NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

BRIPAN seeks FG’s partnership on legal reforms for business recovery

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) says there is need for government’s partnership on legal reforms and policy directions aimed at enhancing business recovery in the country.

President of BRIPAN, Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu, made this submission at the association’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 20th Anniversary and Induction ceremony on Thursday night in Lagos.

Ihekweazu said that rescuing businesses would attract more revenues to government as well as boosting the economy.

He said that the practice of insolvency and business recovery was very beneficial for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) alongside large corporations.

“Businesses fail due a number of reasons from management issues, wrong business decisions to poor business ethics, changes in legal and socioeconomic structures and framework.

“There must be situations where businesses pass through these issues but it is important to know that there are opportunities within the framework of the law that can rescue these businesses.

“We will continue to work towards improving our relevance within the society and to make people take advantage of understanding the benefits of this area of practice, which is not targeted at killing businesses but on rescuing businesses.

“If businesses are rescued, a lot of benefits come with it, including revenues to government and our economy would reap the fruit of it,” he said.

The BRIPAN president said under his leadership in the past one year, the association had continued to sustain the excellent efforts of its past leaders in delivering on its core objectives.

He said the achievements included promoting insolvency practice, education and learning while ensuring effective cooperation and collaboration with other professional bodies.

Ihekweazu also listed the promotion standard practice, performance and awareness in insolvency practice.

He urged practitioners to continue to practice the profession with good business ethics and standards while maintaining excellent professional values with dignity and respect for one another.

“As an association committed to driving excellence in business recovery and insolvency practice, we have made remarkable strides in advancing our objectives, strengthening our reputation and contributing to national economic stability.

“Our progress over the past year is a testament to the collective dedication and expertise of our members.

“We have successfully organised six training sessions equipping more than 530 professionals with advanced skills in insolvency practice, corporate restructuring, and financial recovery strategies.

“These initiatives reflect BRIPAN’s dedication to raising standards, fostering knowledge, and building a robust professional community in insolvency and restructuring,” he said.

Ihekweazu also revealed that the 2025 BRIPAN journal to be released in the first quarter of next year (2025) would feature cutting-edge research, expert analyses and actionable insights into legal and insolvency matters.

He said the publication was designed to be an indispensable resource for professionals, academics and policymakers, fostering informed discussions and innovative solutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BRIPAN presented awards to its past presidents including late Prince Adesupo Adetona, a chartered accountant who pioneered insolvency practice in Nigeria and Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the 19th Akarigbo of Remoland, Ogun.

Other awardees include, Dr Biodun Layonu, Otunba Olutola Senbore, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, Chief Anthony Idigbe, Mr Dele Odunowo, Mr Sola Oyetayo, Ihekweazu, among others.

No fewer than 381 persons got inducted into the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Economy/Business

FCT-IRS collects N252.83bn IGR in 2024

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), has collected a total of N252.83 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024.

The acting Executive Chairman of the service, Mr Michael Ango, made this known at the 2024 end of year media parley, in Abuja on Thursday.

Ango said that the amount, collected between January and Dec. 18, represents 101 per cent of the N250.2 billion target for the year.

He added that the figure also represents a 19.8 per cent increase on the N211.1 billion collected in 2023.

He attributed the successes to the dedication of members of staff and management staffers of the service, FCT Secretariat, Departments and Agencies, FCT area councils and other government agencies.

He also commended the support of the Senate and House Committees on FCT

The FCT-IRS boss said that since his appointment in August 2023, he had taken certain steps to improve the ability of the service to discharge its mandate.

According to him, one of the changes is the review and expansion of the organisation’s structure, with the creation of new departments.

He identified the department as Audit, Debt Management and Enforcement, as well as the expansion of the Tax Operations Department by taxpayer type.

This, he said,  led to the creation of two new directorates, one of which focused on government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, corporate entities and international organisations.

Ango added that the other directorate focused on individuals and enterprises and partnerships.

“We also created a separate Learning and Development Department, which focuses on capacity building and training of our employees and other stakeholders.

“We created a High Net-worth Individuals Unit, focused on taxation of HNIs in Abuja.

“FCT-IRS has further strengthened its collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to get active intelligence on HNIs in Abuja with a view to improving tax compliance and collection,” he said.

“In terms of external collaboration, we have also strengthened collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Joint Tax Board and the FCT Judiciary, amongst others.

