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Tag: FG

  • FG insists no plan to hike electricity tariff by 65% but price adjustment

    FG insists no plan to hike electricity tariff by 65% but price adjustment

    The Federal Government has said it spends N200bn to subsidise electricity monthly.

    According to the government, this amount benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance.

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, stated this in a statement on Monday.

    Verheijen is reacting to reports quoting her as stating that the electricity tariff would soon be jerked up by two-thirds in order to strengthen the power sector.

    The special adviser did not deny the looming tariff hike, she however maintained that she did not say the tariff would be raised by 65 per cent.

    “It has become necessary to clarify media reports suggesting an imminent 65 per cent increase in electricity tariffs.

    “This is a misrepresentation of what I actually said in a recent press interview. I highlighted the fact that, following the increase in Band A tariffs in 2024, current tariffs now cover approximately 65 per cent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the Federal Government continuing to subsidise the difference,” she said.

    Verheijen noted that while the government was indeed committed to ensuring fairer pricing over the long term, the immediate focus is on taking decisive action to deliver more electricity to Nigerians, ensure fewer outages and guarantee the protection of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

    In line with these, she disclosed that the Federal Government’s power sector priorities include working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support.

    “Today, the Federal Government spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance. To address this, the Federal Government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support. This approach will make electricity more affordable and accessible for millions of hardworking families,” she stated.

    On the fear that unmetered customers would be made to pay for services not enjoyed if the tariff is increased now, she stressed that the Federal Government would address this through the Presidential Metering Initiative.

    “One of the most significant steps in this reform is the Presidential Metering Initiative, which is accelerating the nationwide rollout of 7 million prepaid meters, starting this year. This will finally put an end to the practice of estimated billing, giving consumers confidence in what they are paying for and ensuring transparency in electricity charges.

    “Metering will also improve revenue collection across the sector and will attract the investments needed to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure,” she explained.

    He revealed that the Federal Government is addressing one of the major roadblocks to improved service: the mounting debts owed to power generation companies.

    “For years, these debts have prevented investments in new infrastructure and hampered efforts to improve electricity supply.

    “By clearing these outstanding obligations, the government is ensuring that power companies can reinvest in better service delivery, stronger infrastructure, and a more stable electricity supply for all Nigerians,” she said.

    Verheijen added that through a range of fiscal incentives, including Value Added Tax and Customs Duty Waivers, the Federal Government is working to lower the cost of alternative power sources such as Compressed Natural Gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas.

    She added, “The government fully understands the economic realities facing citizens and is committed to ensuring that reforms in the power sector lead to tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

    “Every policy is designed with the Nigerian people in mind — eliminating unfair estimated billing, ensuring that subsidies benefit the right people, and creating the conditions for stable, affordable electricity.

    “These reforms are laying the foundation for better service delivery, expanded access to electricity for homes and businesses, and unlocking prosperity for all Nigerians.”

  • Resident doctors beg FG to pay outstanding training funds

    Resident doctors beg FG to pay outstanding training funds

    The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has appealed to the Federal Government to pay the 2023 and 2024 outstanding Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF).

    The President of the association, Dr Osundara Tope-Zenith, made the appeal at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja.

    The forum was to mark the end of the 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific conference of the association.

    Tope-Zenith also expressed displeasure over the non-payment of the arrears of the upwardly revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS)

    He, however, commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for convening a stakeholders’ meeting to address issues related to the MRTF.

    “The NEC observed with dismay the persistent short-changing of our members over the past five years as there have been no consequential adjustments to the CONMESS basic salary and allowances.

    “This is a clear violation of the provisions of the 2009 collective bargaining agreement.

    ” The NEC appreciated the Chief Medical Directors who have been fully paid the Accoutrement Allowance arrears.

    “The NEC expressed concern about the persistent manpower shortage in most hospitals.

    “The NEC also observed some of the positive strides Prof John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, is putting in place to maintain industrial peace.

    “The NEC commends the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, for ensuring the payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances, and the disbursement of MRTF and the employment of doctors in the FCT.

    “The NEC observed the persistent drift of specialised medical manpower in privately-owned teaching hospitals due to poor remuneration,” Tope-Zenith said.

    He said the association resolved that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria should expedite the payment of the 2025 MRTF and ensure the settlement of the outstanding 2023 and 2024 MRTF.

    Tope-Zenith said that the college should also facilitate the payment of the 2022 MRTF arrears in line with the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the ministry.

    He urged the Federal Government to promptly pay the arrears of the upwardly revised CONMESS and pay other outstanding salary arrears without delay.

    Tope-Zenith also demanded the full implementation of the consequential adjustments for the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage on the doctors basic salary as well as other allowances.

    He said that the NEC had mandated the association’s National Officers Committee to continue its engagement with the Federal Government on all the outstanding payments.

