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  • Hepatitis: FG moves to halt ₦17.9tn losses, 4,200 yearly deaths

    Hepatitis: FG moves to halt ₦17.9tn losses, 4,200 yearly deaths

    To halt the enormous losses caused by hepatitis and save thousands of lives annually, the federal government has unveiled an ambitious nationwide initiative, Project 365, a constituency-level screening, diagnosis, and treatment campaign aimed at eliminating Hepatitis C and reducing Hepatitis B transmission by the year 2030.

    The programme, which will run for a year across Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, is part of a broader strategy to address the economic and health toll of hepatitis, which currently costs the country between ₦13.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion every year in direct and indirect expenses.

    With over 20 million Nigerians living with Hepatitis B and C, and more than 4,200 deaths recorded annually from liver cancer caused by untreated infections, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said a decisive government response is inevitable.

    In Nigeria, an estimated 18 million people are living with Hepatitis B, while about 2.5 million are infected with Hepatitis C.

    Hepatitis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to liver inflammation typically caused by infectious agents, particularly the hepatitis viruses. 

    Of the five known types, A, B, C, D, and E, types B and C are most associated with chronic liver disease and cancer. 

    The symptoms are often mistaken for common ailments like malaria, which delays diagnosis. Untreated, the infection can lead to liver failure or cancer. 

    Unveiling the initiative at the 2025 World Hepatitis Day commemoration, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the government is also planning increased budgetary allocation for hepatitis interventions, the establishment of a Viral Hepatitis Elimination Fund, and tax incentives to support local drug manufacturing. 

    Legislative measures are also being proposed to expand access to diagnosis and treatment, he said.

    Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, the Minister emphasized the urgency of action, noting, “The nation faces an overwhelming burden, with over 20 million people living with Hepatitis B and C: 18.2 million are affected by Hepatitis B, and 2.5 million by Hepatitis C.

    “Over 8.1 per cent of the Nigerian population is infected with Hepatitis B, and despite the availability of vaccination and treatment, over 90 per cent of those infected are undiagnosed and unknowingly transmit the virus to others, including children. 

    To intensify awareness and eliminate stigma, the government is also leveraging media campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and community mobilization in collaboration with lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society.

    In his goodwill message, Nigeria’s former Head of State and Presidential Ambassador for Hepatitis Elimination, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), hailed the government’s commitment to breaking barriers of stigma, misinformation, and poor access. 

    He called for united efforts to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030, urging all Nigerians to support awareness and treatment efforts.

    Backing the national momentum, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) praised Nigeria’s leadership in tackling public health threats. 

    Read Also: Rotary offers free hepatitis, malaria treatment in Abuja community

    Its Technical Officer, Titilola Munkail, who delivered the message on behalf of the National Coordinator, affirmed the centre’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against hepatitis.

    Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, explained that Project 365 will ensure every community benefits from free testing, treatment, and vaccination. 

    He advised Nigerians to protect themselves through safe sexual practices and regular health checks.

    While Hepatitis C is curable with medication, he explained that Hepatitis B, though manageable, currently has no permanent cure, underscoring the importance of early detection and sustained treatment.

  • FG, UK launch programme to boost Nigerian SMEs, strengthen trade standards

    FG, UK launch programme to boost Nigerian SMEs, strengthen trade standards

    Federal government, in collaboration with the United Kingdom, has launched a new initiative to support local institutions and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in strengthening quality infrastructure for international trade.

    Speaking at the launch of the Standards Partnership Programme in Abuja, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, Simeon Umukoro, said the UK-funded programme is part of efforts to deepen bilateral trade relations and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for global commerce.

    Umukoro noted that the initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with Nigeria and is tailored to help Nigerian SMEs engage more effectively in international trade with the UK.

    He added that the programme would enable SMEs to benefit from the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which provides duty-free access to the UK market for over 3,500 Nigerian products.

    The initiative is specifically designed to assist small businesses in meeting technical and regulatory standards required for global exports, ensuring inclusivity and broad-based economic impact beyond large corporations.

    According to him, “The programme involves establishing institutional frameworks and strengthening national agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS). These institutions are being equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to ensure Nigerian products meet global quality and safety standards.

    “This programme works closely with the National Quality Council and other relevant bodies to implement the National Quality Policy.  This collaboration fosters a coordinated national approach to quality infrastructure, something many countries struggle to achieve—giving Nigeria a competitive edge in the global market.

