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Tag: FCT

  • My greatest challenge with Abuja residents – Wike

    My greatest challenge with Abuja residents – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says his greatest challenge as minister of the nation’s capital is residents refusing to pay their taxes.

    Wike stated this after he inspected ongoing projects in the city, in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinibu’s second year in office.

    The projects inspected are the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) and the extension of Phase I of the Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.

    Also inspected is the completed interchange at NICON Junction, the road network leading to Judges’ Quarters and the road leading to Wole Soyinka Way, which were also completed.

    The minister said that people want to see facilities and infrastructure but nobody cares about how the government raised the money.

    He pointed out that the FCT depends solely on taxes for its revenues since it was among the oil producing states.

    He said that most elites owned houses in foreign countries and knew the implications of not paying their taxes, adding that they would lose their houses if they failed to pay.

    “But when it comes to your own country, you don’t want to pay simply because nobody wants to obey the law and everybody thinks that there will be no sanction.

    “I have said it before, that it did not happen yesterday does not mean it won’t happen today; that it did not happen today it does not mean it will not happen tomorrow.

    “We must do something to support the government to get the facilities and infrastructure that we need,” he said.

    He said that property owners have not paid their ground rent for more than 30 years, adding that the amount had remained unchanged for a very long time.

    He, however, said that the FCT Administration was considering increasing the amount.

    Speaking on the two weeks grace granted to ground rent defaulters by Tinubu, the minister said that no blackmail would stop the FCT Administration from doing what it was supposed to do.

    “Let nobody think that blackmail will stop us. We will do what we are supposed to do. This is about leadership.

    “We will not give in to black mail. If you have not paid, we will take over the property,” he said.

    Wike also disclosed that he had signed more than 1,500 Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) before he travelled last week, adding that people just collect the C of Oand would not pay the statutory ground rent.

    “It doesn’t matter what anybody wants to say, it is not acceptable. This is one of the heavy challenges we are facing and I assure you we will surmount it,” the minister said.

    Speaking on the projects, the minister commended the quality of Job at the rehabilitated AICC, adding that the contractor, Julius Berger has fulfilled its promise.

    “We were also at Life Camp Junction Road to Ring Road III which is also 95 per cent completed and Julius Berger said before next week, it will be ready.

    “We were at the NICON Interchange and you can see that the contractor, CGC, has done a marvellous job.

    “They have completed the Interchange; they have completed the road network leading to the judge’s quarters, and from here to Jahi, leading to Wole Soyinka Way has also been completed.

    “I feel so happy that the contractor has lived up to expectations. The quality of work is superb and I am sure residents in this area will be very happy with Mr president,” he said.

    Wike added that Tinubu had promised to provide infrastructure to residents of Abuja and “these are some of the infrastructures he has provided”.

    The FCTA had on Monday, began taking over 4,794 revoked properties in the territory over unpaid ground rent, amounting to more than N6 billion.

    Tinubu, however, gave the defaulters 14-day grace to pay the outstanding ground rent and associated penalties.

  • CSO protests against alleged notorious Abuja land grabber at EFCC hq

    CSO protests against alleged notorious Abuja land grabber at EFCC hq

    A civil society organisation (CSO) known as Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) on Tuesday led a protest to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The CSO led the protest to the EFCC headquarters over what it termed as a “criminal case of serious land document forgery, trespass, and fraud” involving one Mrs Rebecca Omokamo Isaac, popularly known as Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu.

    Speaking at the EFCC headquarters, the National Coordinator of INAHURAT, Comrade Gerald Katchy said the protest was to support the good work the anti graft agency was doing in regard to the case involving the defendant.

    “We are here to support EFCC in the ongoing investigation and prosecution of the case and to continue to make this clarion call that the Chairman of EFCC should not succumb to pressure, intimidation, blackmail or harassment.

    “This is because we have seen other law enforcement agencies that were supposed to do due diligence like the EFCC compromising, and shielding the suspect that they have already arraigned in court.

