NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Prioritise education over strikes, minister urges labour unions
Education

Prioritise education over strikes, minister urges labour unions

684 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, has appealed to labour unions in the sector to prioritise education over strike for the good and future of the Nigerian students.

Alausa said this at the 359th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the conference was, “Respecting Collective Bargaining Agreements and Industrial Peace in a Democracy”.

He said that industrial action should not be the first line option in seeking government”s attention to the unions’ demands.

“I know you as an association, together with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non Academic Staff of Universities(NASU),. collectively, your psyche has been affected.

“The government has gone into agreement with you, and most of the time, the government has not fulfilled their own part of the agreement.

“But let me promise you this, President Bola Tinubu is a democrat, he will work to meet his obligation and agreement that he enters with you.

” Let us prioritise the future of our children and work together to keep them in school,” he said.

Alausa also said that the government was constrained by certain financial limitations like heavy expenditures by the previous administration on subsidies and artificially low exchange rates.

He said that these policies had drained the country’s resources and benefitted the wealthy at the expense of crucial sectors like education.

“Subsidies cost Nigeria nearly one billion dollars daily, while artificially maintaining the exchange rate added another 500 million dollars monthly.

“These unsustainable practices took resources away from critical sectors,”he said.

He urged the labour unions to give the government the benefit of the doubt and engage in collective bargaining with mutual respect.

“We have assembled a committee led by respected Nigerians, including Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former Head of Service, to negotiate with unions,” he said.

Also, Mr Ayuba Wabba, Former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said that labour unions’ were frustrated by repeated breaches of agreements with the federal government.

“Failure to honour collective bargaining agreements has been a major source of strikes in Nigeria,” he said.

Wabba called for establishment of a Labour Council, similar to South Africa’s model, that would facilitate quarterly meetings between government and union representatives.

He added that this would help in addressing the emerging issues proactively and fostering trust.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, called for a shift in perceptions around unions.

Ibrahim said that SSANU and other unions were often mischaracterised as “strike-happy” and called for a new narrative that promotes industrial peace.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Prioritise flood emergency preparedness, FG to states
Environment

Prioritise flood emergency preparedness, FG to states

463 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has urged states to prioritise emergency preparedness over reliance on federal intervention during disasters.

Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the ministry’s Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, made the call at the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking on flood preparedness and response, Ugoh noted that many states relied heavily on federal government’s intervention and emphasised that states must prioritise awareness to prevent emergencies.

She stated the need for communities and states to take measures for flood prevention, adding that this would help reduce diseases such as cholera.

“Flood preparedness is key, we hope to see state governments take ownership of emergency preparedness and response, this will help the country”.

Ishaq Ado, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) representative, said the agency was worried about states’ reliance on federal funds during emergency situations.

Ado outlined NEMA’s efforts to improve emergency response for the 2024 climate-related disasters, including risk mapping of vulnerable areas based on yearly forecasts.

He highlighted major challenges, such as inadequate funding and equipment, which limited NEMA’s response capacity.

“Only N4 billion of the approved N10 billion flood intervention fund has been received, and essential equipment like rescue boats, life jackets, and mobile clinics is lacking”.

Ado stressed the need for state agencies to take a more active role and reduce reliance on federal support for better disaster coordination.

He added that NEMA anticipated increased funding to aid 2024 flood recovery and prepared for potential 2025 flooding.

Mr Attah Benson, National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation revealed ongoing efforts to combat cholera and waterborne disease outbreaks in states like Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Enugu, Anambra, and Jigawa.

He stressed the need for increased mobilisation, particularly in high-risk states such as Borno, Jigawa, Anambra, and Enugu.

Benson also referenced the WASHNORM 3 report, which identified several gaps in Nigeria’s water infrastructure, noting that 530,142 of 2.3 million water facilities were non-functional.

“The report pointed to poorly implemented projects, with contractors failing to involve local communities, resulting in unsustainable or unusable facilities”.

He suggested that states consider alternatives, such as centralised water systems in urban areas, rather than relying solely on handpumps suited for rural communities.