“This is to enhance our ability to collect revenue for the FCT,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Defence/Security , Economy/Business

Nigeria Customs promotes 1,419 personnel

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By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management has approved the promotion of 1,419 junior officers across various ranks.

The service spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Maiwada said that the move was ratified at the NCS’s 10th management meeting, chaired by the Comptroller General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi, in November.

He said that the comprehensive promotion list includes both general duty and support staff who excelled in the 2024 promotion exercise.

“Specifically, 346 general duty and 384 support staff officers were elevated from Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC).

“Four general duty and 13 support staff officers advanced from Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC); 372 general duty and 59 support staff officers moved up from Customs Assistant II (CAII) to Customs Assistant I (CAI).

“Also, 188 general duty and 54 support staff officers were promoted from Customs Assistant III (CAIII) to Customs Assistant II (CAII),” he said.

According to Maiwada, the strategic advancement is a demonstration of the transformative leadership of the NCS management team under the stewardship of C-G.

“By prioritising career growth as a cornerstone of workforce motivation, his (C-G) administration inspires a culture of excellence, empowering employees to achieve their full potential and driving the organisation toward unparalleled service delivery, “he said.

He said that while the customs boss congratulates the personnel, he also urged them to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.

The spokesman stated that the promotion list for senior officers was currently being processed, pending approval by the NCS board. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Economy/Business

ACCI to establish university to bridge skills gap in Africa

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced plans to establish a Continental University aimed at addressing the skills gap across Africa.

The President of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, said this at the chamber’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.

According to Obegolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the proposed university, known as the ACCI Continental University, will provide hybrid online and full-time education.

He said the institution would operate as a truly pan-African university, offering training in five major languages including English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Swahili.

According to the ACCI boss, the diverse languages will serve the diverse regions of the continent.

“We are engaging with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to secure approval for the university.

“The facilities are already in place, and we are consulting with international education specialists to design a comprehensive curriculum, particularly for the language components,” Obegolu said.

He said that the university would focus on equipping students with practical and technical skills tailored to meet the demands of the labour market.

The ACCI president restated the need to address the mismatch between university graduates’ qualifications and the skills required by industries.

“It is no longer enough to graduate with degrees in political science or sociology without the necessary foundational skills.

“Many of these graduates end up in unrelated fields, such as banking, without adequate preparation,” he said.

The ACCI president added that the university would support businesses by providing trained personnel in high-demand fields such as carpentry, medicine, and other vocational areas.

Obegolu also emphasised that the university would bridge the gap in skilled manpower across the continent, ensuring businesses had access to a workforce tailored to their specific needs.

On the timeline for the university’s launch, he said it would depend on the NUC’s approval.

“We are ready on our part, but the timeline is subject to the NUC’s decision. Once we secure their approval, we will announce a definitive schedule.

“I am calling on the media to support the initiative by promoting its vision and objectives, which aligns with fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment across Africa,” he said.

According to Obegolu, the year 2024 has been challenging for many businesses as they continued to stay afloat without sinking.

“The Chamba is a sub-component of Nigeria, so businesses have not had it easy for 2024, but again, there are pointers that 2025 may be better.

“If we are able, as a country, to deal with the stability of our national currency, the Naira , it will help businesses to plan ahead.

“The challenge we faced in 2024 is the inability of businesses to plan because without knowing what the exchange rate will be, it is difficult for businesses to plan.

“So what they resorted to was more of gambling, and some won, some lost. So businesses thrived, some businesses also suffered and shut down,” Obegolu said.

On projections for 2025, Obegolu said the ACCl would focus on advocating for the development of the Idu Industrial District, as it had the potential to support employment in the country.

According to him, the hub will support industrialisation and the economy of the Federal Capital Territory.

Obegolu therefore reiterated the importance for state governments to set up a minimum of one or two industrial districts with dedicated power, infrastructure, and everything needed for businesses to thrive.

On the increased inflation rate, Obegolu said instability rather than rate increase was the challenge, thus the importance of regulating the Naira to enable businesses to plan.

On the increased inflation rate, Obegolu said the major challenge was the instability of the naira, thus the importance of regulating the naira to enable businesses to plan.

While commending the Chamber for the strides achieved over the years, its First Deputy President, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, reiterated the importance of collaboration among members.

