

    To address this, he explained that HarvestPlus, in partnership with government agencies and research institutions, has been working on a policy document that sets specific beta-carotene benchmarks for classifying maize as vitamin A maize. 

    Nuhu Kilishi, Director of the Nutrition and Food Safety Department at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition. 

    He cited the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a nationwide program approved by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at improving nutrition at all levels of government.

    Kilishi also emphasized the need to expand biofortification to other staple crops, including cereals, tubers, and vegetables.

    According to him, the government is planning to distribute improved seeds to farmers at no cost while ensuring sufficient funding to support large-scale production.

    Additionally, he said cooperative farming clusters will be developed to enable the mass cultivation and processing of biofortified crops, ensuring broader access to nutritious food nationwide. 

    Olusoji Olufajo, chairman of the National Variety Release Committee, stressed the importance of continuously updating standards for provitamin A maize. 

    “Research is constantly evolving. New maize varieties contain higher levels of provitamin A, so existing standards must be revised to keep up with advancements,” he stressed

    The validation of the new Power45 maize varieties ensures they meet the required beta-carotene threshold to qualify as provitamin A maize, he noted, adding that the validation process also enables researchers and stakeholders to track progress, maintain consistency, and ensure biofortification efforts remain effective.

    Prof. Shehu Ado, a Research Professor at Ahmadu Bello University and chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee for Crop Registration and Release, highlighted the significance of developing nutrient-enriched crop varieties. 

    He pointed out that vitamin A deficiency remains a serious public health concern, particularly affecting children and lactating mothers.

    Read Also: Experts applaud FG’s heavy investment in cybersecurity infrastructure

    Insufficient vitamin A intake can impair cognitive development, negatively impacting children’s education and overall well-being. 

    To help farmers and consumers easily identify biofortified maize, Ado explained that provitamin A maize is naturally deep orange in color, similar to carrots, due to its high beta-carotene content.

    Establishing a grading and labeling system will ensure it is distinguished from ordinary maize, preventing misrepresentation in the market. 

    According to findings, Provitamin A is like a raw material that the body converts into vitamin A when needed, though it is not the same as vitamin A, but it turns into it once certain foods are eaten for good eyesight, strong immunity, and healthy skin.

    On the other hand, biofortification means to naturally increase the nutrients in food crops through plant breeding instead of adding nutrients after harvest.

  • JUST IN: Suspend planned tariff increase, Reps tells FG

    JUST IN: Suspend planned tariff increase, Reps tells FG

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commissions to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until the services offered by the telecom companies improved.

    This followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Oboji Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), on the need to halt the recent increase in tariffs by the telecom companies.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Oforji recalled the announcement by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani that telecommunication tariffs will soon increase.

    He said, “According to the Minister, consultations are ongoing as some of these companies have agitated to increase tariffs to as high as 100 percent. He, however, said it would not be a 100 percent increase and that the Nigerian Communications Commission would approve the new tariffs and announce them in due course.

    “The argument of the telecommunications companies for the hike includes the cost of investment, better networks, and increasing demand for digital services across sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare amongst others.

    “The telecommunications companies have been advocating for the hike for the last eleven years, according to the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

    “They argued that the telcos need cost-reflective tariffs in the face of adverse economic reality like record inflation of 34.6 percent in November 2024 and losses resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations.

    “The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase in tariffs, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship, and poor network service delivery.

    “It is imperative that the telecommunications companies improve on their service delivery (poor network), which Nigerians have been yearning for in years, before embarking on the increase in their tariffs.

    “The far-reaching effects of these price hikes will deepen financial struggles for the average Nigerian, threaten the country’s vision of leveraging technology to drive economic revival, exacerbate poverty, and widen existing inequalities, hitting lower-income families the hardest.

    “Affordable connectivity is a must for progress in critical sectors like digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture and e-governance. Informal sector workers who depend on affordable mobile data to access gig work opportunities may find it harder to stay connected.

