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  • FG to review, fortify Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, others, says Works Minister

    FG to review, fortify Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, others, says Works Minister

    The security and aesthetic features of the 750-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be enhanced with lay-bys and closed-circuit video cameras, among other innovations, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said.  

    According to the Minister, the lay-bys will serve as hubs for security apparatus, including vehicles, to ensure rapid responses to emergencies along the highway.  

    He also disclosed that the project would undergo a review to address unforeseen challenges and align with emerging environmental realities.

    Umahi, during an inspection of Sections I and II of the project in Lagos on Friday, commended the landmark infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, praising his vision for initiating legacy projects aimed at connecting critical economic corridors and enhancing the transportation ecosystem across the six geo-political zones.  

    The Minister also acknowledged the President’s commitment to funding the Works sector, despite competing demands from other priority areas of the economy.  

    Highlighting the transformative potential of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other legacy projects, Umahi announced plans to review the contract to incorporate features that would enhance its socio-economic impact.  

    He said: “We’re going to plant trees. And of course, we are going to also have some lay bay. We can decide every five kilometres we have a lay bay where we connect all our CCTV cameras. 

    “And then we have vehicles and the security within the cabin there so that the response time will be like 10 minutes. 

    “You’ve witnessed what we did at Third Mainland Bridge. That’s what we intend to replicate in all our highways. And so the entire stretch of 750 kilometres to Calabar will be under CCTV, powered by solar. 

    “And then every five kilometres or 10 or 15, as we may agree, we will have portacabins where we have security posts, no blocking of the roads, we have viewing centres, and then you view the entire stretch left and right. We will agree on the number of kilometres, depending on the capacity of the cameras.” 

    On the President’s commitment to the road infrastructure revolution, he said, “The President has given very serious attention to road infrastructure. Don’t forget that this Coastal Highway and, of course, the four Legacy Projects all have the train track incorporated. 

    “The construction of the train track for this section I is going to take off in 2025. 

    “So this is what we are doing. And we believe strongly that the President is going to give the nation of Nigeria the road infrastructure that they have been yearning for.”

    Commending the quality and progress of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, handled by Hitech Construction Company Ltd, the Minister described it as a hallmark of excellence and innovation, noting that the original contract had been modified to include service lanes and address unforeseen challenges such as debris removal.

    Umahi noted that the four Renewed Hope legacy projects, along with the inherited ongoing projects, were progressing as planned, emphasizing that milestone-based execution was adopted to promote fairness across the six geo-political zones.

    According to him, some sections of the projects being executed nationwide, including inherited ongoing projects, are expected to be ready for commissioning by May 2025.

    “Work is progressing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We have the Sokoto- Badagry Superhighway. Work is seriously in progress on the project. 

    “Work is ongoing in Sokoto. The first 120 kilometres have been procured and handled by Hitech using concrete. 

    Then, we have work going on, too, in the 250-kilometre Kebbi section. So, we believe strongly that we’ll be able to have about 20 km in both sections to commission by May 29th. 

    “In section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in South West, we are very sure that we’ll commission the first 20 kilometres in section 1 and 10 kilometres in section 11,” he said.

    Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works, Olukorede Keisha, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the initial stages of the project, saying, “We faced unexpected issues, including massive refuse dumps resembling Olusosun landfill, some as deep as five meters. 

    “The contractor has since removed the debris and replaced it with sand sourced from the ocean, ensuring a solid foundation for the project”.  

    She, however, expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver the project on schedule

  • No plan to destabilise Republic of Niger, says FG

    No plan to destabilise Republic of Niger, says FG

    The federal government has firmly denied any plans to destabilize the Republic of Niger, as well as the claims of French military troops stationed in northern Nigeria to prepare for destabilizing the Nigerien government.

    In a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government dismissed the allegations as baseless and called for them to be entirely disregarded.

    The refutation follows claims circulating in Niger Republic that Nigeria, along with other foreign nations, had supported a terrorist group involved in the December 13, 2024 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in the Gaya area of Niger.

    While offering condolences to the government of Niger, Ebienfa emphasized that Nigerian authorities had no involvement in supporting or assisting the perpetrators of the attack.

    The statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria refutes in very strong terms, allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.  

    “The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities. The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.    

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger. These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety. 