Adesugba said, “We can only be stronger as an organisation when we work together.”

Also, the ACCI Second Deputy president, Dr Aliyu Hong, commended the vision, courage, and boldness of the chamber’s president.

“We have a formidable president who is thinking for tomorrow and not today. That is why we have been able to achieve the things we have achieved today.

“I want to urge members to take advantage of the initiatives we have at the chamber as they provide basic solutions to most of the problems we face as a business,” he said.

The President, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Mr David Etim, urged the government to include the private sector in its projects as it was a major way of growing the economy. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Economy/Business

Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says kidnapping incidence in the country is estimated at 2,235,954 between May  2023 and April 2024.

The NBS revealed this in its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The CESPS is a household-based survey, which provides an in-depth understanding of the situation of crime in Nigeria, with a target population comprising household members 15 years and older.

The NBS said the survey was carried out to produce estimates at national and zonal levels covering both urban and rural areas for a twelve-month reference period (May 2023 to April 2024).

The report said that among households that experienced kidnapping incidents, 65.0 per cent paid a ransom.

It said the average amount paid as ransom for kidnapping was N2.7 million per incident with an estimated total ransom of N2. 2 trillion paid within the reference period.

“The North-West reported the highest ransom paid with N1.2 trillion, while the South-East was the least with N85.4 billion”.

The report showed that rural areas recorded more kidnappings with  1,668,104 reported cases than urban areas with 567,850.

Analysis by zones revealed that the  North-West recorded the highest number of cases with 1,420,307, followed by the North-Central with 317,837, while the least was recorded in the South-East with 110,432.

It showed that nationally, an estimated 51,887,032 crime incidences were experienced by households in Nigeria.

It said the North-West reported the highest incidence of household crime, totalling 14,402,254,  followed by the North-Central with 8,771,400.

“The South-East reported the least incidence of household crime with 6,176,031”.

The report revealed that crime incidence in rural areas was higher, totalling 26,526,069, compared to urban areas at 25,360,963.

The NBS said in Nigeria, 4,142,174 households experienced home robbery incidence.

Analysis by zones showed that the North-West had the highest home robbery cases totalling 1,068,430,  followed by the South-South with 811,231,  while the least was recorded in the South-West with 378,252 cases.

The report said that less than half of the households, at 36.3 per cent,  who were victims of home robbery reported to the police.

According to this study, the most common reasons for not reporting crimes include lack of confidence in law enforcement and the belief that police intervention would not result in meaningful action.

The findings showed that about 24 per cent of households would rather report to other authorities instead of the police,  followed by those who believed the police would not do anything upon reporting at 22.7 per cent.

“Only 0.2 per cent mentioned lack of insurance of properties as a reason for not reporting to the police”.

The report also showed that there was a slightly higher report of household robbery among rural dwellers at 37.8 per cent,  than urban dwellers at 35.2 per cent.

The NBS said at the individual level, 21.4 per cent of Nigerians reported being victims of crime, and the most common crime was phone theft at 13.8 per cent

It said about 90 per cent of the victims of phone thefts reported to the police, and only 50 per cent of the victims expressed satisfaction with police responses.

The report said nationwide, an estimated 1.4 million experienced sexual offences, which occurred mostly in someone else’s home at 27.7 per cent.

“This was  followed by the victim’s home at 22.2 per cent”.

It said sexual offences were less likely to occur at a public transport station at 0.9 per cent and only 22.7 per cent of victims reported to the police.

According to the report, public perception on safety showed that 9.6 per cent of Nigerians believed they might be a victim of crime in the next 12 months.

“In rural areas, 13.0 per cent of the population believed they could be victims of crime and 7.0 per cent in urban areas”.

The report revealed that security agencies’ average response time to emergencies was a key indicator of effective crime prevention.

“Nationally, 33.1 per cent reported that the average response time to an emergency call by security agencies is less than 30 minutes.

“About four out of 10 households had at least one interaction with state or local security forces within the reference period.

“Also, one out of two households had contact with the Nigerian Police, and 25.7 per cent reported the incidence of crime to the police after experiencing a crime.

The report showed that satisfaction with police responses was notably low, particularly for crimes including livestock theft at 42.9 per cent and crop theft at 42.4 per cent.