    He however, said that if there was no significant response after six weeks, NEC would call for an emergency meeting.

    Tope-Zenith said that the NEC had also demanded that all CMDs/MDs complete the payment of the 2023/2024 Accoutrement Allowance arrears.

    He said the NEC would call for sustained engagement with the ministry to ensure a seamless and continuous employment of doctors in all health institutions to mitigate brain drain.

    Tope-Zenith also said NEC had urged governors to prioritise the welfare of doctors in state-owned hospitals and training institutions to reduce brain drain and foster industrial harmony.

    He said the council also called on CMDs/CEOs of privately-owned teaching hospitals to improve welfare packages for resident doctors to prevent brain drain.

    The theme for the meeting was “Empowering Doctors with Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills: A Panacea for Universal Health Coverage and a Brighter Healthcare System.”

    The sub-theme was: “Building Resilience and strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare System for Effective Disaster and Disease Management.

  • FG reveals when NYSC Corps members will start receiving N77k monthly

    FG reveals when NYSC Corps members will start receiving N77k monthly

    The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has said corps members will start receiving monthly allowance of N77,000 in February 2025.

    Ahmed, who disclosed this on Thursday while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream 11 corps members in Katsina, said the allowance has been captured in the 2025 Federal Government’s budget.

    “This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed. By next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000,” the NYSC DG said.

    He explained that the N77,000 monthly allowance was approved by the Federal Government and urged the corps members to reciprocate the government’s gesture during their service year.

    He emphasised his commitment to the welfare and security of corps members across the country, assuring them that they will not be deployed to security threat communities for their service.

    According to him, “We will not send our corps members to wherever we have challenges of security threats. Wherever we send them, they should be less assured that the place is safe and secured for them to serve.”

  • FG open to collaboration on job creation — Minister

    FG open to collaboration on job creation — Minister

    The Federal Government says it is open to collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to achieve its goal of creating meaningful employment opportunities.

    Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, said this when he received a consortium of NGOs, led by its national head, Mr Daniel Black. on Thursday in Abuja.

    The consortium of NGOs is part of the United Nations NGO Committee on Social Development.

    Dingyadi expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with the civil society organisations in generating creative ideas on how to create safe jobs for its citizens.

    He said the jobs include the blue collar jobs, for the unemployed, particularly the youth.

    “The federal government’s objectives, as well as initiatives, in this area are to ensure that people get jobs they can call their own.

    “Also, jobs that they have tried to establish on their own; not white collar jobs but jobs that can generate a lot of employment for our youths.

    “Our mandate is to create opportunities for jobs and to ensure the youths of the country are gainfully employed through several other means of engagement.

    “We can collaborate to work towards creating jobs, very safe jobs for that matter, for our dear young men and women in the country,” he said.

    On his part, Black, the leader of the group, said that they would be attending the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development scheduled for February in New York.

    Black said they would be sharing Nigeria’s social development experience at the event.

    He said that in preparation for participation in the session, they would hold a United Nations Social Development workshop in Abuja.

    He said the workshop was to foster collaboration between the government and Civil Society Organisations, to increase and improve the social development indicators in Nigeria.

    “At the end of that workshop, we are going to develop a report that we will be presenting in New York during the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development.

    “The report will highlight the reality of social development in Nigeria, and we will also be mentioning the roles that different parastatals and government ministries are playing to ensure that these social development indicators are improved,”he said.

    He invited the ministry to the workshop to share insights on its activities to positively impact social development indices in the country, and the strong connection between labour, employment and decent work.

  • FG to connect every State in Nigeria with rail transport

    FG to connect every State in Nigeria with rail transport

    Newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa has disclosed plans by the federal government to connect every State in the country with rail transport.

    This is as Dr Opeifa promised to fulfil the corporation’s responsibility to Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Opeifa made the disclosure on Thursday when he assumed duty as the NRC Managing Director.

    Opeifa added that he would work in harmony with staffers of NRC to deepen the country’s rail system to ensure socio-economic development.

    “My presence here is to add value to an existing vision by ensuring that the railway fulfils its responsibility to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope agenda programme of Mr President.

    “As we gather here today, I am reminded of the critical role the Nigerian railway plays in serving the country, promoting national integration and improving the lives of our citizens.

    “We will together work tirelessly to ensure that the corporation achieve its mandate and exceeds its expectations.

    “Our collective mission will be efficiency, safety and customers satisfaction driven by passion,” he said.

    Opeifa pledged to prioritise the completion of the ongoing projects and expand services to meet the growing capacity of the country’s population.

    “This vision will centre around transforming rail in Nigeria to world class, efficient and safe mode of transportation and it will strongly align with Mr President’s 25-year strategic rail modernisation plan which is to connect every state in Nigeria,” he said.

