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Strike: CSOs decry setback in malaria, HIV services in FCT
Health

Strike: CSOs decry setback in malaria, HIV services in FCT

184 total views today

Strike

By Justina Auta

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised serious concerns over the disruption of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV interventions in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The disruption followed an ongoing workers’ strike that had significantly affected the delivery of essential health services in the territory.

The CSOs voiced their concerns during a courtesy visit to the FCT PHC Board and the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) Secretariat on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March, the joint unions of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) directed workers across the six area councils of the FCT to embark on a sit-at-home strike.

The industrial action was aimed at pressing for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the settlement of other outstanding entitlements by the area council authorities.

The industrial action had resulted in the prolonged closure of primary healthcare centres and schools, significantly limiting access to essential services for residents.

Mr Samuel Simon, FCT Programme Officer for the TB Network, said their recent visit to PHCs supported under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (C19RM/RSSH) Global Fund Project revealed troubling findings.

He noted that many of the facilities remained shut, hindering access to critical health services at the community level.

“The strike, which has crippled healthcare services, has severely impacted the delivery of essential health programmes, putting vulnerable populations at risk,” Simon stated.

Mr Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator of the Tuberculosis Network, expressed similar concerns, noting the broader implications for malaria and HIV responses.

“With PHC facilities largely inaccessible, concerns are mounting over a potential surge in untreated cases, disease transmission, and preventable deaths.

“This will have devastating effects, not just on communities, but also on the progress made in achieving universal health coverage,” he warned.

Mr Peter Ikiti, FCT Coordinator for the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), called on all relevant authorities to urgently address the industrial dispute.

He stressed the need to safeguard health and education services, especially for vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing strike.

Dr Julius Ibecheole, FCT State Coordinator of the Association of Civil Society Organisations in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), also called for immediate action.

“We are calling for urgent steps to resolve these issues and restore uninterrupted healthcare services that protect the health and well-being of residents, especially those most vulnerable to diseases,” Ibecheole said.

Responding to the concerns, Mrs Elizabeth Ladipo, FCT PHC Board State Health Educator, acknowledged the negative impact of the strike on vulnerable communities but assured stakeholders that advocacy efforts were ongoing to ensure a resolution.

Likewise, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Programme Manager of SMEP, noted that some interventions, with the support of development partners, were continuing, particularly around the distribution of malaria elimination drugs.

Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the NLC, FCT Chapter, warned that the union would shut down Abuja after July 3 if authorities failed to resolve the ongoing industrial disputes affecting area council workers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agency warns flood-prone LGAs in Nasarawa to relocate
Environment

Agency warns flood-prone LGAs in Nasarawa to relocate

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Flooding

By Oboh Linus

The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) has advised residents of flood-prone communities across the state to relocate to higher ground to avert loss of lives and property.

Mr Benjamin Akwash, Director-General of the Agency, gave the advice on Friday in Awe LGA during a three-day advocacy and sensitisation campaign on the Early Warning and Response Mechanism in flood-prone areas of the state.

Akwash said the sensitisation exercise followed the 2024 seasonal rainfall prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Nasarawa among states at high risk of flooding.

He called on stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to support the awareness campaign by using their influence in the palaces and communities to encourage residents to adopt precautionary measures.

The NASEMA boss identified the most flood-prone LGAs as Awe, Doma, Nasarawa, and Toto, which share boundaries with the River Benue.

He also mentioned that parts of Lafia, Karu, Akwanga, Keffi and Wamba LGAs could experience flash floods during the season.

He urged affected residents to heed the warnings and relocate from vulnerable locations, stressing that “one must be alive to achieve their goals and aspirations”.

“Earlier this year, NiMet predicted that over 200 LGAs across the country are likely to experience varying degrees of flooding.

“In Nasarawa, Awe, Doma, Nasarawa and Toto are the most at risk due to their proximity to the River Benue.

“Whenever we receive such forecasts, the Agency embarks on early warning and sensitisation campaigns across the affected areas.

“Our visit to these palaces today is part of routine efforts to educate riverine communities on the need to move from unsafe to safer locations,” Akwash said.

