Category: Nigeria

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Tinubu reaffirms commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s health sector

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector, emphasizing the urgent need to address the longstanding challenges that have hindered effective healthcare delivery.

According to the president, the government is determined to pursue innovative solutions that will directly tackle the hydra-headed problems confronting the sector, with a special focus on improving the enabling environment for hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.

He spoke on Tuesday at the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the President assured Nigerians that his administration is working assiduously to promote sustainable energy solutions to power medical facilities nationwide.

Tinubu added that these efforts are part of a broader plan to restore confidence in public healthcare, improve outcomes, and ensure that quality services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status

The president said : “Today, we face a pressing issue that affects every Nigerian: the persistent power supply crisis in our tertiary hospitals and public health institutions. In surgical theatres, maternity wards, intensive care units, laboratories, and emergency rooms across the country, power outages too often compromise safety, interrupt care, and cost lives. This crisis demands our immediate attention and concerted action.

“These outages cannot continue, and under our administration, they should not. Lives are at stake. We must act now.

“Let me therefore affirm unequivocally that my administration is fully committed to the transformation of our health sector by targeting innovative solutions at the hydra-headed challenges bedevilling the sector, including the sub-optimal, inefficient and often uneconomical electricity supply that drives up the cost of services, disrupts care, compromises quality and increases patient dissatisfaction. This initiative to advance energy solutions in our hospitals is not an isolated intervention. It is an integral part of the strategic direction of the Renewed Hope Agenda to address energy poverty in Nigeria by decentralising and deploying tailor-made solutions and promoting private sector participation”.

He assured the private sector and investors that Nigeria is open for business in health, energy, and infrastructure.

The President also reiterated his government’s commitment to create the enabling environment for return on investment and partner with credible investors in renewable and hybrid energy systems.

According to him, the national dialogue is a launching pad for collaborative action, strategic alignment, and shared responsibility in powering our nation’s health institutions.

“Through the Energy Transition Plan and our Power Sector Reform initiatives, we are building a robust foundation for cleaner, more resilient, and more decentralised energy delivery systems across Nigeria. These efforts are deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity,” he stated.

He said his administration is aligning the Energy Transition Plan to focus on expanding off-grid solar and hybrid systems for critical public infrastructure, creating incentives for private sector participation through supportive regulations and fiscal measures, promoting public-private partnerships as drivers of sustainable energy deployment as well as leveraging blended financing to attract investments from development partners, international financial institutions, and local financiers. (Vanguard)

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PENGASSAN backs NUPENG, threatens shutdown of Dangote refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has declared solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in the push for the unionisation of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its allied companies.

Recall that NUPENG had declared its intention to stop loading fuel today over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to ban the drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.

In a statement released on 7Monday, the association’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said, “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.”

PENGASSAN warned it may be forced to take drastic action if the matter remains unresolved.

“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the association threatened.

PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of resisting unionisation since its inception despite several diplomatic interventions.

“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its inception. All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward,” the statement read in part.

The union said it fully supported NUPENG’s demand for total unionisation across the refinery and its affiliates, saying this was in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation and in line with Nigerian labour laws.

It declared its firm support for NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies.

“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the statement added.

The union also urged urgent dialogue from all stakeholders to avert disruption.

It urged all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address the pressing issues.

“Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.

“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, a meeting of all stakeholders has been summoned in Abuja by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammadu Dingyadi, to settle the crisis. (Punch)

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Gbajabiamila hails military, unveils 1,200-seater auditorium at Lagos Army Barracks

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday inaugurated a 1,200-capacity auditorium he facilitated at Abalti Army Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that, the auditorium, named Bola Tinubu Hall, is one the projects facilitated by the Chief of Staff at the barracks.

At the inauguration, Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the military deserved better recognition and dividends of democracy even when they do not ask like the electorate.

He said, “The military has done so well in stabilising this country and this democracy.

“And that is why when you talk about dividends of democracy, normally it is the civilians, our people, our electorate that talk about and ask for dividends of democracy.

