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Unbranded Drugs Are Safe, Cost-Effective — NHIA Assures Nigerians

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has assured Nigerians that all medicines dispensed under the national health insurance scheme whether branded or unbranded are safe, effective, and of high quality.

Director, Formal Sector Department of NHIA, Pharmacist Nuhu Ajodi, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during a sensitization workshop for self-paying government agencies.

Ajodi explained that the Authority adheres strictly to international best practices in social health insurance, which prioritize the use of unbranded (generic) drugs to make treatment more affordable without compromising quality.

“In social health insurance, we use unbranded drugs because they are cost-effective. But that does not mean they are fake,” Ajodi said. “As a pharmacist, I can assure Nigerians that unbranded drugs are of the same quality and efficacy as branded ones. What matters is that they are sourced through accredited and regulated facilities.”

He noted that all health facilities under the NHIA are accredited and routinely monitored to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical and service delivery standards. “No professional in an accredited facility will buy from unauthorized sources. Enrollees should rest assured they are receiving safe, tested, and effective medicines,” he added.

Ajodi said the workshop was organized to deepen understanding of mandatory health insurance and strengthen trust among stakeholders. “Following the presidential directive making health insurance compulsory, we must engage stakeholders to explain what it means and how it drives universal health coverage for all Nigerians,” he stated.

The Director urged self-funding government agencies to remit their health insurance premiums promptly, stressing that “without premium, there can be no cover.” He explained that timely payment ensures NHIA can fulfill its obligations to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare providers.

Addressing concerns over service interruptions, Ajodi disclosed that NHIA has introduced Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to guarantee uninterrupted care for enrollees. “We don’t want to hear stories of patients being turned away. If a doctor is on strike in a public facility, the enrollee should be referred to a private hospital. No Nigerian should be left unattended,” he said.

Ajodi reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to expanding coverage, improving service quality, and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Trust is key,” he concluded. “Our goal is simple to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of status, has access to affordable, quality healthcare without financial hardship.”

Offenders to Pay for Demolition as FCTA Pulls Down 11 Duplexes in Dutse

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Developers who flout building regulations in Abuja will now pay the cost of demolishing their illegal structures, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned.

The Director, Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, issued the warning on Thursday during the removal of 11 duplexes erected under high-tension lines and beside a stream channel at Garba Duba Street in Dutse District.

Galadima said the FCTA was tired of spending public funds on demolitions triggered by people’s disregard for planning laws. “Henceforth, any offender will bear the cost of mobilization to site. If you ignore stop-work notices, we’ll allow you to waste your money and then bring it down,” he warned.

He explained that the developers had applied for approval but were denied due to safety concerns, yet proceeded to build despite several stop-work notices and official letters.

“They were told clearly that the location was unsafe too close to a high-tension line and stream channel but they defied the law,” Galadima said.

He revealed that the illegal structures were also obstructing a proposed bridge project. “When our engineering department reminded them of the proposed bridge, they still refused to stop, so we had no option but to enforce compliance,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the demolished plots were statutorily allocated, Galadima said the Administration might consider alternative sites for the owners if they make a formal request.

He advised residents to always seek clarification from relevant authorities before embarking on construction, stressing that “a responsible developer must respect the law and ensure safety for all.”

Stop Ranting, Be Responsible Citizens — Wike Blasts Social Media Critics, Tackles Peter Obi

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

…Says Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Delivering Tangible Results in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to act as responsible citizens by constructively engaging government on issues of public concern rather than resorting to social media criticism for political relevance.

Speaking during the commissioning of the reconstructed Ken Udezue Street in Abuja, Wike said true patriotism lies in supporting development efforts and drawing government attention to neglected areas, not in politicizing every issue online.

“Who is called a good citizen? Not a good man, but a good citizen one who thinks well about the welfare of the country and their community,” Wike stated. “It is the duty of good citizens to call government’s attention to issues, not to go on social media to say, ‘they said they have done this and that.’ Even in 20 years, no government can finish every project.”

