The National Assembly is set to pass the 2025 budget proposal on February 8, following President Bola Tinubu’s request for an additional N4.5 trillion, bringing the total budget size to N54.2 trillion.
The President had initially presented a N49.7 trillion budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024. However, in separate letters to both legislative chambers on Wednesday, he announced the increase based on additional revenues generated by key government agencies.
According to the letter read in the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the budget increase is attributed to:
N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
N1.8 trillion from other Government-Owned Agencies
In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the request to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for immediate consideration, assuring that the final budget would be passed before the end of the month.
The 2025 budget is expected to prioritize economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris, France, on a private visit ahead of his participation in the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron before proceeding to Addis Ababa early next week.
The 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State are scheduled to take place from February 12 to 16, 2025.
As the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s economic integration, security, and development strategies during the summit.
Further details on his engagements in France and Ethiopia are expected in the coming days.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee as part of a nationwide initiative to recruit Health Fellows under the National Health Fellows Programme, approved by President Bola Tinubu. This programme seeks to engage young professionals in the health sector across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
The initiative is a key component of the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, aimed at building a sustainable healthcare workforce by attracting young talents and early-career professionals to drive healthcare reforms.
A Strategic Investment in Human Resources for Health
Speaking at the inauguration, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, described the programme as a critical investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“As the Federal Government continues to upgrade existing Primary Health Care (PHC) centers and establish new ones, these fellows will play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare delivery at the grassroots level,” Dr. Fasawe said.
She emphasized that the recruited fellows would be responsible for monitoring PHC activities, providing feedback to the government, and supporting public health initiatives.
Dr. Fasawe also urged committee members to ensure a fair and transparent selection process so that only the most qualified candidates are chosen. The selected fellows will undergo training in leadership, public health, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation to equip them for their roles.
Boosting Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The Permanent Secretary of HSES, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, who serves as Vice Chairman of the committee, commended the initiative as a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“This programme is a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services,” he stated.
Dr. Adam also praised the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, for prioritizing healthcare as a key development agenda in Abuja.
WHO’s Role and Selection Process
The FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kumshida Yakubu Balami, outlined the WHO’s support and guidelines for the programme’s successful implementation.
Dr. Balami stated that the WHO mandates the formation of a seven-member selection committee, which the FCT has fully complied with. The appointed members include:
Dr. Dan Gadzama
Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu (SWAP Desk Officer)
Dr. Aderonke Akande
Mrs. Maimuna Abdullahi
Mr. Danladi Chiya
The committee is responsible for screening candidates, overseeing the selection process, and submitting a semi-final list to the SWAP Coordinator’s Office for approval.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Nigeria
The inauguration of the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health sector reform. By investing in young professionals, the government aims to strengthen healthcare service delivery, improve public health outcomes, and create a new generation of health leaders.
As Nigeria continues to push for sustainable health sector reforms, stakeholders remain hopeful that this initiative will transform healthcare accessibility and efficiency across the country.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that since 2015, the ruling party has failed to provide purposeful leadership for Nigeria.
ADC National Chairman, Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, made this remark on Tuesday during a leadership training session in Abuja, emphasizing that leadership remains Nigeria’s biggest challenge.
Training Transformational Leaders for 2027
Nwosu disclosed that the ADC has embarked on a series of leadership training programs to develop transformational leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria needs devotional and committed leaders with the fear of God. A leader must be humble, have integrity, and lead by example,” he stated.
He added that leadership is not just about holding positions but about taking responsibility. The training, he explained, will incorporate perspectives from both Christian and Muslim teachings to shape leaders who can serve Nigeria effectively.
APC Lacked Vision, Says ADC Deputy Secretary
The ADC’s Deputy National Secretary, Dr. Nkem Ukandu, also spoke at the event, stressing that Nigeria needs visionary leaders who can drive transformational change.
He blamed the APC’s failure on its lack of a clear vision when it took power in 2015.
“Many leaders fail due to lack of purpose, resilience, or integrity. APC came to power without a vision, and that is why its administration failed,” he stated.
Ukandu emphasized the need for leaders who embody the “Joseph Model”—referring to the biblical figure Joseph, who demonstrated wisdom, resilience, and the ability to solve societal problems.
“A leader must have a dream, like Joseph, whose vision eventually came to pass. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and today, racial discrimination in America has significantly reduced,” he added.
Call for Organic Leadership Selection
Ukandu lamented that Nigeria’s leadership selection process has not been organic.
“Few party delegates gather to choose candidates, and the electorate is left with limited options. Leadership in Nigeria is positional and based on influence rather than merit,” he said.
He reiterated that true leadership is about influence, resilience, and solving real-world challenges, urging Nigerians to support a leadership model that prioritizes vision, responsibility, and integrity.
With the ADC positioning itself as a credible alternative for 2027, the party hopes its leadership training initiative will equip future leaders with the right values to reshape Nigeria’s governance and development trajectory.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), forecasting delayed onset of rains in northern and central states, early rains in the south, and normal rainfall onset for the rest of the country.