It said in rural areas, many households relied on local vigilante groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Economy/Business

Africa needs $74bn debt service – AfDB Chief Economist

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By Olawunmi Ashafa

Prof. Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President, Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, African Development Bank (AfDB), says the continent needs 74 billion dollars in 2024 for debt service.

Urama disclosed this at the launch of the Debt Management Forum for Africa (DeMFA) and its inaugural policy dialogue on Monday in Abuja.

The theme of the dialogue is; “Making Debt Work for Africa: Policies, Practices, and Options”.

He cautioned that the actual figure could be higher if hidden debt and contingent liabilities were accounted for.

Umara said, “According to the African Economic Outlook Report (AEO) 2024, in 2024, African countries are expected to spend around 74 billion dollars on debt service, up from 17 billion dollars in 2010, of which 40 billion dollars is owed to private creditors, representing 54 per cent of total debt service.

“As at today, 20 African countries are in debt distress or at high risk of debt distress. And refinancing risks could further increase going forward, especially for countries with large bullet redemptions.

“The implication is that while developed countries can sustain high levels of debt with low debt service burdens, developing countries including in Africa, particularly the most vulnerable among them, are devoting an increasingly large proportion of their fiscal resources to servicing public debt.

“Experiences have shown that debt relief and debt restructuring measures are often slow and their results are unsustainable as they do not address the structural issues that lead to the debt sustainability challenge.”

On rising debt refinancing needs and sovereign bond yields, Urama said that there were persistent liquidity challenges facing Africa, with debt refinancing needs of 10 billion dollars annually between 2025 and 2033.

He noted that African Eurobond yields had surged to 15 per cent in 2023, more than double the 2019 rate, complicating refinancing efforts.

He attributed these high yields to a mix of domestic and external factors, as well as unfair risk perceptions.

He emphasised the urgency of the discussions, while highlighting the persistent challenges posed by global, regional and domestic shocks.

“The timeliness and purpose of our meeting today cannot be overstated. We live in an era of recurrent and overlapping global crises, economic shocks, geopolitical tensions, climate change effects, all of which have intensified the realisation of the need for comprehensive reforms.

“This is particularly within the global finance and debt architectures underpinning development financing,” he added.

Umara also shed light on the growing debt challenges in Africa, saying, “Africa’s public debt has surged by 170 per cent since 2010 due to structural issues, global shocks, and domestic macroeconomic weaknesses.

“While public debt-to-GDP ratios have stabilised, the cost of debt servicing has risen sharply, diverting resources from critical investments in infrastructure and economic transformation. This has left 20 African countries in debt distress or at high risk of it.”

On inequalities in global financial flows, he noted that Africa faces a paradox of debt and development financing.

He added that the continent bears high borrowing costs in spite of its relatively low default risk.

“According to a United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) estimate, Africa pays an ‘Africa Risk Premium’ of 24 billion dollars annually in excess interest due to unfair sovereign risk perceptions, depriving the region of critical resources for development.”

He called for innovative and Africa-led solutions, saying, “We must have the courage to rethink existing models of borrowing, prioritise productive investments, and apply home-grown, context-specific solutions to tackle Africa’s debt challenges.

“The Debt Management Forum for Africa serves as a platform for high-level dialogue to ensure debt becomes a catalyst for sustainable growth, not a constraint.”

He explained the urgency of the discussions, while highlighting the persistent challenges posed by global, regional and domestic shocks.

“The timeliness and purpose of our meeting today cannot be overstated.

“We live in an era of recurrent and overlapping global crises, economic shocks, geopolitical tensions, climate change effects, all of which have intensified the realisation of the need for comprehensive reforms, particularly within the global finance and debt architectures underpinning development financing,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from AfDB.

He emphasised that the partnership had transformed into a mutually beneficial collaboration over the years, leading to critical grants, loans, and capacity-building initiatives targeted at improving the economic landscape of African nations.

Edun highlighted the significance of the DeMFA, which aims to specifically address public debt challenges on the continent.

He commended the AfDB for establishing the initiative, noting that while the World Bank had provided support in debt management for decades, the launch of a forum dedicated solely to Africa was a welcome development for the 54 countries in the continent.

The minister identified two issues facing African nations as the escalating levels of debt and debt service, which had constrained fiscal space for governments and the limited access to affordable funding in both domestic and international markets.

