NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Health

Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak, says NCDC

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Ebola
By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
Dr Jide Idris, the Director‐General, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
NAN reports that EVD is a rare but severe illness caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus.
First identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has led to multiple outbreaks across Africa.
Ebola spreads to humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines.
Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or materials like bedding and clothing.
Healthcare workers and family members are particularly at risk when caring for infected patients without proper protective measures.
Idris said that although the country has no reported cases of Ebola, the agency, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has activated heightened surveillance measures to prevent importation of the virus into the country.
He said that the outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, was confirmed by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on January 30, 2025, with one reported case and one death in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.
The Director General of NCDC assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate any risk of an outbreak.
He urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures:” Practice good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers.
“Avoid contact with persons showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
“Refrain from consuming bushmeat, especially bats and primates.
“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after travelling to an affected country.”
Additionally, he advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases immediately.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, he advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
Beyond Ebola, he said that the country is currently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax.
“Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates from the NCDC through its hotline (6232), social media platforms (@NCDCgov), and official website,” he added.
NAN recalls that the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.
As the disease progresses, individuals may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies, are currently being evaluated. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Education

FG lauds Chibok girls’ performance at AUN

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Empowerment

By Ibrahim Kado

The Federal Government has reassured its commitment to supporting the Chibok girls, currently studying at America University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola.

Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a visit to the girls at AUN on Friday in Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chibok girls were part of those kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno in 2014.

According to the minister, the visit is on assessment for recovery and success of the girls in partnership with the AUN.

The minister said government would empower and provide the girls with the opportunities to contribute to national development after their graduation.

“I am proud of the support they were getting and they are progressing very well.

“Some of them are in final year and some have three years to graduate, while some are placed on economic empowerment programmes.

“The welfare and the well-being of every citizen is a serious business for this administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“Mr president did not take it for granted. It is a priority, this girls will be well empowered to be able to support the country in this era of nation building,” she said.

NAN reports that the minister also presented materials and cash gifts to the girls during the visit.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abdullahi Mohammed

Religious

Group trains educators to become religious, belief freedom advocates

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Advocates

By Angela Atabo/Justina Auta

Empower Women Media, a multi-faith network, on Thursday, in Abuja trained educators with the necessary skills to become advocates and promoters of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FoRB’s leadership training has as its theme: “Educators as Advocates for Peaceful Coexistence “.

The training which was attended by over 50 educators and advocates from across the country was organised under the auspices of the “Live What You Believe Project” of the group.

Mr Felix Samari, Country Coordinator, Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, explained that FoRB does not protect any specific religion, but rather protects people because it is a fundamental human right.

Samari said that every individual has the right to believe in whatever they choose or not believe at all as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reinforced by Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.

He, however, said that there were gaps in FoRB awareness in Nigeria as some politicians and religious leaders continue to fan the flames of hate and intolerance, causing deep divisions and undermining national unity and progress.

Samari said that the training was crucial because teachers, whether at the primary, secondary or university level, are the bedrock of any society.

Samari said that Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, strongly believed that educational institutions could be a great asset in promoting FoRB by providing objective and expert insights through deliberate and robust research.

More importantly, he said, by working with students to understand and apply the principles of religious freedom in daily life, a more tolerant society would be created.

The event’s Keynote Speaker, Alkasim Mohammad, who spoke on “The Role of Teachers in Providing Stability on Matters of Religion in Nigeria, urged teachers to instil in students the values of respect, love, and coexistence.

Muhammad urged teachers to ensure that classrooms remained safe spaces for learning and interaction across religious lines.

The keynote speaker also urged teachers to discourage extremism through critical thinking to prevent the spread of religious misinformation and extremist ideologies.

He encouraged teachers to foster moral and ethical values, encourage interfaith dialogue, counter religious misinformation and provide emotional and psychological support.

Dr Longji Dambok ,a FoRB Trainer, called for the need to accept and inculcate FoRB into the society and urged religious leaders to teach tolerance for a unified and peaceful society.
A participant, Rahinatu Tukur, the Amira of FOMWAN, Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State, commended Empower Women Media for the training.