He noted that NASEMA is working in collaboration with the state Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services to provide relief to those recently affected by flooding.

Also speaking, Mr Jerry Danjuma-Kuje, Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nasarawa Chapter, stressed the importance of heeding early warning messages and prioritising evacuation to safeguard lives and property.

In his remarks, the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Oga-Onawo, outlined the sensitisation campaign as timely, given the recurrent destruction caused by flooding in Doma and other parts of the state.

He urged district heads to pass the message down to their subjects and called on the state government to prioritise flood mitigation by constructing drainage systems and providing swift response to affected communities.

Similarly, the Sarkin Tunga, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim-Shuaibu IV, praised NASEMA for its early warning efforts, noting that the Tunga community had suffered repeated flooding as a result of the annual release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon.

He appealed to the federal and state governments to construct a refugee camp and rehabilitate the Awe-Tunga road, calling it a crucial route that connects Nasarawa to Taraba, Plateau and Benue states. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Tosin Kolade

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth
Agriculture

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth

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Empowerment

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating under the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).

They have committed to empowering 470 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

This initiative was announced during the inauguration of the “Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPEMN) Sustainability Coaching Programme” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is funded by GEF-SGP with additional co-financing from cash and in-kind contributions from other sources and implemented by ITFA.

Mr Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador at ITFA, explained that the programme aimed to enhance MSMEs’ business skills, market access, and readiness for global certification.

He noted that the project’s primary objective was to enable nature-positive MSMEs to become successful, self-sustaining businesses through capacity building, improved market access, and training on international certification standards.

Ezeiruaku said the selected beneficiaries were drawn from Lagos (South West), Nasarawa (North Central), Cross River (South South), Kano (North West), Abia (South East), Bauchi (North East), and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that 30 per cent of the programme’s beneficiaries would be women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.

He said that the expected outcomes included improved business sustainability, increased profitability, and enhanced market presence for participating MSMEs.

Also speaking, Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, reiterated the programme’s commitment to supporting environmental and livelihood initiatives.

Represented by Rose Agbo, Programme Assistant, she emphasised the need for stakeholders to back strategic projects that supported sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.

Agbo noted that the initiative encouraged MSMEs to adopt nature-positive approaches to business, balancing environmental stewardship with commercial success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood
Environment

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood

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By Abigael Joshua

The Federal Government has adopted a National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) aimed at addressing the growing threat of flood-related disasters across the country.

The initiative was announced on Thursday in Abuja during the Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) on the Development of the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Kambari, said the policy would reduce the financial burden on both federal and state governments currently allocated to emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction.

Kambari, who was represented by Mr Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director in the Department of Flood Erosion Control and Coastal Management, said the NFIP is a proactive response to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria.

“The time has come to shift from reactive responses to proactive and sustainable flood risk management.

“The establishment of a National Flood Insurance Programme as outlined in Section Four of the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP) is central to this strategy,” he said.

He added that the NFIP would serve as a financial safety net for individuals, businesses, and communities, enabling swift recovery from flood-induced losses and ensuring long-term resilience.

The technical committee, he noted, would define clear timelines, assign responsibilities, and develop monitoring mechanisms to ensure the policy’s effective implementation.

Also speaking, Mrs Rukayat El Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, stressed the need to prioritise flood insurance to secure a more resilient future for Nigerians.

El Rufai, represented by Mrs Inna Audu, Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, noted that many communities along the River Benue, River Niger, and their tributaries are primarily agrarian and suffer devastating losses due to seasonal flooding.

“When you talk about insurance, it is not something to be done after disaster strikes. It is a preparedness mechanism, an anticipated action. Contributions must be made in advance to create a fund for emergencies,” she said.

She lamented the enormous economic and human toll of recurring floods in Nigeria, adding: “We can only estimate the trillions of naira lost to flooding in recent years, losses to farms, properties, and lives.

“While lives cannot be quantified in naira, we can protect the most vulnerable from financial ruin”.

El Rufai observed that current insurance policies often bundle flood coverage under general packages, which fail to adequately address specific flood risks.

She advocated for standalone flood insurance policies, which she said offer clearer and more comprehensive protection, promote better risk management, and support disaster recovery efforts.