Wike revealed that the road reconstruction was initiated after Damian Dodo (SAN) informed him of its poor state. “I called the FCDA to inspect, and once they confirmed it was bad, I ordered immediate repair. Within a week, work started that’s what a responsive government does,” he said, praising Dodo as an example of a patriotic citizen.

The Minister also used the occasion to lambast Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, accusing him of hypocrisy and political grandstanding.

“Some people because of politics castigate government. For instance, Mr. Peter Obi went to a local school in Abuja claiming government has abandoned public education. But Mr. Obi, you were governor of Anambra for eight years. If you had completed your projects, no one would still be talking about development there,” Wike fired.

He further accused Obi of prioritizing personal financial gain over governance. “Instead of developing Anambra, you put the state’s money in a bank you have interest in. How can you claim to love your people? We’ve been in office for just two years, yet our achievements in FCT outweigh your eight years in Anambra,” he said.

Wike also mocked Obi’s approach to politics, saying: “You cannot become President of Nigeria by celebrating birthdays in IDP camps or campaigning on social media. You couldn’t even manage your party is it a country of over 200 million people you want to manage? Enough of the propaganda.”

Commending Lubrik Construction Company for the swift completion of the road, Wike reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He announced new presidential approvals for critical projects, including alternative access roads to the Body of Benchers complex and 600-bed hostel facilities at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus, noting that President Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

“Mr. President takes every request seriously. That’s leadership. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about rebuilding trust between citizens and government showing Nigerians that government truly works,” he said.

Wike urged residents to emulate good citizens like Dodo by engaging government constructively and offering solutions rather than criticism. “Every responsible government listens to its people. That’s how we build a city that works for all,” he concluded.

FG Moves to End Out-of-Pocket Health Spending with Mandatory Insurance — NHIA

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

…Coverage hits 21.1 million Nigerians as reforms deepen health access

The Federal Government has stepped up enforcement of mandatory health insurance to accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and protect Nigerians from catastrophic health spending, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced.

Speaking at a one-day Sensitization Workshop for Self-Paying Government Agencies in Abuja, the Director, Formal Sector Department, NHIA, Pharmacist Nuhu Ajodi, said the move is part of sweeping reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system in line with the NHIA Act 2022, which made health insurance compulsory for all citizens.

Quoting the NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Ajodi revealed that before the law was enacted, coverage stagnated at around 7 percent for nearly two decades. “With the new legal framework and the Presidential circular mandating compulsory health insurance, coverage has now increased to over 21.1 million enrollees as of August 2025,” he stated.

Ajodi said the NHIA is collaborating with other agencies to enforce compliance, ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) remit the mandatory five percent health insurance contribution, and rebuild public confidence in the system.

He explained that the reforms are built on four strategic pillars expanding coverage, promoting equity through subsidies for the vulnerable, improving healthcare quality via strategic purchasing, and enhancing efficiency through private sector participation.

The Director also highlighted new NHIA programmes such as the Obstetric Fistula Care Programme and Emergency Care Initiative, aimed at removing financial barriers for women and vulnerable groups in accessing life-saving services.

He added that interventions under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC), and Fistula Free Programme (FFP) are already providing hope for thousands of women nationwide.

Ajodi urged participants to leverage the workshop to strengthen awareness and improve service delivery. “This engagement is meant to deepen understanding and foster collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the experience of enrollees,” he said.

A participant, Ms. Juliana Ogboyi, Administrative Officer at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), commended the reforms but called for improved accountability and responsiveness from healthcare providers.

“Sometimes staff spend the entire day at the hospital without being attended to, or are told to wait while their HMO is contacted. Even the drugs dispensed are not always the right or original ones,” she lamented, urging continuous sensitization for both employers and employees.

“When every staff understands their rights and MDAs fulfill their obligations, health insurance will truly serve its purpose,” she added.