    “It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.”

  • How FG plans to slash inflation from 34% to 15% in 2025

    How FG plans to slash inflation from 34% to 15% in 2025

    The federal government has unveiled its strategy to reduce inflation from the current 34 percent in 2024 to a targeted 15 percent by the end of 2025.

    This was disclosed by a source at the Budget Office of the Federation deeply involved in the 2025 budget preparations.

    The source identified four key measures embedded in the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Budget 2025.

    One of the cornerstone strategies involves enhanced security measures across the country in 2025. The source explained that improved security is expected to facilitate a bumper harvest by ensuring farmers can safely cultivate and transport their produce. This development will drive down food prices, reducing the nation’s dependency on food imports.

    “The food segment has a significant influence on the overall inflation rate,” the source remarked. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has long advocated for this approach, urging fiscal authorities to prioritize agricultural security as a critical lever to combat inflation.

    The federal government also plans to leverage increased local refining capacity to tackle inflation. With the anticipated commencement of domestic production of refined petroleum products, the demand for foreign exchange (forex) to import these products will decline.

    “Beyond saving forex, the export of surplus refined products will boost foreign exchange earnings, further stabilizing the naira,” the source stated. This strategy is expected to address one of the primary drivers of inflation—currency depreciation.

    Another key initiative is optimizing Nigeria’s oil production and reducing upstream production costs. The government is targeting a significant increase in crude oil output alongside improved cost efficiencies within the oil and gas sector.

    According to the Budget Office of the Federation official, “The Federal Government can achieve a significant increase in crude oil output and improve cost efficiencies in the oil and gas sector by addressing pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft through the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies such as drones and satellite monitoring. Additionally, fostering collaboration with host communities by providing incentives and developmental projects will help secure oil installations and reduce disruptions.”

    In 2025, attracting investments into oil exploration and production is another vital strategy the federal government hopes to pursue. By implementing investor-friendly policies, such as competitive royalties and tax regimes, the government hopes to draw foreign and local investors into the sector.

    “These measures will enhance revenue generation and boost the nation’s foreign exchange reserves,” the source noted. This approach is expected to strengthen macroeconomic stability and create a ripple effect across other sectors of the economy.

    The government plans to aggressively attract foreign portfolio investments in 2025 by encouraging macroeconomic stability and implementing investor-friendly policies. The anticipated surge in foreign portfolio inflows will increase the supply of forex, easing pressure on the exchange rate.

    Read Also: FG earmarks N250bn for Lagos-Abuja rail project in 2025 budget

    “A stabilized exchange rate will lower imported inflation, making goods more affordable for Nigerians,” the source added.

    The outlined measures reflect a coordinated fiscal and monetary policy effort to address the structural and external factors driving inflation. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s persistent calls for fiscal interventions to complement monetary policies appear to be gaining traction.

    The FGN Budget 2025 presents a comprehensive roadmap for economic stabilization and growth. If successfully implemented, these strategies could mark a significant turning point in Nigeria’s battle against inflation, offering relief to millions of citizens grappling with rising costs of living.

    The Budget Office source maintained that achieving the inflation reduction target requires sustained commitment to these reforms, alongside robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

  • FG reduces cost of dialysis treatment in eight states

    FG reduces cost of dialysis treatment in eight states

    The federal government has announced a 20 percent reduction in the cost of renal dialysis for kidney patients at major federal hospitals across eight states.

    The move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving healthcare in Nigeria.

    The subsidised treatment is available at several hospitals, including Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, FMC, Owerri, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, FMC, Abeokuta, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, FMC, Azare, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar among others.

    The announcement was made by Dr. Adedamola Dada, Chief Medical Director of FMC Ebute-Metta, and Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education and former Minister of State for Health.

    Dr. Dada shared the update via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “@FMC_EB (FMC Ebute-Metta) starts highly subsidised renal dialysis from today for those on dialysis courtesy of the PBAT Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector. The programme is available in all zones of the country.

    “The cost of dialysis has been reduced to 20 percent of the normal cost, courtesy of PBAT. This programme is available at FMC Ebute-Metta and other federal hospitals nationwide.”

    Dr. Alausa, in response, confirmed the list of participating hospitals and urged Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative, commending President Tinubu for delivering on his promise to improve healthcare access.

