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Tag: FG

  • Why federal workers can’t access housing loans – FG

    Why federal workers can’t access housing loans – FG

    The Federal Government says many federal workers are unable to access its housing loan schemes because they have mortgaged their salaries through multiple loans from commercial lending agencies.

    Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, explained that the heavy loan deductions from the workers’ salaries make  them ineligible for the housing loans.

    She disclosed this at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarterly Forum with Union Leaders, organised by the Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF).

    “Let me tell you why workers may have difficulty in accessing these loans.

    “Majority of them have already mortgaged their salary by taking series of loans from these agencies that operate “sharp loans”.

    “So, at the end of the day, there is no way you can propel them to pay the housing loan. This is very sad,’’ she said.

    Ahmed said the situation is worrisome because the board had increased its loan ceiling to N20 million for senior workers to benefit.

    She added that the government had also created a special scheme for officers on Grade Levels 8 to 14.

    She explained that the board was partnering with mortgage institutions and private developers to make housing more affordable for civil servants.

    Declaring the forum open, Mrs Patience Onyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office in office of the HCSF said the engagement was to strengthen dialogue between government and unions on issues of staff welfare, industrial harmony and productivity.

    According to her, government has introduced several initiatives under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021 to 2025).

    The initiatives, included, group life assurance for federal workers and the President’s N750 billion pension bond bill before the National Assembly.

    “As you are aware, the Service Welfare Office is charged with promoting staff welfare through sound policies and programmes.

    “Today’s meeting is an opportunity to focus on discussions squarely on welfare-related issues with the understanding that sustained dialogue and continuous engagement will allow us to address the concerns progressively.

    “This forum is one of the several avenues through which the federal government continues to engage union leaders, ” she said.

    She used the forum to list other welfare initiatives by the government, including, resuscitation of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), provision of free medical services at the office of the HCSF complex.

    Others are, the review of the recognition and reward policy as well as an open-door engagement policy with labour unions.

    On his part, Mr Usman Tumsah, Deputy General Manager, NSITF, said the Trust Fund was simplifying its claims process and digitising applications to ensure timely compensation for workplace accidents and deaths.

    “It is just unfortunate that most of the organisations have not duly keyed into the scheme and submitted the necessary documentations on behalf of their employees so that they are captured under the scheme.

    “But, we are, at the moment, doing high-level sensitisation of all MDAs to the benefits of keying into the scheme and the benefits derivable for the employees to the scheme. “

    He assured that federal civil servants are automatically covered under the employee compensation scheme, while efforts are ongoing to sensitise MDAs to compliance.

    Mrs Chika Ukachukwu, Chairman, Ministry of Information and National Orientation Union, commended government’s efforts, but urged further improvements in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme.

    She decried delays in accessing medical care under NHIA, calling for the removal of bottlenecks that discourage workers from seeking treatment.

    “I have been a beneficiary of NHIS, now NHIA, since 2012 and I know that the hospitals are not too smooth to assess it. It’s very discouraging.

    “Sometimes when you think of the rigours, the procedures, you have to go through  to access medication and
    checkup, you are already discouraged.

    “But I think they can do better by reducing some of these bottleneck,” she said.

  • FG insists GMOs not poisonous, safe

    FG insists GMOs not poisonous, safe

    The Federal Government has clarified that the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their products in Nigeria is not intended to poison citizens but to strengthen food security and improve nutrition.

    Dr Rose Gidado, Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), said this on Wednesday during a sensitisation workshop in Abuja.

    The workshop was organised for directorate officers of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH/SW) to enhance their understanding of biotechnology and its role in national food security.

    The event was organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigerian Chapter, in collaboration with NBRDA. Gidado said the perception that GMOs were harmful or poisonous was misleading and unfounded.

    She stressed that Nigerian scientists involved in the field were responsible professionals who would never endanger the lives of fellow citizens.

    “We cannot give poison to our own people. Many of us, and the professors working in this field, are Nigerians, responsible scientists who are also consumers,” she said.

