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Wike Urges Peace, Respect for Rule of Law as FCT Boosts Emergency Care with 12 New Ambulances

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Abuja — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday appealed to workers across the territory to embrace peace, dialogue and progressive thinking, warning that disobedience to court orders and actions capable of disrupting governance would not be tolerated.

Wike made the call in Abuja during the presentation of 12 ambulances to General Hospitals in the FCT, an intervention aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery and improving response time in the nation’s capital.

“I appeal to all of you to reconsider and allow peace to reign for the development of our city. Forget blocking gates or saying you will not obey court orders. This country is governed by law,” the minister said.

He emphasized that while his administration remains open to dialogue, it would not allow any individual or group to threaten stability in the FCT. “We did not take laws into our hands. All we said was let us go to court and see who is right and who is wrong. But nobody should threaten the existence of anybody,” Wike warned.

Defending reforms introduced under his leadership, the FCT Minister said his administration had addressed long-standing structural imbalances in the civil service, particularly in career progression.

“When this vision came, I said you cannot retire people as directors without giving them hope of becoming permanent secretaries or even head of service. Today, the staff are the ones enjoying it,” he said.

Wike, however, expressed concern over what he described as deliberate resistance from some quarters determined to frustrate genuine reforms. “The problem is that some people do not want political leaders to improve the lives of the people. I challenge anybody,” he declared.

The minister also shed light on the financial realities confronting the FCT, noting that the territory receives only one per cent of the Federal Government’s monthly allocation.

“If the Federal Government gets ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets one per cent, which is ₦10 billion. But salaries alone today are not less than ₦12 billion,” he said, explaining that improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) became inevitable.

According to Wike, monthly IGR in the FCT increased from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to over ₦30 billion. “That is what performance means. From that ₦30 billion, we augment salaries, invest in infrastructure, buy ambulances, rehabilitate schools and construct roads,” he stated.

He stressed that prudent financial management was critical to development. “Nobody can pay all allowances and wages, buy vehicles, construct roads and rehabilitate schools at the same time without proper planning. You don’t print money,” he added.

Wike urged workers at all levels—senior and junior, indigenous and non-indigenous—to support government efforts, assuring them that no one would be denied their legitimate entitlements.

“Mr President is doing the best he can. But the future of this country is on all of us. Support government by being progressive-minded,” he appealed.

On healthcare delivery, the minister said the 12 ambulances symbolise the administration’s commitment to improving emergency response and saving lives across the FCT, urging health workers to deploy the vehicles efficiently for the benefit of residents.

The event marked another milestone in the FCT Administration’s drive to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure while reinforcing its call for unity, peace and cooperation in building a more functional and resilient capital city.

Sachet Alcohol Ban Takes Effect Nationwide as NAFDAC Clarifies No Distillery Was Shut

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, clarifying that no distillery or alcohol-producing company has been closed.

In a press release dated January 29, 2026, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the renewed enforcement followed a directive of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has the full backing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

According to the agency, the enforcement is in line with its statutory mandate to safeguard public health, particularly by protecting children, adolescents and young adults from the harmful use of alcohol.

NAFDAC explained that the proliferation of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers has made alcohol cheap, easily accessible and easily concealable, resulting in rising misuse and addiction among minors and some commercial drivers. The agency linked the trend to increased cases of domestic violence, road traffic accidents, school dropouts and other social vices across communities.

The agency dismissed claims that warning labels such as “not for children” could effectively address the problem, noting that such measures are largely unenforceable within the Nigerian social context.

“Many parents are unaware that their children consume sachet alcohol because the pack size is cheap and easily concealed,” the statement said, citing reports from schools where pupils reportedly hide sachets of alcohol. In one instance, a teacher reportedly quoted a student as saying he could not sit for an examination without first taking sachet alcohol.

NAFDAC recalled that the ban followed years of engagement with industry stakeholders. In December 2018, the agency, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024. The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers exhaust existing stock and reconfigure their production lines.