    “We understand that the EFCC has done a diligent job concerning the land in question in Guzape. But, the same police that arraigned the suspect in court are still providing a team of officers to protect the person and frustrating the case.

    “So, we are here to extend our solidarity to the EFCC Chairman. We want to use this opportunity to encourage the EFCC Chairman not to succumb, and see to it that justice is done on this matter,” Comrade Katchy said.

    Meanwhile, earlier at a press briefing, Director of Legal for INAHURAT, Barr. Maxwell Opara, provided an update on the ongoing case of criminal conspiracy, forgery of land title documents, theft, criminal trespass, and the fraudulent sale of properties worth Billions of Naira filed against the said Mrs Rebecca.

    “This case centres on the serious fraudulent activities of Rebecca Omokamo (Becky), concerning the forgery, theft, fraudulent sales, trespass, and illegal occupation of Plot 4022 at Guzape District and Plots 1861, 1862, 1863 at Katampe District.

    “These properties were stolen from their lawful owner, a 79-year-old grandmother, Hajia Collen Mero Yesufu and her family,” Barr. Opara alleged.

    Opara recalled raising an alarm of how the suspect was allegedly close associate of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, while lamenting that the IGP was allegedly using his office to shield Rebecca from arrest and investigation.

    “We then urged the IGP to refrain from interfering with the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and to allow due process to take its course.

    “Specifically, on December 30, 2024, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi issued a public statement on behalf of the IGP, denying any interference or involvement with Rebecca, dismissing our claims as “mischief” and stating that the IGP had “no business dealing with land or civil matters.”

    “However, at our response press briefing on January 8, 2025, we presented incontrovertible evidence demonstrating how the IGP had actively frustrated the investigation of Rebecca from the moment the petition was submitted to his office – a petition he deliberately refused to investigate,” the Director of Legal for INAHURAT said.

    Opara went further to say: “Shortly after that briefing, and in a clear attempt to cover up their complicity, the IGP hurriedly filed criminal charges against Rebecca on January 23, 2025.

    “This action was not taken in the interest of justice, but rather to divert attention from their initial efforts to frustrate a case they had initially insisted was civil, not criminal.

    “The police secretly arraigned her in an Apo court via Charge No. CR/007/2025 without informing the fraud victims and granted her bail immediately, without any objection”.

    Opara called on the IGP to withdraw police protection from the suspect and compel her to present herself to defend the fraud charges against her over the properties, which he said the suspect continues to occupy in the Guzape district of Abuja.

    “She has illegally occupied this property since August 2024 with the full protection of armed policemen, allegedly on the orders of the IGP without a single title or building approval.

    “We previously informed the public that this matter was duly investigated by the EFCC, which uncovered disturbing evidence of document forgery and fraud.

    “This included the falsification of Power of Attorney’s, AGIS Title’s, Signatures, and various CAC Company documents, all executed to further her criminal enterprise.

    “In fact, she also tendered fake court affidavits and police extracts allegedly aided by the police in an impersonation case she filed in court to procure fraudulent injunctions,” Opara alleged.

    He added: “As a matter of fact, on March 06, 2025, the Police and EFCC almost had a confrontation at Plot 4022 Guzape District – the very property the IGP supposedly charged her to court for, yet continues to protect with armed policemen, despite several “Forfeiture Orders” issued by different High Courts.

    “When EFCC operatives arrived to effect her arrest for jumping bail, they were prevented from carrying out their lawful operation by the several fully armed police officers guarding the suspect.

    “Nonetheless, we are pleased to announce today that justice is gradually taking its course as Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac and her co-conspirators, despite her strong connections to the IGP, have now been formally charged in court via:

    “Charge No: CR/76/2025-a 17-count charge including Forgery, Criminal Trespass, Cheating, and violations under the Advance Fee Fraud Act at the Federal High Court. Charge No: CR/77/2025 is a separate case before the Federal High Court.

    “A third charge at the FCT High Court – with 5-counts including Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Advance Fee Fraud offences is awaiting assignment.

