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Wike Reiterates Commitment to Land Regulation Enforcement

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to enforce strict compliance with land use regulations and ground rent payments across the territory. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the distribution of 50 Hilux vehicles to security agencies, Wike declared that no amount of blackmail or sentiment would deter the FCT Administration from taking decisive actions against defaulters.

Addressing the issue of unpaid ground rents, Wike warned property owners who had been given ample notice to comply with the law.

He also cautioned construction companies against illegally claiming ownership of government-allocated lands meant for operational purposes, citing a recent case involving Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. “Having a site for construction doesn’t mean ownership. Show us documents that the land belongs to you,” Wike stated, stressing the need for transparency and due process.

In response to criticism over land revocations, including a plot reportedly linked to Niger Delta activist Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, the minister urged affected individuals to present valid documentation for their claims. “We are not afraid of blackmail. You cannot obtain government land without formal approval or documentation. What is wrong is wrong, and no amount of blackmail can stop us,” he asserted.

Wike further announced plans to publish a comprehensive list of Abuja landowners to ensure accountability and promote transparency in land allocation and usage.

TB Conference: Stakeholders Call for Collective Action Against Tuberculosis in Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria, requiring urgent and unified action from all sectors of society. This was the resounding message at the 8th Tuberculosis Conference held in Abuja, where Mr. Akin Jimoh, Chairman of the Media and Communication Committee and a representative of Development Communications Network, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the disease.

“When COVID-19 struck, we all rallied together to address it, saving lives through collective efforts. TB has been with us for much longer, and it takes a village to address health issues like this,” Jimoh stated. He praised the inclusiveness of current TB programming, which integrates community members into its strategies, while urging a “village reaction” where every individual views TB as a personal concern. “This is not an issue for government ministries, scientists, or researchers alone. It affects homes, families, friends, and individuals alike.”

Highlighting TB’s devastating impact on families, Jimoh stressed the importance of awareness and personal responsibility. “TB doesn’t just target individuals; it affects entire families — our children, parents, and loved ones. We must collectively step up as individuals, communities, and families to do the needful,” he urged. Drawing parallels to other public health issues, he noted, “Just as family planning requires informed decision-making, the fight against TB demands knowledge and ownership at all levels.” He expressed optimism about the progress made through community engagement, declaring, “With ongoing efforts, we are redefining how TB is addressed in Nigeria. It will never be the same again.”

The conference underscored the urgent need for governments, communities, and individuals to unite in combating TB, ensuring no one is left behind in achieving a healthier Nigeria.

Solid Minerals Minister Lauds ANRML’s Efforts in Advancing Nigeria’s Mining Sector

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has applauded African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) for its pivotal role in enhancing local value addition within Nigeria’s mining industry. Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art mineral analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, Alake described the facility as a transformative achievement in the government’s agenda to reposition the mining sector.

“This laboratory, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aligns with our ministry’s 7-point agenda and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting local value addition, which is critical to the sector’s transformation,” Alake remarked. He emphasized the laboratory’s capacity to eliminate the reliance on foreign facilities for mineral testing, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global mineral analysis. He further pledged the federal government’s support for investments that drive economic growth and create jobs, stating, “This lab is a testament to the possibilities in our mining sector when public-private partnerships thrive.”

In his remarks, ANRML’s Group Managing Director, Alok Gupta, expressed gratitude for the minister’s support, reaffirming the company’s commitment to revolutionizing Nigeria’s mining sector. “The world-class laboratory we commissioned today is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including WDXRF machines, and has earned the prestigious ISO 7025 certification from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations,” Gupta announced. He noted the lab’s potential to provide geochemical services for exploration and mining industries, marking a new chapter for the sector’s development in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Economic Reforms Yielding Positive Results -Matawalle

By
Victor Obabunmi
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0

…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.

This was contained in a release signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director information & PR.

In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives. “It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.

Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.

He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.

Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.

Wike’s Aide Rebuts Claims of Land Grabbing, Challenges Alleged Owners to Provide Evidence

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has called on individuals circulating claims of land grabbing by the Federal Capital Territory Administrator (FCTA) to provide concrete evidence of ownership.

He criticized self-proclaimed social media activists for promoting unverified allegations and urged them to investigate issues thoroughly before making public statements.

Addressing the case of Plot No. 2241 in Gwarimpa District, Life Camp, Olayinka clarified in a statement made available to newsmen that the land had been occupied by Paulosa Nigeria Limited since 1984 under a Temporary Right of Occupancy.