The agency stressed that the recent Senate resolution aligns with the agreement and with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010), to which the country has been a signatory since 2010.

NAFDAC clarified that the regulation affects only two categories of packaging—alcoholic drinks in sachets and those in PET or glass bottles below 200ml—adding that alcohol packaged in larger volumes remains approved.

“The ban is not punitive; it is protective,” Prof. Adeyeye said. “It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. This decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth.”

The agency called on manufacturers, distributors and retailers to fully comply with the phase-out deadline, emphasizing that no further extension will be granted beyond December 2025.

NAFDAC also pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FCCPC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify nationwide sensitisation on the health and social dangers of alcohol misuse, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that only safe, wholesome and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.

Wike Commissions 12 Ambulances for Hospitals

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

AThe Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday commissioned 12 new ambulances for hospitals across the FCT.

Addressing health sector staff during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Wike commended workers for their resilience and cooperation, even in the face of pending allowances and past challenges. “Nobody went on strike even though there were debts owed. Thank God, we were able to pay off all these debts. Every sector is being looked into,” he said.

Wike urged workers to prioritize service delivery, emphasizing that problems are inevitable in any administration. “Problems will always come up. What is important is that you stay focused and do the best you can. When you leave office, another person will continue from where you stopped,” he said. He also cautioned against politicizing or sabotaging government efforts, stressing that constructive dialogue is the way to resolve disputes.

The Minister noted that the provision of the ambulances is part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency healthcare in the FCT. “This is support for the FCT to enhance emergency services in the health system,” Wike said. He linked the effectiveness of emergency services to improvements in road infrastructure, citing areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada, where travel times for emergency responses have been drastically reduced thanks to ongoing road projects.

Highlighting the administration’s focus on health sector reforms, Wike pointed to ongoing initiatives, including the rehabilitation of 14 health centers, timely payment of hazard allowances and wages, and strategic investments in human resources for health.

Speaking on behalf of the health sector, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, lauded the Minister for his support and commitment. “These interventions show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare for the people of the FCT,” she said, noting the recent upgrade of the School of Nursing to a full College of Nursing as another milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery.

The commissioning of the 12 ambulances marks a significant step toward improving emergency medical response across the Territory, reflecting the administration’s commitment to people-centered governance and resilient healthcare systems.

Court Halts Strike as FCT Workers Ordered Back to Work

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have been directed to resume duties immediately following a ruling by the National Industrial Court suspending the ongoing strike action in the territory.

The order was issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Honourable Justice E. D. Subilim, who directed the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend the industrial action, paving the way for the restoration of normal activities across the FCT.

Acting on the court’s decision, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular mandating all workers to return to their duty posts across all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) without delay.

The circular also instructed Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Agencies to ensure strict monitoring of attendance registers to guarantee full compliance with the directive.

While reaffirming management’s commitment to the welfare of staff, the Head of Service stressed that the court order is binding and must be obeyed by all concerned.

The directive is expected to bring an end to the labour disruption that had affected public service delivery in the nation’s capital, as workers are now required to resume work immediately.

January Salaries Paid, Strike Politicised — Wike Warns FCT Workers: Resume or Face Sanctions

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that over ₦12 billion has already been paid as January salaries, stressing that the government had largely met workers’ legitimate demands before the ongoing strike was hijacked by political interests.

Speaking on the labour action, Wike said the administration initially pursued dialogue, but when it became clear politicians were exploiting the strike, legal intervention became necessary to restore order.

“I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion. Yet the FCT is entitled to only one per cent of federal revenue. If the federal government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets about ₦10 billion. That allocation alone cannot cover salaries, let alone run the administration,” Wike explained.

He emphasised that while workers have a right to protest in a democracy, strikes should be a last resort. “If workers ask for 14 days and government addresses issues within 10, there should be room for understanding and patience,” he added.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike warned against unrealistic demands. “When demands are legitimate, government acknowledges them. But it is not always possible to implement everything at once. Government does not deny legitimate entitlements, especially wages.”

