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Reps Probe $4.6bn Global Fund, USAID Health Grants Over Poor Disease Outcomes

Saladin Babagana
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Reps Probe $4.6bn Global Fund, USAID Health Grants Over Poor Disease Outcomes

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the management of more than $4.6 billion in international health grants received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025.

The funds, meant to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and polio, as well as strengthen health systems, have come under scrutiny following concerns about poor health outcomes despite huge donor support.

The resolution followed a motion moved on Tuesday by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, who decried the lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of the funds, warning that billions of dollars in aid have failed to yield visible impact.

Ogah revealed that Nigeria received about $1.8 billion from the Global Fund between 2021 and 2024 to support disease control and implement the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) project, while USAID provided over $2.8 billion within the same period.

He noted that the U.S. government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has contributed more than $6 billion to Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response since inception, yet the country remains among the worst-hit globally.

According to him, Nigeria recorded 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023 15,000 of them children under 14 and still accounts for 26.6 percent of global malaria cases, 31 percent of malaria deaths, and ranks first in Africa for TB burden.

“These figures are troubling,” Ogah said. “Despite the billions of dollars in international aid, Nigeria continues to lose lives to preventable diseases. It is imperative that we evaluate how these funds are being utilized.”

Following debate, the House mandated its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to investigate the disbursement and utilization of the funds from 2021 to 2025 and report back within four weeks.

Lawmakers stressed that effective oversight of donor funds is vital to ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable impact in Nigeria’s health sector, especially in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of ending HIV, TB, and malaria by 2030.

ADC to Tinubu: Address Nigerians, Stop Politicising Alleged Coup Plot

Saladin Babagana
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ADC to Tinubu: Address Nigerians, Stop Politicising Alleged Coup Plot

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to openly brief Nigerians on the alleged coup plot making headlines across the country, warning against using the issue as a political tool to intimidate opposition figures.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it strongly condemns any attempt to subvert Nigeria’s democratic order, the government must not exploit the situation to justify surveillance, harassment, or political persecution.

“While we vehemently oppose any effort to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally concerned about the potential misuse of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public sentiment,” the statement read.

The ADC expressed concern over reports linking some detained military officers to a purported coup plot and allegations that a former southern governor is being investigated for allegedly funding the suspects.

It faulted what it called “conflicting signals” from government sources, noting that while some media reports suggested a coup investigation, the Defence Headquarters had denied confirming such claims.

“Such inconsistency raises serious fears that the coup narrative may have been politically engineered,” the party stated, accusing the government of allowing the story to fester as a distraction from pressing governance challenges.

“The government appears to be using the coup story to divert attention from national issues and to justify surveillance or clampdowns on opposition figures,” the ADC alleged.

The party urged the federal government to either “decisively quash the swirling rumours” or brief Nigerians if there is any credible threat to national security, insisting that transparency and accountability remain vital in a democracy.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the ADC warned that national security must never be weaponised for political gain.

“We support all lawful measures to defend democracy, but we reject any ploy to intimidate citizens under the guise of national security,” the statement added.

Osinbajo Leads ECOWAS Election Mission to Côte d’Ivoire

Uche Kingsley
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Osinbajo Leads ECOWAS Election Mission to Côte d’Ivoire

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lead the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission ahead of the country’s October 25 presidential election.

According to a statement issued by ECOWAS on Tuesday, the deployment underscores the regional bloc’s commitment to democracy, peace, and stability across West Africa, in line with the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023, heads a 187-member ECOWAS team comprising 150 short-term observers, 22 youth observers, and 15 long-term experts monitoring pre-election, election-day, and post-election developments.

He is supported by Baboucarr Blaise Ismaïla Jagne, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, and Mahamat Saleh Annadif, former Foreign Minister of Chad. In addition, 66 African Union observers have joined the mission.

Upon arrival, Osinbajo was received by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, and Fanta Cissé, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking shortly after his arrival, Osinbajo expressed optimism that the Ivorian election would be peaceful, credible, and transparent, conducted in accordance with international standards.

“It is an honour to lead this mission to such a peaceful and welcoming country. We are hopeful that the process will strengthen democracy in Côte d’Ivoire and set an example for the region,” Osinbajo said.

The presidential election, set for October 25, 2025, will see President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeking a fourth term in office, in what is expected to be one of West Africa’s most closely watched elections.