The SCP also predicts severe 21-day dry spells from June to August in northern states, a 15-day severe dry spell in Oyo State, and moderate 15-day dry spells in 13 southern states, including Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, and Edo.
Critical Predictions for 2025
Rainfall Patterns:
Northern and central states will experience delayed rainfall onset.
Southern states will see early rains.
Lagos and Ogun states are expected to face severe effects of the “August Break,” with little or no rain for 27–40 days.
Temperature Outlook:
Above-average temperatures are expected across the country in January, February, March, and May.
Cooler-than-normal temperatures are predicted in April for most northern states.
Empowering Stakeholders Through Early Warning
The SCP, themed “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
The minister emphasized that the SCP serves as an essential early warning tool aligned with the UN’s Early Warning for All Initiative. He highlighted its role in preparing against hazards such as floods, dry spells, and temperature extremes.
“Early warning systems, backed by robust climate predictions, are essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability across sectors, particularly in aviation,” Keyamo stated.
Impact on Aviation and Other Sectors
Keyamo underscored the SCP’s importance in addressing challenges posed by climate change on aviation, including erratic weather patterns and increasing delays due to adverse conditions.
“The SCP empowers stakeholders with the knowledge to anticipate and adapt to climatic changes, ensuring uninterrupted operations and safeguarding lives and property,” he added.
The document also provides critical insights for agriculture, disaster risk management, health, transport, and marine operations.
Stakeholders’ Reactions and Recommendations
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, commended NiMet and urged stakeholders to leverage the SCP for better planning.
NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed the importance of utilizing and providing feedback on the SCP for continuous improvement.
“Everyone present here today is a custodian of the anticipated early actions to ensure the SCP’s maximum impact,” he noted.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, highlighted the agency’s partnership with NiMet, stating that a post-SCP meeting will analyze disaster risks and provide advisories to sub-national governments for preparedness and mitigation planning.
Mrs. Patience Ogalo-Dickson, Executive Director of the Advocacy for Women With Disability Initiative (AWWDI), applauded NiMet for making the SCP inclusive by considering persons with disabilities, especially those affected by climate change.
Inclusive and Accessible SCP
The 2025 SCP has been translated into English, Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo to ensure accessibility for a diverse audience.
With its actionable insights, the SCP aims to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against climate challenges while fostering sustainable development across various sectors.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal medical facilities with the closure of Dada’s Clinic & Maternity in Kapwa, Gaube Community, Kuje Area Council. The facility was sealed by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) following reports of unsafe medical practices, including a fatal hernia operation.
This decisive action aligns with the directive of FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, who has declared zero tolerance for unlicensed healthcare facilities in the nation’s capital.
According to the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the facility’s operator, Mr. Sabiu, who identified himself as a health worker, has been arrested and handed over to the police at Kuje Police Station for further investigation.
Illegal Procedures and Unsafe Conditions
A team from the Medical and Diagnostics Department, led by its Director under the directive of the Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, inspected the facility on February 2, 2025. Their findings were alarming:
The clinic was performing unauthorized surgical procedures, including a hernia operation that resulted in a fatality.
Several patients had suffered complications and required emergency care elsewhere.
The structure was in a dilapidated and unhygienic condition, lacking basic medical infrastructure such as a reception area, nursing station, or sanitary facilities.
At the time of inspection, three patients were on admission, including an elderly individual receiving intravenous infusion. The patients were later referred to Kuje General Hospital for proper medical care.
Government’s Position on Healthcare Standards
Minister Nyesom Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing healthcare regulations, warning that all unregistered facilities operating illegally would be shut down.
“Accrediting a facility is a simple process, and there is no excuse for operating illegally. The FCT Administration will ensure that all health facilities meet the required standards to protect residents from unsafe medical practices,” Wike stated.
The FCT Administration has urged residents to report suspicious medical facilities to authorities, emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority.
For further updates, residents can contact the Health and Environment Secretariat or visit designated government channels.
Abuja—In a landmark move, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced significant increases in two primary payment mechanisms for healthcare providers—capitation and fee-for-service payments—the first major adjustment in over a decade.
The announcement was made by NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, during a stakeholders’ meeting with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare providers in Abuja on February 3, 2025. The adjustments, approved by the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, will take effect in April 2025.
New Rates and Rationale
Capitation payments, which provide fixed annual payments to healthcare providers per enrolled patient, have increased by 93% compared to December 2023 rates.
Fee-for-service payments, which reimburse providers for specific medical procedures and services, have surged by 378%—the largest increase in NHIA’s history.
These adjustments follow an interim increase six months ago when capitation fees rose by 60% and fee-for-service payments by 40% to mitigate rising costs while awaiting an actuarial review.
According to Dr. Ohiri, the revised rates are backed by actuarial analysis to ensure fairness, financial sustainability, and improved service delivery. “With the increase in premiums, we expect that the quality of care for enrollees will be improved and sustained. Providers must deliver good quality care at no additional cost to enrollees, and NHIA will ensure strict enforcement,” he stated.