Earlier, Mr Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion and Coastal Zone Management Department, said the national framework would guide the implementation of a robust and inclusive flood insurance system.

Bokani, represented by Mr Abdullahi Atta, Assistant Director, Coastal Zone Management, said the policy aims to protect vulnerable populations, support rapid post-flood recovery, and enhance national resilience.

“We will explore models for financing, risk pooling, regulatory alignment, and delivery mechanisms at the community level,” he said.

(NAN)www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Tosin Kolade

We’re under attack by saboteurs, NNPC Ltd management cries out
Economy/Business

We’re under attack by saboteurs, NNPC Ltd management cries out

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By Emmanuella Anokam

Sabotage

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says it has uncovered an emerging coordinated sabotage campaign being waged by a syndicate of known and faceless actors, within and outside the organisation.

A statement issued on Friday by the management of NNPC Ltd., said that the group was actively spreading lies and misinformation simply to discredit the company’s leadership.

The company said the group was spreading such misinformation to derail the organisation’s ongoing transformation into a corruption-free, performance-driven energy company, in line with the mandate of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Their tactics include planting scandalous and fabricated reports, curated to distract leadership, mislead the public, and undermine the commitment of our dedicated workforce and reform-minded Nigerians.

“These are calculated efforts by those who feel threatened by reform, transparency, accountability, and change, a clear evidence of the lengths to which they will go to obstruct the transformation of Nigeria’s foremost energy institution.

“We expect a surge of defamatory content in the days and weeks ahead but NNPC Ltd. remains undeterred. The transformation is underway, and no amount of sabotage will stop it,” it said.

The company urged its dedicated staff, stakeholders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stay focused, ignore the noise and not be discouraged. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

AfCFTA lauds progress in economic integration
Economy/Business

AfCFTA lauds progress in economic integration

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Progress

Okeoghene Akubuike

Mr Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has lauded the progress made toward realising the vision of Africa’s founding fathers for economic integration.

Speaking at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) 2025 in Abuja, Mene underscored the vital role of economic integration in shaping the continent’s future.

The meeting themed, “Realising the Vision of the African Founders: Progress Towards Africa’s Trade and Economic Integration,” brought together leaders and stakeholders to assess the gains and challenges in Africa’s economic landscape.

Mene commended Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, for his leadership in supporting Africa’s economic development.

He noted that Afreximbank had been instrumental to the success of AfCFTA, a landmark initiative to establish a single, integrated market for goods and services across Africa.

He described the establishment and operationalisation of the AfCFTA as one of the most ambitious and transformative milestones toward continental integration since the independence era.

Mene outlined several areas of progress: noting 49 countries had ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, representing 90.7 per cent of signatories.

“Tariff reductions and simplified customs procedures are easing trade. Meaningful trade is underway, with businesses benefiting from reduced or zero tariffs.

“Progress is also evident in services trade, including finance, retail, telecommunications, and tourism.”

He noted the adoption of key protocols covering investment, intellectual property, competition policy, digital trade, and the inclusion of women and youth in trade.

Mene emphasised that the AfCFTA was more than a trade agreement; a framework for inclusive and sustainable growth, especially for small-scale traders, women, and youth.

He said results already included diversification of export destinations, reduced trade barriers, increased economic activity, job creation, and SME growth. However, challenges remained.

Mene called for bold investments in infrastructure to better connect African markets and enable freer movement of goods and people.

He also highlighted the need to ratify protocols on free movement of persons and the right of establishment.

He ended by stressing the importance of sustained political will, public-private partnerships, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

“We dare not fail in this historic mission to integrate and transform Africa.

“We want African-made goods and services flowing freely across borders, generating jobs, stimulating industries, and improving lives.

“We owe it to our 1.4 billion fellow Africans to build a strong, self-reliant Africa ready to claim its place in the global economy,” Mene said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to advance railway track monitoring across Nigeria – Opeifa
General News

FG to advance railway track monitoring across Nigeria – Opeifa

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Railway

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government says it will advance railway track monitoring system across the country for safe and efficient rail operations.