“But you guys don’t ask for it. It is given to you naturally because we understand the role you play in Nigeria.

“If you are doing that, it behoves on us, as elected officials, and unelected officials as I am now, to make sure that you live in a comfortable environment, that you operate within a comfortable environment that will make your work easier.

“That’s why we commission projects here on a regular basis. This is another one of them: over 1,000 capacity hall, it is furnished, fully air-conditioned, with an 80 kVA generator and it is ultra-modern.

“And why do we do that? We do that because the army, the military is an integral part of any democracy.”

According to him, without security, there cannot be democracy.

Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s leadership commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the officers and men of the military.

He expressed the President’s gratitude for the role the men and women in the military play, and for sacrificing, sometimes even paying the supreme sacrifice, to keep the country one.

According to him, the facility allows the military to host events, to do training and conferences as well as help to generate revenue.

Gbajabiamila added that he was working to pull down the old bungalows in the barracks and replace them with a multi-storey residential building, “which will be our next project for this barracks”.

He added that efforts had been made to build and inaugurate an ultra modern new residential building at the nearby police barracks, “Yours is coming, too”.

He added, “I want to thank you for all that you have been doing, not just in Surulere, but for what you’ve been doing for everyone, even outside Surulere.

“We thank you for how you have been able to maintain peace and security within Surulere

“The traditional role of the military, even constitutionally, is to protect the territorial integrity of our country, but sometimes you are called upon to step outside that traditional role to maintain internal security.

“And not once have you wavered in that call to duty. May God continue to bless you. May God continue to keep all of you.

“May you continue to serve your motherland dutifully, responsibly and with the same commitment and faith that Nigeria will continue to be one. Nigeria will continue to be strong.”

According to him, the nation’s democracy is growing and doing well, noting that the President has full commitment towards the welfare of the men and women in uniform.

“I have served many presidents, I have seen many presidents and I have worked with many presidents. They all have the same commitment towards our men and women in uniform. They all have commitment towards you.

“But I have not seen one that has the kind of commitment, the kind of passion, like President Bola Tinubu does for you,” he added.

Speaking, Mr Muiz Dosunmu, the Vice Chairman, Surulere Local Government, who described the council as the best in Nigeria, said that council had been relating peacefully with the Abalti Barracks community.

He said that the cooperation and collaboration between the two parties had facilitated many notable projects in the barracks.

“Surulere is leading in all facets: development, education, sports, health infrastructure. We have tried to be the best and people can see, we don’t need to blow our trumpet unnecessarily.

“We believe we can do more than we are doing and we promise to do more than what we are doing. We are not leaving any man behind, everybody is being carried along, involved and integrated, as advised by the chief of staff to the President.

“We keep promising that we will always be the vocal point of whatever is happening in Nigeria,” he said.

He applauded Gbajabiamila for doing his best not for the council alone ,but for the state and the country.

In his keynote address, Director of Nigeria Army on Corps, Lt.-Col. Michael Toriola, who described Gbajabiamila as a role model, philanthropist and a man with a good heart, commended the chief of staff vision and commitment to the welfare of the military.

Toriola applauded Gbajabiamila for building the Hall and other projects that had been put in place in the barracks out of his magnanimity.

“Sir, we appreciate you. This is a true reflection of your commitment to the well-being of officers, our family and men. It underscores the importance of creating an environment where we can perform and thrive.

“The completion of this facility (Bola Tinubu Hall) goes beyond mere infrastructure, it represents progress, professionalism and a deep pride in service.

“As we commission this gigantic hall today, may it stand as a lasting symbol of our shared commitment to excellence and service,” he said.

The event was attended by many APC leaders including a member representing Surulere Constituency I in the House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, officers and men of the Nigerian Army. (Nation)

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Broadcasting NPFL matches unsustainable, says StarTimes

The Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes, Joshua Wang, has opened up on the cancellation of the broadcast deal with the Nigeria Premier Football League, confirming The PUNCH’s initial report on why both parties ended the partnership.