Impact on Healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The new rates aim to:
Enhance financial support for healthcare providers amid rising medical costs.
Incentivize quality service delivery by aligning provider compensation with market realities.
Protect consumers by ensuring better healthcare access and reliability.
Stakeholders at the meeting—including representatives of HMOs, Healthcare Provider Associations, and the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals—welcomed the reforms. They commended NHIA’s bold steps toward stabilizing the healthcare industry and driving Nigeria closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The NHIA reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring implementation and ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the new structure. These changes, the authority emphasized, are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve national health outcomes.
Dearest APC Anambra South Senatorial bye-election Delegates and the good people of Anambra South,
Anyone who has no history of saving lives has no business being where Representation of Ndị Anambra South is discussed not to talk of aspiring to Represent the good people of Anambra South in any Chambers.
At a time like this when Anambra State has been thrown into a state of terror and Ndị Anambra South appears to be having a large chunk of the brunt, it is only logical that a man who has a history of saving lives be supported for the Senate for it’s all the people.
Advocating for the people.
Making laws for the people.
Oversight function for the people…
Okwuosa hospital gloriously stands on the soil of Anambra South…think home philosophy for the people.
Okwuosa Foundation gloriously impacts on the lives of Ndị Anambra South and beyond consistently for years, touching people’s lives effectively…
Let’s go and make a Senator with a human heart.
Let’s support Sir Azuka Okwuosa(Chinyelugo)for quality Representation in the Senate.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has highlighted Nasarawa State’s strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector, citing its abundance of critical minerals such as lithium.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru in Abuja, Dr. Alake described Nasarawa as an “epicenter of mining” in Nigeria and emphasized the need for collaboration to harness its mineral wealth for national development.
“Lithium, for instance, is quite massive in Nasarawa State. It is like an epicenter of mining in Nigeria. This underscores the importance of continuous collaboration with the Governor to scale up mining activities in the state. I have received robust cooperation from both the Governor and the Minister of Defence, all centered around the development of our solid minerals sector,” Dr. Alake stated.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Segun Tomori, Dr. Alake noted that reforms initiated in the mining sector over the last 17 months are already attracting global players, signaling progress in Nigeria’s drive to unlock its mineral potential.
Joint Efforts to Address Challenges
Governor Abdullahi Sule lauded Dr. Alake’s leadership in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s mining agenda. However, he raised concerns about security challenges in some mining areas, which hinder operations.
“The purpose of this meeting is to work together to find solutions to security challenges, ensuring that mining operations continue unhindered,” Governor Sule said.
The Governor revealed that lithium factories in Nasarawa are functioning optimally, with new ones under construction, underscoring the state’s growing prominence in the mining value chain.
Federal Government’s Push for Security
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru reiterated the federal government’s determination to eradicate insecurity nationwide. He disclosed that recent military operations have allowed mining activities to resume in states like Zamfara.
“The bandits are on the run, and the military will not rest until the country is fully secured. The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity nationwide by the end of the year. The National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and our team are working round the clock to achieve this,” Minister Badaru stated.
Momentum in the Mining Sector
Dr. Alake expressed optimism about the prospects for Nigeria’s mining industry, citing increased global interest and ongoing reforms designed to transform the sector into a major economic driver.
With Nasarawa State emerging as a focal point for critical minerals, the collaboration among federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and security agencies is poised to enhance mining activities, address security challenges, and solidify Nigeria’s position in the global mining value chain.
NCDC Activates Emergency Measures as Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians of heightened surveillance and preparedness following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
The Sudan strain of the virus was detected in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City, with one confirmed case and one fatality as of January 30, 2025. Although no Ebola cases have been recorded in Nigeria, the NCDC has activated emergency measures to prevent potential importation of the disease.
Heightened Surveillance and Prevention Efforts
The NCDC, in collaboration with relevant ministries and global health partners, has implemented several preventive measures, including:
Enhanced surveillance at Nigeria’s entry points
Updates to the country’s EVD emergency contingency plan
Strengthening of diagnostic capacity in designated laboratories nationwide
The risk of Ebola spreading to Nigeria is classified as moderate, given the country’s travel and trade connections with Uganda.
Public Health Advisory: Stay Vigilant
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, has urged Nigerians to take preventive steps, including:
Maintaining strict hygiene practices
Avoiding the consumption of bush meat
Refraining from physical contact with individuals showing Ebola-like symptoms
He also advised travelers returning from Uganda to self-monitor for symptoms and report any concerns immediately via the NCDC hotline (6232) or state health hotlines.
Healthcare Workers on High Alert
Healthcare professionals have been instructed to:
Ensure strict isolation of suspected Ebola cases
Adhere to infection prevention protocols
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
No Travel Ban, But Caution Advised
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, the NCDC advises Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda. Passengers arriving from affected areas must isolate and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms.
The NCDC reassured Nigerians of continuous efforts to monitor regional disease trends, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, and anthrax.
For more information, citizens can contact the NCDC via toll-free number 6232, SMS (08099555577), or WhatsApp (07087110839).
