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Tag: FG

  • FG begins phase 7 mass trials of terrorists

    FG begins phase 7 mass trials of terrorists

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the Phase 7 of the Kainji Mass Trials of terrorist suspects.

    This is contained in a statement from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the trials represent Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and a reaffirmation of its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

    He said it was encouraging to see the convergence of the Judiciary, law enforcement, legal practitioners, and partners, once again united in purpose and duty.

    According to him, these trials are a cornerstone of the national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism.

    Laka noted that Nigeria had recorded significant successes in strengthening its criminal justice capacity to handle terrorism-related offences.

    He added that recent progress in the prosecution of such cases has played a critical role in addressing concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    “Indeed, the advancements made through these trials have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s efforts toward exiting the FATF Grey List,” he said.

    Laka extended appreciation to the Federal Government, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Justices of the Federal High Court for their professionalism and dedication to justice.

    He also acknowledged the valuable support of international partners, investigators, legal teams, and support staff.

    On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the collaborative efforts of the ONSA and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

    Fagbemi was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko, at the ceremony.

    He reiterates the Federal Government’s determination to ensure justice is served to both victims and accused persons within a framework that respects the rule of law and human rights.

  • FG reacts over new U.S. visa policy limiting Nigerians

    FG reacts over new U.S. visa policy limiting Nigerians

    The Federal Government has called on the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.

    The call is contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The government expressed concern over the U.S. decision amidst partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities by both countries.

    “The attention of government has been drawn to recent decision by the U.S. to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.

    “Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

    “The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    “Nigeria notes this restriction places disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

    “Nigeria respectfully urges the U.S. to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities, while acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies,” the government said.

    The government said diplomatic engagements are ongoing and that the ministry would remain committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness, and upholds the values of mutual interest.

    In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.

    The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity was a global standard that undergoes regular review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes in permitted entries and duration of validity.

  • FG begins reconstruction of Eastern rail line corridor – NRC

    FG begins reconstruction of Eastern rail line corridor – NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says the Federal Government has begun reconstruction and rehabilitation of Eastern railway Corridor.

    Mr Victor Adamu, the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Enugu stated this while responding to national survey conducted by NAN on abandonment of railway lines in the country, in Enugu on Wednesday.

    Adamu said that the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the narrow gauge tracks had commenced from Port Harcourt to Aba, in Abia State.

    According to him, the narrow gauge traversed the eastern district, from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and other parts of Nigeria.

    “This district covers Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers and part of Egbede in Benue State, which is our boundary with the north central district of about 110 kilometers.

    “I am very happy to state that the segment of the contract was handed over to NRC on Nov. 28, 2024.

    “We have our coaches that are running from Port Harcourt to Aba and back to Port Harcourt, five days in a week,” he explained.

    He acknowledged that there was suspension of work from Aba in Umuahia down to Enugu.

    Adamu, however, said that the Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the construction and rehabilitation on the remaining part of the contract commenced soonest.

    The district manager explained that, through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, work on the narrow gauge had resumed.

    “This is a project which the Southeast and other parts of the country will benefit from. The Federal Government is doing a lot to see that the rail lines are working again.

    “Sometime in April, the Managing Director of NRC, Mr Kayode Opeifa, visited Enugu and we had some meaningful discussions with the governors of Abia and Enugu States.

    “I believe that the visit will really bring out a lot of things that are going to happen on this corridor,’’ he said.

    According toAdamu, there is a policy introduced by the Tinubu’s administration that allows state governments to invest in railway.

    He disclosed that the Anambra, Abia and Enugu states government were ready to key into the policy.

    “With this, I believe that very soon, we will start seeing the dividends from these policies,” Adamu said.

    He, however, described the activities of vandals as the biggest challenge to NRC, especially as it concerned their track materials and other facilities.

    According to him, in securing the railway infrastructure, NRC is working with the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), military and vigilant groups.

    Adamu said that through the collaboration of the NRC, police, military and NSCDC, it made arrests of suspected vandals and some of them were already facing trials.

    “There are some suspected vandals that were arrested in Imo, Rivers and Enugu states.

    “We are doing these because these facilities are meant for Nigerians and we are expected to own them as Nigerians. This will go a long way in keeping them intact.

    “Our officials are still going around to see that these facilities are protected,’’ the district manager said.

    Railway operations stopped in Enugu for over two decades.

  • JAMB admission: FG sends strong warning to institutions

    JAMB admission: FG sends strong warning to institutions

    The Federal Government has declared that any admission into tertiary institutions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) will be deemed illegal.

    The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa gave the directive in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    Alausa, therefore, warned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country against illegal admission.