    Read Also: FG approves N1bn for police training institute in Jigawa

    “The Standards Partnership Programme, which began in 2022, is currently in its third phase and is set to continue until March 2026. At this stage, the initiative focuses on four key sectors: leather, tea, cashew, and coffee. These sectors were selected as pilot industries to identify existing challenges and address gaps in areas such as measurement standards (metrology), accreditation, and conformity assessment. The programme works with stakeholders to close these gaps and raise the sectors to export-ready standards.”

    Speaking, Olalekan Omoniyi, Deputy Director of Standards Development at SON, emphasised the importance of the partnership in creating a shared understanding among stakeholders of the critical role standards play in facilitating trade and driving exports.

    The collaboration, he said, has enabled SON to identify key export products that require standardisation to meet international market demands, noting that a strong national quality infrastructure is vital for any country seeking to participate meaningfully in international trade and achieve long-term economic growth.

  • FG unveils data protection training for one million youths

    FG unveils data protection training for one million youths

    The Federal Government has launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) programme targeting over 1 million youths. 

    The training, which is free, includes classroom and virtual sessions focusing on the Data Protection Act, data breach response, and compliance monitoring among others. 

    Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande officially unveiled the YDPAT platform which is an interactive, youth-friendly portal for training, certification, resources, and ongoing engagement on Friday in Abuja. 

    The initiative, which aims to equip young Nigerians with essential skills to navigate the digital landscape securely, in the face of rising identity theft, is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

    Speaking at the official launch of the programme at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Olawande said the awareness and training programme for the youth aligns with the determination of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to create multiple job opportunities for young Nigerians. 

    The Minister noted that the Ministry realised that the country has only 5,000 certified Data Protection Officers nationwide, saying the gap is a big opportunity for job creation for young people in the data protection sector.

    He expressed optimism that the launch of the initiative would educate young Nigerians on their digital rights, responsibilities, and potential, emphasising the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to the full implementation and sustainability of the program. 

    He said: “Today, we are here to mark the beginning of a bold, necessary, and visionary journey, a journey to empower Nigerian youth with the tools to understand and protect their rights; and to gain opportunities in a new digital world.

    “As Nigeria’s digital economy expands, the risks faced by our most active online citizens, the youth, also increases. While digital technologies offer great opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and creativity, they also expose young people to serious risk, including identity scam and data exploitation.

    “Despite the passage of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, awareness and compliance, especially among the youth population, remain very low. 

    “As we speak, there are fewer than 5,000 certified Data Protection Officers nationwide. We see this gap as a big opportunity for job creation for young people in the data protection sector.

    “The Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) programme is our collective response to this challenge. It is a forward-looking intervention designed to: train young Nigerians to close the gap in the data privacy sector; raise awareness of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023) and global privacy standards; build a national movement of digitally literate and security-aware youth.”

    The minister said that the programme is about building a privacy-first generation, and doing so with inclusion and sustainability in mind. 

    He lauded the management of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, the technical and institutional partner in this effort, noting “this programme aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, with a vision to empower and secure our young people and make them digitally competitive, both locally and globally,” Olawande stated.

    National Commissioner and Chief Executive of Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Ministry of Youth Development, recalling that the journey to the launch of the initiative started when Olawande was the Minister of State for Youth Development. 

    He said NDPC plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals’ data privacy rights are respected and protected in Nigeria’s increasingly digital landscape, adding that the unveiling of the portal for commencement of the programme is a landmark progress in the concerted efforts to empower Nigerian youth. 

    Olatunji, who decried the huge gap in the data protection sector, urged youths to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector.

    He said: “The NYSC alone will bring us about 280,000 youths after the service year. Where are they going to work?. This is a new career path which is emerging in Nigeria.  It is still new, still fresh and hot. So I advise all of you to take this seriously. This is just the beginning. There are a lot of courses that you can take to build yourselves.”

    Read Also: FG boosts power supply in Oyo, commissions 132/33kV mobile substation in Ibadan

    Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, heading the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman said the training programme was timely, given the fact that young people which form the larger population of the country are most exposed to digital opportunities and risk. 

    A representative of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Mr. Henry Monu, said the training will go a long way to create employment opportunities for the teeming youths. 

    He urged youths to take the training seriously, saying that the government will not relent in its efforts to ensure that youths in the country are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge that will sell them here in the country and across the world.  

