NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
U.S. waiver offers relief for HIV treatment programme, says NACA DG
Health

U.S. waiver offers relief for HIV treatment programme, says NACA DG

470 total views today

HIV

By Justina Auta

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), says the recent U.S. waiver on lifesaving medicines and medical services provides relief for global HIV treatment.

President Donald Trump previously issued an executive order halting foreign aid spending for 90 days.

Ilori, in a statement in Abuja, said the waiver would allow continuous distribution of HIV medications and medical services supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Nigeria.

She noted that the reassessment of U.S. foreign aid raised concerns among stakeholders regarding HIV/AIDS and TB technical support and funding.

Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa.

“Over two decades, global AIDS response partners have supported Nigeria in scaling up HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support.

“The U.S. government, through PEPFAR, has significantly supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, particularly in sustaining treatment for people living with HIV.

“PEPFAR-Nigeria remains the largest donor for treatment, covering approximately 90 per cent of the burden,” she said.

She added that the waiver allows the continued distribution of HIV medications and medical services under PEPFAR in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. waiver and remains mindful of potential foreign aid changes under the new administration.

“We will intensify domestic resource mobilisation to ensure ownership and sustainability of the HIV response.

“This will reduce risks from donor policy shifts while ensuring Nigeria achieves its strategic HIV response goals,” she said.

She added that through stakeholder collaboration, favourable policies, and advocacy, Nigeria can still achieve its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

“We encourage patients to continue accessing HIV treatment services nationwide.

“We urge state governors, private sector partners, National and State Assembly members, CSOs, media, and other stakeholders to remain committed to fighting HIV/AIDS.

“We appreciate the U.S. Government and international partners for their ongoing support of Nigeria’s HIV response,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NIS intercepts 21 minors at Nigeria-Niger border
Defence/Security

NIS intercepts 21 minors at Nigeria-Niger border

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By Ahmed Abba

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted 21 minors, suspected to be victims of trafficking at the Geidam border post in Yobe.

The Yobe State Comptroller of the NIS, Mr. Sani Sule-Jega disclosed this while handing over the children to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

Sule-Jega said the minors, aged between seven and 15, were without travel documents and were being transported from Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to the Republic of Niger.

“These minors, aged between seven and 15, were intercepted at the Geidam border out-post.

“Our core mandate is border security and migration management, and this interception is a testament to our commitment.

“They were travelling without any documentation, raising our suspicion, hence we handed them over to NAPTIP for proper investigation,” he said.

The suspected trafficker, identified as Abubakar Sadiq, claimed the children were being taken to Niger Republic for educational purposes.

He said their parents requested him to find affordable schools for them in Maine, Niger Republic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the driver, the suspected trafficker, and the rescued children have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation. (NAN)

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase/Maureen Atuonwu

Violation: JAMB suspends law programme in 8 institutions
Education

Violation: JAMB suspends law programme in 8 institutions

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Suspension

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it will not conduct admissions for Law programme in eight institutions following the suspension of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme.

A statement signed by the Public Communications Advisor of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja said the Council of Legal Education (CLE) for the 2025/2026 academic session had suspended law programmes for violating regulatory procedures.

Benjamin listed the affected universities as follows: Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State and Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State.

Others are Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

Benjamin said that the suspension of the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, would last for two academic sessions, specifically, the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions.

“As a result, JAMB will not approve any admissions for candidates seeking to enroll in the Law programme at the aforementioned universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

” Furthermore, the ban on registration for the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy will extend into the 2026/2027 academic session,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama
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Telecom tariff hike: NLC declares mass rally on Feb. 4
Economy/Business

Telecom tariff hike: NLC declares mass rally on Feb. 4

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Protest

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared plans to embark on a nationwide mass rally on Feb. 4 over the 50 per cent hike on telecom services by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in a communique issued at the end of the Congress’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja.

He said the NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike as it was considered as too harsh for the citizens.

According to him, to express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000.

“A population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.

“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the Feb. 4, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.

“The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy,” he said.

Ajaero therefore said that NAC-in-session called for the immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike.

He also called on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment.

He added that the tariff should be reviewed within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.

“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.

“Others are further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality,”he said.

He added that the NLC remained committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies.

“We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Mininmum Wage: Labour gives defaulters till March to implement
Metro

Mininmum Wage: Labour gives defaulters till March to implement

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Wage

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) sys that stringent measures are in place to ensure that states and employers implement the national minimum wage and the consequential adjustment before the end of March.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said this at its one day National Leadership Retreat organised for the union’s National Administrative Committee Members in Abuja.

The theme of the retreat was, ” Leadership Challenges amongst Activists”.

Ibrahim, who is also the National Internal Auditor of the NLC, said that the measures were imperative due to the continuous delay by states and institutions to manipulate wage payments.

According to him, one of the issues in the implementation of the minimum wage is that of insincerity.

“The national minimum wage has been signed into law, and payments should have commenced nationwide.

