News Agency of Nigeria
FG has retrieved passports, to repatriate stranded Nigerians in CAR
Foreign

FG has retrieved passports, to repatriate stranded Nigerians in CAR

By Fortune Abang

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has made contact with the stranded Nigerians in the Central African Republic.

 

This is contained in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry on Friday in Abuja.

 

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the affected Nigerians have been contacted by the hardworking officials of our Mission in the Central African Republic.

 

“The Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the safety, protection and swift repatriation of the affected Nigerian nationals.

 

“Their passports have been retrieved successfully and a vehicle has been sent to Bambari to evacuate the stranded Nigerians to Bangui.

 

“They are likely to arrive in the capital city with a military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” Ebienfa said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is coming against backdrop of a trending video about stranded Nigerian nationals in Bambari region of the country.

 

The workers were reported in the video to have been abandoned by their employers and facilitators within the region that is about 850 kilometres from the capital, Bangui.

 

Ebienfa said that discussions are also ongoing with the company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.

 

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world.

 

Ebienfa urged Nigerians travelling abroad for work to always verify the credibility of their employers and ensure proper documentation before departure.

 

‘’Nigerians are also advised to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria whenever they are in any foreign country, to avert unpleasant experiences in event of consular issues.’’(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG trains FCT health managers on smart, data-driven operational plans  
Health

FG trains FCT health managers on smart, data-driven operational plans  

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has trained health leaders and managers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on development of smart, budget-linked and data-driven Annual Operational Plan (AOP).

The four-day training, which ended on Saturday in Abuja, was under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NSHRII) leadership, health system strengthening and planning capacity development.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT HSES), said that the training marks a significant milestone toward the development of a data-driven and smart budget-linked 2026 AOP.

This, according to Fasawe, will align with FCT budget and enable administration to draw down on available funds from the Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs).

She explained that more than 70 senior health officials, programme managers and planning officers across the FCT, area councils, development and implementing partners participated in the four-day stepdown training.

She described the training as a “bold step” toward strengthening health systems and development of a budget-linked AOP that would align with government priorities for donors and development partners to key into.

Fasawe specifically urged development and implementing partners to align their plans and funding with the priorities and initiatives of the FCT Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) and AOP.

Also, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, the acting Director, Health Planning Research and Statistics, FCT HSES, said that the training was funded and facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Nwachuckwu, who is also the FCT SWAp Desk Officer, added that the training was conducted through the NHSRII and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordinating Office.

She added that the training, designed to address the capacity gap among health managers and leaders across the country, would impact the needed skills for the development of 2026 AOP from the HSSB.

“The plan is being designed to align with the FCT budget and strategically incorporate flagship initiatives such as the HOPE Health Agenda, HSSB and the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).

“This will be in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda under the NSHRII, HOPE Health and SWAp,” she said.

She said the participants were equipped with practical leadership, planning and governance tools to drive efficient health service delivery.

“The training equally prioritised evidence-based budgeting, results-oriented planning, and multi-stakeholder coordination, essential to system-wide accountability and impact,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants were trained on the principles and context of HSSB, SWAp, MAMII, HOPE Governance and HOPE Health.

The health managers’ capacities were built on health systems, frameworks and system thinking, HOPE disbursement- linked indicators, problem-solving tools and bottlenecks analysis.

Other areas included intervention prioritisation techniques in healthcare delivery, data literacy for decision-making and performance dialogue, monitoring evaluation, accountability, research and learning Plan and AOP development process.

The participants also went through hands-on training on the web-based AOP tool, leadership, team building and change management.

A core outcome of the workshop was the identification of critical health financing gaps in the FCT, especially in the areas of poor funding for health and absence of budget lines for monitoring and evaluation activities of the SDAs.

They also noted the challenge of funding for health at the area council level, including absence of budgetary provisions for critical programmes.

The participants urged development partners to align funding and programmes with government-led strategies and a joint planning and development of 2026 AOP to ensure donor inputs directly support FCT-specific health priorities.

Other recommendations included strengthening area council-level financing and the need for enhanced budget releases at the state and area council levels.

They also advocated increased domestic and donor resources for health system strengthening and increased health budgetary allocation in line with the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration of April 27, 2001. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

FG extends economic relief to additional households in Niger
General News

FG extends economic relief to additional households in Niger

By Rita Iliya

The Federal Government Renewed Hope Economic Shocks Response Initiative says it has earmarked 780 additional vulnerable households to receive N75,000 financial assistance to cushion economic challenges caused by subsidy removal.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser and Focal Person of National Social Investment Programme in Niger, said this during the debit card distribution exercise in Mokwa.