    He said institutions and individuals involved in such practices would be prosecuted and severely sanctioned.

    “Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal. Both institutions and the candidates involved in such practices will be held accountable.

    “Sanctions may include withdrawal of institutional assets and prosecution of culpable officers or governing council members,” he said.

    CAPS, introduced in 2017, automates the admission process to eliminate human interference and administrative bottlenecks.

    Alausa, however, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s tertiary education system.

    He explained that while the responsibility for initiating admissions rests with the academic boards of each institution, JAMB, as a statutory regulatory body is mandated to oversee and regulate the process to ensure fairness and equity.

    The Minister urged vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and governing councils to intensify oversight functions to prevent unauthorised practices.

    He assured that the Ministry would monitor compliance closely in collaboration with JAMB.

    The minister also reaffirmed the policy mandating integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the JAMB registration process.

    “The NIN requirement has proven vital in safeguarding the integrity of our admission system by curbing identity fraud and multiple registrations. Any abuse of the NIN system will be identified and punished,” he said.

    He highlighted the need for data-driven policies in the admission processes.

    The Minister also presented statistics showing a mismatch between available admission quotas and actual student intake across many programmes, especially in agriculture, education, engineering, and the health sciences.

    “We have capacity, but we are not admitting enough students. We need to start closing the gap, so that more children can access tertiary education,” he said.

    He also criticised the proliferation of underutilised institutions, revealing that over 120 universities in Nigeria received fewer than 50 applications in the current admission cycle.

    “The problem is not about access, it’s about alignment and capacity. We don’t need to open new tertiary institutions in every ward. Instead, we must expand and strengthen the capacity of existing ones,” he said.

    On his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Sen. Shuaib Salisu, called for stricter sanctions against institutions and administrators who undermine Nigeria’s admission process.

    Salisu proposed the criminalisation of fraudulent admission practices.

    He also warned institutions that exploit loopholes in the admissions system, allowing students to unknowingly pursue flawed admissions for years to desist from such practices.

    He assured that the Senate Committee would explore legislation to criminalise such fraudulent practices, holding admission officers and institutional management accountable.

    Salisu also called for an inclusive education system that drives peace and economic growth.

  • FG launches visa amnesty for foreigners

    FG launches visa amnesty for foreigners

    The Federal Government has introduced an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) to boost compliance with the new visa regime and support a secure migration system.

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Akinsola Akinlabi, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

    Akinlabi explained that the initiative offers foreigners with expired immigration status in Nigeria a chance to regularise their stay without incurring penalties.

    The initiative, which began on 1 May, will end on 30 September. It targets those who overstayed visas or violated visa conditions.

    It applies to foreigners with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), as well as holders of expired Single or Multiple-Entry Visas.

    Also covered are individuals whose Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) expired over 30 days ago.

    All affected persons are advised to regularise their stay at https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng within the grace period to avoid penalties.

    To ease the process, Akinlabi said the NIS has set up a support team to assist applicants during the amnesty window.

    Support is available via email at amnesty@immigration.gov.ng for anyone seeking help with their application.

    The NIS remains committed to lawful migration, national security, and transparent immigration procedures.

    For more details, visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website: www.immigration.gov.ng.

  • FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire

    FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire

    The Federal Government has successfully negotiated the cost of the Iddo Bridge rehabilitation from an initial N27 billion to N17 billion.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known to journalists during an inspection of the bridge on Friday in Lagos.

    He said: “Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

    Umahi commended Julius Berger Nig. Plc. for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership.

    He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

    The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent spending, insisting that all contractors must align with the ministry’s standards and directives.

    Umahi noted that the project had been reviewed from mere rehabilitation of the burnt section to a major work.

    He expressed concern over the poor condition of the bridge, blaming it on years of neglect and human abuse, including illegal occupation and collisions by heavy-duty trucks.

    He said that three spans of the bridge were severely damaged by fire, which he attributed to activities of illegal occupants who had built makeshift homes under the bridge.

    “They brought in chemicals, built block walls and set up homes. Then, they set up fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” Umahi said.

    The minister said the Iddo Bridge, now with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, had suffered significant structural damage due to continuous hits from trucks and illegal structures beneath it.

    He announced that the ministry would be creating a headroom of at least 5.6 metres.

    He said that the Federal Ministry of Works was committed to restoring the bridge for the safety of all Nigerians and ensuring such incidents would not occur again.

    On the issue of displaced persons, the minister said that no one would be allowed to return under the bridge.

    “Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain  the Minister of Works.

    “The lives of the people are more important,” he said.

    He warned that the government would no longer tolerate any abuse of national infrastructure.

  • NMA seeks talks with FG to avert health sector crisis

    NMA seeks talks with FG to avert health sector crisis

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to engage the association in dialogue to ensure quality healthcare services and development of the health sector.