  • FG boosts power supply in Oyo, commissions 132/33kV mobile substation in Ibadan

    FG boosts power supply in Oyo, commissions 132/33kV mobile substation in Ibadan

    The Federal Government Power Company, in collaboration with Siemens Energy, has commissioned a 63MVA, 132/33kV mobile substation at the Eleyele Transmission Substation in Ibadan, Oyo State, capital city. 

    The milestone marks a key step in the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

    The new substation will improve the transmission wheeling capacity by 50.4MW, directly benefiting households and businesses in Eleyele and its environs, by providing a more reliable and efficient power supply.

    Speaking before commissioning the facility, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated the substation will lead to improved electricity supply for the community, addi g that it aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to modernize Nigeria’s power sector and improve the quality of life for our citizens

    He said: “The commissioning of this mobile substation is a testament to our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable power to the people of Oyo State and Nigerians. 

    “The project aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to modernise Nigeria’s power sector and improve the quality of life for our citizens. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative. 

    “This Mobile Substation, along with other equipment undergoing installation under the Pilot Phase of the PPI, represents a strategic deployment aimed at improving the transmission capacity constraints by over 1300MW across the nation.” 

    He added that, the mobile substation at Eleyele has enabled the radiation of more feeders to Apete, Ologun-Eru, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Sango and Bodija, fostering opportunities for new businesses to emerge in Eleyele due to the improved electricity supply.

    According to the Minister, since inception FGN Power Company has successfully installed, energized, and commissioned eight Power Transformers, contributing an additional 569.6MW to the transmission network. 

    “Also, five Mobile Substations have been successfully deployed, contributing an additional 252MW. 

    “With today’s commissioning at Eleyele, an additional 50.4MW is added, bringing the total to six mobile substations, contributing an additional 302.4MW to the transmission network. 

    “Another Mobile Substation at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) is at the cusp of energization to add 50.4MW, making it a total of seven with a combined contribution of 352.8MW,” he noted.

    The Minister said these efforts have resulted in a substantial 922.4MW increase to the national grid’s transmission capacity, 569.6MW from Power Transformers and additional 352.8MW from Mobile Substations.

    “The newly commissioned substation is part of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), a comprehensive plan to modernize and expand Nigeria’s power infrastructure. This initiative aims to address the nation’s power challenges and ensure a reliable power supply for industrial clusters, commercial hubs, and households to power economic growth.

    “FGN Power Company (FGNPC) is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) mandated to implement the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). FGNPC’s mission is to address infrastructural gaps by investing in end-to-end solutions that will deliver reliable, incremental energy to customers in Nigeria,” he noted.

    Managing Director of FGN Power Company, Mr. Kenny Anuwe, said: “We are delighted to commission this state-of-the-art mobile substation. This achievement underscores our dedication to providing innovative solutions to Nigeria’s power challenges. 

    “By strategically deploying these mobile substations, we are addressing critical infrastructure gaps and enhancing the overall power system’s capacity and reliability. 

    “We are committed to continuing our efforts to deliver reliable power to all Nigerians. This particular substation, located at Eleyele, holds special significance. It will not only improve power supply to the immediate community but also to the surrounding areas, empowering households and businesses.” 

    The Nation reports in December 2024, the Minister commissioned two 63MVA, 132/33KV mobile substations at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, and Saapade, Ogun State to boost power supply and increase transmission capacity by 100.8MW. 

    Read Also: FG reaffirms commitment to education reform

    The Ibadan substation improved power supply and enhanced the learning and research environment at the University of Ibadan, while further boosting supplies to Samonda, Ajibode, and environs.

    Also in May, the Federal Government approved two major energy projects in Oyo State aimed at fortifying the national grid and addressing persistent power challenges in the State

    The projects included reviving and concessioning the decades-old Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant in Iseyin and construction of a high-capacity new substation located in Lalupon/Ejioku axis of Lagelu local government area, boosting power supply to Iwo road, Monatan, Olodo and the adjoining areas in Ibadan.

    The Ikere Plant was originally launched in 1979 under the military regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and operationalised in 1980 during President Shehu Shagari’s tenure, the hydropower plant will now undergo a significant upgrade from six Megawatts (MW) to 20MW under a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) concession. 

    The 2 x 60 Mega Volt Ampree (MVA), 132/33KV substation in Lalupon/Ejioku in Lagelu local government would help to alleviate pressure on the grid and improve energy supply.

  • Proposed doctors’ strike may be averted as FG, NMA begin high-level talks

    Proposed doctors’ strike may be averted as FG, NMA begin high-level talks

    There are strong indications that the planned nationwide strike by doctors may be called off, as the federal government and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have entered into high-level discussions aimed at resolving the issues in dispute.

