News Agency of Nigeria
ASUP issues 21 days ultimatum to FG over lingering demands

ASUP issues 21 days ultimatum to FG over lingering demands

Demands

By Joan Nwagwu

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands in an agreement entered with the union.

Mr Shammah Kpanja, President of ASUP, said this while addressing newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council of the union on Thursday in Abuja.

Kapanja said that the demands by the union includes the non release of a circular to effect the payment of its Peculiar Academic Allowance by the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

He said the Peculiar Academic Allowances paid to academic staff across Polytechnics was a component of the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement.

The union leader said, rather than make provisions for payment, the allowances have been removed from the budgeting template and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) had failed to intervene in definite terms on the subject.

He said the NEC expressed deep concerns over the continued decision by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to outsource the accreditation process for polytechnics in the country despite assurances to desist from such actions.

The union leader said the 25/35 per cent arrears of salary review was yet to be implemented.

He said that the arrears which cover a 12-month period and captured in the budget was yet to be released for reasons beyond the comprehension of the union.

ASUP president added that NEC  expressed deep concerns over the continued decision by the NBTE to outsource the accreditation process for polytechnics in the country despite assurances to desist from such actions.

He said that most states government have failed to implement the New National Minimum Wage.

He said NEC have expressed worry over the continued delay and non approval of a dual mandate structure aimed at eliminating the agelong discrimination against HND holders.

“In view of the items listed above our union’s NEC has resolved to issue a 21 days ultimatum to the Government to address the issues satisfactorily.

“A failure to utilise this window may lead to the declaration of a trade dispute and withdrawal of services of our members across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Why We Involve EFCC, Others in Recovering Anchor Borrowers Loans – MAAN

Why We Involve EFCC, Others in Recovering Anchor Borrowers Loans – MAAN

Loans
By Priscilla Osaje

The Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) says it is working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police to recover Anchor Borrowers Programme loans from its members.

Its National President, Mr Bello Abubakar, said this at a news conference after a three-day meeting organised by the association in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting included the association’s state chairmen, zonal coordinators, national officers, and other stakeholders in the maize value chain, such as researchers, input suppliers, farmers, and end users.

The MAAN boss said the purpose of the press briefing was to inform the general public about the efforts being made to recover the Anchor Borrowers Programme loans given to the association from 2018 to 2021 for maize production.

“MAAN understands that the ABP/CBN programme is a revolving loan due for full recovery, depending on the participants (farmers) for compliance.

“Unfortunately, there was a monumental disappointment, as most of the participants/farmers thought that the loan was a national cake,” Abubakar said.

He added that due to the recalcitrant attitude of the participants/farmers towards repayment of the loan, MAAN was constrained to write several demand letters to the defaulters, as well as to seek synergy with law enforcement and anti-graft agencies like the EFCC, DSS, and the Nigeria Police for assistance, in line with Federal Government policies on loan recovery.

“It is most unfortunate that some of the participants/defaulters, who tried to evade responsibility to both MAAN and the agencies supporting our loan recovery, took us to various courts for enforcement of their purported human rights, which they claimed were violated.”

The MAAN president said the association took some of the defaulters to court for loan recovery, and most of those cases are still pending in the courts.

He noted that insecurity is grossly affecting association members, saying, “Some of our farms and farmers were burnt, kidnapped, and killed by bandits on farms in Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Ondo, and Ekiti states.”

According to him, flooding has also affected farmers in Kogi, Benue, Cross River, Jigawa, Katsina, Taraba, Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states, with drought threatening members in Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, and Benue states.

Abubakar urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment that would give smallholder farmers the opportunity to settle their outstanding loans and produce for domestic needs and exports.

He said the government should show compassion to farmers in consideration of the unmitigated and debilitating factors making productive farming and harvesting impossible.

The MAAN boss appealed to the government to either waive or significantly reduce the outstanding financial obligations of the association in the CBN/ABP programme.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in ensuring food security in the country.
(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Nigeria pushes bold health reform to achieve self-reliance—-SWAp

Nigeria pushes bold health reform to achieve self-reliance—-SWAp

Reform

By Abujah Racheal

Nigeria is embarking on a health sector reform that experts believe could redefine the nation’s journey toward self-reliance in healthcare and broader development.