    Its Lagos State Chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed, made the call during a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

    Saheed emphasised that this was critical to avert crisis in the sector and resolve the controversy that arose due to the circular on the salary structure.

    According to him, only through collaborative, evidence-based decision-making can the country achieve a salary structure that is fair, sustainable, and in line with global best practices.

    He further added that the salary structure should value the enormous sacrifice and responsibility of Nigerian doctors.

    “The NMA Lagos State Branch fully aligns with and supports the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the National Officers Committee of the NMA.

    “This ultimatum is not an act of confrontation but a call for urgent dialogue and correction.

    “We also affirm our unwavering support for all the demands articulated by the national body, including the restoration of salary relativity, the reversal of unjust allowance allocations, and the adoption of a professionally sound and globally aligned remuneration framework.”

    Saheed also urged the Lagos State Government to refrain from adopting the proposed salary structure in its current form.

    He called on Lagos government to wait for a resolution properly negotiated and endorsed by NMA national.

    “Lagos has a history of promoting excellence in healthcare. Implementing a flawed structure will not only damage that reputation but may also result in avoidable disruption across health facilities in the state.”

    He cautioned that the ongoing brain drain in the health sector will worsen significantly if the current issues are not addressed.

    The NMA on July 2, called on the Federal Government to address its grievances within a 21-day window.

    The NMA requested that the government withdraws and replaces the National, Salaries, Income, Wages Commission (NSIWC) circular, honour all outstanding collective bargain agreements.

    Other demands include resolve outstanding allowances and correct distortions in the pay structure; and protect the professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors.

  • 30m Nigerians treated for NTDs – FG

    30m Nigerians treated for NTDs – FG

    The Federal Government has announced major progress in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with approximately 30 million Nigerians receiving ivermectin treatment for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis.

    Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), disclosed this at the NTD stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “Through our collective efforts, Nigeria continues to record steady progress in the fight against Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis,” Ntadom stated.

    He noted that transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis had been interrupted in 379 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while the Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme had halted disease transmission in nine states and completely eliminated the disease in two.

    “About 30 million Nigerians have been weaned off treatment with ivermectin, leading to significant savings and relief for at-risk populations,” he added.

    Ntadom emphasised that with increased efforts, strategic funding, and strong stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria was on track to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis as a public health problem.

    Mr Fatai Oyediran, Director and National Coordinator of the NTD Division at FMoHSW, acknowledged the support of partners such as the Gates Foundation and Sightsavers.

    He reiterated that Nigeria’s NTD burden was largely driven by Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.

    “To date, we have eliminated Onchocerciasis in two states and interrupted transmission in nine others.

    “Additionally, nine more states are in advanced stages of implementation and may interrupt transmission before the end of 2025,” Oyediran said.

    He identified challenges including drug supply chain issues, lack of diagnostics, funding constraints, and insecurity, while stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible programme implementation.

    “There is a need for greater integration and national ownership of the NTD programme,” he added.

    Oyediran also revealed that the programme, initially set to conclude in Feb. 2025, had been extended to Sept. 2025 to allow for thorough impact assessment.

    “By then, around 32 million people are expected to no longer require treatment under the project.”

    Mrs Anita Gwom, Programme Director at Sightsavers Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s more than 20 years of support to endemic communities through medication and preventive care.

    “We are now focusing on conducting impact assessments and surveys. These are critical to determining whether Nigeria can declare these diseases eliminated. We cannot continue indefinite treatment without proper data,” she said.

    Gwom called for increased funding, public awareness, and stronger support from state governments and local philanthropists, noting that foreign aid was becoming less reliable.

    “We urge the Nigerian government and philanthropic community to step up support towards achieving NTD elimination,” she added.

    Prof. Oladele Okogun, a Europe-based public health parasitologist, expressed optimism: “Though much work remains and challenges persist, the dedication of communities and partners gives us hope.

    “The day will come when no one will need these medicines anymore.”

  • Budget Office explains why FG is running three budgets simultaneously

    Budget Office explains why FG is running three budgets simultaneously

    Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, on Thursday provided clarity on the multi-budget operations.

    The 2024 Appropriation Act, 2024 supplementary budget, and 2025 Appropriation Act are running simultaneously.

    The National Assembly this week extended the capital vote component of the 2024 budget till December 31.

    According to Yakubu, the development is not a sign of fiscal confusion but a deliberate response to real-world economic and administrative realities.

    Addressing public concerns over the overlapping fiscal instruments, Yakubu said that while the simultaneous operation of multiple budgets may appear unconventional, it is legally grounded and administratively necessary.