    According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report, kidney failure is a growing global challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes often lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) if not managed early.

    Treatment options for kidney failure include conservative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and complications to improve the patient’s quality of life.

    Read Also: Osun govt urges FG to provide CNG centres, vehicles for residents

    Kidney transplantation offers a more permanent solution but is often limited by the availability of donors and the high cost of the procedure.

    Dialysis, on the other hand, is a life-sustaining treatment that helps remove waste and excess fluids from the blood, but it is resource-intensive and requires regular sessions to maintain effectiveness.

    With this new subsidy program, the Federal Government aims to ease the financial burden on kidney patients and improve access to life-saving care across Nigeria.

  • JUST IN: FG to offer free train service during Yuletide

    JUST IN: FG to offer free train service during Yuletide

    The Federal Government on Monday said it would offer free train service to all Nigerians from Dec. 20 up until Jan. 5, 2025.

    Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Idris said the free train service was consistent with President Tinubu’s desire to cushion the effect of high transportation costs for the most vulnerable Nigerians.

    “Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sellah period. And Mr President has also approved that this year, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, there will be free transport service nationwide,” he said.

    The Minister also said FEC approved a proposal by President Tinubu to rename the University of Abuja to honour General Yakubu Gowon.

    Read Also: Osun govt urges FG to provide CNG centres, vehicles for residents

    “The University of Abuja will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University. Of course, the processing will have to go to the National Assembly, for all legislation in that direction.

    “But FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman,” said Idris.

    He also said the Council commended President Tinubu for his stewardship for the past 18 months and also reiterated the commitment of its members and support for his programmes and leadership.

    He stated that the FEC would proceed on recess from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6, 2025.

    (NAN) 

  • FG proposes policies to revive struggling indigenous Airlines

    FG proposes policies to revive struggling indigenous Airlines

    The federal government has unveiled strategies to support struggling indigenous airlines, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies to prevent their extinction.

    Speaking at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development Conference on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol Implementation in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stressed the importance of enabling frameworks to aid the survival of local carriers.

    Shettima said that before the adoption of the Cape Town Convention—a protocol simplifying aircraft leasing and acquisition—many Nigerian airlines faced near-collapse.

    He lamented the high mortality rate of domestic airlines in the past 40 years, which has seen many carriers go out of business. 

    The Vice President assured stakeholders that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment to support the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.

    He said: “It behoves on us now in office to find out why they went under and how we can ensure that it does not happen again. And the only way we can do that is by policy, policy policy policy policy policy frameworks to ensure that they survive. We can’t keep giving them money, then we must make the business conducive environment for them to survive.

    “One of the key elements that we recognize as a government is to ensure that we unlock the international markets on aircraft,  and at the heart of that is to ensure the full compliance  with the tenants of the Cape Town convention.”

    While commending local operators for their resilience, despite the excruciating business environment,  he affirmed that   the Cape Town Convention has proven to be a transformative legal framework, harmonizing diverse global legal systems to foster predictability and stability for aviation stakeholders.

    “For Nigeria, this Convention has not only enhanced our global standing but has also opened doors to increased investment and growth in aviation financing.  

    “The recently issued Federal High Court Practice Directions and Advisory Circular mark significant milestones in our journey to align with international best practices. These initiatives have streamlined legal processes, enhanced jurisdictional clarity, and improved Nigeria’s compliance index, positioning our nation among global leaders in aviation governance.”  

    Keyamo on his part noted: “When I came to office, and I saw this situation on the ground with our aviation sector, with our local operators. For the first time in the history of aviation sector, we put it as a focal point to support the growth and development of our local operators having realize that the Nigerian state system is unique and different from others.”

    On the way forward, challenges and opportunities, the minister said while “we have made commendable progress, challenges such as ensuring consistent judicial interpretations and aligning local laws with international standards remain. 

    “However, these challenges present opportunities for further innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building within our aviation sector.  

    “This conference is a call to action for all stakeholders to engage, deliberate, and contribute to shaping a dynamic, sustainable, and globally competitive aviation industry in Nigeria.”  

    The Minister appealed to the Nigerian Custom Service and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), to collaborate with the NCAA to ensure Nigeria is not found wanting in the implementation of the convention.