Jessica Akinrogbe, WASH focal point, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, reported that cholera cases were recorded in 36 states and the FCT, with Lagos having the highest number at 4,627 cases.

She noted that Borno and Katsina had 2,483 and 2,085 cases, respectively, in epidemiology week 44.

Akinrogbe stated that while the cholera trend was lower compared to previous years, greater coordination among stakeholders was needed to reverse the current trend.

Representatives from the UN Children’s Fund, Society for Family Health, and U-Save Foundation also provided updates on emergency interventions and the WASH sectors. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Saudi crown prince praises Tinubu’s reforms
General News

Saudi crown prince praises Tinubu’s reforms

534 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

Prince Mohammed Al Saud, the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, has assured Nigeria of support in its economic reform programmes.

The Crown Prince gave the assurance during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement.

He said the two leaders explored potential areas for cooperation, particularly oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure and the constitution of the Saudi-Nigeria Business Council.

“Nigeria wants an agreement with the Saudi government over a proposed five billion dollars bilateral trade facility between the two countries.

“The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) invested $1.24 billion in 2022 to acquire a 35.43 per cent stake in Olam Agri, one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural firms.

“Talks are being held so that SALIC can have more stake in the company.

The Saudi hoped the investment would make Olam one of the biggest agro-allied businesses in the world,” said Onanuga.

He said the Crown Prince commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting similarities with steps taken to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s stability and development when he became Prime Minister.

“He also assured Nigeria of his support and promised to motivate his team to realise the various areas of partnerships discussed at the meeting,” said the President’s spokesman. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Nigeria must prioritise attractive, sustainable toilets – Expert
Environment

Nigeria must prioritise attractive, sustainable toilets – Expert

582 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Prof. Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organisation (WTO), has urged Nigeria to prioritise the creation of attractive and sustainable toilets through private sector collaboration.

Sim made the appeal during a virtual stakeholder meeting organised by the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH) on Saturday.

He also announced the collaboration with OPS-WASH to strengthen the global private sector participation in the WASH sector.

He said that Nigeria should use the social media to make sanitation a social priority, driving demand for better toilet access, especially in underserved regions.

He said that this would encourage governments and the private sector to prioritise sanitation.

Addressing the theme “Toilet, a Place for Peace” for World Toilet Day 2024, Sim emphasised focusing on sanitation as a path to peace, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement.

Referencing recent UN discussions on global conflicts, he said that wars were driven not by profits from the global weapons trade, and not by religion, race, or people.

“Sanitation is key to peace, not just in post-conflict settings but also in peaceful times, where many children and communities still lack access to sanitation,” he said.

He said that good sanitation was essential for the health and dignity of children and women, as a critical aspect of quality of life.

Sim also highlighted the importance of the UN in promoting sanitation, noting that social media is one of the easiest ways to raise awareness.

“People often feel compelled to demand sanitation when they see others living in better conditions, particularly when they lack basic amenities like toilets.

“This creates a sense of urgency and leads people to prioritise sanitation, even reallocating funds from alcohol, cigarettes, or gambling to invest in toilets,” he said.

The OPS-WASH National Coordinator, Dr Nicholas Igwe, emphasised the importance of global partnerships in promoting the WASH sector.

Igwe, the Global Private Sector representative on the Sanitation and Water for All Steering Committee, said that there was the need for innovative investments and technologies to close sector gaps.

He urged collaboration between NGOs, the private sector, development partners, and research institutions to drive sustainable and effective solutions.

Igwe commended Prof. Sim for his dedication to sanitation and for founding the WTO and World Toilet Day, now celebrated globally on November 19.

He also recognised the private sector’s role in resource management.

“OPS-WASH, with offices across Africa, will be driving resource mobilisation, investment, climate resilience technologies in supporting the global sanitation drive.

“Past initiatives, such as Nigeria hosting the World Toilet Summit in 2022, demonstrate the country’s commitment to sanitation by engaging multiple countries and stakeholders.

“This year, the Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with OPS WASH, will organise World Toilet Day in Kano.
“This will encourage states to compete in sanitation coordination, with awards for the best-performing states, ” he said.