Mr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a team led by Mr Murilo Martins, the Managing Director of Loram Maintenance, Brazil at Idu Railway Station.

Opeifa said that the government would leverage on advanced technologies and regular inspections of rail operators to ensure integrity of the tracks and provide reliable service to passengers and freight customers.

The NRC boss, who said that Nigeria was ready to strengthen tie with Brazil to achieve the feat, added that Brazil had high technologies in the field for Nigeria to gain from.

According to him, the NRC is working to revive abandoned rail routes and boost cargo movement on narrow gauge lines, aiming to deter vandalism and ensure the safety and efficiency of the railway network.

“Rail track vandalism is a significant concern in Nigeria, threatening the country’s transportation infrastructure and reforms.

NRC has been working to address this issue, with recent arrests and seizures of stolen materials.

“The NRC has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance to vandalism, warning companies involved in smelting stolen rail materials to desist or face prosecution

“Railway materials are not scrap and only the NRC management has the authority to dispose of them, “ he said.

Responding, Martin said Brazil was ready to share knowledge on rail track monitoring with Nigeria as both countries as a lot to learn from each other.

According to him, railway track monitoring involves the regular inspection and assessment of railway tracks to ensure their safety and integrity.

“ This can be done using various methods, including- visual inspections, ultrasonic testing, eddy current test, rail profile measurement and automated monitoring system.

“The benefits of railway track monitoring include- improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, increased efficiency and enhanced reliability.

“Some of the technologies used for railway track monitoring include – drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things,” he said. (NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Edo Govt  calls for collective action against drug abuse, trafficking
Defence/Security

Edo Govt  calls for collective action against drug abuse, trafficking

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Campaign

By Usman Aliyu

Edo Government has called for collective action against drug abuse and trafficking in the state, with a renewed focus on public education, prevention, and community rehabilitation.

Mr Andrew Oghenovo, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking Control made the call on Wednesday during an anti-drug abuse rally in Benin.

The rally featured participation from NDLEA personnel, other security agencies, students of the University of Benin, and civil society groups.

The campaign, which kicked off from the King’s Square at the popular Ring Road, passed through the Edo House of Assembly, Oba Market, and terminated at the Benin Central Motor Park at Obakhavbaye area in the city.

Addressing commuters, traders and passersby during the rally, Oghenovo said the state government had invested in the prevention of drug abuse as part of its strategic response to the growing menace.

“The governor has promised that he’s going to build a rehabilitation centre where anybody affected can seek help.

“The centre will treat them and teach them work — tailoring, barbering, anything at all,” he said.

The Okpebholo’s aide stressed the state’s commitment to reintegration and skill-building for affected individuals.

“We’ll train you, set you up, make you become useful to society and your family,” he said.

At the Edo House of Assembly, NDLEA Edo Commander, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the rally was to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Ofoyeju reiterated the importance of prevention, in line with the year’s global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

“We are drumming up support to back up this theme, which lends credence to the fact that the war against drugs, is not only through enforcement, arrest, seizure, and prosecution.

“But it can also be through public enlightenment and campaigns to educate people concerning the ills inherent in drug trafficking and abuse,” he said.

He asserted that drug control was at the centre of crime control, and also a key pet project of Gov. Okpebholo, which had to do with kidnapping and cultism.

“I assured the lawmakers that I am going to sanitise and dislodge those hoodlums at Ihama Road.

“We have already taken two; I directed they should be prosecuted, and we are going to continue through constant raid operations,” he said.

Responding to the campaign, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, pledged legislative support for the anti-drug efforts and condemned the rising presence of open drug dens in the state capital.

“I want to commend you for the rally to sensitise the public about the effects and hazards of drugs.

“Of a truth, we need to join you and the agency because we represent every constituency,” the Speaker said.

He revealed that the House had already passed a law against drug abuse, stressing, “Drugs can condemn anybody.”

The speaker, however, raised alarm over the drug trade around Ihama Road near the legislative quarters, describing it as “an eyesore” and “the den of drugs in Edo State.

“Even as a member of the House, if you are driving, they will be calling to sell the drugs to you.