    “It reflects the real-world overlap between budget law, execution delays, and system-wide reform efforts,” Yakubu said.

    He said the concurrent implementation of budgets is not outside the bounds of national laws and conforms to global best practices.

    He outlined that the Finance Act, Appropriation Act clauses, and Central Bank of Nigeria’s circulars provide the legal basis for this coexistence by allowing rollover of capital releases across fiscal years; cash-flow bridging to support early implementation of new budgets; and parallel accounting for complex or externally-financed infrastructure and social programmes.

    He said: “This is not fiscal dysfunction—it is the transitional cost of trying to modernise a complex, high-volume national budget system.”

    He described the current situation as “institutional flexibility in managing fiscal transitions”, noting that the critical issue should not be the number of budgets being operated but the coordination and transparency in their execution.

    “What’s in operation now is a reforming system, not a chaotic one.

    “The 2025 budget is being implemented in earnest, while residuals from the 2024 and Supplementary Budgets are lawfully closed out and disbursed.

    “This is part of building a more agile and accountable public finance framework.

    “Nigeria’s overlapping budget operations are legal under current fiscal statutes, technically necessary due to multi-year projects and delayed implementation, and comparable to practices in other countries navigating budget reform and absorptive constraints,” Yakubu said.

    He explained that the 2024 Appropriation Act, which was signed by the President in January 2024, was valid until December 31, 2024, but it remains the primary legal framework for federal spending in 2024 and thus continued to be active, especially for capital projects, statutory obligations, and contracts tied to 2024 project codes.

    To bridge gaps that arose after the approval of the main budget, the Federal Government introduced a Supplementary Appropriation Act mid-year.

    Yakubu explained that the supplementary budget was necessary to address escalating security and humanitarian demands, revenue windfalls or reallocations, and emerging economic shocks and sectoral urgencies not accounted for in the main budget.

    He pointed out that such amendments are standard practice globally, pointing out that a supplementary budget amends or extends the main budget, running concurrently, not as a duplicate, but as a legal fiscal continuation.

    Regarding the 2025 Appropriation Act, Yakubu noted that while it was signed before the end of 2024 to maintain the January to December budget cycle, its execution began alongside ongoing disbursements from the 2024 and supplementary budgets.

    He said: “The transition hasn’t been seamless. Execution of the 2025 budget coexists with unspent but already committed capital allocations from 2024, procurement delays and disbursement lags; and multi-year or donor-funded projects that legally span two or more fiscal years.

    “This situation is not unique to Nigeria. In India, Indonesia, and Kenya, similar overlaps occur as governments reconcile planning cycles with execution realities.”

    Our positions, by experts
    Economic experts said there were underlying issues that could have caused the overlapping of budgets but called for reforms to align budget to a fiscal circle and feasible revenue profile.

    Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said capital budget has a long history of underperformance, which needs to be reversed.

    According to him, there were number of factors that could be responsible for budget extension including collapse of underlying revenue assumption and overambitious budgeting.

    “First is possible collapse of the underlying revenue assumptions in successive budgets. It is worthy of note that revenue performance in 2024 was far below target. This could be as a result of the forward sales of crude oil as well as failure to achieve the oil production target which was about two million barrels per day.

    “There is also the possibility that the budget itself was ambitious. It is also troubling that debt service obligations are increasingly taking a huge toll on the fiscal space. The rolling over of capital budget implementation is the outcome of this reality.

    “It’s perhaps time to reform the budget process to make our budgets more realistic. Capital projects should be strictly aligned with the realistic capacity to fund them.

    “It is hoped that the tax reforms would accelerate the fiscal consolidation aspirations of government,” Yusuf said.

  • FG vows to resolve all pending labour issues

    FG vows to resolve all pending labour issues

    The Federal Government has assured labour unions that it is working diligently to resolve all pending labour matters, urging them to have faith in its efforts.

    Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, gave the assurance when he received the leadership of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), on a courtesy visit to his office on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Dingyadi, specifically  urged the JOHESU to be rest assured that their concerns were receiving adequate attention, as the government has initiated the necessary processes to resolve them.

    “I want to appeal to the health workers to always tow the path of  dialogue with the government on any nagging issue, as dialogue remained the right path to solutions..

    “I want to assure you that the resolution of the issues are being addressed and will be concluded soon,’ he said.

    The minister, commended JOHESU’s crucial role in the health sector and also their commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.

    Earlier, Mr Kabiru Minjibir, National President of JOHESU, commended the minister’s exemplary contribution to conflict resolution and industrial harmony in the country.

    He said some of the issues affecting the unions in the sector is the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

    Minjibir also identified the payment of seven months (June – December 2023) arrears of CONHESS Review, among others.