Wike’s Aide Fires Back at Peter Obi: “FCTA Focused on Real Development, Not Beer Parlour Governance”

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed recent criticisms by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the condition of public schools in Abuja, insisting that the Nyesom Wike-led administration is delivering tangible results across the territory.

Responding to Obi’s comments, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, said the administration is not running what he described as “Anambra-style beer parlour development,” but implementing strategic, verifiable projects that impact lives.

“A total of 73 schools are currently being renovated across the six Area Councils, while 21 have been completely completed. Altogether, 102 school renovation contracts have been awarded,” Olayinka stated.

Obi had, during his visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, described the poor condition of public schools as a “national disgrace” that reflects Nigeria’s neglect of education. But Olayinka countered that unlike Obi’s administration in Anambra State, the FCTA is actively investing in education and infrastructure renewal.

“Unlike Obi, who did little to improve the education sector as governor, Wike’s administration is taking bold steps to modernize and expand learning facilities across the FCT,” he said.

He further accused the former governor of mismanaging Anambra’s resources, saying, “For eight years, Obi kept state funds idle in his personal bank rather than using them to build schools, hospitals, and roads. The state is still suffering from the aftermath of that misgovernance.”

Olayinka also mocked Obi’s constant public commentaries, describing him as a “political wanderer” seeking relevance. “It’s surprising that someone without a clear political platform for 2027 keeps making noise just to stay in the news. Nigerians are no longer swayed by rhetoric they want results,” he said.

He reaffirmed that under Minister Nyesom Wike’s leadership, the FCTA remains committed to “substance over showmanship,” prioritizing visible development that directly benefits residents across the territory.

Experts Urge Home-Grown Policies to Drive Mining Growth, Attract Global Investors — Olatunji

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria’s mineral and mining sector is witnessing renewed momentum, with experts urging the Federal Government to adopt deliberate, home-grown policies that attract global investors while empowering local players to build sustainable capacity.

Speaking at the Nigeria Mining Week 2025 in Abuja, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, Senior Project Consultant at Rapidlink Resources, said Nigeria now boasts a world-class legal framework, workable roadmap, and reinvigorated regulatory environment all geared toward transforming the industry into a globally competitive hub.

He noted that these reforms have reset the national mining agenda, drawing both local and international attention to Nigeria’s vast mineral potential. “The agenda has been reset and is being actualised,” Olatunji said, adding that the reforms are “designed to attract international mining giants into Nigeria’s mineral and mining space.”

However, he raised concerns about the real impact of these reforms, questioning how many world-class firms courted by Nigeria have actually commenced operations. “Can we guarantee their fidelity to the Nigerian course if they come?” he asked.

Olatunji urged the government to learn from the oil and gas sector, where intentional policies created strong indigenous firms. “Can we pursue home-grown solutions by leveraging domestic experiences in the mineral and mining sector?” he queried, stressing that deliberate national action is essential for sustainable growth.

Recalling the Federal Government’s 2001 marginal fields initiative, Olatunji highlighted how it transformed Nigeria’s oil industry by empowering local companies. Firms such as Seplat, Aradel, NDWestern, and First Petroleum once small startups have now grown into formidable national oil companies, with some acquiring assets from international operators.

“What changed,” he emphasized, “was intentional government policy that nurtured competence, ensured capable firms survived, and promoted national ownership.”

He and other stakeholders concluded that adopting similar strategies anchored on transparency, empowerment, and accountability could reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to rival oil and gas, driving economic diversification and sustainable development.

Wike: FCTA Receives Cost Estimate for Apo Traders’ Relocation as Dualisation of Apo–Wassa Road Begins

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has received the cost estimate for providing infrastructure at the new relocation site for Apo traders, marking a major milestone in the long-awaited resettlement plan.

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Apo–Wassa Road, a key project aimed at decongesting traffic and enhancing mobility within the capital city.