The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) is leading the transformative effort, anchored by the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator of the SWAp Coordination Office, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the reform aims to establish a more integrated and efficient health system adding that the goal is to sustain and strengthen Nigeria’s national response to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Describing the initiative as “audacious and worthy,” Umar-Sadiq emphasized the deep commitment of federal, state, and community stakeholders, alongside development partners.

“This week, we reignited a new chapter in building an efficient, integrated health system that can sustain our fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

“What sets this effort apart is its foundation within the broader NHSRII framework.”

“The SWAp framework prioritizes resource-efficient integration driven by demand, data intelligence for informed decision-making, and a unified national approach to reduce fragmentation and foster collaboration,” he said.

He said in response to changing global funding landscapes, Nigeria organised a Technical Working Group on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM-TWG) to identify funding gaps.

According to him, key organisations—including NACA, NASCP, NTBLCP, NMEP, and agencies such as NPHCDA, NHIA, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare—collaborated to produce a cost analysis that informed a ₦200 billion domestic investment.

Umar-Sadiq added that a transition strategy is underway to address systemic gaps, strengthen programme arrangements, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

“The initiative aims to maximize population-level impact and optimize funding efficiency.

“While integration has always been a principle of our health system, SWAp provides the necessary environment for accelerated institutionalization and targeted policy reforms,” he explained.

Umar-Sadig recalled that on Aug.11–12, health sector stakeholders converged in Abuja for a workshop to co-create solutions capable of unlocking system efficiencies.

He said the meeting identified numerous integration opportunities Nigeria plans to implement over the next three years.

“This journey blends passion and faith,” Umar-Sadiq said. “It is a bold step that reflects the unwavering commitment of our leadership and partners at every level.” (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

New Tenancy bill to protect Lagos tenants from exploitation — Lawmaker

New Tenancy bill to protect Lagos tenants from exploitation — Lawmaker

Bill

By Adekunle Williams

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, says the new  Tenancy Bill of the House  aims to protect tenants against exploitation by estate agents.

Ogundipe, Chairman, House Committee on Information, said this  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the House had on Wednesday organised a public hearing on the bill

Ogundipe said the bill contains provisions designed to reduce financial burden on accommodation seekers in the state.

He added that the  bill was  a direct response to public  complaints regarding high fees charged by agents.

According to him,  a salient provision of the bill is  the reduction of agency fees on annual rents  from 10 per cent  to five per cent.

Ogundipe expressed optimism that the bill would foster harmony in landlord-tenant relations and stimulate real estate investment in the state.

According to him, the bill will not only restore the confidence of real estate investors, but also open opportunities for new financiers to enter the market.

“The new bill currently under consideration by the House is designed to protect the rights of both tenants and landlords.

“It will also reduce disputes, and remove barriers to large-scale housing development by private investors.

“If the bill is passed into law, it will put an end to many of the recurring controversies between landlords and tenants.

“This bill will promote mutual understanding, clearly define rights and obligations, and ensure peaceful co-existence,” he said.

Ogundipe appreciated all stakeholders for their participation in the public hearing, highlighting that their contributions would help in shaping a progressive and balanced law.

He also emphasised the need to review the existing legal requirements for landlords to insure their premises against loss or damage.

The lawmaker also said the  proposed law gives landlords the  right to inspect and maintain their property upon giving prior notice to tenants.

NAN  reports that Wednesday’s hearing was attended by the Chairman, House Committee on Housing, Mr Olusegun Ege;  House Majority Leader,Mr  Noheem Adams and  Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai .

Also in attendance were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Housing, Mr Ayodeji Amodu and representatives of key real estate bodies, including the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

Others included representatives of  the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Association of Realtors, and the Real Estate Agents Association of Nigeria, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

FG reaffirms commitment to trn economy

FG reaffirms commitment to $1trn economy

Economy

By Ige Adekunle

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the Federal Government will create more enabling environment for investors to thrive and leverage industrial revolution to achieve the proposed one trillion dollar economy.