“But in most institutions and states, what they did was just to award a certain amount or a figure they are merely using to play with the intelligence of workers as minimum wage.

“But I am happy that the NLC is not sleeping on this matter and we have been engaging.

“But going forward, I can assure you that we are taking very stringent measures to ensure that between now and the end of this first quarter, that the minimum wage and consequential adjustment will be implemented.

“Any state or employer of labour that refuses to implement the national minimum wage and the adjustment in workers’ salaries accordingly will face the consequences.

“The labour laws are there and we have all that it takes to enforce our rights against those employers,” he said.

Ibrahim, while speaking on the theme of the retreat, said that some members sabotaged strike actions, weakening the effectiveness of industrial actions.

“Unfortunately, some of our own members work against our collective struggle. They engage in blackmail and underhand dealings to derail strike actions.

“But this is not unique to SSANU; it happens in every sector. Part of why we are holding this retreat is to educate our members on the importance of unity and discipline within the union,” he said.

Ibrahim also admitted that industrial actions had lost their effectiveness due to government indifference and worker fatigue.

He noted that while strikes remained a last resort, the union would explore alternative negotiation strategies.

He emphasised the need for continuous training of university staff and better funding of tertiary institutions.

The SSANU president, however, said that universities must remain the centers of learning and innovation, requiring continuous capacity building for staff.

“As leaders of this great union, we must ensure that our national executives are equipped with the latest global trends.

”SSANU is an affiliate of NLC, and we have benefited from international training programmes.

“It is important that we bring this knowledge back home and share it at all levels,” he said.

Those present at the retreat include the former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, former SSANU President Chief Promise Adeusi, and the Director-General of the Institute of Mentoring and Coaching, Mr Rotimi Mathew.(NAN)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Border dispute: UN lauds Nigeria, Cameroon for implementing ICJ’s ruling
Foreign

Border dispute: UN lauds Nigeria, Cameroon for implementing ICJ’s ruling

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Dispute
By Hamza Suleiman
The UN has commended the Republics of Nigeria and Cameroon for their commitments toward implementing the International Court of Justice (ICJ’s) ruling on their border dispute.
Leonardo Simão, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, said this while speaking at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Simão, therefore, described the development as a significant step toward promoting regional peace and cooperation.
“I commend both countries for their commitment to a peaceful resolution, which has been pivotal in fostering stability in the Lake Chad region,” he said.
Simão also said that the peaceful implementation of the ICI’s ruling had further contributed to regional stability and facilitated efforts to support affected populations, promote sustainable development, and enhance social cohesion.
He praised the role of the Lake Chad Basin member states and governors in fostering cross-border collaboration to achieve lasting peace and economic recovery.
“I acknowledge the efforts invested by the governors and member states over the years to foster inclusiveness and collaboration across borders in the quest for sustainable peace and development in the Lake Chad area.
“While efforts to combat terrorism have begun yielding positive results, new challenges have emerged, demanding sustained and focused attention from all stakeholders,” Simão said.
He, however, called on Lake Chad Basin countries to fully take ownership of the Adjusted Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience, which was designed to guide future interventions in the region.
“In this regard, I welcome the proposal to adjust the Territorial Action Plan as a key mechanism for advancing the regional strategy at national and local levels,” he stated.
Simão assured that the UN, through its Resident Coordinators and country teams, would remain key partner in ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to stabilisation.
Similarly, Anunna Eziakonwa, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for Africa, called for stronger regional cooperation.
Eziakonwa expressed optimism that the region could address its challenges through stronger regional cooperation, inclusive governance, and increased investment in climate resilience.
“We are gathered here at a time when this region has witnessed the fury of nature,” she said.
The envoy, however, extended her condolences to the people of Borno in Nigeria and the people of Marwa in Cameroon who were severely affected by recent devastating floods.
The envoy called for a paradigm shift in how stabilisation efforts were approached, urging regional leaders to focus on inclusion, accountability, and sustainable solutions.
“Governance must be strengthened, youth and women must be empowered, and climate adaptation must be accelerated.
“By investing in people and communities, we lay the foundation for lasting peace and stability,” Eziakonwa said.(NAN)
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed

ECOWAS says Mali, B/Faso, Niger officially exit bloc today
Foreign

ECOWAS says Mali, B/Faso, Niger officially exit bloc today

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Exit
By Mark Longyen
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS becomes effective from Jan. 29th.
The commission’s spokesperson, Joel Ahofodji, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that it is in line with the decision of the ECOWAS authority, and in the spirit of regional solidarity and interest of the people.
He added that the bloc was still opened to their return whenever they wanted.
The bloc urged all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States to take note of the development.
The commission urged recognition of the national passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
It also urged all concerned to continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
ECOWAS also urged them to allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
The commission also urged all to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the community.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.
“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period,” Ahofodji added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Sahel countries had on Jan. 29, 2024, declared their intention to quit ECOWAS within 12 months in line with the bloc’s protocol.
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in December 2024 approved the three countries’ right to quit but said the doors were still opened to their return. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Tinubu appoints board chairpersons for 42 agencies, others
Metro

Tinubu appoints board chairpersons for 42 agencies, others

617 total views today

Appointments

By Salisu Sani-Idris
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Board Chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a Secretary for the Board of the Civil Defence, Immigration and Prisons Services.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Onanuga said that Tinubu also appointed a new Managing Director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a Director-General for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).