    She added that GMOs had a 30-year history of safe use in more than 45 countries. Nigeria, she noted, was adopting the technology with all safety precautions in place.

    “Safety is never compromised. Our National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) was established to regulate biotechnology practice in the country,” she assured.

    Dr Angarawai Ignatius of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT-NG) emphasised that with shrinking land resources and a growing population, biotechnology offered sustainable solutions for increasing food production.

    He explained that genetic modification strengthened weak traits in crops, making them more resistant to diseases, pests, and climate stress, without posing risks to human health.

    Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, represented by Dr Oyedele Julius, Director, Environmental Biotechnology and Bioconservation Department, stated that Nigeria’s research and regulatory frameworks were aligned with international scientific standards.

    He noted the country had already approved insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties to address climate and pest challenges.

    “Health, nutrition, and economic resilience are closely linked. Reduced crop losses mean a more stable food supply, lower prices, and fewer nutrition shocks.

    “The safe deployment of biotechnology aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and economic revival,” he said.

    He added that the use of fewer pesticides also protected rural communities and agricultural workers.

    Nigeria’s framework for biotechnology, he said, is “robust, transparent, and science-driven,” involving partnerships with national research bodies, biosafety agencies, and global partners.

    Mrs Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drug Services at FMOH/SW, represented by Dr John Atanda, said the workshop was aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of biotechnology, biosafety protocols, and the implications for national food security.

    She stressed the ministry’s commitment to ensure that biotech products underwent rigorous risk assessments, including allergenicity, nutritional profile, long-term health impact, and environmental safety, before approval.

    “Every GMO product will follow standard regulatory procedures such as labelling and traceability to reinforce consumer trust,” she added.

    Prof. Emmanuel Kwon-Ndung of the Federal University, Lafia, acknowledged that some resistance to GMOs stemmed from scientists themselves, but often not based on scientific evidence.

    “Much of the opposition is rooted in political, ethical, or social concerns. We need to keep communicating the science to dispel these misconceptions,” he said.

    The workshop is expected to improve awareness and understanding of modern biotechnology and biosafety among ministry officers.

    It also aims to build public confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory processes and promote evidence-based policymaking in health and agriculture. The debate over GMOs comes at a time of rising food insecurity in Nigeria.

    With the population projected to grow well beyond the current estimate of more than 240 million, experts argue that traditional farming methods alone may not meet future food demands.

    Biotechnology is being promoted as a viable solution to increase yields, reduce losses, and adapt to climate-related pressures.

  • FG reacts as Japan backtracks on creating special visas for skilled Nigerians

    FG reacts as Japan backtracks on creating special visas for skilled Nigerians

    The federal government of Nigeria has retracted the claims that Japan is creating a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative Nigerians who wish to move to Kisarazu to live and work.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) recalls that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced the launch of the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) last week in Yokohama.

    JICA designated four cities to four African countries.

    Kisarazu was named as Nigeria’s hometown; Nagai as the hometown of Tanzania; Sanjo was matched to Ghana; and Imabari as the hometown of Mozambique.

    According to Abiodun Oladunjoye, the director of information at the State House, the Japanese government would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work”.

    “Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan,” the statement dated August 22 added.

    However, speaking in a recent development, the Japanese foreign ministry denied such plans.

    It confirmed that the “JICA Africa Hometown” programme plans to promote exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers”.

    “On the other hand, there are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and the series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true,” the statement added.

    Reacting to the latest development, Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, in a statement signed on Wednesday, maintained that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigeria, with no mention of the purported introduction of a special visa category for Nigerians.

    The statement reads, “Correction: JICA Designates City of Kisarazu as Hometown for Nigeria

    “The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Thursday, August 21, named the city of Kisarazu as the Hometown for Nigeria under its newly announced initiative “JICA Africa Hometown,” as part of its efforts to deepen cultural ties between two countries.

    “JICA, in a ceremony announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), also named the cities of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture the Hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture the Hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture the Hometown of Mozambique.
    JICA aims to further strengthen existing relationships with the four African countries by connecting municipalities with those nations.