    He also promised to prioritise security of lives and property which would be done through the Ministry of Transportation along with the other national security apparatus.

    “We will improve and expand connectivity to various cities, ports through rail links, promoting economic growth and development.

    “We will prioritise customers satisfaction by improving customers experience and ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient safe and sustainable.

    “As expected of us, as the leading rail services provider in the country, we will develop the skills and expertise of our staff to ensure excellent knowledge in the face of modern tools and technology.

    “We will collaborate with the various regional development agencies in the country in the development and actualisation of regional rail system, service and plan.

    “These regions are already working on their master plans and we will work with them to make sure we have a holistic rail system that will be for the benefit of everybody,” he said.

    Opeifa said that to deepen existing private sector participation that was in line with global practices, a conducive environment would be created.

    He added that the commercial aspect of NRC operations would be enhanced to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the transport sector and the economy as a whole.

    “We will work with relevant agencies to support the programme and skill acquisition and utilisation of the numerous resources of the NRC especially our workshops, which will be made available to any agency of the federal and state government for use.

    “To improve public perception and ensure transparency of the corporation, we will be working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and others,” he said.

    Earlier, the former NRC’s Acting Managing Director, Mr Ben Iloanusi, represented by the Director, Corporate Planning, Mr James Zang expressed the readiness of the workers to work harmoniously together to make the corporation achieve its mandate.

    “We are excited for the journey ahead as we have you join us in the corporation. Your wealth of experience and your leadership skills are exactly what we need to move forward towards a bright future,” he said.

  • BREAKING: FG announces massive recruitment into federal civil service

    BREAKING: FG announces massive recruitment into federal civil service

    The Federal Civil Service Commission is set to recruit staff for the federal government, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu has disclosed.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Onanuga made this disclosure on Monday, citing a notice by Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Civil Service Commission.

    “The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) is receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service,” the notice reads.

    It was gathered that the vacancy announcement was first published on the Commission’s website and in the Sun, Daily Trust and The Nation newspaper of Monday 27th January 2025.

    “Eligible applicants are to apply for only one position via the application link: https://recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng. Applicants who are physically challenged should state the nature of their disability,” the notice added.

    According to the notice, applicants are to upload the following documents as applicable:

    1. Curriculum Vitae
    2. Ph.D/Master’s Degree Certificate
    3. Degree/HND/NCE Certificate
    4. WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Certificate
    5. Primary School Certificate
    6. NYSC discharge/exemption/exclusion certificate
    7. Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age
    8. Local Government Identification
    9. Recent Passport photograph

    TNG reports all applications are to be submitted on or before Monday, 10th March, 2025, according to the Federal Civil Service Commission notice.

  • FG includes plumbing, hairstyling, makeup, 12 other trades to basic education

    FG includes plumbing, hairstyling, makeup, 12 other trades to basic education

    The Federal Government has announced an update to its basic education curriculum, introducing 15 new trades to improve students’ practical skills and employability.

    This new curriculum is set to take effect in January 2025 for primary and junior secondary students across the country.

    The revised curriculum is expected to improve job prospects for students when it is implemented in January 2025, helping them meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic environment.

    These changes are expected to provide students with a broader range of skills and better prepare them for the job market after completing their education.

    New trades introduced in the curriculum

    The updated curriculum includes 15 new trades, covering various sectors, including construction, technology, and agriculture. Among the new trades introduced are plumbing, tiling and floor works, and POP (Plaster of Paris) installation.

     

    These skills are expected to give students a foundation for work in the construction and building industries. Additionally, trades like event decoration and management, bakery and confectioneries, and hairstyling have been added to offer students opportunities in the service sector.

     

    The perceived goal is to help students develop skills they can use in their careers, whether they choose to work for a company or start their own businesses,” the National Orientation Agency noted in its post.

     

    The inclusion of these practical skills seeks to meet the growing demand for vocational expertise in Nigeria’s economy.

    Preparing students for a changing job market

    With these updates, the government aims to make students more competitive in the labour market by equipping them with practical skills. In addition to construction and service-related skills, the curriculum now includes courses on GSM repairs, satellite/TV antenna installation, and CCTV and intercom installation. These technical skills are particularly relevant as technology continues to drive global job markets.

    The curriculum also includes a focus on agriculture, with students being taught skills related to crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming, including poultry and rabbit rearing.

    These agricultural skills are designed to support the country’s vast agricultural sector, giving students the knowledge to contribute to Nigeria’s food production and rural development.

    Incorporating digital literacy and emerging technologies
    Another important addition to the curriculum is the inclusion of basic digital literacy, which covers IT and robotics.

    The government has prioritized teaching these skills to students from an early age, preparing them for the growing digital economy.