He explained that while the company applied for a Statutory Right of Occupancy in 2020, approval was granted in 2023, subject to specific terms, including payments totaling over N57 million for ground rent and premiums.

However, Paulosa Nigeria Limited failed to fulfill these terms within the stipulated 20-month period, leading to the revocation of the approval in October 2024.

Olayinka emphasized that the company never owned the land legally, likening the situation to a student losing admission for failing to meet the university’s conditions.

Olayinka urged social media commentators to verify claims thoroughly before amplifying them. Referring to previous incidents, he criticized individuals who failed to seek proper information from government agencies, resulting in the dissemination of misinformation.

He highlighted a case where land allocated for recreational purposes was misused for building a school and church, contravening the original allocation terms.

“Those advocating for human rights must ensure they are not used to promote baseless allegations,” he concluded.

Federal Government Reiterates Commitment to Oral Health , Noma Prevention

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to improving oral health in Nigeria and tackling the risk factors for oral diseases, including Noma, through an integrated primary healthcare approach.

Speaking at the 2024 National Oral Health and Noma Day held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, represented by Dr. Saludeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services, emphasized the need for early detection, diagnosis, and grassroots-level management of oral diseases.

Dr. Salako described Noma as a devastating non-contagious disease driven by poor oral hygiene and acute malnutrition, affecting children aged 2 to 6. He stated:

“Noma rapidly eats away the soft and hard tissues of the face, often leaving individuals with poor cosmetic outcomes and, if untreated, resulting in death.”

To combat Noma, Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in regional and global collaborations since 2016, including efforts under the World Bank’s Africa Regional framework to bridge knowledge gaps. Milestones include the establishment of the Noma Treatment Centre at the National Hospital in Abuja and additional facilities in Sokoto State, reflecting the government’s resolve to eradicate this preventable and treatable disease.

The Minister also commended the Technical Working Group (TWG) for its role in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recognition of Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). This recognition has attracted global support from health authorities, NGOs, philanthropists, and funding partners.

Addressing Workforce Gaps and Universal Health Coverage
To address workforce shortages in oral healthcare, the Ministry has introduced task-sharing and upskilling initiatives at primary healthcare centers, enabling the delivery of basic oral care. Dr. Salako further noted the critical role of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and creating a sustainable framework for tackling oral diseases.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Azeez Aderemi, emphasized ongoing public health actions to reduce Noma’s burden. These include educating communities about the disease’s causes, symptoms, and prevention, alongside addressing malnutrition through the Renewed Hope Agenda’s nutritional programs and food security initiatives.

Goodwill Messages and Public Awareness Activities
The event also featured goodwill messages from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Presentations by Dr. Charles Ononiwu of the Noma Centre in Abuja and dramatic performances by student nurses raised awareness of oral diseases and Noma.

With the theme “Listing Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease: What Next?”, the 2024 National Oral Health and Noma Day underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating Noma and enhancing oral health for all Nigerians.

FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board Begins Refund Distribution for 2024 Hajj Services

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) has commenced the distribution of a N270 million refund to pilgrims who participated in the 2024 Hajj exercise. Each pilgrim is set to receive 61,000 Naira (approximately 150 Riyals) as compensation for services not rendered in Saudi Arabia. This refund was provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Director of the Board, Mr. Kadari Edah, announced that a committee had been inaugurated to ensure a smooth refund process. He emphasized the need for beneficiaries to present valid identification, including evidence of travel, payment receipts, and e-passports, while appearing in person. Exceptions would only be made in cases of death or illness, which would require verification. “People with no issues will be prioritized, while cases requiring further investigation will be addressed later,” Edah explained.

In preparation for the 2025 Hajj, the Board has also advised intending pilgrims to make a deposit of 8.4 million Naira per person, noting that the final fare may decrease due to recent negotiations to reduce costs. Edah highlighted that flight fares, a major component of the Hajj fee, had already been slightly reduced, a move expected to lower the overall Hajj cost. The Board is also taking steps to improve its operations, including restructuring and updating financial records to enhance transparency.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Explore Iron Ore-to-Steel Collaboration

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership to extract and process iron ore into steel, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation within the mining and minerals sector.

During the Resourcing Tomorrow event at the Mines and Money Expo in London, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Engr. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer. The discussions centered on leveraging Nigeria’s vast iron ore reserves for domestic beneficiation and value-added steel production, rather than exporting raw ore.

This development was disclosed in a statement by Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister.