    “This development is a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

    “Despite attempts at intimidation and interference by the IGP, the EFCC has remained committed to ensuring that justice is served. We commend the unrelenting team at the EFCC that has handled this matter with integrity and dedication.

    “We also extend our appreciation to the Attorney General of the Federation for refusing to yield to unreasonable pressure and for upholding the rule of law, thereby preserving the sanctity of justice in this matter.

    “However, we call on the EFCC Chairman to distance himself from any semblance of injustice by immediately proceeding with the enforcement of the court-sanctioned forfeiture orders issued against the aforementioned properties on March 4, 2025.

    “These properties have been illegally occupied by these suspects with the aid of the Police but rightfully belong to 79-year-old Hajia Collen Mero Yesufu.

    “We must remind the EFCC Chair that any further attempts to frustrate or delay this process would be a betrayal of justice, and Nigerians are now watching the EFCC closely.

    “We ask the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies to immediately scrutinise the conduct of the IGP in this matter and ensure that all officers who have abused their powers for personal or unprofessional gains are held accountable.

    “We also remind the Nigerian judiciary to remain vigilant against any form of abuse by the unscrupulous few who seek to obstruct justice through delay tactics, interference with judicial processes, or baseless criminal charges.

    “Finally, we call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to urgently intervene and investigate the IGP’s unprofessional conduct on this matter.

    “It is both shameful and unacceptable that a suspect facing serious criminal charges by the Police still enjoys such close proximity to the Nigerian IGP and continues to enjoy police protection, using the privilege to obstruct lawful actions of EFCC operatives.

    “INAHURAT will continue to monitor this case to ensure that the voice of the voiceless is heard as we remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice and defence of human rights”.

    TNG reports neither Rebecca Omokamo Isaac, popularly known as Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu, nor Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, could be reached to comment on the matter at the time of filing this report.

  • FCT school children beg for end to two months strike

    FCT school children beg for end to two months strike

    Some school children in Bwari Area Council of the FCT have appealed to striking teachers in the six area councils to consider their plights and call off their two months industrial action.

    The children made the appeal in separate interviews with NAN on Tuesday, in Bwari, Abuja, while baring their minds on the 2025 Children’s Day.

    Recall the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the FCT had in March embarked on strike due to non-payment of the N70,000 minimum wage.

    Blessing Adamu, a 10-year-old primary four child at LEA 2, Primary School, Bwari said that staying at home for more than two months without learning was big disruption of their academic programmes.

    She appealed to FCT administration and the teachers to resolve their differences and call off the strike.

    “I am not happy that I have been at home for this long. My friends in the private schools are going to school and I am staying at home to help my mummy with her business and chores,” she said.

    Another pupil, Jonah Mathias said that he was now bored due to the duration of the strike, saying “I am missing both physical and intellectual exercises in school”.

    He also pleaded to the FCT administration and the NUT to end the action, considering the negative effects on their future.

    Also, Esther Bwaya, another child affected by the strike, described the situation as “unfortunate and traumatising”, adding that they watched their peers in private schools go to school daily with feeling of abandonment by the government.

    “We appeal to government to look into this matter as a special Children’s Day gift to FCT children, because we really want to return to school,’’ she said.

    Mrs Raabi Sumaila, a mother of five whose children are affected by the strike, appealed to the FCT administration to ensure the strike was over to save the children from further damage.

    She noted that the strike did not only affect public schools but also affected the primary healthcare centres, adding that the situation had bought untold hardship on the people.

    “We are bagging the FCT administration to put an end to this strike. We have suffered too much, our children are still at home, and we cannot have access to healthcare services at the health centres,’’ she lamented.

    Mr Danladi Chiya, Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in FCT appealed to the workers and members of the unions to consider the plights of the children and call off the strike.

  • Tinubu intervenes, grants 14-day grace to defaulters over FCT ground rent

    Tinubu intervenes, grants 14-day grace to defaulters over FCT ground rent

    President Bola Tinubu has given defaulters of ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a 14-day grace period to pay outstanding ground rent and associated penalties.

    Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land, FCTA, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

    Nwankwoeze explained that Tinubu’s intervention followed the vigorous enforcement of the takeover of 4,794 revoked properties in the FCT by the Administration.

    The revoked properties owe the FCTA more than N6 billion in unpaid ground rent, with arrears ranging from 10 to 43 years.

    Following the enforcement, which began on Monday, the FCTA sealed several properties including the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, Access Bank, and Federal Internal Revenue Service offices, all located in Wuse Zone 5.

    Also sealed were the Chinese Cultural Centre, Ibro Hotel, Total Energy Petrol Station, Mamuda Group Warehouse, and the premises of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, also in Wuse.

    The director said that properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals were affected, demonstrating the FCT Administration’s commitment to carrying out its duties without fear or favour.

    Following Tinubu’s directive, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to pay the outstanding ground rents along with penalties.

    Nwankwoeze explained that defaulters in the Central Area must pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to their ground rent arrears.

    “Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape districts will pay N3 million, while defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalties alongside their owed rents.”

    He further urged individuals who purchased properties but had not yet registered their ownership by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment to do so within 14 days.

    Affected property owners were advised to visit the FCT Department of Land Administration to complete registration by obtaining the required Minister’s Consent.

    Nwankwoeze also announced that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had given a similar 14-day grace period for all property holders to pay their Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy bills, warning that failure to do so might result in revocation.

    “Going forward, the minister has advised all property owners in the FCT to ensure timely payment of all necessary bills and charges.

    “This will enable the government to continue carrying out vital developmental projects for the benefit of the people,” he said.

  • Reps summon Minister of State for FCT

    Reps summon Minister of State for FCT

    The House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Auxiliary Matters has summoned the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure to appear before it on Tuesday.

    The Minister of State for FCT was summoned for allegedly failing to honour invitation by the committee session on FCT budget.

    It was said out of the 14 agencies under her supervision , only three honoured the invitation.

    The Committee Chairman, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi handed down the summon in Abuja on Monday.

    Agbedi, who decried the absence of the minister, warned that the parliament would invoke its parliamentary powers against the minister if she failed to appear on Tuesday.

    He recalled that President Tinubu had asked them to expedite action on the budget.

    The lawmaker expressed worry over the negligence of the minister to an all important budget.

    According to him, the minister was duly invited earlier together with the angenci under her jurisdiction.

    Agbedi reminded the minister that the parliament and indeed the committee represented the indigenes and resident of the FCT.

    “As a committee, we touch on the fabrics of the people of FCT because we are directly with the people.

    “This committee is very very important to the people of FCT,” he said.

    The lawmaker, however, called on President Tinubu to ensure that something was done urgently.

    Earlier, Rep. Paul Kalejaye, representing Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Lagos described the minister’s absence as an affront on the parliament.

    Kalejaye reminded the minister that the parliament had constitutional powers to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.

  • Reps call for state of emergency in FCT health sector

    Reps call for state of emergency in FCT health sector

    The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare sector in the Federal Government Territory (FCT).

    The call followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi (PDP-Delta) at plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The house called for the release of emergency funds for the upgrade of hospitals, recruitment of medical personnel, and acquisition of critical medical equipment.

    Moving the motion earlier, Ezechi said that there is an alarming strain on the healthcare system in the FCT with government hospitals and medical facilities being severely overstretched.

    He explained that thus has resulted to a critical shortage of bed spaces and medical personnel.

    He said that the population of the FCT had surged significantly over the past two decades, while many of the existing government hospitals were constructed with little or no expansion to match the growing demand for healthcare services.

    According to him, patients in need of critical medical attention are often left unattended or subjected to long waiting hours due to the unavailability of hospital beds and limited capacity of existing facilities, leading to preventable loss of lives daily.

