News Agency of Nigeria
Unite against poverty, destitution, Shettima urges northerners
Education

Unite against poverty, destitution, Shettima urges northerners

North

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged northerners to form a single force to fight poverty and destitution irrespective of their political affiliations, religious persuasion, tribal or sectional backgrounds.

Shettima made the call when he hosted a delegation of Southern Kaduna stakeholders on a thank you visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the southern Kaduna stakeholders, led by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, were at the Villa to thank President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, Kaduna State.

The Vice-President declared that the people of the north had no business  fighting one another, saying “what binds us together supercedes whatever divides us.

“Let’s unite and fight the scourge of poverty, destitution and backwardness.”

Shettima said President Tinubu had directed the Minister of Education to capture the new Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, in the 2025 budget to enable the institution start academic activities by September.

Shettima also empahaised the need for northerners to accommodate and tolerate one another for the common good of the region.

“We should learn to accommodate and embrace one another; because for us in the North we are all united by our common heritage of poverty and destitution.

“The North is the poverty capital of the world. Of the 22 million out-of-school children, 20 million are from the North. So, we have no business fighting one another.

“We are essentially the same people. The Nok culture is one of the most celebrated cultures in Africa,” said Shettima.

The Vice-President commended Sani for the ongoing reconstruction of some major artery roads in Southern Kaduna.

Sani assured that Kaduna State government would issue the Certificate of Occupancy of the Southern Kaduna University, Kachia, land within seven days.

On his part, Mr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, said the university would bring new opportunities to youths and women in the state and across the country.

“This university will offer various courses in areas of applied sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing and physiotherapy.

“The President has mandated that the first set of students of the university should be admitted during this academic session.

“I have commissioned a team of senior staff at the Federal Ministry of Education as well as the National University Commission to immediately do the verification of the asset that is there,” said the minister. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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CBN scraps free ATM withdrawals, introduces N100 fee
Banking

CBN scraps free ATM withdrawals, introduces N100 fee

ATM

By Grace Alegba

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has eliminated the three free monthly withdrawals transaction fees for cudtomers using other banks’ Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) from March 1.

The apex bank disclosed this on Tuesday in a circular posted on its website, addressed to all banks and other financial institutions.

The circular, signed by John Onojah, Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, said the measure was in response to rising costs.

“In response to rising costs and the need to improve efficiency of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the ATM transaction fees prescribed in Section 10.7 of the extant CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide).

“This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service.

“Accordingly, banks and other financial institutions are advised to apply the following fees with effect from March 1, 2025,” he said.

The circular said that withdrawals from a customer’s financial institution attracted no charge, but those from another institution’s ATM in Nigeria would attract charges of N100 per N20,000 withdrawal.

It listed charges of N100 plus a surcharge of not more than N500 per N20,000 withdrawal on other categories of fees for other financial institutions.

It also noted surcharge categories to be disclosed at the point of withdrawal to the consumer.

“Furthermore, the three free monthly withdrawals allowed for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply,” it said. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

FG strategises to stop migration of Nigerian professionals
Health

FG strategises to stop migration of Nigerian professionals

Migration

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government says it has mapped out strategies to drastically reduce migration of professionals and skilled workers from the country.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 Annual International Conference on Migration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference with the theme, “Migration and Sustainable Development: Problem and Prospects” was organised by Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“The conference is a wake up call since migration has its own consequences; we must work as a nation to benefit maximally from the positive impact of migration,” he said.

Sununu said that the Ministry of Education and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) were already partnering with local and international universities, through transactional education, to reduce the migration of professionals out of the country, especially in the healthcare sector.

“Migration can serve as employment opportunities.

“Family separation is one of the consequences of migration, but the major challenge is the migration of our  skilled professionals,” the minister said.

He said that efforts would also be geared towards providing the dividend of democracy to citizens to discourage them from leaving the country.

Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice Chancellor of NOUN, said that irregular migration had necessitated the exploitation of migrants.

He said that the key to addressing the challenges of migration depended on addressing the reasons people leave the country.

Also, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, said that ignorance had made a lot of people migrate in dangerous ways.

“Japa is not a bad thing, but why are some people doing it dangerously?

“At the end of the day, where you are running to is worse than what you are running from.

“Irregular migration is the bad side of migration. Awareness and sensitisation is important to prevent the next person that wants to indulge in irregular migration from doing so.

“The positive side of migration is that seven or eight players that played in the American Super Bowl are Nigerians.” She said.

She added that the government would do everything possible to ensure safe pathways for migration.

Ms Paola Pace, Chief of Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), said the organisation would continue to support Nigeria in the fight against irregular migration.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, said his office would continue to support programmes aimed at discouraging irregular migration.

Echono said that NOUN had proved to be a worthy partner in this direction and that TetFund would always collaborate with the University’s Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies.

Earlier, Prof. Gloria Anetor, Director, Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies, NOUN, said the essence of the conference was to brainstorm on possible solutions to irregular migration.