StarTimes and the NPFL signed a five-year deal worth N6bn in 2023, but the agreement has been terminated after two years.

The PUNCH understands that StarTimes ended their deal as the official broadcast partners of the NPFL following a poor return on investment, especially in the patronage of their decoder and offerings by Nigerians.

Wang also affirmed this in Abuja, during an event orgaised by the NPFL.

“Since StarTimes has been the broadcast partners of the NPFL, during the past two seasons, we have tried to meet our promises to promote and broadcast the NPFL,” he said.

“But unfortunately, we are here because of these economic issues; we are not making it as a business partner for the pay TV business to be sustainable.

“Everything is business; we don’t have the capability to continue. I also heard last week that our partners NTA have taken over the broadcast.”

Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, also revealed that the five-year deal didn’t pass the two-year probation that both parties set.

“Signing with StarTimes that time, we said that the first two seasons are probatory, after that we would discuss again on how to go further,” Elegbeleye said.

“Our last match in Lagos between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors was live on NTA. We will still be going ahead with that until we finish the current discussion regarding the broadcast.”

Last week, Elegbeleye led the NPFL board to meet with the management of the NTA to seal a new broadcast partnership for the league, but the future of the arrangement is currently uncertain, no thanks to the premature reshuffling of the station’s management by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu appointed Rotimi Pedro (whom the NPFL board met) as the new DG of the NTA on August 20, but the appointment was reversed after the President ordered the reinstatement of Salihu Abdullahi Dembos to complete his three-year tenure as the NTA DG on Tuesday. (Punch)

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Fire guts residential building in Oyo

A residential building was, on Thursday morning, gutted by fire at Olugbile House, Iyalamu area of Oyo town in Oyo State.

Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that the incident occurred around 5:00 am as a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.

Though no life was lost, it was further gathered that two out of eight rooms were affected, while household items and properties were destroyed.

Confirming the incident in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, the State Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the agency’s personnel immediately mobilised to the scene.

He said, “Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, our officers met two rooms out of eight rooms of an ancient residential building on fire. They quickly swung into action, and the fire was subdued and prevented from spreading beyond the two rooms.

“The fire was completely extinguished, the occupants, sympathisers and onlookers were sensitised on fire prevention, particularly the importance of having fire extinguishers at every household in the state.

“The fire incident was a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.

“No casualty was recorded; the agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira. Report fire incident and give correct address, contact our emergency lines: 08067439223 and 08054353501 or 615.”

PUNCH Online reports that the incident highlights recurring fire outbreaks in Oyo State, often traced to negligence such as improper handling of electrical appliances, cooking gas, and cigarettes.

According to the Oyo State Fire Service, dozens of residential and market fire incidents have been recorded since the beginning of 2025, resulting in millions of naira in losses.

Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to adopt strict fire safety measures, including installing basic extinguishers, avoiding unsafe smoking habits indoors, and promptly reporting fire outbreaks to emergency lines.

Fire outbreaks tend to increase during dry seasons when harmattan winds make combustible materials more flammable, making early response critical to preventing large-scale damage. (Punch)

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Tinubu makes U-turn, reverses new NTA appointments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the recently announced management changes at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), recalling the Director-General, Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, and the Executive Director of News, Ayo Adewuyi, to complete their tenures.

Tribune Online recently reports that Tinubu recently overhauled the NTA leadership, appointing veteran media executive, Rotimi Richard Pedro, as the new Director-General of the state broadcaster.

Other key appointments include Katsina State’s Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din from Plateau State as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Issa Mohammed from Adamawa State as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

However, in a surprise U-turn, Tinubu in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the reversal of the fresh appointments while recalling the previous leadership.  

Dembos, who was appointed in October 2023, is to continue in office until the end of his three-year term, while Adewuyi, appointed in 2024, is to remain in his role until 2027.

The new directive sets aside earlier appointments made to fill the positions of director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises.

The statement reads partly, “Dembos was appointed DG of the TV network by President Tinubu in October 2023. He will now return to complete his three-year tenure.

