Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adeyemi, to launch a full investigation into alleged land scams along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor. He made the call in Lagos yesterday during an inspection of the coastal road, part of the ministry’s review of ongoing federal projects in the South West. Umahi said the Presidency had directed the Office of the Surveyor-General to work with state governors and the ministry to acquire land along the highway project. The aim is to serve the public interest, boost economic benefits, and ensure a return on investments.…
Author: Editor
Key players from government ministries, universities, civil society groups, and international partners gathered in Abuja yesterday for a workshop to review and endorse the Tobacco Excise Tax Simulation (TETSiM) report. The report is meant to guide Nigeria in reshaping its tobacco taxation policy. The meeting came as Nigeria prepares to update its tobacco tax regime, which expired in May 2025. The new tax plan aims to meet regional and global standards, protect public health, and boost government revenue. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), spoke on the importance of the Tobacco Tax Advocacy…
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has announced that Nigeria is set to begin local production of insulin, reducing dependence on imported supplies. He revealed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on sustainable insulin production between the Ministry’s agency, the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA), and Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited of China in Abuja. The minister noted that for decades, millions of Nigerians living with diabetes have relied on imported insulin, which is often expensive and scarce. With this new partnership, diabetic patients will soon have access to…
The Federal Government has warned that Nigeria may not meet the global target of eliminating malaria unless more local resources, especially funding, are mobilized. It said that 90 percent of malaria cases worldwide are found in Nigeria and some other African countries, making it urgent for homegrown solutions and stronger support from local stakeholders. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made this known in Abuja on Thursday during The Big Push Malaria Conference with the theme: “Harnessing Africa’s Central Role for the Big Push Against Malaria.” The minister noted that Nigeria and Africa rely too…
The Federal Government has launched the distribution of medical equipment and essential drugs worth over ₦23 billion across Nigeria. The move is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, officially flagged off the distribution in Abuja on Thursday. He said the initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery nationwide. Describing the exercise as a “promise kept” under the ongoing health sector reforms, Pate noted that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He warned against the diversion of the items, stressing that they are central…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has opened a public review of two important draft policies aimed at boosting Nigeria’s digital economy. These are the Draft Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Live Events and the Draft Technical Standard for the Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX). The review will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Digital Economy Complex, NCC Building, Abuja. It is part of NITDA’s Rule-Making Process, which focuses on creating inclusive, sustainable, and globally aligned policies for Nigeria’s digital growth. The Draft DPI Live Environment is designed to improve e-government services and set up a system that…
Barely two days after suspending its nationwide strike, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised new concerns over what it called “flagrant disregard” of agreements reached with the management of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union accused the refinery’s management, led by Mr. Sayyu Aliu Dantata, of frustrating the resolutions endorsed by the federal government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC). The union also alleged that workers were being intimidated into abandoning the agreement.…
The Federal Government has ended Value Added Tax (VAT) and duty exemptions for airlines. This means that from January 1, 2026, commercial aircraft engines, spare parts, and flight tickets will now attract taxes. The announcement was made during a business webinar on Thursday, organized by Aviation & Allied Business in partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The session was themed: “Nigeria Tax Act (2025) & The Aviation Industry: Aviation Sector Enlightenment Initiative.” Nkechi Umegakwe, an Assistant Director at the Nigeria Revenue Service, explained that the new directive is backed by the Tax Reforms Act and will be fully…
The Apapa Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Debo Lawal, says the newly reviewed electronic call-up system, known as ETO, which started on Monday, will bring better order and efficiency to port operations. He explained that the changes align with global best practices and are designed to close loopholes at the port. Lawal gave an example, saying that with the new system, trucks meant for APM Terminals can no longer mistakenly enter ENL Terminal because the barriers are now automated and controlled by the ETO system. He also said that each of the five terminals at Apapa Port…
The European Union (EU), the Government of Germany, and Nigeria have jointly launched an €18.3 million agricultural initiative, designed to strengthen key value chains and promote climate-smart farming practices across the country. The programme, known as EU-VACE TARED (Agriculture Value Chain Facility and Transformative Agricultural Systems for Rural Economic Development), seeks to boost the cocoa, dairy, tomato, ginger, and feed-for-dairy (maize, sorghum, and soybean) value chains. Beyond improving productivity, the project aims to create decent jobs for women and youth, while adopting an integrated value chain approach anchored on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Implemented by GIZ in collaboration with Nigeria’s…