    “Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, also the Acting Ambassador to Japan, and Mr. Watanabe Yoshikuni, the Mayor of Kisarazu, received the certificate from JICA naming Kisarazu the Hometown of Nigeria.

    “Kisarazu was the official host town of the Nigerian contingent for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team conducted their pre-games training camps and acclimatisation in the city before moving to the Olympic village, in the COVID-19 delayed Olympic Games.”

  • JUST IN: FG bans export of raw shea nuts

    JUST IN: FG bans export of raw shea nuts

    President Bola Tinubu has approved a 6-month temporary ban on the export of raw sheanuts to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow Nigeria’s shea industry.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced the president’s directive on Tuesday during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration. It is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s shea value chain to generate around 300 million dollars annually in the short term.

    Shettima explained that the ban was a collective decision involving the sub-nationals and the Federal Government with clear directions for economic transformation in the overall interest of the nation.

    He, therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to fast-track enforcement.

    The vice-president said the decision was not “an anti-trade policy” but a pro-value addition policy designed to secure raw materials for  processing factories.

    He added that the decision would  enable industries run at full capacity thereby boosting rural income and jobs for our people.

    “The decision will transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nut to a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil and other derivatives,” he said.

    Shettima said it was about industrialisation, rural transformation, gender empowerment and expanding Nigeria’s global trade footprint.

    On opportunities for job creation and income generation, the vice-president said, “Nigeria produces nearly 40 per cent of the global shea product.

    “Yet, we account for only 1% of the market share of 6.5 billion dollars. This is unacceptable. We are projected to earn about $300 million annually in the short term, and by 2027, there will be a 10-fold increase. This is our target.”

    He stated that the government was not closing doors; but opening opportunities.

    “Mr President is currently in Brazil, and both countries have agreed to prioritize access for Nigerian shea butter and oil into the Brazilian market.

    “This process will be completed within the next 3 months,” the vice-president added.

    He highlighted the gender dimension of the policy, adding, “by protecting the shea industry, we are protecting livelihoods, dignity and opportunity for millions of our women.

    “We are not closing doors, we are opening better ones. Today, we plant the seeds of an industry that will yield fruit for decades to come for our women, for our economy, and for Nigeria’s place in global trade.”

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said that Nigeria was the world’s largest producer of sheanuts, contributing nearly 40 per cent of the global supply.

    He, however, said that Nigeria captured less than one per cent of the multi-billion-dollar global shea economy.

    Kyari said, ” Nigeria produces an estimated 350,000 metric tonnes of shea annually across 30 states, with the potential to reach nearly 900,000 metric tonnes.

    “Yet our share of the 6.5-billion-dollar global market is less than one per cent. The Rapid Assessment of the Shea Value Chain, conducted by the the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provided the evidence that shaped this Presidential directive.”

    The minister said the assessment showed that over 90,000 metric tonnes of raw shea were lost each year in informal cross-border trade.

    He added, ” Nigeria’s processors operate at only 35 to 50 per cent capacity despite a national installed capacity of 160,000 metric tonnes.”

    Kyari said regional neighbours such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo had already imposed restrictions to protect their industries,.

    According to him, Nigeria is vulnerably left “as the outlier and a hotspot for opportunistic and unregulated buying.

    While underscoring the enormous potential of the shea trade for Nigeria, the minister said that the shea sector could generate more than $300 million  annually in the short term.

    “And position Nigeria to capture a significant share of the projected $9-billion global market by 2030. Shea is one of the few commodities where our country holds both a comparative and absolute advantage.

    “With over five million hectares of wild-growing shea trees, Nigeria has the natural endowment to dominate not only in production but also in value-added processing.

    “Shea is also identified in our Zero Oil Plan as a strategic non-oil export. With a projected global market growth from 6.5 billion dollars today to nine billion dollars by 2030. Nigeria can position itself at the heart of this expansion,” Kyari stated.