He said there was urgency to mobilise large capital pools to tackle social and economic challenges, including unemployment, infrastructure deficits, climate change and meeting the social development goals.

Edun stressed that DeMFA must be structured to build on the foundations laid by previous initiatives, offering a comprehensive approach tailored specifically to the needs and realities of Africa.

The finance minister urged DeMFA to focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of public debt across Africa.

“As a forum, it must actively contribute to the continuous and sustainable management of public debt, helping nations avoid recurring debt crises and fostering development.

“By working together, we can overcome these challenges and accelerate Africa’s growth trajectory,” he added.

Edun commended the AfDB for its leadership in the initiative and expressed optimism about its potential to transform debt management practices across the continent.

“On behalf of all stakeholders, I wish the AfDB success in this endeavour and look forward to seeing its impact on Africa’s development,” he said.

Ms Allison Holland, Assistant Director of the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stressed the need to prioritise private sector debt resolution before shifting focus to public sector debt.

“The big challenge here is, why don’t we move forward with the private sector first? Wouldn’t this be faster?” Holland asked.

She noted that private sector debt restoration must be addressed before any official sector involvement can proceed.

According to her, IMF interventions often rely on the readiness of official creditors to engage.

“If the private sector is unable to restore debts, the IMF is restricted from moving forward. Official creditors remain a critical part of the process,” she added.

Similarly, Dr Anthony Simpasa, Director, Macroeconomic Policy, Forecasting and Research Department AfDB, attributed the rising debt profile of African countries to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate shocks.

“Many countries, particularly those vulnerable to climate shocks, have been forced to borrow heavily to finance climate-related projects.

“These projects, aimed at adaptation and mitigation, constitute the largest share of instruments used for climate financing on the continent,” the AfDB director explained. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

 

Economy/Business

SMEDAN, coy target 100,000 CNG vehicle conversions to support SMEs

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), says it is collaborating with Rolling Energy to convert 100,000 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in 18 months.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr Charles Odii said this at the unveiling of a CNG Conversion and Training Center on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the initiative will support Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is a collaboration between SMEDAN, Rolling Energy, and Pi-CNG

“This new centre is designed to convert vehicles to run on CNG, an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

“With its capacity to convert nine vehicles daily and a dedicated team of 20 technicians, the centre will help SMEs reduce transportation costs and adapt to changing energy needs.

“It will also train young Nigerians in CNG conversion, maintenance, and repair, equipping them with practical skills and opening up new business opportunities”.

According to Odii, the mandate of the Pi-CNG initiative is to roll out about one million converted cars in the next 18 months.

“We at SMEDAN are committing to taking 10 per cent of those cars to be converted at our centres,’’ he said.

According to Odii, the project aligned with SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy, which focuses on providing SMEs with Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support.

“By adopting CNG, we are helping SMEs cut costs while promoting sustainable energy practices. This effort is particularly timely as businesses face rising fuel costs following subsidy removal.

“SMEDAN is also committed to improving access to critical infrastructure for SMEs. We are upgrading Industrial Development Centres across the country to provide affordable tools and power tailored to the needs of small businesses.

The California’s Secretary of Transportation, Mr Toks Omishakin, praised Nigeria’s efforts in adopting cleaner energy alternatives, such as CNG, but urged stakeholders to look beyond CNG and invest in long-term renewable solutions.

“I see a tremendous opportunity for collaboration between California and Nigeria in exploring renewable energy solutions like solar, wind, and hydrogen,” Omishakin said.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr Toyin Zubair, commended SMEDAN and other stakeholders for their contributions.

He emphasised the need to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources to drive the economy.

“Nigeria has one of the largest gas reserves in the world. By using this resource locally to power vehicles and industries, we can reduce costs and create a cleaner environment,” Zubair said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rolling Energy, Mr Mubarak Danbatta, explained that the conversion process prioritised safety and affordability, making it accessible to SMEs.

“With less than N4,000, a vehicle can be fully fueled with CNG, compared to over N60,000 for petrol. This is a significant relief for businesses.

“CNG is not a business for the rich. It is a business for everyone. And the good thing is that this partnership is being done with SMEDAN and Pi-CNG for the benefit of SMEs ,” Danbatta said. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Economy/Business

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system

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By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the National Health Facility Survey (NHFS) Report 2023 in Abuja.