    By incorporating IT and robotics into the curriculum, Nigeria drives to foster a new generation of professionals who are well-versed in emerging technologies, ensuring they are ready for the demands of a modern workforce.

    The National Orientation Agency highlighted that this update in education will not only provide students with the skills required for current jobs but also prepare them for future opportunities in fields that are rapidly evolving, such as tech and digital services.

    Impact on Nigerian youth and employment
    The introduction of these vocational skills is also seen as a response to the high unemployment rates in Nigeria, especially among young people.
    By teaching students practical trades, the government hopes to reduce youth unemployment by providing more pathways for self-employment and increasing the availability of skilled labor in key industries.
    The revised curriculum is expected to improve job prospects for students when it is implemented in January 2025, helping them meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic environment.
    The government’s efforts to provide relevant skills training will hopefully have a long-term impact on Nigeria’s workforce.

  • FG alerts public to Anthrax outbreak

    FG alerts public to Anthrax outbreak

    The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has alerted Nigerians to the outbreak of Anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in Zamfara.

    Mr Ben Goong, Director, Information and Public Relations Department in the ministry, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the outbreak occurred in a farm in Zamfara.

    Anthrax is an infection caused by bacterium Bacillus anthracis that can affect warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses and wildlife as well as humans with potential high morbidity and mortality.

    The disease could be spread through contact with the bacterium’s spores which often appear in infectious animal products or by-products.

    Its symptoms include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching and bleeding from major openings.

    Goong called on stakeholders as well as  states bordering Zamfara to take immediate steps to prevent further spread of the disease.

    He urged stakeholders to heighten vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with the disease.

    “We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any unusual illnesses in animals or humans and adhere to all preventive guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

    “While Anthrax is preventable through coordinated efforts such as risk assessment, surveys and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas, prompt detection and response are critical to containing its spread.

    “The ministry remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response,” he said.

  • TUC calls for review of items in tax reform bills

    TUC calls for review of items in tax reform bills

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called for review of some items in the tax bills for the benefits of Nigerians.

    TUC President, Festus Osifo made the call in a statement on Tuesday following its National Executive Council meeting.

    “The threshold for tax exemptions should be increased from the current N800,000 per annum, as proposed in the bill, to N2,500,000 per annum.

    “This will provide relief to struggling Nigerians within that income bracket, easing the excruciating economic challenges being faced by increasing their disposable income.

    “Also, the proposed bill assigning royalty collection to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) appears beneficial on the surface, but would most likely result in significant revenue losses for the government.

    “Royalty determination and reconciliation require specialised technical expertise in oil and gas operations, which Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission possesses but NRS lacks,“he said.

    On the Value Added Tax (VAT), the labour leader said that allowing VAT rate to remain at 7.5 per cent was in the best interest of the nation.

    He said that increasing it would place an additional financial burden on Nigerians, many of whom were already struggling with economic challenges.

    “At a time when inflation, unemployment, and cost of living are rising, imposing higher taxes would further strain households and businesses, potentially slowing economic growth and reducing consumer purchasing power.

    “On a general perspective, we welcome the inclusion of derivation component in the TAX distribution among the three tiers of government.

    “When passed into law and properly implemented, it will encourage productivity at the sub-national level thereby move us gradually from a total rent seeking economy to a derivation based system that will stimulate economic activities,” Osifo said.

  • FG gives January 31 as deadline for Market Operators’ Registration Renewals

    FG gives January 31 as deadline for Market Operators’ Registration Renewals

    The Federal Government through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reminded Capital (CMOs) to ensure that they renew their registration on or before January 31, 2025.

    The Commission said this in a recent circular to ask the operators to begin this annual renewal of registration from January 1 to January 31, 2025.

     

    The annual renewal of registration of Capital Market Operators, is aimed at ensuring that only fit and proper persons operate in the Nigerian capital market.

    SEC in the secular stated, “This is to inform all Capital Market Operators (CMOs) and the general public that the annual renewal of Registration of CMOs for the year 2025 will commence from January 1, 2025.”

    The Commission emphasized that CMOs without valid registration will be penalized and may be excluded from carrying out capital market activities.

    The SEC had in 2021 re-introduced periodic renewal of registration by capital market operators, which was premised on the need to have a reliable data bank of all CMOs registered and active in the Nigerian capital market.

    The aim was to provide updated information on operators in the Nigerian capital market for reference and other official purposes by local and foreign investors, other regulatory agencies and the public.

     

    The renewal was also introduced to increasingly reduce incidences of unethical practices by CMOs such as may affect investors’ confidence and impact negatively on the Nigerian capital market, as well as strengthen supervision and monitoring of CMOs by the commission.

    Consequently, the SEC amended its rules and re-introduced the requirement for yearly registration renewal by all CMOs, which is carried out electronically to ensure efficiency.