    “We want to appeal to the Custom to see how they can play a role in achieving this objective. We’re going to sit down with you at another forum,Please work closely with the NCAA because it is about the image of the country, it’s not about sectorial battles that has frustrated us in the past, the Customs will seize the aircraft and say it is  about export. 

    “They will require the owner to come and fulfill some conditions . Come and fulfill that for the  next three months, we’re not able to take out the aircraft when we have done our part. We want them to key into that convention, to also work within our time limit. We also appeal to the EFCC. We have one or two problems on the ground now with the EFCC.”

    He added: “As we continue this transformative journey, I reiterate the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant aviation ecosystem. I thank all participants for their contributions and urge us all to leverage this conference as a springboard for sustained progress.”  

    On his part, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo said the Cape Town Convention aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu’ agenda, which has offer a pathway to modernizing the country aviation sector and ensuring its contribution to Nigeria’s prosperity. 

    He said:  “As you are all aware, Nigeria’s aviation sector holds great potential for driving economic transformation, connecting communities, and promoting regional integration. The benefits of these efforts are already evident. Nigeria’s improved ranking on the Aviation Working Group’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index is a testament to our progress.” 

    He outlined the objectives of the convention to include streamlining aircraft transactions and facilitates assets based financing,  simplifies the process of buying, selling, and leasing aircraft on an international scale. 

    “By protecting creditors’ rights and ensuring the enforceability of interests in mobile equipment, the Convention encourages investment and reduces the cost of financing.

    “It also improves legal consistency and International Registry: The Convention establishes a centralized electronic registry for registering interests, offering transparency and public notice. It also harmonizes the treatment of security interests across participating nations, further ensuring repossession and recovery rights for lessors and lenders in case of defaults.”

    He said it  aligns with  national regulations with global best practices, supporting the aviation industry’s growth and stability. fostering confidence among international investors and financiers.”

    Stakeholders at the event commended the minister and the NCAA DG for their foresight.

  • Sokoto govt approves over N17bn for FG, state highway rehabilitation

    Sokoto govt approves over N17bn for FG, state highway rehabilitation

    The Sokoto state government has approved contracts worth over N17 billion, including the rehabilitation of the federal highway connecting Kajiji town in the Shagari local government area to Gummi at the Zamfara State boundary. 

    The federal government will oversee and monitor the N8 billion federal project to ensure it adheres to the specified design standards.

    This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, on Wednesday night after the 11th weekly meeting of the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.

    Dantsoho informed journalists that the contract for the highway project has been awarded to Roads Nigeria Limited, with a completion timeline of six months.

    He said: “The federal government has consented to the project before the award of the contract as approved by the state executive council.”

    He also disclosed that the council has approved contracts for connecting Lambar Hamma’ali to Chenawa with electricity at the cost of N56.3 million as well as a total renovation of the state Ramand Home destroyed by wind storm at the cost of N109.8 million.

    “We have also entered into a partnership with Maigoriba to own 51% shareholding at the Girls Science Academy School, Sokoto valued in assets at N2.8bn including a school bus, official vehicles and science equipment among other basic facilities”, he said while disclosing that Maigoriba will own 49% and has been paid N1.3bn to that effect.

    Dantsoho explained that the essence of the partnership was to further deepen the state government’s commitment to prioritising education and promoting excellence in the science education of the girl child.

    His Information counterpart, Sambo Bello Danchadi also disclosed the award of a contract for the construction and provision of 4 boreholes with overhead tanks with generators at the state fire service at the cost of N62.8 million

    “This is to further equip the service not to run out of water supply in view of the harmattan season we are in.

    “We equally approved the construction of 275 metres drainage and other basic external works at the SSCOE to improve the college drainage system and surroundings of its premises against water logs at the cost of N128.9million”, he explained.

    On his part, Bala Kokani Kebbi, Commissioner for Science and Technology said Government Day Science School, Yabo and Nagarta College, Sokoto have been approved for repairs, renovation and remodelling due to evident dilapidation of the structures at the contract sums of N1.4 bn and N1.3bn respectively for completion within 6 months.

    Similarly, the Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner, Alhaji Tukur Alkali said the council also approved the repairs, rehabilitation and total renovation of the Giginya Barracks, Sokoto and the Shagari Command Secondary Schools at N425.6 million and N793.6 million respectively.