Teenager Takes Over as Nigeria’s ‘Vice President for a Day,’ Champions Girl-Child Education

Shehu Danladi
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Teenager Takes Over as Nigeria’s ‘Vice President for a Day,’ Champions Girl-Child Education

A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, on Monday symbolically stepped into the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day using the rare platform to call for stronger government action on girl-child education and protection.

The symbolic handover took place during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah decried the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria over 10.5 million, with girls making up more than 60 percent urging policymakers to invest in safe, inclusive, and equitable education.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she said.
“I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, classrooms, and budgets.”

Ogah also called for free sanitary products, access to clean water, and better nutrition in schools to ensure girls can learn with dignity.

Vice President Shettima commended Ogah’s courage and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and gender equality.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust. We will continue to work with PLAN International to strengthen girl-child education and inclusive learning across the country,” Shettima assured.

The initiative, part of PLAN International’s “Girls Take Over” campaign, aims to amplify young girls’ voices in leadership and policy spaces, promoting their rights to education, equality, and empowerment.

NELFUND Opens Student Loan Portal for 2025/2026 Academic Session

Ola Akinola
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NELFUND Opens Student Loan Portal for 2025/2026 Academic Session

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, offering financial support to students in tertiary institutions nationwide.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the application window will be open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Fresh students are advised to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

NELFUND also appealed to tertiary institutions to show flexibility with registration and school fee deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

“Institutional authorities are encouraged to allow temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed, to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

It further urged institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session to formally notify NELFUND with their approved academic calendar to enable proper scheduling and coordination.

The student loan scheme is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to making higher education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of financial background.

Nigeria’s Bank Credit Falls 12.8% to ₦98.97trn — CBN Report

Saladin Babagana
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Nigeria’s Bank Credit Falls 12.8% to ₦98.97trn — CBN Report

Nigeria’s net domestic credit (NDC) dropped by 12.8% year-on-year to ₦98.97 trillion in August 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The figure reflects a slowdown in both public and private sector lending, attributed by analysts to monetary policy easing and a gradual decline in inflation.

Data from the CBN show that as of August, credit to the government stood at ₦23.13 trillion, while private sector credit amounted to ₦75.84 trillion, bringing total domestic credit to ₦98.97 trillion. In August 2024, total credit stood at ₦113.46 trillion, with government credit at ₦39.39 trillion and private sector credit at ₦74.07 trillion.

Economic analysts say the contraction mirrors cautious lending by banks amid economic headwinds.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), described the decline as an expected outcome of policy adjustment but urged fiscal authorities to complement monetary reforms with structural measures.

“Reducing the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) should expand banks’ lending capacity and stimulate growth,” Yusuf said. “However, fiscal authorities must also invest in infrastructure and regulatory efficiency to sustain macroeconomic stability.”

Similarly, David Adonri, Executive Vice Chairman of HighCap Securities Limited, expressed concern that reduced credit growth could limit business funding amid ongoing inflation and foreign exchange pressures.

“Businesses are already struggling with weak consumer demand and rising costs. A further credit squeeze could slow production and job creation,” he warned.

Experts also noted that Nigeria’s monetary easing aligns with a broader African trend as several countries, including Ghana and Kenya, recently cut policy rates to stimulate growth following a decline in inflation.

Despite the easing, Nigeria’s MPR remains among the highest in Africa, underscoring the CBN’s cautious approach in balancing inflation control with economic expansion.

I’m Still in Labour Party, Not Joining APC — Gov. Otti Declares

Uche Kingsley
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I’m Still in Labour Party, Not Joining APC — Gov. Otti Declares

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has dismissed reports claiming he has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the rumours as baseless and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the report circulating on social media was the handiwork of political propagandists unsettled by Otti’s growing popularity and record of good governance.

“Governor Alex Otti remains a committed and proud member of the Labour Party, the platform under which the good people of Abia overwhelmingly elected him,” Kanu said. “His focus remains on rebuilding Abia, restoring accountability, and delivering the dividends of democracy to every citizen.”

He described the defection rumour as a desperate attempt to distract the public and sow confusion, noting that the governor had only last week reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party during the October edition of ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians.’

“The Governor made it clear that his interest is not in political permutations or defections, but in service to humanity and the transformation of Abia State. To him, leadership is about impact, not convenience,” the statement added.

Kanu said Otti’s administration continues to champion transparency, fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and economic growth values that align with the ideals of the Labour Party.

He urged the public to disregard the rumour and remain focused on the progress being made across the state.

“Governor Otti remains resolute in his mission to build a new Abia where truth, justice, and equity prevail under the banner of the Labour Party,” the Commissioner affirmed.

NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Test, Visa Clearance to Boost Transparency

Shehu Danladi
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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Test, Visa Clearance to Boost Transparency

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a new digital platform designed to simplify and secure its Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance Certificate processes across Nigeria.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), launched the portal  Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS)  on Tuesday in Abuja, marking what he described as a paradigm shift in the nation’s war against drug abuse and trafficking.

Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the innovation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores NDLEA’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and technology-driven public service delivery.

“For years, obtaining NDLEA visa clearance certificates required physical appearances, lengthy paperwork, and verification delays,” Marwa said. “With this digital platform, those bottlenecks are gone. Applicants can now apply from anywhere, book appointments online, and receive certificates within days.”

According to him, the portal accessible via www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng automates all drug integrity testing and visa clearance processes, providing real-time verification and eliminating certificate falsification.

The system also allows private medical centres to partner as accredited testing centres, offering applicants greater flexibility in booking appointments and completing tests.

“With the e-certification system, transparency is guaranteed. It ensures integrity in our drug clearance and visa certification process,” Marwa stated.

He explained that the initiative extends to students of tertiary institutions, job applicants, and even prospective couples, enabling voluntary drug integrity tests to promote prevention rather than punishment.

“Our advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test is built on prevention an early-warning system to help individuals seek help before dependence sets in,” he noted. “It’s a compassionate, data-driven approach to protecting families, workplaces, and the nation’s future.”

Marwa emphasised that the NDLEA’s broader strategy is to digitise all its operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and sustain momentum in its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

He urged stakeholders from employers to educational institutions to embrace the new system, stressing that its success depends on collective support.

“With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more determined to win the war against drugs for the sake of our youth and national integrity,” he declared.

Nigeria Ranks 96th as US Drops Out of Top 10 in Global Passport Power Index

Shehu Danladi
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Nigeria Ranks 96th as US Drops Out of Top 10 in Global Passport Power Index

For the first time in two decades, the United States passport has fallen out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports now ranked 12th according to the Henley Passport Index 2025.

The latest ranking, which measures global travel freedom based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, shows Nigeria placed 96th, tied with Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Myanmar, granting access to only 44 destinations.

At the top of the chart, Singapore retained its dominance, offering visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).

Analysts attribute the U.S. slide to tightening visa policies in several nations, including Brazil and China, while Asian and Middle Eastern countries continue to expand travel partnerships through strategic diplomacy.

The UK also dropped to 8th place, its lowest since 2015, while China climbed to 64th, reflecting its growing global influence. The United Arab Emirates continued its impressive rise, now among the world’s top 10 most mobile passports.

At the lower end, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, offering access to just 24 countries, followed by Syria (26) and Iraq (29) underscoring the widening gap in global mobility.

The Henley Passport Index, compiled from exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), serves as the world’s most authoritative measure of passport strength and international accessibility.

NLC’s Solidarity with ASUU May Derail Education Reforms, Lawmaker Warns

Saladin Babagana
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NLC’s Solidarity with ASUU May Derail Education Reforms, Lawmaker Warns

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against joining the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in its ongoing strike, warning that such action could disrupt the Federal Government’s sweeping education reforms.

Agbese said the reforms, championed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, were beginning to yield tangible results and deserved time to stabilize.

His comment follows a four-week ultimatum by the NLC threatening to mobilize in solidarity with ASUU if the government fails to address unresolved issues in the tertiary education system.

Speaking with journalists after Tuesday’s plenary, Agbese urged restraint and dialogue, stressing that constant industrial actions have repeatedly derailed progress and hurt students.

“In developed countries, when progress begins to show, the people allow time for consolidation before raising new demands. That’s what we need now in our education system,” he said.

The Benue lawmaker commended Dr. Alausa for introducing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and innovation. He cited key milestones such as the expansion of tertiary admission quotas from 750,000 to one million students and the harmonization of tuition policies under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He also highlighted initiatives like the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) Roadmap, the Students Loan Scheme, and the World Bank-supported AGILE project as evidence of ongoing transformation in the sector.

“These initiatives are already yielding visible results, and the least we can do is sustain the momentum rather than disrupt it with another strike,” Agbese emphasized.

The lawmaker appealed to ASUU to abandon its “repetitive strike tactics” that have disrupted the academic calendar and inflicted hardship on students and families, urging the union to embrace dialogue instead.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to mediate between the government and stakeholders, saying, “Our doors remain open. Let’s strengthen the system through cooperation, not cripple it through strikes.”

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