    “Concerned that the lack of sufficient medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, further exacerbates the crisis, reducing the quality of care and increasing the burden on the few available staff;

    “Worried that if immediate interventions are not made, the healthcare crisis may escalate to unmanageable levels, undermining the right to health and threatening the well-being of residents in the nation’s capital;

    “Convinced that a strategic review and upgrade of health infrastructure in the FCT, along with a comprehensive recruitment drive for medical professionals, will address the urgent needs and ensure better health outcomes,” he said.

    The house urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the FCT Administration, to immediately assess the state of health facilities in the FCT with the aim of identifying critical areas for expansion, upgrade, and resource  allocation.

    The green chambers resolved to constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the current state of healthcare facilities in the FCT and submit a reportwithin four weeks with recommendations for improvement;

    The lawmakers encourage the FCT Administration to partner with private sector stakeholders and international health agencies to boost capacity in the short term while long-term solutions are being implemented.

    The house urged the Federal Government to design a long-term healthcare infrastructure development plan that aligns with the growing population of the FCT and ensure a sustainable and quality healthcare delivery.

    Also, the house urged the Federal Ministry of Health and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deploy surveillance teams, and medical resources to Badagry area of Lagos state to immediately curtaile suspected cholera outbreak.

    Moving the motion, Rep. Sesi Whingan (APC-Lagos)  said that there is a disease outbreak suspected to be cholera in the Zongo community, Seme area, Badagry West LCDA, Lagos state, which has claimed lives, threatening a public health catastrophe.

    He said the outbreak had left residents, especially women and children, heartbroken and devastated as they face severe cholera symptoms.

    The rep said that the outbreak was as a result of contaminated water, poor sanitation, and a collapsed healthcare system, worsened by the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital.

    According to the lawmaker, a four-year power outage has crippled water systems, vaccine storage, and health facilities, directly fueling the spread of the cholera.

    Whingan said  that without the urgent action by the Federal and Lagos State Governments, the outbreak could spread nationwide, endangering countless lives.

    He expressed concern  that this neglect violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), mandating the welfare of the people.

    The house commended local health workers and volunteers risking their lives to combat the emerging health crisis.

    The lawmakers called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to coordinate urgent relief, including clean water and sanitation facilities.

    The green chambers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide sanitary materials, water purification tablets, and disinfectants to affected communities.

    The Federal Ministry of Power and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to urgently restore electricity to Badagry to support water systems and health facilities.

    In his ruling, the Speaker, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen mandated the House Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to visit Badagry West of Lagos to assess the situation and report back within three weeks.

    The house later observe a minute silence for the lives lost to the cholera outbreak.

  • Tinubu’s second Anniversary: Wike announces 19-Day project inauguration in FCT

    Tinubu’s second Anniversary: Wike announces 19-Day project inauguration in FCT

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that a series of infrastructure projects executed by the FCT Administration will be inaugurated over a 19-day period to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, the inauguration will begin on June 10 and span 19 days.

    Olayinka noted that the decision to roll out the inauguration schedule was reached during the 14th Executive Committee meeting of the FCT Administration, chaired by Wike.

    Among the projects to be commissioned are the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus Terminals, and the Apo–Wassa Road.

    Other key projects include the N16 Interchange and connecting road network linking Maitama, Katampe, and Jahi Districts through Gishiri village, as well as the Inner Northern Expressway from Idu (Ring Road III) to Dei Dei.

    Additional projects lined up for inauguration include the CN8 Road from Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5) to the Court of Appeal, and the N20 Flyover connecting Wole Soyinka Way with the Murtala Mohammed Expressway (Kubwa Road).

    Olayinka also mentioned the extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, the Kabulsa–Takushara and Kabusa–Ketti access roads, and another access road in the Giri District.

    In the area councils, the minister will inaugurate the 15-kilometre road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai in the Kwali Area Council. Additionally, the dual carriageway from Ushafa to the War College and Army Checkpoint in Bwari Area Council is also set to be commissioned.