    He said that since 90 per cent of pickers and processors of shea were women, investments in this value chain would directly translate into women’s empowerment, rural job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

    This, he said, aligned with the Tinubu administration’s focus on women empowerment.

    Kyari said, ” And the pledge by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security “not only to support the rural population but also to create a pathway for national economic development.

    The reasons for this presidential directive are clear. Without corrective action, Nigeria risked becoming a raw depot for opportunistic and illicit buyers, undermining our processors’ capacities, disempowering rural women, and forfeiting billions in potential export revenues.

    “The Federal Government rapid assessment, which engaged over 2,000 pickers and 65 processors, confirmed the urgent need for action. Informal exports, estimated at 90,000 metric tonnes annually, are draining our domestic supply.”

    According to the minister, with neighbours like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo already restricting raw exports, Nigeria risked being left as the region’s raw depot.

    Kyari said, “The benefits of the temporary ban are equally compelling.

    “It will secure domestic supply, enable processors to operate at full capacity, curb informal trade, and lay the foundation for Nigeria to transition from exporting raw kernels to exporting high-value derivatives such as butter, olein, and stearin.”

  • Again, HoR minority caucus asks FG to release Osun LGAs funds now or face legislative action

    Again, HoR minority caucus asks FG to release Osun LGAs funds now or face legislative action

    Again, the House of Representatives Minority Caucus has demanded for the immediate release of Osun State Local Government funds or face legislative action.

    Recall that the Caucus had earlier issued a statement dated August 2nd 2025 entitled: ‘Let Osun LGAs Breath’ and signed by its leaders: Rep. O.K Chinda
    Minority Leader
    Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C
    Minority Whip
    Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki
    Deputy Minority Leader
    Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    Deputy Minority Whip
    stating that:

    “The Caucus will use the only weapon it has which is its legislative action as that seems to be the available option to drive home its message if the funds are not released.

    Hear the Caucus:

    “The Caucus of the House of Representatives is deeply concerned by credible reports that the Federal Government has been withholding statutory allocations meant for the Local Government Councils in Osun State since February 2025.

    “There is no legal basis for this action. Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution is clear that local governments are entitled to their allocations from the Federation Account.

    “The Supreme Court has also affirmed in A.G Lagos State vs. A.G Federation (2004) that the President has no power to suspend or withhold such funds.

    ” The withholding of these allocations is not only unconstitutional but also a blatant disregard for the rule of law and judicial pronouncements.

    “This action, which violates the 1999 Constitution and judicial rulings, with severe political and socio-economic implications, undermines the autonomy of local governments, erodes public confidence in our democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for impunity.Political Implications .

    “The withholding of these funds undermines the democratic process and the rule of law. It disregards clear judicial pronouncements from the Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025, and June 13, 2025, as well as the Osun State High Court’s judgment on February 21, 2025, which affirm the elected officials of the People’s Democratic Party, sworn in after the February 22, 2025, elections, as the legitimate representatives entitled to manage these allocations.

    The Caucus further stressed that: “These elected officials, under the law, are the legitimate authorities entitled to administer the councils and to receive their due allocations.

    ” This interference risks escalating political tensions, fueling distrust in federal institutions, and creating an impression of partisan overreach.

    ” It sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden similar actions against other states, weakening Nigeria’s federal structure and eroding public confidence in democratic governance.

    “Implications for Families and Local EconomiesThe withholding of these allocations has dire consequences for families of local government workers and the economies of Osun State’s local government areas.

    “These funds are critical for paying salaries, pensions, and other entitlements, as well as funding essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Without them, thousands of workers face financial hardship, unable to meet basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care.

    ” This places immense strain on families, exacerbating poverty and social unrest. Local economies suffer as reduced purchasing power stifles small businesses, markets, and service providers’ dependent on workers’ incomes. Delayed projects and services further hinder development, leaving communities without vital amenities and deepening economic stagnation.