Igwe said that, through collaboration, Nigeria aimed to be open-defecation-free by 2025, or by 2030 at the latest.

He also commended the inspiring use of technology to advance sustainability in Nigeria across various sectors.

He said that prioritising local technology would reduce import reliance, retain resources, and create opportunities for Nigerians in the WASH sector.

“The initiatives launched since 2022, such as converting faecal sludge into organic gas and manure, are particularly commendable.

“Projects like the one in the Port Harcourt prison are practical examples of a circular economy, where waste is repurposed for productive use.

“By generating organic gas and manure, these programmes reduce waste and support agricultural activities, benefiting both the environment and local communities,” he said.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Environmental Health Officials, and Aquatelos.

OPS-WASH is a global coordinating platform for private sector participation in the WASH sector.

It works with three core pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy, financial innovations, Technology and data. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

China to deepen trade ties with Europe, says Economist
Foreign

China to deepen trade ties with Europe, says Economist

461 total views today

By Fortune Abang

Chim Lee, Senior China Analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, says China is set to strengthen its trade relations with Europe, viewing the continent as a vital market.

Lee disclosed this on Friday during a global virtual update on the outcome of China-European Union (EU) trade negotiations.

He explained that this move comes in spite of recent trade friction between China and the EU, including the EU Commission’s imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China.

According to Lee, China’s Ministry of Commerce has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), deeming the EU’s decision unacceptable and a violation of WTO rules.

He further noted that there is still room for negotiation, with bilateral talks ongoing after Brussels sent a technical team to Beijing.

Lee said, “Italian President Sergio Mattarella is visiting China shortly after the French Minister Delegate Sophie Primas, which is seen as an effort to prevent further escalation.

“Considering that EVs are one of more than 30 Chinese products the EU is investigating, there is potential for the situation to worsen. However, if you look at China’s response, the retaliation has been targeted.

“To date, China has launched probes into brandy, dairy, and pork imported from the EU.

“This follows a preliminary ruling that confirmed brandy dumping from the EU but imposed no duties.

“Provisional measures, in the form of cash deposits, were implemented only after EU member states agreed to enact the long-discussed tariffs last month”.

The analyst added that China would continue to seek market share not only by establishing its own plants, but by working with European partners to set up local production.

He mentioned that Chinese companies are exploring opportunities in Latin America and Southeast Asia, beyond Europe, for exports and localised production.

China currently accounts for 60 percent of the global EV market.

Lee also noted that China’s focus on localised production and re-industrialisation in Europe is expected to grow.

He said, “China and the EU are working to strengthen their trade ties, despite recent tensions”.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving differences through dialogue.

“While France’s Minister Delegate, Sophie Primas, emphasised the need to resolve trade disputes through consultation, Europe accounted for 41.27 percent of China’s battery EV exports in 2023, with Tesla alone making up 28 percent.

“Chinese firms view Europe as a vital market and are exploring ways to increase their market share, including partnerships with European companies to establish local production.

“Beyond Europe, Chinese companies are expanding into Latin America and Southeast Asia, focusing on exports and localised production.

“This move is not only a response to European trade barriers but also a strategic push into new markets”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Abiemwense Moru

WIMBIZ, stakeholders urge women to dream big, challenge stereotypes
Gender

WIMBIZ, stakeholders urge women to dream big, challenge stereotypes

491 total views today

By Joan Odafe

Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and other stakeholders have encouraged women to go beyond dreaming and take concrete actions to unlock their potential.

They emphasised that women need to adopt a positive mindset, avoid distractions, and be bold in pursuing their dreams without limitations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this call was made at the 23rd Annual Conference of WIMBIZ on Thursday in Lagos.

The event was themed ‘Dream. Dare. Do’.

Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, Chairperson of the conference and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, stated that the conference provided a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to share experiences and motivate each other.

She said the event aimed to equip participants with the tools to turn their dreams into reality.

Speaking on the theme, Ogunsola stressed the importance of going beyond dreaming to take bold actions, especially in the face of societal stereotypes and constraints.