    The NMA had, on July 2, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the withdrawal of a contentious circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which revised the allowances of medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

    Describing the circular as a violation of existing agreements and a threat to doctors’ welfare, the NMA warned that failure to address the concerns would lead to industrial action once the ultimatum expired on July 23.

    However, in a positive turn of events, the federal government has initiated negotiations with the association through a series of meetings involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the NSIWC, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

    Speaking on the development, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, confirmed that deliberations began on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, describing the talks as productive and promising.

    “If the government sustains this level of engagement and we reach a logical conclusion, it is most unlikely that there will be a strike,” Audu said.

    He explained that the NMA’s concerns fall into two main categories: unresolved issues that had been previously agreed upon and new matters requiring negotiation.

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    “All we are asking is for the government to honour existing agreements during the review of allowances and benefits. They have agreed to sit with us and examine the documents guiding those agreements,” he stated.

    Audu also noted that progress had been made on one of the association’s key demands — the Medical Residency Training Fund — with a significant portion of the 2025 fund already disbursed.

    Other demands by the NMA include full implementation of agreed allowances, improvement of doctors’ working conditions, and adequate funding for residency training programmes.

    With negotiations ongoing and signs of goodwill on both sides, there is growing hope that the looming strike may be avoided.

  • FG moves to fast-track civil servants’ health insurance, compensation claims

    FG moves to fast-track civil servants’ health insurance, compensation claims

    The federal government has launched a major drive to eliminate bottlenecks in the implementation of health insurance and compensation benefits for civil servants.

    ‎At a two-day sensitisation workshop held in Abuja for desk officers of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), government officials declared zero tolerance for inefficiencies that delay access to healthcare and compensation for workers injured or killed in the line of duty.

    ‎The workshop, themed “Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice in the Implementation of the NHIA Act 2022 and the Employee Compensation Act,” was organised to ensure smoother delivery of social protection schemes administered by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

    ‎Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office said the federal government can no longer allow civil servants to suffer due to avoidable delays, poor understanding of operational guidelines, and weak inter-agency coordination.

    ‎“Desk Officers are the engine room of our MDAs. Yet, inconsistent application of policies often denies workers the protections guaranteed by law. This workshop is not routine—it is a direct response to real failures affecting real people,” she stated.

    ‎She praised the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for championing the reform, noting that her leadership had prioritised the welfare of public servants like never before.

    ‎Also addressing participants, Mr. Idris Aminu M., Deputy Director of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, revealed that the new NHIA Act has shifted Nigeria from a voluntary to a mandatory health insurance model, with reforms targeting universal coverage.

    ‎“Civil servants must understand their rights under this new law. The workshop also covers the Employee Compensation Act, which protects workers injured or killed on duty, and explains new digital tools for easier claims processing,” he said.

    ‎Mrs. Nkiru Ogunaike, General Manager of Claims and Compensation at NSITF, revealed that over 136,000 compensation claims have been processed and paid since inception of the current scheme. These include payouts for disabilities, occupational diseases, medical treatments, and death benefits.

    Read Also: FG reviews concessionaire agreements on roads

    ‎“Families of deceased civil servants are being paid up to N2 million monthly, until the last child turns 21. That’s why sensitising desk officers is critical. When they delay or mishandle a claim, they are standing in the way of grieving families’ survival,” she said.

    ‎She added that a dedicated desk has now been established within the Head of Service’s Office to fast-track claims and remove bureaucratic delays.

    ‎Participants were urged to see themselves not just as administrators but as protectors of the trust civil servants place in the system.

    ‎“Every delay, every mistake, weakens that trust. We cannot afford that,” the Permanent Secretary warned.

  • FG reviews concessionaire agreements on roads

    FG reviews concessionaire agreements on roads

    Indications have emerged that concessionaires under the Federal Government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) will now be required to construct compulsory facilities, including closed-circuit television (CCTV), solar-powered streetlights, rest areas, and other infrastructure designed to enhance travel safety and commuter comfort across all project routes.

    They must also meet several critical conditions before activating their projects which include mutual termination of existing contracts, evidence of financial capacity and readiness, such as proof of funding sources, settlement of outstanding debts owed to current contractors, and demonstrated technical and financial competence, including availability of necessary equipment.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works would not disengage any existing contractor from the site in any of the projects unless the conditions precedent are complied with by concessionaires,” Minister of Works, David Umahi, warned.