    “The Constitution, under Sections 7 and 162, guarantees local government financial autonomy, and the Supreme Court in A.G of Lagos State vs. A.G of Federation (2004) ruled that the President has no authority to withhold these funds. Our DemandWe call on the Federal Government to respect the Constitution, uphold court rulings, and immediately release the allocations to the duly elected officials in Osun State.

    “This is critical to restoring trust in governance, alleviating the suffering of workers’ families, and reviving local economies.

    “We call on the President and Commander in chief to immediately direct all relevant authorities to release all funds meant for Local Government Councils in Osun State without further delay and advise all government authorities to abide by the rule of law and justice.

    SEE PREVIOUS RELEASE BELOW:

    Press Statement by the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives on 2nd August 2025Let Osun LGAs breath.

    The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives is deeply concerned by credible reports that the Federal Government has been withholding statutory allocations meant for the Local Government Councils in Osun State since February 2025. There is no legal basis for this action. Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution is clear that local governments are entitled to their allocations from the Federation Account. The Supreme Court has also affirmed in A.G Lagos State vs. A.G Federation (2004) that the President has no power to suspend or withhold such funds.

    The withholding of these allocations is not only unconstitutional but also a blatant disregard for the rule of law and judicial pronouncements. This action, which violates the 1999 Constitution and judicial rulings, with severe political and socio-economic implications, undermines the autonomy of local governments, erodes public confidence in our democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for impunity.Political ImplicationsThe withholding of these funds undermines the democratic process and the rule of law. It disregards clear judicial pronouncements from the Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025, and June 13, 2025, as well as the Osun State High Court’s judgment on February 21, 2025, which affirm the elected officials of the People’s Democratic Party, sworn in after the February 22, 2025, elections, as the legitimate representatives entitled to manage these allocations.

    These elected officials, under the law, are the legitimate authorities entitled to administer the councils and to receive their due allocations. This interference risks escalating political tensions, fueling distrust in federal institutions, and creating an impression of partisan overreach. It sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden similar actions against other states, weakening Nigeria’s federal structure and eroding public confidence in democratic governance.Implications for Families and Local EconomiesThe withholding of these allocations has dire consequences for families of local government workers and the economies of Osun State’s local government areas.

    These funds are critical for paying salaries, pensions, and other entitlements, as well as funding essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Without them, thousands of workers face financial hardship, unable to meet basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care. This places immense strain on families, exacerbating poverty and social unrest. Local economies suffer as reduced purchasing power stifles small businesses, markets, and service providers’ dependent on workers’ incomes. Delayed projects and services further hinder development, leaving communities without vital amenities and deepening economic stagnation. The Constitution, under Sections 7 and 162, guarantees local government financial autonomy, and the Supreme Court in A.G of Lagos State vs. A.G of Federation (2004) ruled that the President has no authority to withhold these funds. Our DemandWe call on the Federal Government to respect the Constitution, uphold court rulings, and immediately release the allocations to the duly elected officials in Osun State. This is critical to restoring trust in governance, alleviating the suffering of workers’ families, and reviving local economies.We call on the President and Commander in chief to immediately direct all relevant authorities to release all funds meant for Local Government Councils in Oyo State without further delay and advise all government authorities to abide by the rule of law and justice.Signed:

    Rep. O.K Chinda
    Minority Leader

    Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C
    Minority Whip

    Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki
    Deputy Minority Leader

    Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    Deputy Minority Whip

  • FG blows hot over killing of Katsina worshippers

    FG blows hot over killing of Katsina worshippers

    The Federal Government has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous killings of worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known in a statement he personally signed on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, the callous and barbaric attack on the harmless citizens who had gathered in peace to worship was a crime that must not go unpunished.

    Idris disclosed that security forces were already on the trail of the criminals, vowing, “no stone would be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable for their actions.

    “The government assures Nigerians that justice will be swift and decisive, and that such acts of terror will never be allowed to take root in the country.”

    According to the minister,the Federal Government condemns this wanton act of violence in the strongest terms.

    Idris added, “This is not only an assault on the people of Malumfashi but also on our shared humanity and values as a nation.