“We need to dream beyond the limits set by society or even by ourselves. Our country needs us in all areas of development, politics, business, management, public service, education, health, and entertainment.

“It is crucial that we are present when decisions are made and that our voices are heard,” she said.

She also noted that many women hesitate to dream beyond their immediate environments due to societal resistance, fear of failure, rejection, and reputational risk.

She emphasised that women need to pursue leadership roles where they can impact decisions that affect them and drawing on leadership skills developed in their daily lives.

“We learn how to manage people and encourage them to do their best while balancing multiple roles. But often, we don’t put ourselves forward unless we are specifically noticed.

“When it comes to networking or taking up leadership roles, many of us hesitate, saying we are too busy. Busy doing what?” she asked.

Ogunsola urged women to dream big, even if the size of those dreams feels intimidating, and to break out of their comfort zones to challenge strong stereotypes.

Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, also encouraged women to set goals to achieve their dreams, highlighting the importance of remaining focused.

She stated that many challenges in her career journey stemmed from societal and cultural barriers but that having a strong foundation, support, and mentors were key factors in her success.

Mr John Obaro, Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs, urged participants to cultivate the right mindset, believe in themselves, and maintain faith in God to achieve their goals.

He warned that there would be discouraging voices, even from people with valid reasons, but emphasized the importance of challenging limiting beliefs to stay focused on their aspirations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Nigeria, 7 others begin African-led HIV vaccine initiative
Health

Nigeria, 7 others begin African-led HIV vaccine initiative

985 total views today

By Justina Auta

Nigeria and seven African countries have commenced a vaccine initiative aimed at addressing the burden of HIV infections on the continent.

The initiative, titled ‘Bringing Innovation to Clinical and Laboratory Research to End HIV in Africa through New Vaccine Technology (BRILLIANT)’, is focused on HIV vaccine research and development.

Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director of the International Research Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN), announced this at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the briefing was ‘HIV Vaccine, Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA) Study’.

Abimiku identified the participating countries as Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Mozambique.

The consortium’s objective is to evaluate HIV vaccine candidates developed within Africa.

She explained that the initiative seeks to empower African scientists to contribute to an effective HIV vaccine.

“Through these efforts, African institutions will be encouraged to become more autonomous, generate domestic resources, and form partnerships with the private sector.

“This may create a more sustainable system for HIV vaccine research and development, reducing the current reliance on U.S. government support,” she said.

Abimiku expressed optimism that the partnership would highlight Africa’s potential for innovative solutions to global health challenges, particularly those disproportionately affecting the continent.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said in spite extensive efforts, HIV continues to persist, hence the need for new preventive tools.

“The agency has consistently provided preventive measures, but an effective vaccine is crucial to our efforts.

“The HIV-VISTA study offers hope for a vaccine tailored to the needs of our population, and Nigeria’s involvement in this global initiative is essential.

“Our participation supports both local and international efforts to end AIDS, bringing us closer to a vaccine that could save countless lives across Africa and beyond,” she said.

Dr Ezekiel James, Deputy Director of the Office of HIV/TB at USAID, stated that the study creates an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate in the drive toward HIV epidemic control.

Dr Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director, underscored the importance of engaging communities to raise awareness about HIV vaccines and ongoing research aimed at reducing HIV transmission rates.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had on Tuesday named HIV, malaria, Tuberculosis, and 14 other pathogens as top priorities for new vaccine development.

UNAIDS reports that an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally in 2023, with about 1.3 million new infections.

Africa bears approximately 65 per cent of this burden, with Nigeria accounting for 1.9 million cases, making it the fourth-largest contributor to the global HIV burden.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded over $45 million to the BRILLIANT consortium through a competitive process to implement a cooperative agreement under the HIV-VISTA project. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.com

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG, Chinese firm partner on local HIV test kits
Health

FG, Chinese firm partner on local HIV test kits

676 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WONDFO BIOTECH Ltd. to support local production of HIV diagnostic kits in Nigeria.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), announced this in Abuja while receiving 4,000 HIV test kits from WONDFO ahead of World AIDS Day.