 

Bako said that the 780 vulnerable households was in addition to the over 50,000 beneficiaries that had received their N75, 000 credit alerts across the 25 local government areas of the state.

 

The focal person disclosed that about 180,000 vulnerable households were expected to benefit from the programmes in the state.

 

Bako attributed the success of the initiative to the commitment of the state Governor, Umaru Bago to social intervention, especially his ongoing infrastructural development in the state.

 

In his remarks, Alhaji Shaba Aliyu, the Ndalile of Mokwa, (Village Head of Mokwa) commended the initiative, urging beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously.

 

Some of the beneficiaries including Adamu Baba and Fatima Raba, expressed gratitude to the state and federal governments, saying the intervention was timely especially as they resumed farming activities.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution exercise was attended by Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the state’s Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

 

The initiative was part of the Federal Government efforts to provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable households to help them cope with the current economic challenges.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joe Idika

FG to settle outstanding gas obligations
Oil & Gas

FG to settle outstanding gas obligations

By Yunus Yusuf

The Federal Government says it plans to settle all outstanding debts owed to gas producers, including long-standing legacy debts.

 

Mr Abel Nse, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), disclosed this during a panel session organised by Sahara Group on Friday in Lagos.

 

The event, with the theme, “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future”, aimed to foster dialogue around the continent’s energy needs.

 

Nse stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant ministries and agencies to prioritise the resolution of the debt issue.

 

“The Federal Government is committed to gradually offsetting the outstanding debts.

 

“Additionally, we are addressing critical areas such as gas pricing, gas flare penalties, legacy debt, gas infrastructure, supply receivables, and LPG availability, to encourage upstream investment and drive sectoral progress,” Nse said.

 

He emphasised that the government was working diligently to promote gas utilisation as part of its broader mandate to stimulate domestic commerce and industrialisation.

 

“It’s a wake-up call for Nigeria to optimise gas resources effectively. Gas has the potential to transform the sector and drive progress,” he added.

 

On the issue of gas flaring, Nse noted that no upstream operator wanted to tinker with the low incentive costs associated with gas flaring penalties.

 

“Currently, gas flaring in Nigeria has dropped to less than one per cent, a notable achievement. However, the government cannot finance projects that are not bankable,” he said.

 

Mrs Ijeoma Isichei, Head of Business Development (Gas) at Sahara Group, described gas as a sustainable and effective bridge fuel.

 

She emphasised that gas utilisation promotes industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth, while improving access to energy for underserved populations.

 

Similarly, Mariah Lucciana-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, echoed these sentiments.

 

She highlighted gas as a cleaner, sustainable energy source, noting that Nigeria possesses commercial volumes of gas capable of supporting industrial development.

 

“We have enough gas to support Nigeria’s energy transition. It’s crucial that we remain focused to develop an optimal energy mix for the future,” Lucciana-Gabriel said.

 

She also stressed the importance of Nigeria tailoring its energy solutions to local realities.

 

Also, Mr Mobolaji Sumonu, Lead, Upstream at Fidelity Bank Plc, raised concerns about the limited investments in the gas sector.

 

He pointed out that many gas-related projects were not bankable, making it difficult for financial institutions to support them.

 

“To attract funding, projects must be viable. Insecurity, poor infrastructure, and lack of financing remain key challenges to gas development,” Sumonu noted.

 

Mr Adeola Yusuf, Lead at Platform Africa, expressed concerns about the strained relationship between operators and the media.

 

He called for greater mutual understanding and uncensored collaboration.

 

Yusuf also criticised the government’s slow progress in addressing gas flaring and ensuring domestic access to gas.

 

“It’s alarming that about 80 per cent of Nigerian women still lack access to domestic gas.

 

“The government must take gas flaring seriously and impose stricter penalties to avoid losing trillions of Naira in wasted resources,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood
Environment

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood

By Abigael Joshua

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NAN)www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nigeria condoles India over tragic plane crash
General News

Nigeria condoles India over tragic plane crash

Crash
By Fortune Abang
The Federal Government has condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the
Ministry.

Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.

“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.

“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing  such tragedies in the future.”

The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
====

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety
Science & Tech

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of next-generation food science and technology to guarantee food safety.

The President and Chairman, NIFST Governing Council, Bola Osinowo, said this on Thursday at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event had its theme as “Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building”.

“Food science offers solutions through biofortification, breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of vital vitamins and minerals.

“Imagine what we can achieve with cassava enriched with Vitamin A or maize with increased iron content, reaching communities most in need.

“We can also leverage advanced food processing to fortify staple foods with essential nutrients, making healthy diets more accessible,” he said.

Osinowo said food was the foundation of life and the bedrock of national stability.