Wike assured that the administration would soon commence the relocation process, reaffirming that every promise made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to residents of the FCT would be fulfilled.

“The FCT Administration has received the cost estimate for providing infrastructure at the new relocation site for Apo traders. For us, every promise made under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. President, will be fulfilled. Be assured that we shall keep our word to the people of the FCT,” Wike said.

He described the dualisation of the Apo–Wassa Road as a fulfilment of his earlier pledge to residents during the commissioning of the Apo–Wassa Junction road, noting that the project would ease one of Abuja’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks.

“I do remember when we came to commission the road from the Apo Junction down to Wassa Junction. We made a promise that, by the grace of God and with the support of His Excellency, Mr. President, we would dualise this road to decongest the heavy traffic in this area. That promise was made, and today, to the glory of God, we are fulfilling it,” he declared.

Wike commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had strengthened fiscal stability and made governance easier for both states and the FCT.

“Today, because of the decisive leadership of Mr. President, states and the FCT are no longer running around banks to borrow for projects or salaries; rather, banks are now looking for states to partner with,” he stated.

He added that the fiscal policies of the Tinubu administration have enabled governments to embark on infrastructure projects without leaving debts behind. “No governor today talks about leaving debt for his successor. That’s leadership visionary and purposeful leadership,” Wike said.

The Minister attributed Abuja’s ongoing transformation to President Tinubu’s pragmatic leadership, noting: “Everybody is now talking about projects in the FCT. Was he the first president in this country? No. When you get the right leadership, you see how things will change.”

Wike also commended the cooperation of FCT Area Council Chairmen across party lines, describing it as unprecedented in the history of the territory.

Also present at the event was former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, who expressed support for the FCTA’s development drive. Wike hinted at possible partnerships with sports icons and private investors to engage youths in productive ventures across the FCT.

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the Apo–Wassa project as a bold step toward easing traffic, boosting economic growth, and improving connectivity within the city.

“The President constantly reminds Nigerians that progress is built not only in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities,” Mahmoud said, commending Wike for his passion and commitment to making Abuja a model capital.

The Apo–Wassa Road dualisation stands as another milestone in the FCT’s infrastructure renewal agenda, reflecting President Tinubu’s vision of practical, people-centered governance.

FCTA Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen Nursing College, Train Skilled Health Workforce — Fasawe

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the FCT College of Nursing Sciences, Gwagwalada, as part of ongoing efforts to build a skilled and resilient health workforce for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made the pledge during the matriculation ceremony of 246 newly admitted students into the institution.

Fasawe, represented by Mrs. Grace Musa, Director of Nursing Services, FCT Health Management Board, said the Nyesom Wike-led Administration remains determined to sustain investments in health education and infrastructure to enhance service delivery across the territory.

She urged the new students to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to excellence, emphasizing that their training would equip them to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare sector.

In her remarks, the Provost of the College, Dr. Deborah Yusuf, described the ceremony as a major milestone in the college’s mission to produce competent and compassionate nurses and midwives for the FCT and Nigeria at large.

Yusuf revealed that of the 246 students matriculated, 123 were admitted into the National Diploma in Nursing, while another 123 joined the Basic Midwifery Programme.

“You have chosen one of the most noble professions globally one that embodies compassion, intellect, integrity, and empathy,” she said, urging the students to uphold academic integrity and professionalism throughout their studies.

She appealed to the FCT Administration to extend its ongoing infrastructural transformation to the college, noting that it remains the only government-owned institution dedicated to training nurses and midwives in the FCT.

Also speaking, Mr. Jema Medan, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill establishing the college to provide it with full legal backing.

He commended the FCTA for its continuous support and for appointing principal officers for the college, describing the gesture as a strategic step toward strengthening nursing and midwifery education in the territory.

FCT Pilgrims Board Assures Seamless, Spiritually Fulfilling 2026 Hajj — Edah

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a seamless, well-coordinated, and spiritually fulfilling 2026 Hajj exercise for intending pilgrims from the territory.