    Also approved for total rehabilitation by the council according to Alkali include: the popular Sultan Abubakar College, Sokoto at the cost of N958.8million and two primary schools:  Marafa Danbaba and Tudun Wada Model primary schools at the cost of N117.4 million and N883.3 million respectively.

    “The contractors for the projects under the ministry have received a 50% down payment without variation to complete the projects within the earliest possible time.”

  • FG deploys 333 advanced TB diagnostic machines nationwide

    FG deploys 333 advanced TB diagnostic machines nationwide

    Nigeria has deployed 333 Truenat diagnostic machines, a cutting-edge molecular testing technology designed to enhance TB detection and treatment, as part of scaling up efforts in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), it emerged on Wednesday.

    The initiative, funded by the Global Fund and implemented through the National TB Program (NTP), aims to expand access to care, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

    The deployment of the World Health Organisation (WHO)-endorsed device is expected to be a monumental transformative leap considering the remarkable results of deploying 39 devices in 2021. 

    Within just nine months of introducing the initial 39 machines, the TB case detection rate surged significantly, with TB-positive cases rising from 1,633 (8% of 20,424 tested) to 3,338 (9% of 37,087 tested), an additional 1,704 cases. 

    The impact of detecting drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) was even more pronounced. The report highlighted a 4.5-fold increase in rifampicin-resistant TB cases, rising from 7 to 32 during the same period, which marks a critical step forward in addressing drug-resistant strains, a key challenge in managing and combating the global TB crisis.

    Scaling this impact with the deployment of 333 devices is expected to multiply these outcomes, dramatically enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to detect and manage TB cases nationwide.

    Rita Akpakpan, Head of Laboratory Services at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja that the first phase of training for health workers on the use of Truenat machines has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State, with additional training sessions planned for Lagos, Ogun, and other regions. 

    “We’re training two staff members per facility, ensuring that the deployment of these machines begins immediately after the training.

    “With Truenat, we can identify TB cases with as few as 30 bacilli per millilitre, compared to 10,000 required for detection via microscopes.

    “This precision will significantly reduce the number of undiagnosed patients, thereby curbing the spread of TB in communities.

    “Beyond TB detection, Truenat machines can also identify drug-resistant TB cases, enabling tailored treatment for patients who do not respond to conventional TB drugs. 

    “This dual functionality is critical for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the burden of drug-resistant TB.

    “We’re targeting locations where patients previously lacked diagnostic services, ensuring no community is left behind,” she said.

    The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate health services and optimized resources, Akpakpan noted, adding, “Truenat machines can also be used to diagnose other diseases such as COVID-19, hepatitis, and HPV. 

    “This aligns with our strategy to strengthen the health system while addressing multiple health challenges.

    Emperor Ubochioma of Global Fund/NTBLCP emphasized that the machines, which are battery-operated and capable of functioning in high-temperature environments, are particularly suited for Nigeria’s unique challenges. 

    “These devices are portable, adaptable, and effective in rural areas where electricity and laboratory facilities are limited,” he added.

    He said the deployment strategy includes prioritizing underserved areas with high TB burdens, adding, “The machines are being placed in new facilities to expand access to care”. 

    Sriram Natarajan, CEO of Molbio Diagnostics, the company behind Truenat, highlighted the significance of this innovation. 

    “Microscopy, which has been the standard tool for TB diagnosis, has a sensitivity of only 40-50%, leaving many cases undetected. Truenat, as a PCR-based molecular test, has near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, ensuring almost all cases are diagnosed early,” he said. 

    “Nigeria’s adoption of this platform positions the country as a leader in Africa for community-level molecular diagnostics.”

    The deployment of Truenat machines is expected to revolutionize TB diagnosis by detecting cases with lower bacterial loads than traditional methods. 

    Natarajan praised Nigeria’s efforts to scale up TB diagnostics, saying, “This rollout will not only save lives but also bring the country closer to its goal of eliminating TB. 

    “We’re proud to support this transformative initiative and look forward to its impact”.

    Since the adoption of Truenat in 2021, he noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in TB detection and treatment, “We have seen a rapid increase in case detection rates over the past five years

    “With the deployment of these 333 machines, we anticipate even greater progress in the fight against TB,” he added.