    These requirements, however, will not become effective until they are formally approved by principal stakeholders. 

    “The reviewed articles and clauses will be exposed to the principal stakeholders (Heads of relevant MDAs) within seven days for further and final deliberation,” Umahi stated in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji. 

    Concessionaires, he added, are expected to communicate either their acceptance of the revised agreement or identify grey areas for discussion at a follow-up meeting.

    These outcomes followed a two-day meeting in Abuja between the Ministry, key stakeholders, and concessionaires to review the HDMI agreements signed on May 23, 2023. 

    The session, which began Friday, July 18, and ended Monday, July 22, 2025, aimed at adopting a more realistic, transparent, and productive approach to financing road construction and maintenance under Public-Private Partnerships.

    Umahi noted that the review covered the original concession agreements and proposed addendums to strengthen transparency and accountability, and mitigate potential Put-Call Option Agreement and litigation.

    He cited key issues under review, including performance security, change in project scope, toll revision, role of independent engineers, force majeure, and site encumbrance removal.

    Read Also: FG unveils strategic push to achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030

    “Contractors were already on some of the project sites before the signing of the concession agreement by concessionaires,” he observed, justifying the need to re-examine and realign the agreements with sector-wide innovations introduced under the current administration.

    He explained that the review was guided by the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and designed to ensure concessionaires comply with international best practices. 

    “The essence of the review sought was to ensure that the concessionaires comply with best practices and the innovations introduced by the Renewed Hope administration,” Umahi said.

    Goronyo urged concessionaires to show full commitment to the laws and regulations guiding the HDMI process.

  • FG unveils strategic push to achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030

    FG unveils strategic push to achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, has emphasised that achieving Nigeria’s target of a $1 trillion economy by 2030, as set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must begin with strengthening domestic capacity through the Nigeria First Policy.

    Speaking at the Domestic Investment Summit in Abuja, Oduwole stated that Nigeria’s economic transformation must be built on local capital, enterprise, and talent.

    She said the federal government is accelerating economic diversification via reforms in industrialisation, digitisation, the creative sector, manufacturing, and innovation.

    “At the start of the year, we laid out bold 2025 targets —$6 billion in foreign direct and portfolio investment, $6.5 billion in non-oil exports, a 20% rise in trade value, and 200,000 export-led jobs,” she disclosed.

    According to her, Nigeria has so far unlocked over $50 billion in investment commitments through targeted roadshows and strategic engagements. These, she noted, have restored investor confidence and repositioned the country as a forward-looking investment destination.

    “The Nigeria First Policy is our strategic imperative. It prioritises domestic production, deepens value chains, equips our youth for global competitiveness, and builds resilience by addressing structural deficits,” the minister said.

    She listed five critical deficits hindering growth — food, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and housing. While agriculture employs over 35% of Nigerians, it contributes less than 25% to GDP. Manufacturing remains at 12.7% of GDP, electricity access is limited to about 45% of the population, infrastructure gaps remain wide, and the housing deficit exceeds 20 million units.

    “These are not abstract figures. They are real barriers to inclusive growth. But other nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea have shown us that structural transformation is possible with bold policy and coordinated action,” she said.

    Oduwole cited progress already being made under Tinubu’s administration. Non-oil exports rose by 24.75% in Q1 2025, reaching \$1.79 billion. New textile parks, auto plants, and food hubs have been launched in Special Economic Zones. These initiatives are saving foreign exchange and creating mass employment.

    As global production costs rise in East Asia, she said Nigeria is now attracting interest from international manufacturers seeking cost-effective locations.

    “The President has made difficult but necessary reforms—removing the fuel subsidy, unifying exchange rates, restoring fiscal discipline, and enacting the most comprehensive tax reform in decades,” she added.

    She highlighted the three pillars driving growth: fiscal policy to restore trust and attract capital, monetary policy to stabilise the naira and reduce inflation, and trade policy to unlock new global and regional opportunities

    However, she cautioned that Nigeria must act quickly and decisively to remain competitive. “Other countries are reforming faster, offering clearer incentives, and attracting global capital. Every delay risks ceding ground,” she warned.

    Read Also: FG debunks Badenoch’s citizenship claim

    The ministry, she noted, is aligning tariffs with industrial policy, simplifying trade procedures, and pushing for a modernised, globally aligned trade framework.