Dr. Alake stressed that value-added steel exports would attract premium prices in international markets, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. Engr. Al-Mudaifer expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in sourcing iron ore from Africa and welcomed Nigeria’s proposal. Both parties agreed to continue talks at the Future Metals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2025.

Dr. Alake also held high-level discussions with leading global investors and mining firms:

Woodcross: The firm conducted preliminary surveys in Jos, Plateau State, confirming sufficient tin deposits to justify a long-term investment in tin processing. A final investment decision is expected in February 2025.

Gerald Group: The company expressed willingness to form a joint venture in Nigeria’s tin sector, with support from the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, which the Tinubu administration plans to establish.

AMG Group and Business Idea Management Centre (China): Both firms committed to mobilizing global capital for Nigeria’s mining projects, with AMG highlighting the positive impact of recent reforms.

To ensure the smooth take-off of these projects, Dr. Alake established a Ministerial Committee to oversee timelines and progress. He also directed the Solid Minerals Development Fund to collaborate with international investors to diversify funding sources for Nigeria’s mining initiatives.

At the forum, stakeholders discussed the proposal for an African Extractive Minerals Bank to fund exploration projects across the continent. As Chair of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Alake pledged to advocate for the initiative at the group’s next meeting in Riyadh.

Dr. Alake reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector through strategic partnerships, local value addition, and the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation. These initiatives aim to position the mining sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification agenda.

Through these efforts, Nigeria is solidifying its role as a key player in the global mining and steel industries.

MSMD Defends Reappointment of SMDF Executive Secretary, Highlights Achievements

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has reaffirmed the legality of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi’s reappointment as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), countering claims of irregularities. In a statement signed by Mrs. Ekwugha Chinwe, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, the ministry emphasized that the process, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, complies with the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007.

The ministry clarified that Section 35(2) of the NMMA provides for the appointment of the SMDF Executive Secretary by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, with no stipulation for term limits. “There is no provision in the act governing the agency that limits the tenure of the Executive Secretary. Therefore, her reappointment is in order and does not contravene any law,” the statement affirmed.

Highlighting Shinkafi’s achievements, the MSMD noted her pivotal role in restructuring the SMDF to mobilize capital, de-risk investments, and promote targeted exploration for mine development. The ministry pledged to continue supporting the SMDF in driving initiatives that align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to make the solid minerals sector a key contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Stakeholders were urged to trust the administration’s efforts to reposition the mining sector for sustainable development.

Miners Association of Nigeria Applauds President Tinubu for Renewing Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi’s Tenure at SMDF/PAGMI

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of Hajia Fatimah Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI). The association described her reappointment as a “Divine call” to propel Nigeria’s solid minerals sector toward realizing its vast untapped potential.

In a statement signed by its National President, Dele Ayanleke, MAN congratulated Shinkafi on her renewed mandate and urged her to focus on forging impactful partnerships, particularly with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), to attract pragmatic investments capable of transforming the sector.

Strategic Focus Areas

The association outlined key priorities for Shinkafi’s continued leadership, including:

Securing Partnerships: Expanding collaborations with both local and international stakeholders to empower small-scale leaseholders pivotal to wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

Utilizing Idle Funds: Collaborating with the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Oladele Alake, to repatriate and judiciously utilize the ₦2.5 billion Federal Government intervention fund for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), currently dormant in the Bank of Industry for nearly a decade.

Upgrading SMDF Capacity: Revising the SMDF’s operational guidelines to establish it as Nigeria’s foremost financial institution for the mining sector.

Challenges in Sector Financing

Ayanleke emphasized the reluctance of Nigerian financial institutions to develop tailored products or create dedicated desks for mining sector financing. He highlighted the critical need for SMDF’s leadership to incentivize large-scale investments and provide financial support to indigenous miners for infrastructure development.

Call for Stakeholder Collaboration

The MAN President urged greater collaboration between Shinkafi and key stakeholders in crafting policies and strategies that would bridge financing gaps and enhance the productivity of Nigeria’s mining sector.

“There is an urgent need to upgrade the SMDF’s capacity to incentivize large-scale investments and empower local miners. We are optimistic that under Hajia Shinkafi’s continued leadership, the sector will witness unprecedented growth,” Ayanleke said.

Commitment to Support

MAN pledged its unwavering support for Shinkafi’s leadership and expressed confidence in her ability to steer the sector toward becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

“Once again, I congratulate you and wish you a most fruitful and successful tenure,” Ayanleke concluded.

The renewed focus on strategic investments and sectoral reforms underscores the critical role of the solid minerals sector in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification agenda.

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