    According to Michael Emenoge, the Chief Operating Officer of Weierstrass Michael Universal Solutions Company Ltd (Molbio Nigeria), to ensure sustainability, the rollout includes measures for maintenance and performance monitoring.

    He said a robust monitoring system has been established to track the functionality of the machines, with monthly performance reports and backup solutions like solar panels to minimize downtime.

    These measures, Emenoge noted, are intended to ensure that the diagnostic machines remain operational and effective in the long term, supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health care infrastructure and tackle TB as a public health priority.

  • FG 2021 audit report reveals N39.949 trillion negative asset balance

    FG 2021 audit report reveals N39.949 trillion negative asset balance

    …as OAuGF frowns at non-implementation of audit recommendations

    A report of the Auditor General for the Federation Consolidated Financial statement of the government for the year ended 31st December 2021 has reported a negative government net asset balance of N39.949 trillion for the year ended 31st December 2021, while the total negative current assets of the government stood at N11.869 trillion.

    In a report of the 2021 Consolidated Financial Report of the federal government for the 2021 financial submitted to the National Assembly by the Auditor General, Shaakaar China, the OAuGF lamented that audit recommendations are not being implemented by the Office of the Accountant General for the Federation.

    The report said that only 22 out of 29 Auditor-General for the Federation’s recommendations were not implemented by the Office of the Accountant General with only six representing 21% fully implemented while one (1) recommendation was still in the process of implementation.

    It said the lack of implementation could be attributed to weaknesses in the internal control system surrounding the consolidation process in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), thereby breeding management inefficiency and loss of public funds.

    It said that the Accountant General failed to respond to the audit findings, adding that the Accountant-General should be requested to comply with the provisions of the Financial Regulations on implementation of Audit Recommendations.

    Read Also: Nigeria spent N5.14tn on mineral fuels import in Q3, says NBS

    The report also said that the Consolidated Statement of Financial of the government for the year ended 31st December 2021 showed negative Net Assets of N39.949 trillion, while the total negative current assets stood at N11.869 trillion

    It put the total current liabilities recognised was N6.591 trillion, saying it is an indication that the FGN will not be able to meet its current commitments as a result of cash flow challenges, while the total assets recognised was negative by N1.239 trillion with the total liabilities of N38.709 trillion leading to negative net assets of N39.949 trillion.

    According to the report, this could lead to difficulty in government meeting its maturing obligations and Increased debt burden with impact on the economy.

    In its response, the Accountant General explained that all efforts to bring in all legacy Assets since the commencement of Accrual Accounting in Nigeria are still ongoing, while the Government has equally created the Asset Tracking & Monitoring Project Department (ATMPD at the OAGF.

    The AGF said the department has equally mandated all MDAs to create similar units in the offices to facilitate the creation of an Asset register that shall form the basis of ascertaining the actual Asset each of them has which will correct the present negative net Asset situation.

    The Auditor General said despite the response, the findings remain valid, adding that the Accountant-General should be requested to justify the negative net assets to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

    It said further that the review of the FGN CFS was a combination of unaudited Trial Balances of one thousand and three (1003) MDAs instead of consolidation of their individual audited financial statements, certified by the Auditor-General for the Federation, as required by the Treasury Circulars and IPSAS 35

    It said that the Non-preparation and submission of the individual MDAs’ financial statements for audit prevented the evaluation of the basis of measurement, recognition, and disclosure of the elements of the financial statements of each MDA before consolidation, adding that Financial Statements that would have facilitated the understanding of the FGN CFS were not made available.

    It said the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) should be requested to ensure full compliance with the provisions of Treasury Circular Ref. OAGF/CAD/026/VOL.III/108 dated 18 December 2016 on Auditor General for the Federation’s certification of the stand-alone financial statements of each MDA, while each MDA submits stand-alone financial statements, certified by the Auditor General for the Federation to the AGF for consolidation.

    In addition, the Audit report said there was neither provision nor disclosure made with respect to judgment debts and other contingent liabilities in the FGN CFS as required by IPSAS 19.

    It said: “The immediate past President of the informed the Nigeria Senate on 24th May 2023, that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of March 29, 2023, approved the liquidations of top priority judgment debts and general judgment debts owed by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the issuance of Promissory Notes.