    “Saddened that those small businesses, which rely heavily on affordable telecommunication for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face additional financial burden. Imagine a scenario where a 10 percent increase is approved.

    “It is estimated that a 10 percent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability up to 7 percent, potentially leading to the closure of businesses. 

    Supporting the motion, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) there was no reason why Nigerians will continue to suffer anytime anything goes wrong, adding that Nigerians will not mind paying increased tariffs if the services being rendered are effective.

    Read Also: Reps Deputy Speaker Kalu: Hurdles agitators for new states must scale

    He said: “In the developed world, people pay for the services they enjoy and such services will have to be top-notch. The services rendered by these telecom companies are ineffective to the extent that Nigerians have to carry two phones anyway they go.

    “We are not saying tariff should not be increased. But that should not be now. They should first show us why they want to increase their tariff. So, this planner increase should wait”.

    However, Dominic Okafor (APGA, Anambra) said that for telecom operators to offer effective services, they should be allowed to increase their tariffs since the cost of doing business in the country has increased substantially.

  • FG welcomes 15 returning TAC volunteers from Benin Republic

    FG welcomes 15 returning TAC volunteers from Benin Republic

    The Federal Government, on Saturday welcomed 15 returning Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Volunteers from the Republic of Benin.

    Dr Yusuf Yakub,  the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid (NTAC), during a reception and debriefing ceremony for the volunteers, commended them for their service to humanity.

    Yakub, reiterated the support of the agency in facilitating the process of retaining the services of any volunteer that had been offered employment in their host country.

    He said that the government’s was proud of their services to humanity through bridging both the educational and professional gaps in African, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries.

    He conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Tinubu in line with the agency’s mandate towards the promotion of Nigeria’s foreign policy goals by using soft power diplomacy..

    The director-general said that, through the TAC  scheme the government had continued to send the correct signals to the entire world.

    “The signal is that Nigeria is ever ready to continue to champion the quest for a better world through a more productive demography in ACP nations.

    “The sacrifices we make today may not come easy, but our leaders understand that, until you sacrifice something dear to you to make life better for others, many lives may never achieve the true essence of living.

    “We thank you for the quality service you have collectively rendered to our sister country and appreciate the fact that you have earned the respect and love of the people of Benin Republic, ” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yakubu was represented by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia,

    Earlier, presenting the volunteers to the director-general, Amb. Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes at the agency, highlighted the significance of the exercise.

    Usman, represented by Hauwa Arabo-Mustapha, a Senior Counsellor at the Corps, said that the debriefing exercise was an essential part of the NTAC ‘s operational framework.

    He said that it afforded the agency the opportunity to document the individual experiences of the volunteers and to capture the lessons learnt.

    According to him, the exercise will offer the agency the opportunity to share the knowledge garnered with future volunteers.

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    He said that it would also  provide future volunteers with valuable insights and best practices as well as identifying areas for improvement.

    He said that their input as volunteers during the exercise would be instrumental to shaping the future of the organisation and in strengthening Nigeria’s role in international development co-operation.

    Mr Ologu Norisa-Olukayode, Team Leader of the volunteers commended the Federal Government for the opportunity to impact on the lives of the people of Benin.

    Norisa-Olukayode said that the agency met many of the volunteers’ needs,  adding there were some few challenges.

    (NAN)

  • Reports on scrapping JSS, SSS not true – FG

    Reports on scrapping JSS, SSS not true – FG

    The Ministry of Education on Friday clarified that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, merely proposed the introduction of a 12-year basic education system.

    The ministry stated that reports of an immediate policy change on the matter were untrue.

    In a statement by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry emphasised that the National Council on Education would review the proposal before any final decision is made.

    “At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on 6 February 2025 in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented a proposal for discussion — not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to transition to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.

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    “A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing students to progress seamlessly without external assessments at that stage. However, this remains subject to further consultation and deliberation.

    “To ensure a well-informed decision, the ministry will undertake extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months, consulting education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players. The final decision on whether to adopt this reform will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.

    “The ministry urges the public to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices.”