Wike dismissed claims circulating that he was chased from his office during the strike, calling them politically motivated falsehoods. “I was in my office, travelled to see Mr President, went to Turkey, and returned. These stories are deliberate misinformation,” he said.

Highlighting financial progress, the minister said FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to ₦30 billion, sustaining salaries, reforms, and development. He also cited key civil service reforms, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of permanent secretaries, and creation of the Office of the Head of Service.

Following a court ruling suspending the strike, Wike issued a stern warning: “Disobeying the law has consequences. From tomorrow, any worker who refuses to resume work will face disciplinary action. Anyone who blocks government facilities will face the full weight of the law.”

He reassured that dialogue with unions has continued with his approval, adding: “No amount of blackmail or political games will intimidate this administration. We will obey the court, and everyone else must do the same.”

If you want, I can also make a more explosive, Sun-style headline version with a one-line hook that would grab every reader immediately, e.g., something like:

“Wike Blows Hot: FCT Workers Must Resume or Be Fired — Salaries Paid, Strike Hijacked by Politicians!”

 

Wike: Court Order Must Be Obeyed as Politics Creeps into FCT Workers’ Strike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has said the ongoing strike by FCT workers was infiltrated by political interests, stressing that the administration had substantially addressed workers’ legitimate demands before seeking judicial intervention.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike said the FCT Administration initially embraced dialogue and engagement when the strike began, but was compelled to approach the court when it became clear that ulterior motives were at play.

“The issue of the strike is not new. I believe the administration has reasonably met the demands of the workers. However, we must be honest and admit that some of the demands are frivolous and go beyond what workers are legitimately entitled to,” he said.

According to the minister, the decision to seek legal redress was taken to ensure an objective determination of the issues, rather than allowing misinformation and political narratives to dominate public discourse.

“This is a democracy, and everyone has the right to protest. But strike action should always be the last option. If workers ask for 14 days and government addresses the issues within 10 days, there should be room for understanding and patience,” Wike noted.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike said he understood labour struggles, but emphasised that government could not implement all demands simultaneously.

“When demands are legitimate, government should acknowledge them. But implementation takes time. Government does not deny legitimate entitlements, especially wages,” he added.

He dismissed claims that he was chased out of his office during the strike, describing such reports as deliberate falsehoods driven by political interests.

“I was in my office, travelled to see Mr President, went to Turkey and returned. These stories are pure misinformation,” he said.

On the financial realities of the FCT, Wike explained that the territory receives just one per cent of federal revenue, which is insufficient to meet its obligations.

“If the Federal Government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets about ₦10 billion. Yet I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion. This clearly shows that statutory allocation alone cannot sustain the administration,” he explained.

He disclosed that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the FCT has increased from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to ₦30 billion, describing it as significant progress.

Wike also highlighted key reforms under the current administration, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of permanent secretaries, and the creation of the Office of the Head of Service.

“Before now, workers retired at the level of director. These institutional reforms were not in place. You cannot expect the administration to spend all available revenue on wages alone while neglecting critical infrastructure,” he said.

Following the court’s ruling ordering the suspension of the strike, the minister warned that failure to comply would attract sanctions.

“Disobeying the law has consequences. Any worker who refuses to resume work or attempts to block access to government facilities will face disciplinary action in line with the law,” he warned.

Wike reaffirmed that the FCT Administration would comply with the court’s decision and urged all stakeholders to do likewise, insisting that disputes must be resolved within the ambit of the law.

National Grid Crashes Again, Nationwide Blackout Hits All Discos

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

 

Nigeria was plunged into another round of widespread darkness on Tuesday as the national electricity grid collapsed for the second time in five days, cutting off power supply to all electricity distribution companies (Discos) across the country.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that as of 10:54 a.m., power allocation to all Discos dropped to zero. By 11:14 a.m., only the Delta Gas Power Plant was still generating, producing a meagre 39 megawatts on the grid.