She added that educators have been better equipped with the requisite knowledge on how to inculcate FoRB in students for national unity.

Another participant, Prof. Emem Olutoke of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, said that religious tolerance held the key to national unity, peace and development.

Olutoke urged that participants should not rest on their oars but continue to imbibe in students and the society the need for FoRB for a better society.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Oil & Gas

FG reiterates commitment to Gas-to-power initiative

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CNG

By Thompson Yamput

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the gas to power initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thr initiative, which was launched in 2021, aims to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030 through a series of policy reforms, infrastructure development, and investment attraction strategies.

Mr  Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL, said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi.

Kyari said the projects play a critical role in promoting economic growth and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating opportunities for gas commercialisation and supporting the Federal Government’s flare down initiatives.

He said that the Mini LNG facilities would ensure the efficient transportation of gas over long distances, providing a cleaner and cheaper source of energy to households,mobility, industries, and businesses.

“This is particularly important for regions that currently lack access to gas pipeline infrastructure.

“The company’s strides in the upstream and gas infrastructure projects were sequel to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilising gas resources to fuel industrialisation, achieve energy security and foster economic growth and development.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, thanked the federal government for locating the five Mini-LNG plants in the state.

Ododo described the decision as a step in the right direction in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security and economic growth.

“I wish to commend our President, Mr Bola Tinubu, NNPC Ltd and its partners,for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi state worthy of gas investments.

“It is our belief that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teaming population, hence our total support, ” Ododo said. (NAN)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

Health

FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector

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Quackery

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to confront quackery in the health sector in order to address misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this known in Abuja during the presentation of accreditation certificates to deserving medical laboratories.

Salako said that he would work with the security personnel to ensure the objective was achieved and for Nigerians to have confidence in legitimate healthcare providers.

“One of my priorities as a minister of state is to totally confront quackery in the health sector.

“To achieve this, I will need the services of the security personnel to ensure adherence,” he said.

According to him, laboratory bodies like the Medical Laboratory Service Council are essential in achieving this objective.

He charged the council to roll out all their assets and deploy technology to ensure that quackery was eliminated from the profession.

The minister congratulated the eight laboratories for their outstanding achievement and urged other laboratories in the country to emulate them by improving their infrastructure, manpower base, and processes.

“Accurate and reliable laboratory diagnostics, as we know, is the cornerstone of modern medicine.

“They enable early detection of diseases, guide appropriate treatment decisions, and contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes.

“The ISO re-accreditation of National External Quality Assessment Laboratory will undoubtedly enhance the quality and reliability of laboratory results leading to better patient care, reduced treatment errors, and improved public health outcomes,” he said

He said that the ministry would continue to prioritise medical laboratory science to ensure Nigerians have access to qualitative health care services.

In his welcome address, the Registrar of the council, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, said that the re-accreditation of the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) by the South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS) to ISO 17043 was a remarkable achievement for the council.

He said it was also a triumph for every Nigerian whose health and well-being depend on the reliability of the medical diagnostics system.

He called on the minister to make a decisive government pronouncement mandating the participation of all government and private hospitals, private laboratories, to key into MLSCN Accreditation Service and MLSCN External Quality Assurance Proficiency Test EQA/PT Scheme.

“This policy will ensure that every laboratory in Nigeria will adhere to the rigorous standards.

In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, World Health Organisation W(HO) Representative and Head of Mission, said that accredited medical laboratories are vital to the healthcare system.

Kazadi, represented by Mr Jubril Kareem, a staff in the organisation, said that they play a critical role in ensuring reliable and accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and providing data for effective disease surveillance.

He said it also signifies compliance with international standards, ensuring the highest quality of laboratory services.

According to him, the accreditation of these laboratories serves as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence.

“I encourage all laboratory professionals to remain committed to upholding the standards achieved through these accreditations and to continue contributing to the overall health and well-being of the nation,” Kazadi said.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

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Health

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

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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

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) building
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

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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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

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

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