    “President Bola Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Malumfashi, and the Katsina State Government. Their grief is our grief, and the Government stands with them at this dark hour.

    “May the Almighty grant the departed eternal rest and console the bereaved with the fortitude to bear this painful loss

    “The Federal Government, therefore, reiterates that those who shed innocent blood will find no hiding place in Nigeria.”

    He further explained that only recently, as part of the government’s efforts to bring terrorists to their knees, Nigeria’s National Counter-Insurgency Centre (NCTC) announced the arrest of top leaders of a savage group of terrorists.

    He added that they included Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group, and his deputy, Abu Abba, alongside Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group.

    Idris stressed that the terrorist leaders, now conveniently in the net, were on the international wanted list.

    He added, “The arrests of the terrorist leaders are an indication of the successes being recorded by Nigeria’s counter terrorism operations as directed by Tinubu.

    “The president has made it very clear that acts of terrorism against the Nigerian state and its citizens will soon be a spectre of the past”.

  • Finally, ASUU breaks silence over FG’s ban on creation of new universities

    Finally, ASUU breaks silence over FG’s ban on creation of new universities

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commended the Federal Government for placing a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new public universities in Nigeria.

    ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, gave the commendation during a press conference on Thursday in Jos, describing the move as long overdue.

    He said the decision would help address the proliferation of universities and allow for better funding and development of existing institutions

    “While commending the Federal Government, this is a matter ASUU has long advocated. For over a decade, we’ve raised concerns about the establishment of mushroom universities with no development plans,” Piwuna said.

    He lamented that ASUU’s previous appeals to halt the expansion had gone unheeded until now.

    “We’ve watched universities become tools of political patronage. The moratorium is not only welcome but necessary,” he added.

    Piwuna stated that Nigeria currently had 339 universities: 72 federal, 108 state, and 159 privately owned.

    “On average, each state and the FCT have about nine universities. This number is outrageous,” he said, noting that more than 30 universities reportedly had zero admission subscriptions.

    He warned that spreading limited resources across too many institutions was inefficient and detrimental to education quality.

    ASUU also called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to reconsider the recent approval of nine new private universities, arguing that unchecked expansion, public or private, undermined the system’s sustainability.

  • ASUU queries FG’s approval of fresh private varsities

    ASUU queries FG’s approval of fresh private varsities

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has queried the approval of licences for new private universities by the Federal Government.

    The union, while recalling the recent seven-year moratorium announced by the government, questioned the rationale behind the new licences if access to university education in the country was not a problem.

    “ASUU also watched in awe as the Federal Government announced the seven-year moratorium; they proceeded to announce the establishment of nine new private universities.

    “If we agree that access is no longer an issue, why is the NUC giving more licenses to private universities? While ASUU acknowledges the rights of private individuals to establish universities, education must be tightly controlled to ensure quality,” the union said in a statement signed by its President, Christopher Piwuna, on Thursday.

    “The government must therefore promote quality education and shun profiteering in the education sector. We have 72 federal and 108 state universities, and 159 private universities, bringing it to a total of 339 universities, giving each state and the FCT an average of nine universities, excluding polytechnics and colleges of education.

    “So why not place a moratorium on both public and private? Past and present administration must cover their faces in shame for this scandalous proliferation of universities.

    “Failure to do this will continue to erase our universities from world rankings. University administrations and the regulatory agency must equally share in the blame for the wrong staff mix highlighted in the minister’s pronouncement,” it added in the statement.

    While commending the government for the moratorium placed on the establishment of new universities, ASUU said the issue had long been advocated.

    It said the government should have long taken its advice and put a hold on establishing new universities.

    “For more than 10 years, our union has cried aloud about the harmful effects of establishing mushroom universities that the government has no plans to develop. In total disregard for time-tested planning and ideas that hitherto went into establishing universities, we have watched universities turn into compensation for political patronage.