“The President similarly directed the recall of Mr Ayo Adewuyi, the Executive Director of News, to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027.

“Adewuyi was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024.

“The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises.” (Tribune)

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Police flag flies at half-mast as Force HQ mourns Arase

The Nigeria Police Force has opened a condolence register at its Force Headquarters in Abuja to honour the memory of the late Solomon Arase.

Arase, the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, passed away on August 31, at 69.

According to a statement on its X account on Monday, the current IG, Kayode Egbetokun, paid heartfelt tribute to the late police chief as senior officers and staff converged at the headquarters to sign the register and pay their respects.

“The Nigeria Police Force has opened a Condolence Register at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for the revered former Police Chief, as senior officers and staff pay their respects.

“In honour of his memory, the Police flag will fly at half-mast in all Commands and Formations nationwide,” the statement read.

The gesture is part of a series of formal remembrances by the service following Arase’s death. (Punch)

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Ex-IG Ehindero, group eulogise late Arase

A former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, and the Benin Consultative Forum have paid glowing tributes to the late ex-IGP Solomon Arase, who died on Sunday in Abuja at the age of 69.

Ehindero, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, described Arase as a unique Principal Staff Officer, whose exceptional qualities made him indispensable to successive police chiefs.

“There are PSOs and there are PSOs. Solomon was a unique PSO. Ordinarily, when an officer served an incumbent IG, his successor would opt for a new aide. However, Solomon was so outstanding that he served my boss, Tafa Balogun, me, and part of the tenure of Mr. Mike Okiro. He was my PSO from 2005 to 2007 when I was the IGP,” Ehindero said.

He described Arase as humble, loyal, courageous, and fair-minded, noting that his enduring legacies in policing were reflected in his writings and reforms.

“He was an impartial arbiter in matters assigned to him, a man of conviction, and an emblem of principled action. His reputation for excellence and his many publications remain testament to his impact on policing,” Ehindero added.

The former police chief also praised Arase’s role as a mentor and philanthropist, citing his generosity through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation and his de-tribalised approach to leadership.

“Solomon was a remarkable officer from Owan West in Edo State who, through his energy and effort, rose to become the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police. He epitomised hard work, integrity, honesty, and benevolence. We will indeed miss him in this earthly realm,” he said.

Consoling the family, Ehindero wrote: “Solomon has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At sunrise and sunset, we will always remember him. Adieu, my able PSO.”

Similarly, the Benin Consultative Forum described the late Arase as a towering figure who modernised the Nigerian Police Force through innovative policies and scholarship.

In a statement signed by its Vice President, Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the group said Arase was “an acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network” whose contributions extended beyond policing to law enforcement reforms and internal security scholarship.

“His life of service also included scholarly enterprise as he strove to put his years of experience in the security and civil relations sectors to the benefit of society with his books, which bore prescriptions of how to advance Nigeria’s internal security and electoral management,” the statement read.

The group noted that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers confirmed his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law and service to humanity.

Until his death, Arase was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, where he introduced fresh ideas into police management. He served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police and was widely celebrated for his role in modernising the force. (Punch)

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CDS hails Finnish Court verdict on Simon Ekpa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has welcomed the judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that it demonstrates that those who incite violence or fund terrorism will be held accountable, irrespective of their location.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS said:

“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state. The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”

The CDS also expressed appreciation to Nigerian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, as well as the country’s diplomats, for their collaboration in providing actionable evidence that contributed to Ekpa’s conviction.

He noted that the outcome underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational threats.

General Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks, while assuring Nigerians of sustained efforts to secure peace across the country.

He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu mourns ex-IGP Arase, says he served meritoriously

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over the death of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, who died on Sunday at 69.

President Tinubu commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the highly resourceful officer. Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.

The President acknowledged the dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country, through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.

Reflecting on Arase’s laudable service to the country, President Tinubu remarked, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.

“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.

“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.”

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation”. (Vanguard)