The latest incident comes barely days after the grid was restored from a previous collapse last Friday, underscoring persistent challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) confirmed the outage across its coverage area in the South-East, affecting Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

In a statement, EEDC’s Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Eze, said the company lost supply from its power source at about 10:48 a.m., resulting in outages across networks operated by its subsidiaries—MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra and EastLand.

According to him, the cause of the system failure was yet to be determined, adding that the company was working with relevant stakeholders to restore supply as soon as possible.

EEDC apologised to customers for the inconvenience and assured them that efforts were ongoing to ensure a swift restoration of electricity, though no timeline was given.

Abuja to Host 2026 SPARK Africa Conference as Nigeria Pushes Translational Research Drive

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

 

Nigeria is set to strengthen its position in Africa’s research and innovation space as the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) announces plans to host the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja.

The conference, scheduled for February 2–7, 2026, will be held in partnership with the SPARK Global programme of Stanford University and is expected to boost Nigeria’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, said the programme underscores the importance of translational research in bridging the gap between laboratory science and real-life clinical and public health applications.

He noted that the approach integrates research, healthcare delivery, policy and industry to ensure measurable impact on society.
Founded over two decades ago at Stanford University, the SPARK initiative focuses on advancing research from “bench to bedside” through mentorship, education and access to critical resources. Led by Professor Daria Mochly Rosen, the programme has reviewed over 1,000 projects globally, supported several start-ups and helped move multiple products into clinical trials, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health, global health and orphan diseases.

With SPARK Global now active in more than 40 academic institutions worldwide, Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 Africa edition is seen as a strategic boost to its research profile. Previous editions were held in Zimbabwe in 2023 and Mozambique in 2024.

As the local partner, NIPRD brings extensive experience in drug, vaccine and biological product development and has aligned its mandate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on local content development, value chain growth and job creation in the health sector.

Analysts say hosting the SPARK Africa Conference in Abuja will expose Nigerian researchers to global best practices, attract international collaborations and accelerate innovation in life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for translational research on the continent.

Court Orders FCT Workers Back to Work

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Relief came on Tuesday as the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, ordered striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their industrial action.

The court granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), effectively grounding the strike that has shut down activities across FCTA secretariats.

The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, was brought against the JUAC Chairman, Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, seeking to stop the union from embarking on strike, picketing or any form of lockout.

In his ruling, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the dispute qualified as a trade dispute, the right to strike is not absolute once the matter has been taken to court.

The judge ruled that workers are barred from embarking on or continuing any strike after a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, stressing that any ongoing industrial action must cease immediately.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimants, pending the determination of this suit,” the judge declared.

The court adjourned the case to March 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive matter.

With the ruling, FCTA offices are expected to reopen as workers return to duty.

NNPC Applauds Chevron as Awodi-07 Well Strikes Hydrocarbons in Niger Delta Offshore

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing drive to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and was concluded in mid-December 2025, with operations carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards.

In a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, the national oil company said that following comprehensive testing, logging and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, marking the successful completion of the programme.

According to NNPC Ltd, results from the Awodi-07 well were highly encouraging, confirming the presence of significant hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. The development represents a major milestone for the Joint Venture, strengthening confidence in the asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area.

The company noted that the success of Awodi-07 underscores the value of disciplined exploration, robust technical evaluation and strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical expertise and consistent value delivery.

“The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves,” Ojulari said. “This achievement aligns with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”

Also reacting, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the results from Awodi-07 as clear evidence of the benefits of sustained collaboration, technical rigour and a stable operating environment.

“This discovery highlights the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act,” Ntia said, adding that NNPC Ltd looks forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to advance the discovery towards development and monetisation.

NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited operate several oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta under a joint venture arrangement, with Chevron holding a 40 per cent stake and NNPC Ltd the remaining share.

Through the partnership, both companies aim to ramp up production to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, job creation and Nigeria’s long-term energy security.

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