According to him, a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food efficiently.

He said historically, advances in food science -such as the Green Revolution – had transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.

“In Nigeria, a significant portion of our agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing.

“Next-generation solutions like novel preservation techniques, intelligent packaging that extends shelf life and efficiency can address the challenge.

“Similarly, cold chain logistics, powered by Internet of Things (IoT), can drastically reduce this wastage, ensuring more food reaches our tables.

“Beyond just quantity, we must focus on nutritional security. Hidden hunger – the deficiency of essential micronutrients, affects millions and hinders national productivity,” he said.

The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should have a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics and nutrigenomics.

Mustapha, who was represented by Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Mrs Shakirat Solebo, called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital and improved  Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He also said there was a need to establish centres of excellence for youths and women in agro technology.

Mustapha said the future of food security and economic growth was in sustainable innovations.

According to him, this can be achieved by embracing biotechnology and digital agriculture.

The Director-General,  Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) , Ifeanyichukwu, Okeke said embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Okeke, who was represented by the Group Head, Healthcare Group Standardisation, SON, Mrs Uduak Udoso said SON remained committed to supporting the innovative initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFST was established in 1976.

It provides  professional support to individuals, public and private institutions in the food industry by  promoting food science and technology, (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to transform the country for the good of all.

Wike made the call in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” delivered  at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday

He said that no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped or selfless, could truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry.

The minister advised Nigerians to wake up from years of cynicism, indifference and hopelessness and embrace a new era being birthed by Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, no nation has made any reasonable progress without the robust cooperation and collaboration of its leadership and followership.

“South Africa for instance, under Mandela, achieved independence and made progress as shown in his book’ Long Walk to Freedom’ through this cooperation.

“Dubai is also recording all these great feats through synergy between its leadership and followership.

“The time for belief is here; the time for action is also here. Together with President Tinubu, we can as a people begin the real process of building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said

The minister also urged  Nigerians to reject the negative narrative that Nigeria would never change for good, stressing that “with the right leadership, nothing is impossible”.

He said that to reclaim Nigeria’s dream, the people must first reclaim the belief in the possibility that the country would be better and reject the defeatist narratives that nothing would change.

According to him, change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia; it is a Nigeria that works; it is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river.

“The Nigeria of our dream is also where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.

“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship.

“It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse, but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible,” he said.

The minister added that the “Nigeria of our dream is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant”.

Wike  emphasised that reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of its vision and values, stressing that Nigerians must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny.

He also stressed the need to rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities and across faiths and generations.

The minister also said that to make meaningful progress, Nigerians must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth and the strength of unity.

“Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.

“This work belongs to all of us. No one is too small to matter or too big to fail.

“Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long.

“The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda
Defence/Security

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s policies and counter the propaganda of terrorists and bandits.

Buratai made the call during his remarks at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him citizens engagement and national security is very fundamental, stressing that such has not been formalised over the years.

He gave a narration on how Sweden coordinated its activities which enhanced citizens’ engagement, that led to a national force and that also gave birth to the Navy Seal we have in the world today.

“Citizens engagement is a force multiplier, be it intelligence or cyber activities that affect our nation’s strategic assets and installations. It is important to engage the citizens, especially vibrant youths who are into cyber security.

“It is good to engage them to dispel negative information and counter damaging propaganda by terrorists and bandits. Engaging them will also help in national security.

“Also, citizens should be engaged to support the policies of the government, to counter the propaganda of bandits and terrorists.

“This is because the terrorists and bandits are also in the media space and the social media space.

“And it is good to bring them down, deal with them responsibly so that they will understand that the whole nation is against banditry and terrorism, ” Buratai said.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as “true renewed hope agenda under renewed hope administration”.

Buratai explained that unlike before, the Tinubu-led administration has brought in policies that have a long term effect that would be felt for the betterment of the country.

“Renewed Hope Agenda is fundamental. It is not like a palliative approach. This is a complete departure. And we hope that as time goes on, the impact will be felt and Nigeria will be much better.

“We need a better environment for economic activities to thrive and for the society to grow. I congratulate the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace for organising the forum,” Buratai said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members
General News

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members

By Daniel Obaje

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N44,000 minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The commencement of the payment fulfills an earlier promise tied to the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

The payment applies to those who completed their service before the new allowance took effect earlier this year.

Former corps members have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm receipt of the payment, expressing their gratitude and relief.

One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted: ”Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.”

Another user @pharmacist_shezzy shared: ”44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬.”

Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X wrote: ”Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”

The payment, widely seen as a fulfillment of the government’s earlier pledge, has sparked excitement online, with many praising the move as a sign of renewed trust and accountability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

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