Anetor said NOUN was already collaborating with a University in Austria, to address migration challenges in Africa and beyond.

Dignitaries in attendance at the conference included former VCs of NOUN, Prof. Vincent Tenebe and Prof. Abdallah Adamu as well as the former Executive Secretary of TetFund, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Nigeria Customs suspends implementation of 4% FOB charge
Economy/Business

Nigeria Customs suspends implementation of 4% FOB charge

Suspension

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has suspended implementation of the four per cent charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports.

The Spokesman of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the FOB charge is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS on Feb.5 announced that it was implementing a four per cent charge on the FOB value of imports.

Maiwada said that the move was in line with the provision of Section 18 (1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

The announcement has received criticism from experts and stakeholders in the sector, who said the move would worsen the country’s inflation rate.

Dr Chinyere Almona, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the implementation was abrupt and lacked due consultation with stakeholders, as required by the provisions of the NCSA 2023.

The Spokesman said the suspension was sequel to ongoing consultations by Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, with stakeholders.

He said the revised implementation timeline would be announced following the conclusion of the consultation.

He explained that the suspension period would allow the service to further engage with stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for the sustainable funding of its modernisation initiatives.

“This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.

“The timing of this suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS).

“This presents an opportunity to review our revenue framework holistically, “ he said.

Maiwada explained that the previous funding arrangement which was repealed by the NCSA 2023, separated the one per cent CISS and the seven per cent cost of collection.

He said it created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts.

According to him, the new Act addresses the challenges by consolidating no less than four per cent of the Free-on-Board (FOB) value of imports to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.

He said the transition period would allow the service to optimise the management of these frameworks to better serve its stakeholders and the nation’s interests.

He said that NCS was already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which aims to automate trade operations and align the service with international standards.

He noted that stakeholders were already benefiting from the system, through faster clearance times and improved transparency.

He said the NCS remained committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a manner that best serves stakeholders while fulfilling its revenue generation and trade facilitation mandate.(NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others
Agriculture

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others

Veterinary

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) veterinary clinic, fish pond and stores for improved animal, public health and reduced over reliance on importation of aquatic foods.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security while unveiling the projects in Abuja, described them as significant milestone in the council’s continued efforts to strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure.

Kyari said the council’s efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of Nigeria farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

“The event is a testament to shared vision of a prosperous agricultural sector that is well-equipped, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“This facilities inaugurated are not just physical structures but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which our farmers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive,” he said.

Kyari specifically said that the veterinary clinic was significant as it underscores the nation’s  commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of the livestock sector.

Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN said the projects, which started in December 2023, would not
have been completed in due time without the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the ministry.

Sharubutu said the projects were conceived to better position the council to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to promote food security and increase visibility of the agricultural research system.

The executive secretary said that the veterinary centre comprising of a pharmacy, registry, examination room, consulting room and a surgery room was equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for disease surveillance and control.

“The clinic is also supported with ambulatory services to address diseases beyond the confines of the centre, thereby enabling greater reach and access to veterinary services,”he said.

He commended the project management team of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES)  for supporting the council in equipping the veterinary centre.

Sharubutu said the council also establish fish production facility in order to foster a more in-house hands-on and fulfilling learning experience, research findings demonstration and technologies dissemination.

According to him, the facility is a concrete water circulatory system equipped with culture, solid waste removal and biofiltration units, as well as pump tank and ultraviolet light.

He said the projects would strengthen the council’s coordination with international research partners among others.

“The projects have been implemented in furtherance of the mandates of the council to manage, supervise and coordinate agricultural research, training and extension in the national agricultural research institutes and the federal colleges of agriculture in the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns
Metro

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns

Projects

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N36.5 billion for the execution of several projects in Federal Capital City and satellite towns.

Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the first in 2025.

Zulkiflu explained that out of the amount, 19.6 billion would be spent on the construction of multi-event sport centres and N13.9 billion on the construction of two magistrate courts.

He added that N3 billion would also be spent on the procurement and installation of a 33kv power supply and streetlight system.

The coordinator said that the committee approved the award of contract for the construction of a multi-event sport Complex in Abuja, Lot A and B.

He said that Lot A, sited at Area 3 and Area 10, Garki District, was awarded to Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd at N9.9 billion.

He added that Lot B, sited at Kafe District, behind Life Camp, was awarded to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Ltd, at N9.7 billion.

Zulkiflu said that the projects were expected to be completed within 12 months.

“The committee also approved the construction of two magistrates’ courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts, at the cost of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively.

“The projects, expected to be delivered within 15 and 18 months respectively, were initiated to improve access to justice and legal services in the FCT,” he said.

The coordinator further said that a total of N3 billion was approved for the construction of a 33kva power supply for communities from Dawaki to Bwari.

He added that the amount would also cover a contract for the provision of a solar street light system on Arab Road and U-Shape Road in the same locations.

He said that the contract, awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd would be completed in six months.