Shettima stated this during the 2025 Ota Investment Summit and Trade Fair on Tuesday in Ota.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trade fair has as its theme: “Industrial Revolution: Potential and Opportunities from Ota to the rest of the World.”

The vice-president, who was represented by Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua, said that the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was more than a mere slogan.

“It is a comprehensive blueprint for national rebirth and it is a bold pact with Nigerian people, premised on the belief that our nation must reach its full potential,” he said.

According to him, the planned one trillion dollar economy is both ‘audacious and eminently achievable’.

Shettima noted that the federal government’ unflinching commitment to fiscal discipline, business-friendly environment and the removal of bureaucracy was an affirmation of the belief that private sector, led by visionary entrepreneurs and investors, could serve as the driver of prosperity and job creation.

“The rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was not merely a statistical update but it demonstrates that our economy is not just a story of oil and gas but a rich tapestry woven with the thread of technology, financial services and booming agricultural value chain,” he said.

The vice-president urged Nigerians to work together with the federal government to build a new industrial revolution that would not only create wealth but also empower the people and create jobs for the youth.

He described Ota Investment Summit and Fair as a platform for forging new partnerships, sharing knowledge and committing to a shared future of prosperity.

In his opening remarks, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, said that Ota Industrial Belt’s success was not accidental but a product of decades of strategic investment, infrastructure development and the handiwork of visionary entrepreneurs.

Obalanlege said that the belt’s proximity to global shipping routes, airports, skilled labour and raw materials had continued to make it a magnet for industrial expansion.

He said that the federal government’s aspiration to achieve a one trillion dollar economy was ambitious, adding that Ota could be a driver of that goal with proper infrastructural upgrades and sustained investor confidence.

“Ota Industrial Belt can significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP through increased manufacturing outputs for domestic and export markets, greater foreign direct investment inflows from global partners, expansion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into regional value chain as well as creation of jobs,” he said.

Obalanlege, a professor, said that the summit was not just about showcasing the town’s strengths but about making proving that Nigeria could achieve its trillion-dollar ambition.

Chairman of Ota Chamber of Commerce, Dr Kayode Bowale, called for stronger private-public partnership for road infrastructure, for rapid community development and industrial growth.

Bowale stressed the need for patronisong locally-made goods and services to boost the country’s development.

NAN reports that more than 18 exhibitors participated in the trade fair.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IGE/WAS

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Court gives FG September deadline to conclude 10-year trial of ex-NSA, Dasuki

Court gives FG September deadline to conclude 10-year trial of ex-NSA, Dasuki

Deadline

by Wandoo Sumbo
The Federal High Court, Abuja has given the Federal Government a September deadline to conclude prosecution of former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed Sept. 24, 25, and 26 for the Federal Government to call any remaining witnesses and tender all exhibits in support of the charges, which have been pending for a decade.

Dasuki, who was first arraigned in 2015 was facing a seven-count amended charge and was expected to open his defence once the prosecution closed its case.

At the last hearing, a prosecution witness, Monsur Mohammed, told the court that following Dasuki’s arrest, his residences in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto were searched for arms and cash.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Mr Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), the witness, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), listed items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro.

At Dasuki’s House at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro, he listed two Compact Disc of Freedom Radio on Jokolo, two GT Bank Cheque books, two blackberries phones, Nokia phone, flash drive, Apple Laptop and statement of account as part of items found in the house.

Others were a Visa card, approval letter of a radio station granted to Afri-Media Integrated Ltd, one CD on arrest and execution of Mohammed Yusuf, 500 US Dollars and 533 Saudi Riyadh.

Also recovered were an HSBC account book and a Cheque book of Habibson Ltd of Abubakar Ibrahim.

The court admitted the items as Exhibits MSD 015 to 034 following no objection from Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Ahmed Usman.

At Dasuki’s residence in Sabo Birni, Sokoto State, the exhibits keeper claimed that 150,000 dollars were recovered in the house and subsequently deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The prosecutor said he would ask the DSS to bring the cash to court to be tendered as exhibits.

At the Sultan Abubakar Road, Sokoto house, the witness told the court that no items were found.