    “So, ASUU was not surprised when the Minister of Education stated that over 30 universities had zero subscriptions for admission. We have drawn the attention of the authorities to the fact that spreading scarce resources over a large surface area was meaningless and wasteful,” the union stated.

    The Federal Executive Council had on August 13 approved a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions across the country to address duplication and improve the quality of existing ones.

    The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, told journalists that access to tertiary education was no longer an issue in the country.

    “Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources,” he stated.

    He said what was rampant was a duplication of new federal tertiary institutions, and a significant reduction in the current capacity of each of these institutions, tertiary institutions, universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

    In the memo, which was approved in the council meeting, it was also stated that the ministry would review and reform the guidelines for the approval of new private universities to ensure efficiency.

    Alausa also added that it was observed that from the recent Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission exercise, many institutions had fewer than 100 applicants seeking admission.

    The minister warned that unchecked proliferation of poorly subscribed institutions risked producing ill-prepared graduates, eroding the value of Nigerian degrees internationally, and worsening unemployment.

    “If we want to improve quality and not be a laughing stock globally, the pragmatic step is to pause the establishment of new federal institutions,” the minister stated.

    Meanwhile, the union has reiterated its call on the Federal Government to address outstanding issues affecting public universities and academics.

    According to ASUU, the issues include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, sustainable funding of our universities, and the revitalisation of universities.

    Others, it said, were the outstanding 25 to 35 per cent salary arrears, promotion arrears for over four years, and third-party deductions.

    It said it was not pleased with the level of government commitment to the welfare of lecturers who retired since the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2024.

    ASUU noted that retired members of the union had continued to bear the brunt of the government’s “anti-people policies”.

    The statement added, “Lamentably, the FGN has always turned a deaf ear to all our pleas. As always, it is the FGN that has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on an action to press the FGN to listen to our demands and do the needful.”

  • 11 Federal hospitals to pay N12,000 for kidney dialysis [See list]

    11 Federal hospitals to pay N12,000 for kidney dialysis [See list]

    The Federal Government has approved N12, 000 as cost for dialysis under the Kidney Dialysis Subsidy scheme, as against the previous N50,000.

    Mr Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director/Head, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to Balogun, the significant move which will ease the cost of the treatment for patients is to save lives and reduce both physical and financial suffering, especially amongst vulnerable Nigerians.

    “This intervention is a deliberate initiative of the present administration to bring relief to patients with kidney related diseases and expand access to Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

    He noted that implementation of the pilot scheme was already ongoing in 11 Federal Tertiary Health institutions across the geo-political zones of the country and, would be expanded in due time.

    The hospitals are Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, National Hospital, Abuja and Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    Others are University College Hospital, Ibadan, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri and Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki.

    Balogun also noted that the Federal Government has not excluded the Northwestern states in the dialysis subsidy, and was committed to ensuring that no Nigerian was left behind in accessing healthcare services across the country under its renewed hope agenda.

    He added that more federal hospitals would be added to the safety net to widen access for the subsidised dialysis sessions.

    The Federal Government in 2024 initiated a programme to significantly reduce the cost of kidney dialysis by 80 per cent in selected federal tertiary health institutions.

  • FG closes down over 13 million social media accounts

    FG closes down over 13 million social media accounts

    The Federal Government has confirmed the closure of approximately 13,597,057 social media accounts belonging to users of platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

    TheNewsGuru reports that the account on the various social media platforms were shutdown due to offensive content and violations of the Code of Practice.

    The action against the platforms was disclosed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted by promoters of interactive computer service platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.

    The Code of Practice, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), was designed to regulate online activities and curb harmful content.

    The 2024 report, titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,” outlined how platforms have implemented content moderation measures in Nigeria.

    According to the report, a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were pulled down across multiple platforms within the year under review.

    The statement, signed on Wednesday by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, also revealed that platforms received 754,629 registered complaints from users during the period.

    She added that 420,439 contents were removed and re-uploaded following appeals by users.

    Umar said: “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.

    “The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.

    “It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.

    “This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including the fulfilment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.

    “While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.

    “We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”