According to him, the move is to improve the security system of satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Nigeria economy on the rise with investment opportunities- Edun
Economy/Business

Nigeria economy on the rise with investment opportunities- Edun

Investment

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the country’s economy is on the rise with great investment opportunities.

Edun said this while receiving a high-level delegation from First Abu Dhabi Bank, led by the Group Head of Investment Banking, Martin Tricaud, in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation visited to discuss investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.

The minister enumerated the country’s economic transformation over the past 18 months.

He listed key reforms like market-driven pricing for foreign exchange and petroleum products, increased trade through the African Continental Free Trade  (AfCFTA), and stronger revenue from both oil and non-oil sectors.

Edun said that those measures had stabilised the economy, improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, and strengthened the trade balance.

“The progress we have made in stabilising the economy and driving growth is a testament to our administration’s commitment to economic reforms.

“We are eager to showcase these opportunities to investors and partners like the First Abu Dhabi Bank,” he said.

The Minister said that the government had put in efforts to boost food production and affordability, ensuring long-term economic resilience.

He said that the meeting marked a significant step in the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties with key partners.

“This partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank is expected to unlock new opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic development,” he said.

Tricaud commended the minister for the country’s achievement.

He said that the partnership would yield positive result for both Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE). (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

100 illegal miners arrested in Jos – official
Defence/Security

100 illegal miners arrested in Jos – official

Mining

By Zainab Oyekan

Mr Yabilsu Dogo, Permanent Secretary, Plateau Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Mineral Development has said that no fewer than 100 illegal miners have been arrested in Jos.

Dogo made this known on Thursday in Jos in an interview  with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dogo said that the ministry has been collaborating with the police to stop the illegal activities.

He said Illegal mining has continued to pose serious threats to both human settlements and the environment in Plateau.

He said one major immediate danger of illegal mining  was land degradation  as illegal miners dig indiscriminately, creating deep pits and tunnels that weaken the soil structure.

“You know that overtime this would lead to increased incidents of land subsidence and sinkholes, making the ground unstable for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

“We had building collapse in Jos last year, illegal mining compromises the integrity of buildings, making them susceptible to collapse, especially during heavy rains or seismic activity,” he said.

Dogo said most times illegal miners get trapped in the holes and many had lost their lives in the process.

The permanent secretary said that government revenues were lost due to unregulated mineral extraction, depriving the state of funds that could be used for development.

He however, said that to mitigate these effects, the Plateau government had  strengthened enforcement measures to promote sustainable mining practices.

Dogo said plans had been put in place to create awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and  also provide  alternative livelihoods for illegal miners. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training
Metro

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training

Training

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has announced a partnership with Germany to launch an innovative dual vocational training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for the job market.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, gave this update in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, led by Dr Matthias Leder.

Olawande emphasised the ministry’s commitment to creating an environment that empowered young people to thrive and contribute to national development.

He also highlighted the ministry’s ambitious plan to train seven million youths in critical skills over the next two years.

He added that the ministry was organising an intensive three-day skills programme across 50 revitalised Youth Centres, culminating in a central event to enhance employability and prepare youths for an increasingly competitive job market.

Leder, in his address, called the training system a potential game-changer for Nigeria, noting the mutual benefits of dual vocational training for both countries.

He explained that the Nigerian youth would receive free vocational training in Germany, and those who pass the exams would be offered jobs at participating companies.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also stressed that the initiative would promote economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Germany.

He further said the collaboration built on a relationship that began in 2005 and was solidified with the launch of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2012. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official
Health

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

Dog

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government, in partnership with Carter Centre, said it recorded and treated 156 dog bite cases between 2023 and 2024.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known at a news conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Interventions, to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, in Awka.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World NTDs Day is marked every Jan. 30 to create awareness and support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

Obidike said the state government established three centres for the treatment of dog bite victims against rabies viral infection at Onitsha Federal Medical Centre, Ekwulobia and Enugu-Ukwu General Hospitals.

“Out of the 156 dog bite cases, 118 victims showed open wounds and bleeding, and more than half received free prophylactic treatment with anti-rabies vaccines.

“Results indicated that 87 males and 69 females were exposed, representing 56 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

“The incessant movement of unvaccinated homeless, stray dogs in our streets remains a big challenge of public health.

“We are collaborating with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, to control rabies viral infection in the state,” he said.

The commissioner identified onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) as the NTDs in the state.

According to him, NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

He said that the state had successfully eliminated two NTDs – river blindness and elephantiasis, through mass drug administration and vector control programmes.

Obidike urged Carter Centre and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration with the government, to sustain the successes achieved in the prevention of NTDs.

He urged residents to report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, oncho nodules, yaws, buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine, to the nearest health centre for prompt treatment.

Also speaking, Mrs Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer, Carter Centre, said the centre would continue to support the state to eliminate NTDs and achieve the global target by 2030.

In her remarks, Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the state government to make policies and increase funding for NTDs research, to provide data for elimination. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola

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