The Director of the Board, Mallam Kadiri Edah, gave the assurance when he received the newly appointed North Central Zonal Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, and her team during a courtesy visit to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja.

Mallam Edah stated that the Board had put in place “adequate mechanisms” to ensure the success of the forthcoming Hajj operations, adding that new strategies are being developed to enhance pilgrims’ experience and promote efficiency at every stage of the exercise.

He called for continued collaboration with NAHCON to address potential challenges, emphasizing that “each Hajj operation comes with its peculiar demands that require strong institutional partnership and flexibility.”

Earlier, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed said her visit was aimed at strengthening coordination and familiarizing herself with the leadership of the FCT Pilgrims Board. She commended the Board for its proactive preparations and urged sustained cooperation to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful pilgrimage for all participants from the FCT and across the North Central region.

Mohammed reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to maintaining excellence in Hajj operations nationwide, assuring that the Commission would continue to work closely with state and FCT boards to deliver improved results in future exercises.

Discussions during the meeting focused on key operational areas including registration of intending pilgrims, camping logistics, and airlifting arrangements as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj to the Holy Land.

FG Moves to Strengthen Naira, Boost Reserves with Locally Sourced Gold — Alake

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to grow Nigeria’s foreign reserves through gold sourced entirely from local miners a bold initiative aimed at strengthening the naira, conserving foreign exchange, and revitalizing rural economies.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during the “Nigeria Gold Day” session at the ongoing 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, sponsored by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).

According to Alake, the Gold Acquisition Programme, launched in August and managed by SMDF, stands as one of the most strategic fiscal innovations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The initiative targets three critical objectives reducing pressure on the naira, boosting foreign reserves, and generating massive local employment within the gold value chain.

“This initiative allows us to purchase gold from local artisanal miners using naira, instead of sourcing dollars to buy gold internationally,” Alake explained. “Once acquired, the gold goes straight into the Central Bank of Nigeria’s reserves it’s one of the fastest and smartest ways to grow our foreign reserves.”

He added that because the gold is sourced locally, there is no need to spend foreign exchange. “Miners and workers are paid in naira, which circulates within our economy. It’s a win-win for the government, the miners, and the economy,” he said.

Alake revealed that the Tinubu administration has approved increased funding for the programme in 2025, demonstrating the President’s confidence in its potential to transform Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

“We are pursuing this initiative with vigor and determination. The President understands that real growth comes from production, not importation. With local gold reserves, Nigeria can strengthen its currency, create jobs, and build sustainable wealth,” he emphasized.

In a broader economic context, the Minister hinted at upcoming policies to reduce dollar dominance in local transactions, including steps to discourage schools and institutions from charging tuition fees in foreign currencies.

“Our goal is clear reduce dollar dependency and restore full confidence in the naira,” he said firmly.

In her remarks, Mrs. Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Secretary of the SMDF, described the gold acquisition programme as a “game-changer,” noting that it is attracting new exploration investments even as global funding for mining declines.

“Exploration funding is rising in Nigeria while it’s falling globally we’re literally defying gravity,” Shinkafi said. “The confidence investors are showing is a direct result of the Minister’s policy direction and the government’s commitment to responsible mining.”

She observed that global geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-China standoff to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have driven record demand for gold, pushing prices to historic highs.

“Gold just hit $4,200 per ounce, and analysts now project $5,000. A year ago, that would have sounded impossible now it’s reality,” she noted.

However, Shinkafi cautioned against speculative mining, stressing that the sector requires science, data, and long-term strategy.

“Mining is not luck; it’s science and strategy. We must move away from myths like ‘there’s gold behind my grandfather’s backyard.’ Nigeria has the talent and resources to mine responsibly and profitably,” she said.

She lauded Dr. Alake’s “transformational leadership,” urging investors and stakeholders to rally behind the government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as Africa’s premier destination for responsible gold exploration and investment.

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