At this stage, the federal government counsel applied for an adjournment to enable him bring before the court other items found in Dasuki’s house during the four search warrants executed in the houses.

Justice Lifu while granting the adjournment request directed the federal government to be ready to close its case against the defendant and for Dasuki to open his defence.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case until Sept. 24, 25 and 26.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

Gaza: UN chief urges probe into killing of journalists

Gaza: UN chief urges probe into killing of journalists

Journalists

By Cecilia Ologunagba

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned the killing of six Palestinian journalists in Gaza.

The reporters – five of whom worked for the Al Jazeera media network – were killed in a targeted Israeli strike in Gaza City on Sunday.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, said this at a news briefing on Monday in New York

“These latest killings highlight the extreme risks journalists continue to face when covering the ongoing war.

“The Secretary-General calls for an independent and impartial investigation into these latest killings.”

Dujarric pointed out that at least 242 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began nearly three years ago.

“The Secretary-General underscores that journalists and media workers must be respected; they must be protected and they must be allowed to carry out their work freely, free from fear and free from harassment,” he said.

 Meanwhile, the number of children in Gaza who have died from malnutrition since October 2023 has surpassed 100, according to the Gazan health authorities, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said in an update.

More than a third of the population is not eating for days at a time, according to the UN World Food Population (WFP).  Furthermore, acute malnutrition is spiking, with over 300,000 children at severe risk.

This comes amidst a recent warning by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that a mere 1.5 per cent of cropland in the enclave remains both accessible and undamaged, “signaling a near-total collapse of the local production of food.”

On the aid front, the UN and its partners collected food and hygiene kits from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing on Wednesday.

“However, supplies were offloaded directly from these trucks before reaching their destination, given the extreme desperation pervasive in Gaza today,” OCHA said.

The agency stressed that people there “need a predictable lifeline – not a trickle of aid – so they do not feel they need to take desperate measures to survive.”

WFP said that just to cover basic humanitarian food assistance needs, more than 62,000 metric tonnes are required to enter Gaza every month, and so far, humanitarians have not been permitted to bring in enough supplies to support the population.

Humanitarians also collected fuel from the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday.

Israel is allowing, on average, the entry of about 150,000 litres of fuel daily, which is still far below the minimum required. As a result, life-saving operations continue to be at risk.

The Palestine Civil Defence organisation has warned that more than half of their ambulances have stopped operating across Gaza due to the shortage of both fuel and spare parts.

“Israeli authorities must allow aid to enter through all crossings and via all available corridors so that humanitarians can deliver – at scale, in a safe and dignified manner – to reach the most vulnerable, including women, children and older people,” OCHA said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

FAAN vows to sanction passengers with disruptive, threatening behaviours

FAAN vows to sanction passengers with disruptive, threatening behaviours

Behaviours

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Following reported unruly behaviours at the nation’s airports in the past few days, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says erring passengers will be sanctioned according to civil aviation laws.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah, on Monday in Lagos.

According to Orah, the authority expressed concerns over repeated incidents of unruly behaviour, saying it was unacceptable and would not  be tolerated.

She advised passengers to familiarise themselves with passengers’ rights and responsibilities, as well as  airlines’ obligations as published by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and FAAN Bye Laws.

“The Authority will not hesitate to implement relevant sanctions as stipulated in ICAO Annex 17, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, especially Part 17, and FAAN Bye Laws against any form of disruptive or threatening behaviour within airport premises.

“FAAN is also reviewing its protocols around restraining and prosecuting passengers in line with the Airport Approved Security Programme and relevant laws.

“Regarding the recent incident involving a passenger on Ibom Air, while the situation was initially managed by security personnel at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 (MMA2), the FAAN Aviation Security  team has since intervened, taken the individual into custody and handed her over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and prosecution,” she added.

According to Orah, FAAN urges all intending passengers to conduct themselves in a civil and orderly manner and adhere to all established airport and airline regulations.

She said that the safety, security and comfort of all airport users remained a top priority of the authority.