  • Safety precautions to take during heavy rainfall – FEMD

    Safety precautions to take during heavy rainfall – FEMD

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has disclosed some safety precautions residents of the FCT should take during heavy rainfall.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Acting Director-General (D-G) of FEMD, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, made the disclosure on Friday in a statement signed by the department’s Head of Public Affairs in Abuja.

    The acting D-G urged FCT residents to avoid driving under heavy rains, adding that people should equally stay away from trees to avoid the impact of falling branches.

    He further advised that all electrical appliances should be disconnected, especially when it is raining.

    While reiterating FEMD’s commitment to the protection of life and property, Mohammed revealed that the agency has placed its search and rescue team on high alert, following expected rains in FCT and neighbouring states.

    Mohammed stressed that the move was to avert avoidable loss of lives and properties, following the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET)’s early warning.

    He said that NIMET had revealed that thunderstorms were being experienced in some parts of Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

    He added that the weather alert issued by NiMET, which was expected to last ip to May 3, also claimed that FCT and its neighbouring states might experience thunderstorms in the coming days.

    “According to the forecast, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

    “Other states that may be affected according to the weather forecast include Edo, Imo, Abia and Anambra states,” he said.

    He appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency.

  • Wike travels to China for key talks on FCT satellite towns water project

    Wike travels to China for key talks on FCT satellite towns water project

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has embarked on an official trip to China to advance efforts aimed at providing potable water to satellite towns within the FCT.

    According to a statement released on Thursday by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Wike made a stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, en route to China.

    While in China, the Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with representatives of the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group. The visit follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official trip to China in September 2024, involving CGCOC and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), aimed at boosting water and electricity supply in the FCT.

    President Tinubu had earlier approved ₦50 billion for water projects in satellite towns, as part of his commitment to delivering essential infrastructure and restoring public confidence through people-focused initiatives.

    Wike’s visit is part of efforts to ensure the implementation of the President’s directive, particularly in the Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils. He is expected to return to Nigeria next week.

  • Wike orders crackdown on illegal hospitals, quack doctors in FCT

    Wike orders crackdown on illegal hospitals, quack doctors in FCT

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed a total clampdown on unregistered hospitals and quack medical personnel operating in the FCT.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    Olayinka explained that the minister gave the directive while reacting to the death of a pregnant woman at a private health facility located in Durumi, Abuja, following a caesarean section.

    According to him, the minister has warned that anyone found operating an illegal facility or working in an unregistered health facility should be arrested and prosecuted.

    He said it was unfortunate that despite the free registration of pregnant women into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), most pregnant women were still not taking advantage of the scheme.

    “In the FCT, vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, enjoy free enrollment into the FHIS.

    “This allows them free access to all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, through the Primary Health Care  centres.

    “Also, in alignment with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and the Wike-led FCTA’s zero tolerance for maternal mortality, several hospitals in the FCT, including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers.

    “These facilities also offer cesarean sections free of charge,” he said.

    The spokesman urged pregnant women to take advantage of the free health insurance scheme and stop visiting quack medical personnel and unregistered health facilities.

    He recalled that on Friday, a 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom was brought to the Asokoro District Hospital dead.

    He said that the woman died following a Caesarean section, at a hospital in Durumi, Abuja, an unregistered private facility operating in a substandard and unsafe medical environment.

    He added that the baby was delivered alive and had been referred to Asokoro District Hospital for effective care.

    “Investigation conducted by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) revealed that the hospital was not duly registered.

    “At the time of inspection, only one staff member, Mr Simon Godiya, who identified himself as a Junior Community Health Extension Worker was on duty.

    “Mr Godiya reported that the surgical operation was performed by one Murtala Jumma in conjunction with another unidentified individual.

    “All attempts to reach Jumma via phone were unsuccessful,” he added.

    Olayinka said the PHERMC team arrived shortly at the facility along with officers from the Nigeria Police, Durumi Divisional Headquarters.

    He said that case had been handed over to the Police for further investigation.

    “The Nigeria Police is currently assisting in identifying the individuals responsible for the surgery, verifying their qualifications, and investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Chekwube Chinagorom,” he said.