    Nigeria, she said, has recently completed the WTO Trade Policy Review, signed the UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), finalised CEPA negotiations with the UAE and Japan, signed the U.S. Commercial Investment Partnership (CIP), formalised a Nigeria-Benin MoU, and strengthened ECOWAS trade coordination

    “The Nigeria First Policy is how we will move from ambition to productivity, and from productivity to global competitiveness,” she concluded.

  • FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee to drive HOPE programme implementation

    FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee to drive HOPE programme implementation

    The federal government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme — a World Bank-backed initiative aimed at improving education, healthcare, and governance outcomes across the country.

    The inauguration ceremony, which took place in Abuja, was led by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who chairs the committee. 

    Co-chairing the committee are key ministers: the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.

    Senator Bagudu stated that the primary objective of the committee is to ensure that all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) work in concert to deliver on the objectives of the HOPE programme. 

    He clarified that the role of the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry is to coordinate the implementation of national development plans rather than compete with other ministries.

    “We are not competing, we are complementing each other to drive the HOPE project,” he said. According to him, the committee is expected to develop a coordinated roadmap to ensure a seamless rollout of the HOPE programme and provide guidance on national alignment.

    The committee has been tasked with several key responsibilities to strengthen programme performance. These include: Assessing the implementation progress of the HOPE programme and tracking achievements related to Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) across all beneficiary entities.

    Others include, evaluating the status of disbursements to implementing agencies and monitoring Investment Programme Financing (IPF) arrangements; reviewing how the HOPE series of operations align with national priorities, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and public communications, including the publication of Annual Performance Assessment (APA) results; monitoring the progress of capacity-building initiatives across implementing agencies and identifying and addressing risks or challenges that may impact the programme’s effective delivery.

    The HOPE programme is being coordinated at the federal level by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning through the HOPE Governance National Programme Coordinating Unit (NCPU), which will also serve as the programme’s secretariat. Dr. Assad Hassan serves as the National Coordinator of HOPE-Governance.

    The NCPU is expected to work closely with the federal ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Education, and Finance, as well as their counterparts at the state and local government levels. The goal is to ensure that interventions across all tiers of government are integrated and targeted towards improving the human capital development index in Nigeria.

    Read Also: FG urges grassroots focus on nutrition as N774 initiative gathers momentum

    At the meeting, the Ministers of Finance, Health, Education, and Women Affairs pledged full support for the programme, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to improve living standards nationwide.

    Finance Minister Wale Edun noted that the programme aligns with the administration’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at addressing poverty and boosting productivity. Coordinating Minister of Health Professor Muhammad Ali Pate also expressed confidence in the HOPE programme’s potential to bridge gaps in access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

    Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa stated that the education sector is ready to work with all stakeholders to expand access and improve quality, while Women Affairs Minister Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim assured that gender inclusion and protection of vulnerable groups will remain a priority within the HOPE framework.

    Earlier, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning said the HOPE programme was designed with an overarching objective to support the federal government in strengthening essential service delivery systems and driving long-term national development. 

    He noted that the World Bank-supported initiative seeks to achieve measurable improvements in human capital indicators, which are central to Nigeria’s Vision 2050 and the National Development Plan (2021–2025).

  • ASUSS to FG: preserve Buhari’s education legacy

    ASUSS to FG: preserve Buhari’s education legacy

    The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari and called on the Federal Government to immortalise him by fully implementing the Teachers’ Retirement Age Law he signed into law.

    In a statement jointly signed by ASUSS National President Comrade Sola Adigun and Secretary General Comrade Kenneth Okoh, the union praised Buhari’s contribution to the education sector, particularly his approval of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, which extended the retirement age of teachers to 65 years or 40 years of service.

    The union, however, expressed concern that many states have yet to implement the law more than two years after it was signed, urging urgent action to honour the legacy of the late former president.

    “For more than two years the law has not been implemented, thereby shortchanging teachers and undermining the intent of the federal legislation. It is our belief that one of the ways to truly celebrate the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari is to ensure full and unconditional implementation of this law in every state of the federation.”

    Read Also: Buhari: Akpabio leads NASS delegation on condolence visit to Radda

    He noted that failure of the implementation will be disservice to both the departed leader and the teaching profession,” the statement said.

    The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate steps by engaging state governors and relevant government agencies to enforce the law across all states, in the spirit of continuity, justice.

    “President Buhari may be gone, but his legacies live on. Let us not only mourn him but also honour him by giving life to the progressive policies he championed for teachers and for Nigeria at large.”