    “The sum of $566.755 million, £98.526 million and N226.281 million were the judgment debts against the federal government for which the President requested to be liquidated through the issuance of Promissory Notes.

    It also reported that N2.280 trillion was recognized as “Other Revenue” in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Performance, adding that what constituted “Other Revenue” in terms of ‘sources’ rather than the list of MDAs was not disclosed in Note 11 to the FGN CFS for the year 2021.

    Also, it said that the sum of N14.326 trillion was disclosed as Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Treasury Bonds for the year 2021, adding that Included in the amount was about N7. 286 trillion uncategorized FGN Treasury Bonds with no further disclosure to substantiate the uncategorized FGN Treasury Bonds.

  • FG tackles unemployment with cassava-grade starch production initiative

    FG tackles unemployment with cassava-grade starch production initiative

    Nigeria, the world’s largest producer of cassava, is taking bold steps to add value to its vast cassava output by producing pharmaceutical-grade starch, it emerged on Wednesday. 

    The Director General/Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, announced the initiative in Abuja during the Cassava Value Chain Initiative (CVCI): Community Engagement Meeting with Nigerian Youths, where he described it as a revolutionary step toward economic empowerment and national development. 

    The attendees, most of whom participated online, included youth farmer organization leaders, civil society representatives, and the agency’s management team, among others.

    The DG stressed that the meeting was primarily aimed at sensitizing the youths about the project and encouraging their active participation.

    According to him, the project, which was initiated by the 10th National Assembly, aims to address unemployment and poverty while contributing to the nation’s pharmaceutical sector which aligns with the mandates of the agency.

    Emeje emphasized that the project is not only about cassava cultivation but also about creating wealth and building a sustainable value chain. 

    In addition to cultivating cassava for pharmaceutical-grade starch, he revealed plans to establish product development factories across the six geopolitical zones. 

    These factories, the DG noted, will ensure a secure market for both raw materials and finished products, addressing unemployment and boosting the nation’s GDP.

    He said: “This is governance brought to the rural province, it’s a genuine, deliberate effort to address unemployment and ensure rural development.

    “We cannot be the largest producer of cassava globally and fail to leverage its full potential. Every part of the cassava plant, roots, leaves, stems, and even seeds, has value, whether as food, medicine, or feed for livestock and marine life. 

    “It’s time to harness these resources for the benefit of our people.

    “This project is a decision by the National Assembly, not part of our agency’s regular budget. We commend their foresight and commitment to national development.

    “The initiative involves a grassroots approach, beginning with community engagement meetings to ensure local buy-in and input. 

    “We don’t believe in elitist projects. We go to the communities to understand their needs and incorporate their suggestions into our plans. 

    “This is about lifting people out of poverty by creating jobs and opportunities where they are most needed.”

    According to him, the project that has already commenced with preliminary laboratory investigations, will roll out across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with training sessions for youth farmers and women starting in December. 

    “Special cassava farms will be established in each zone, where participants will cultivate cassava for pharmaceutical-grade starch production. 

    “The agency will provide support and guarantee a market for the harvested cassava. We have a Biobank technology to ensure sustainability. Farmers only need to cultivate; the market is already secured,” he assured.

    To further enhance the initiative’s impact, he said with the active support of the National Assembly, since it is their creation, product development factories will be set up in the six geo-political zones. 

    These factories will process cassava directly from the farms into pharmaceutical-grade starch and other products. 

    “This is governance brought to the rural province, it’s a genuine, deliberate effort to address unemployment and ensure rural development.”

    Emeje also clarified misconceptions about training youth farmers for cassava cultivation, emphasizing its specialized purpose for medicine production, not food. 

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    Highlighting the necessity of proper cultivation, harvest, and handling under stringent regulations, the DG noted, “Medicine must be in perfect form, as patients are already vulnerable.

    “This is not about teaching people to grow cassava for garri or akpu. Medicine requires precision”.

    “Participants will undergo rigorous training, examinations, and certification, with successful candidates advancing to specialized phases. 

    “This is a phased project, we’ve completed preliminary laboratory investigations and surveys, and we are ready to implement,” he added. 

    The DG underscored the global competitive advantage Nigeria has in cassava production, urging youth involvement in this innovative initiative, while revealing plans for incentives and future publications to guide the program, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to the nation’s pharmaceutical and economic landscape.