He said the president directed the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.

According to Onanuga, all the appointments take immediate effect.

He named Mr Hillard Eta (Cross River) as the Board Chairman, National Youth Service Corps and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi (Lagos) as the Board Chairman, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

Onanuga also named Dr Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) as Board Chairman, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola (Osun) as Chairman, National Sugar Development Council.

He said Tinubu appointed Sen. Magnus Abe (Rivers) as Chairman, National Agency for the Great Green Wall and Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu (Kebbi) as Chairman, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company.

Similarly, Mr Festus Fuanter (Plateau) was named Chairman, National Teachers Institute, Mr Raji Kolawole (Oyo), Director-General, National Board for Technical Incubation (NBTI) and Chief Victor Giadom (Rivers), Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Education Planning and Administration.

He also said that Tinubu approved the appointment of Malam Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa) as the Chairman of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and Mr Hamma Kumo (Gombe) as Chairman of the Industrial Training Fund.

Onanuga further stated that Donatus Nwankpa (Abia) was appointed Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Science and Technology Complex while Sen. Abubakar Maikafi (Bauchi) was named Chairman of Sheda Science and Technology Complex.

He disclosed that Tinubu named Nasiru Gawuna (Kano), Chairman, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi(Lagos), Chairman, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion and Prof. Abdulkarim Kana (Nasarawa), Chairman, National Steel Council.

Onanuga also named Musa Adar (Sokoto), Chairman, National Inland Waterways Authority and Malam Garba Muhammad (Kaduna), Chairman, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.

Others announced were chairmen of the National Bio-Safety Management Agency, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe and Nigeria Railway Corporation among others.
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

2025 WEF: Shettima advocates equal aids partnerships
Economy/Business

2025 WEF: Shettima advocates equal aids partnerships

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Aid

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed his strong disbelief in dependency on foreign aid, instead emphasising the importance of equal partnerships that uphold dignity.

Speaking at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima said, “I don’t believe in aid; I believe in partnership.

“I’d rather carry my poverty with dignity and deal with people, nations, and companies on a pedestal of equality, not in a master-servant relationship.”
He added, “I didn’t come with a begging bowl.”

Shettima said he was optimistic about Africa’s prospects, noting the continent’s rich resources and strategic importance to global growth.

“My continent is the richest in the world, and the global growth trajectory is facing Africa. Nigeria will make or mar that transition.
“The youths of Africa are the drivers of change,” he said.

He reiterated his belief that Nigeria’s dedication to harnessing the potential of its youth, investing in education, and advancing smart agriculture will go a long way in tackling global and domestic challenges.

The Vice-President also observed that while crises abound, they also present opportunities for nations to rebuild stronger.

“The word for crisis in Chinese is ‘Wei Ji’. Wei stands for danger, while Ji stands for opportunity. Yes, we have challenges, but those challenges are pregnant with opportunities to re-engineer our society and build back better,” he said.

Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to embrace innovation and empowerment, particularly through education, gender-focused initiatives, and smart agriculture, to propel its economy into the fourth post-industrial revolution.

“The crisis has given us a unique opportunity to invest in people, especially in areas that will enable us to leapfrog our economies into global competitiveness,” he added.

Acknowledging global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, Shettima noted their impact on supply chains, humanitarian challenges, and peace.

He called for multilateral collaboration, stressing that the interconnected nature of global challenges requires collective solutions.

“There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the African continent. But hope springs eternal in the hearts of men.

“As members of the same human family, we can find solutions to our challenges. We must look inward to solve our problems, but multilateralism is key.

“These challenges are global, and we must fuse into one human family to overcome them,” the Vice President added. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Water to become precious commodity in Nigeria – UNICEF
Environment

Water to become precious commodity in Nigeria – UNICEF

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Water

By Muhammad Nasir

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised an alarm that water could soon become a highly precious commodity in Nigeria.

UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christiane Munduate, issued the warning during an interview with journalists in Sokoto on Thursday.

Munduate warned that, if authorities in Nigeria failed to address environmental challenges and combat the effects of climate change, there would be water scarcity across several communities.

She said that environmental degradation and improper waste management practices were aggravating water scarcity in the country.

The UNICEF official urged the authorities to enforce existing laws to curb the indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic and polythene materials, which were harming the environment.

“In Nigeria, water will become the most precious commodity or product in the future.

“This will surpass the current value of solid minerals, oil and gas resources,” she warned.

Munduate, who was on a working visit to the North West, also expressed concerns about the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes.

She stated that the practice was worsening the effects of climate change.

She called on governments at all levels to prioritise the provision of clean water, emphasising its role in preventing diseases and improving public health.  (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Christiana Fadare

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