She warned that inappropriate behaviour would be sanctioned in line with relevant laws and protocols. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Airline operators place  indefinite ‘No Fly’ ban on Ibom Air passenger

Airline operators place  indefinite ‘No Fly’ ban on Ibom Air passenger

Ban

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed a ‘No Fly’ ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who allegedly became unruly aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303, from Uyo to Lagos, on Sunday.

This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson for AON, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, on Monday in Lagos.

The AON condemned the alleged unruly behaviour including physical assault on a crew member.

It described it as the most severe case of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed in 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanson allegedly refused to comply with safety protocol  on use of mobile phone during landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two.

She allegedly became violent when approached by flight crew members  and other airport personnel before she was handed to airport security operatives.

AON said: “We have reviewed the detailed statement issued by Ibom Air regarding the incident, and we commend the airline for its swift and professional handling of this unfortunate event and fully endorse the actions taken.

“The incident,  from the initial refusal by the passenger to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage which led to brutal physical assault on Ibom Air crew members and the attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon, constitutes one of the most severe case of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed this year.

“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk.”

It said that such an incident had become one too many.

“This behaviour is unacceptable; therefore, the AON has placed Ms Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely,” it said.

According to the association, Emmanson is banned from flying with any aircraft belonging to any member of AON locally  and internationally.

“The AON urgently calls on FAAN to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country.

“The AON stands united with Ibom Air and all our members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward unruly passengers.”

It warned that anyone  exhibiting such a behaviour would suffer a similar consequence.

“While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process.

“We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers and equipment,  as well as maintaining the highest safety standards,” it said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Panel orders mapping of juvenile correctional facilities nationwide

Panel orders mapping of juvenile correctional facilities nationwide

Mapping

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has directed a nationwide mapping of juvenile correctional facilities.

The panel also ordered submission of a comprehensive status report to the National Assembly.

Dr Uju Agomoh, Secretary of the panel, stated this on Monday in Abuja during a media interaction on the issues highlighted during the panel’s third public hearing.

Agomoh said that the day’s deliberations focused on the treatment of “illegal persons” in NCoS custody, challenges facing the service in implementing the NCoS Act, 2019, and standing orders.

This, she said, was with emphasis on Section 35 (1) and (3), Section 13 (3b) and (4), and relevant provisions of the standing orders relating to the treatment of children.

Agomoh said that clear directives were issued for a detailed status report on all custodial facilities nationwide, including “Borstal facilities” managed by the NCoS.

“Special instructions were given regarding a facility in Ilorin to determine whether it should be categorised as a hostel or halfway home.

“This is also to ensure that classification of women’s facilities follows the same standard,” she said.

Agomoh added that the panel had also ordered immediate action on water and sanitation issues in affected centres.

On the welfare of young girls in detention, the panel examined NCoS’s relationship with state agencies providing such facilities.

She said that the Panel recommended strategies to improve collaboration, especially since the service now falls under the Concurrent Legislative List.

According to her, the panel directed the NCoS to map all states to identify locations of facilities for young offenders and submit this information promptly to Parliament.

“The day’s sessions also reviewed the informal sector, focusing on the need for proper oversight of facilities not governed by the Community Council, and on ensuring correctional measures are effectively implemented in such places,” she said.

Agomoh said that data management within the NCoS was commended, noting progress supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme under the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This, she said included provision of data equipment and logistical support for Parliament.

She, however, stressed that more work was required, particularly on enforcing Sections 21 and 22 of the NCoS Act on the four types of visits to custodial centres, and Section 23 on designated visiting centres.

She also said that the resources required for these centres must be identified and included in the national budget.

“The panel also flagged the need to reflect staffing requirements for Borstal facilities and other resources in the 2024 budget, as well as the provision of adequate facilities for proper treatment of non-offenders in custody, “she said.

Agomoh said that there was also a call for the collection of statistics on remand homes and on interventions by faith-based institutions, as no such data currently existed.

She added that the panel advocated greater support for diversion programmes, wider use of non-custodial measures, and strengthened oversight mechanisms for continuous improvement.

The secretary said that the discussions were intense and had drawn inputs and solutions from the NCoS, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the media, with one more participation session scheduled for Tuesday.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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