“The WONDFO community recently in China signed a MoU with feedback on unlocking the value chain initiative of President Tinubu, to ensure that we have domestic production of the reagent of the test kits and other HIV commodities.

“I want to commend you for that initiative and we look forward to having your own domestic plants here in Nigeria”.

She expressed appreciation to the organisation for the commodities received, adding that the initiative would support in ending AIDS epidemic in the country.

“This will ensure that individuals can actually test for HIV, even in the comfort of their homes.

“We are happy to have this kit with us, and we want to assure you that we’re going to give it judicious use,” she added.

Earlier, Mr Bravo Ouhabru, Country Representative, WONDFO, said the test kits, comprising of both self-test and professional use tests, would enhance healthcare and support HIV prevention efforts.

He added that the initiative was part of activities to support NACA commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day, to promote reliable testing, enable people know their status and ending the epidemic by 2030.

“A lot of people are going around not knowing that they are even carrying the virus.

“The fact that someone tested negative today does not mean that it’s negative forever.

“So it is very important we continue to move ahead with all this activity that will make everybody to be aware, to know their status.

“HIV status is very important. That is the starting point. Once you know that, then all other areas involved in HIV management can easily come in,” he said.

He said that private pharmacies would also be supplied some at a subsidised rate to enable people carry out the test in the comfort of their homes and seek medical care if reactive. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.com

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Asset tracking, valuation, crucial for accountability -AGF
Economy/Business

Asset tracking, valuation, crucial for accountability -AGF

476 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Accountant- General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, says tracking and valuation of all Federal Government assets is necessary for accountability.

Madein said this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

She spoke against the backdrop of the Asset Tracking and Management Programme organised by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).

According to Madein, asset is the real bedrock of the nation, which needs to be properly valued and accounted for.

“The Federal Government has been spending money over time acquiring, constructing, and providing assets. These assets are the real value of the country.

”Currently, Nigeria has about N32 trillion negative net asset that is usually recorded as liability,” she said.

She said that since the adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in 2017, it became imperative to include the valuation of national assets in the annual financial statements of the country.

“This has influenced public sector accounting standards in Nigeria and the strategic role of legacy assets in the adoption of IPSAS.

”Legacy assets refer to existing assets acquired or constructed prior to the adoption of IPSAS in 2017.

”The inability to collate, evaluate, and place value on the assets of the Federal Government has constantly been throwing the financial position of the country into net liabilities.

“This makes the liabilities of the Federal Government to be over and above its assets,” she said.

She said that the stakeholders had now agreed to build a national assets register to accommodate all Federal Government assets.

She listed the assets to include buildings, offices, schools, hospitals, roads, equipment, and even biological assets.

“Investors, donors, and international organisations partnering with the Federal Government will like to see our true value as enumerate in our annual financial statement,” the AGF said.

She described the OAGF as the treasury office of the Federal Government responsible for collating financial information that leads to the preparation of financial statements.

She said that including the valuation of assets in the annual financial statements was one of the key values that the statement is required to possess. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG reverses 18-year admission age for tertiary institutions
Education

FG reverses 18-year admission age for tertiary institutions

755 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has reversed the decision of the past minister of education on the 18-years admission benchmark into tertiary institutions.

Alausa spoke at his inaugural press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, what led to that initial decision was the way the National Policy on Education was designed.

”We will not be going forward with the 18-years admission benchmark. We will go with 16 years and we are going to meet with JAMB and others on that.

”There will also be exception for the gifted students. 18-years is not part of our policy again,” he said.

Addressing the withdrawal of certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo, Alausa stated that the policy would remain in place to help eliminate fake certificates from the system.

Regarding the out-of-school children issue, he noted this as a key priority for the ministry, adding that various solutions would be considered to reduce their numbers.

He said the ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide conditional cash transfers as incentives for students to increase school enrollment.

He also mentioned that nutritional programmes would be introduced to support students’ health, thereby enhancing human capital development.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Minister, along with the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, was officially welcomed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email