“After taking the drugs, you will see them sleeping on the floor like dead persons. I want to appeal to you, please see how you can help us sanitise that area and others.”

He further alleged complicity among some security personnel.

“Let me also let you know that most of the security men also go there to buy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

NSCDC intercepts stolen railway slippers in Bauchi
Defence/Security

NSCDC intercepts stolen railway slippers in Bauchi

171 total views today

Railway

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Mining Team of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) intercepted a trailer loaded with railway slippers on 20 June at Missu axis, Bauchi State.

The slippers were hidden beneath sacks of sawdust, raising suspicion of deliberate concealment and intent to vandalise public infrastructure.

Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement was issued by Mr Yakub Mahmood, Deputy Director, Public Relations, at the NRC.

Opeifa confirmed that three suspects were arrested and that the vehicle and stolen items are now in NSCDC custody for further investigation.

“This is the biggest heist in recent times. The NRC Police Command confronted economic saboteurs targeting railway assets nationwide,” he said.

He added that the Nigerian Railway Police and NSCDC have made several arrests, with materials recovered across Bauchi, Kano, Kwara and Gombe states.

Opeifa reiterated the corporation’s firm stance against vandalism of railway infrastructure.

“This arrest reflects our zero tolerance for railway vandalism,” he said. “We will pursue every culprit threatening the future of rail transport in Nigeria.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor / Kamal Tayo Oropo

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement
Foreign

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement

227 total views today

Enforcement

By Taiye Olayemi

The ECOWAS Court has outlined key strategies aimed at strengthening the enforcement of its judgments across member states.

Mr Gaye Sowe, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, disclosed this during a news conference at the close of the two-day inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities of ECOWAS member states, held in Lagos.

The theme of the meeting was “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities”.

Sowe, who also serves as the Registrar in charge of Appeals, Arbitration, and Enforcement at the ECOWAS Court, stated that the meeting had provided a platform for discussions and practical proposals to address long-standing enforcement challenges.

He said that the meeting agreed on bridging the existing communication gap between the Court and national authorities to foster judgment compliance.

He noted that this became necessary following observations that frequent changes in public office holders had led to communication breakdowns between the Court and national authorities.

He explained that direct engagement with national officials was critical to resolving enforcement bottlenecks, particularly as not all member states had designated the required Competent Authorities to receive and implement the Court’s judgments.

He said that the Court also reached a consensus on developing clear guidelines for the award of reparations and ensuring in-person engagement with Competent National Authorities.

He explained that it was also agreed that the Court would focus on fostering working and lasting relationships with stakeholders across member states.

“These strategies are designed to make the Court’s judgments more impactful and enforceable by improving understanding, coordination, and cooperation between the Court and the designated authorities in each country.

“The challenge of enforcement has persisted for years. What this meeting has done is to provide a platform for legal and technical experts to brainstorm and propose practical solutions,” he added.

Speaking on the Court’s progress, Sowe noted that since the amendment of the Court’s Protocol in 2005, the Court had presided over 400 cases across member states.

He said that 125 of such cases were from Nigeria, out of which 10 judgments had been enforced, 50 were not yet enforced, and 65 were dismissed.

Earlier, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said the domestication of the Revised Treaty and the Court’s Protocols remains a critical issue.

He noted that without incorporation into national law, especially in dualist common law countries, the enforcement of the Court’s judgments is greatly limited.

He, however, urged member states to expedite the process to ensure smooth implementation and uphold the Court’s authority.

“Through your candid contributions, we have identified actionable pathways to enhance adherence to the Court’s decisions, ensure consistency in enforcement procedures, equip national authorities with the requisite technical and procedural tools, and build a framework for ongoing collaboration.

“This meeting has fostered a deeper understanding of the obstacles we face and has enabled the sharing of best practices and practical solutions.

“Crucially, it has strengthened the bonds of cooperation between the Court and national authorities, ensuring that our judgments are not merely symbolic, but are effectively translated into real and lasting justice for the peoples of our region.

“I am confident that the knowledge shared and the commitments made during this meeting have sensitized all participants to the legal frameworks, roles, and obligations that underpin the enforcement of the Court’s decisions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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