Adeniran stated that the NHFS 2023 builds on the 2016 and 2019 surveys, using improved tools to assess service availability and health facilities’ readiness to deliver essential services.

“This latest report includes several improvements, particularly in data collection methods from selected health facilities nationwide.

“These enhancements provide a comprehensive framework for assessing service availability and evaluating the readiness of facilities to deliver effective healthcare,” Adeniran said.

He noted the inclusion of Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs) developed in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), which focus on primary healthcare delivery.

According to Adeniran, the SDIs promote accountability, enhance governance, and enable targeted interventions for better healthcare outcomes.

He acknowledged the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

“Many Nigerians still face difficulties accessing quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Despite various reforms and investments by the government and development partners, significant challenges remain,” Adeniran said.

He listed issues such as infant mortality rates of 63 per 1,000 live births (as per the latest National Health and Demographic Survey) and widespread shortages of essential medicines.

“These ongoing issues hinder the provision of equitable healthcare to all Nigerians, especially in underserved areas,” he added.

Adeniran also noted the growing migration of healthcare professionals to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in pursuit of better salaries, working conditions, and career prospects.

This trend, he said, has further strained the healthcare system by exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers.

He emphasised the importance of the NHFS report in addressing these challenges, describing it as an essential resource for policymakers and healthcare administrators.

“The data in this report provides an insightful analysis of the current state of health facilities and offers evidence-based recommendations for informed decision-making.

“By leveraging this information, we can implement targeted interventions to address urgent issues, especially at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the event as a pivotal moment for the country’s health sector.

Represented by the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Salako, Pate highlighted the survey’s significance, stating that the findings offer invaluable insights into the preparedness and capacity of health facilities to deliver essential services.

“This survey used the WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool and the World Bank’s SDI to evaluate the performance of over 3,000 public health facilities nationwide,” Pate said.

He noted that the findings shine a light on the strengths and gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in primary and secondary facilities, which serve the majority of the population.

“These insights are crucial for shaping policies and interventions that will improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians,” Pate added.

The report, he said, serves as a guide for future investments and targeted efforts to address service delivery gaps, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of care.

“By using this data strategically, we can focus our resources on areas where they are most needed, ensuring better healthcare services for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Economy/Business

Safety:NEMSA brings electricity stakeholders together in Abuja

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Electricity stakeholders on Tuesday, gathered in Abuja to discuss safety regulation in the industry.

The gathering was at the 4th edition of the Stakeholders Roundtable for the Enforcement of Technical Standards, Regulations and Mandate of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).

The theme of the roundtable was: “Optimising Executive, Legislative and Judicial Roles on NEMSA’s Mandate of Enforcement of Technical Standards and Regulations in NESI”.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said that the roundtable represented a crucial step towards deepening awareness.

Adelabu said that it would also foster compliance with approved standards and regulations in the deployment of solar mini-grid systems across the country.

The minister was represented by Mrs Ochanya Ofoma, the Director, General Services, Ministry of Power.

He said that addressing issues like the quality of solar components, proper installation practices, and safety measures would advance the reliability and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy systems.

According to him, it will also safeguard the lives and investments of all stakeholders in the power sector.

“The Ministry of Power remains steadfast on its commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, investment and growth within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“We recognise that achieving universal energy access, a key component of our national development agenda, requires robust collaboration between the public and private sector as well as international development partners.

“Events such as this serve as vital platforms for fostering such collaborations, ” he said.

The minister said that the roundtable was a call to action to all stakeholders to allign their efforts towards achieving a safe, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for Nigeria.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NEMSA, Aliyu Tahir, said that the gathering was one of the critical steps in the collective journey towards ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

According to Tahir, the critical roles played by legislative and judicial arms of government in shaping and upholding regulatory frameworks can not be overstated.

“Your partnership is essential in strengthening the enforcement of technical standards and regulations and ensuring compliance across the sector.

“The NEMSA is established to carry out the functions of enforcement of technical standards and regulations, technical inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, electricity meters, and instruments.

“This is to ensure the efficient production and delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable electricity power supply and guarantee safety of lives and property,” he said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Sen. Eyinaya Abaribe, said that the roundtable was organised at a time when the use of substandard and inadequate electrical equipment was considered as one of the main causes of grid collapse.

Abaribe said that the issue of standards and regulation needed to be improved upon to address the challenge.

He, however, said that state governments did not have the powers to enforce standards of electrical equipment.

“In amending the electricity act, we may need to make it more explicit that for the question of safety, Nigeria must have one standard.

“Federal laws supercede state laws,” he said.

Earlier, Amb. Godsknow Igali, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, said that electricity workers should be commended for working round the clock, and for taking risks to ensure that their is power.

Igali also cautioned the proliferation of standard and regulatory agencies by state governments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Economy/Business

NUPRC boss seeks transparency, collective action to tackle corruption in oil, gas sector

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By Lucy Ogalue

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for unwavering commitment to eradicate corruption, particularly in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector.

Komolafe made the call  at a workshop organised by the commission to mark the International Anti-corruption Day on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is “United Against Corruption: Building Integrity for a Sustainable Future.”

Komolafe described the consequences of corruption, as a significant threat to the nation’s development and equity.

“Corruption deprives citizens of essential services, discourages investments, and erodes trust in public institutions, thus the importance of safeguarding the upstream petroleum industry.

He outlined transformative measures implemented by the NUPRC, such as the Oil and Gas Industry Service Permit (OGISP) portal, competitive bidding for petroleum licenses, and the HostComply platform, which have strengthened transparency and governance.

Komolafe praised the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the NUPRC for fostering a culture of integrity through awareness campaigns, system reviews, and whistleblowing mechanisms.

“These efforts have not only enhanced investor confidence but have also increased revenue inflows to the Federation Account,” he said.

Komolafe emphasised the importance of leadership in combating corruption, urging stakeholders, including government agencies, industry operators, and civil society, to unite in the fight against the menace.

“We must collectively ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources become a blessing for all, not a privilege for a few. I urge Nigerians to embrace transparency as a personal and collective creed,’’ he said.

The NUPRC boss during the event recognised some outstanding staff members of the commission that had shown commitment to integrity with integrity awards.

The renowned Human Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, on his part, challenged Nigerians to confront systemic corruption with bold reforms and decisive action.

Falana acknowledged the progress made by anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC and EFCC but emphasised that “corruption thrives where leadership lacks commitment.”

He called for a stronger political will to enforce existing anti-corruption laws.

Falana acknowledged the global complicity in perpetuating corruption, criticising Western nations for harboring stolen funds.

“The bulk of looted resources from Nigeria is warehoused abroad. Yet, these countries frustrate recovery efforts, betraying the ideals of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption,” he stated.

He also advocated for the redistribution of seized assets, suggesting that properties confiscated from corrupt officials be converted into affordable housing for Nigerian workers.

He reiterated the power of young Nigerians, particularly through social media, to drive anti-corruption campaigns, saying “If we can mobilise our youth to demand transparency and accountability, significant progress will be made”.

He also advocated for the redistribution of seized assets within the country, suggesting that properties confiscated from corrupt officials be converted into affordable housing for Nigerian workers.

Falana praised the NUPRC boss and its management for its transparency initiatives, urging other government institutions to replicate these efforts.

“Your leadership sets a precedent for fostering accountability and resisting undue influence,” he said.

Representing Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Adigun Olusegun, lauded the NUPRC for its proactive anti-corruption initiatives.

“The establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) within organisations like NUPRC ensures the implementation of preventive mechanisms, fostering an ethical workforce and addressing lapses in operational systems.

“It is therefore important to sustain these efforts. We encourage ACTU to remain steadfast in its mandate while urging management to continue its unwavering support,’’ Aliyu said.

Delivering a paper on “Understanding and Mitigating Corruption in the Workplace, Mr Chidi Orji of ICPC said corruption eroded public trust and compromised critical sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.

“Corruption does not just affect the poor or the powerless; it impacts everyone, including its supposed beneficiaries.

Citing examples of procurement fraud and regulatory capture, Orji called for more rigorous enforcement and transparent processes, particularly in sectors prone to exploitation.

He said there was the need for technology-driven solutions to minimise human intervention in regulatory processes.

“We must innovate and adopt systems that eliminate opportunities for unethical practices, especially in sectors like oil and gas, where the stakes are high.

“Leadership must lead by example and the fight against corruption begins with ethical behavior from the highest levels of management and cascades down through all organisational layers.

“Corruption does not pay, it affects us all, and only by standing united can we shape a future of integrity and accountability,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

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