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Author: Val Kosi

  • EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

     

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate 

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    Rosalia Ozibo by Rosalia Ozibo
     11 hours ago
    in Business News
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    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

    RelatedStories

     

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    Abuja Estate EFCCEFCC historic asset recovery Ola Olukoyede

  • Afreximbank’s $300m African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja to open June 2025

    Afreximbank’s $300m African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja to open June 2025

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that the first African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), located in Abuja, Nigeria, will commence operations in June 2025.

    The AMCE is an investment of $300 million, the facility is expected to expand to $700 million in its second phase and cater for the health needs of Nigerians and other Africans.

    Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, made the announcement at a Festschrift Conference held in honour of Prof. Ghulam Mufti, in London.
    The conference took place at the Fetal Medicine Research Institute in London, a statement by Afreximbank on 25th November 2024 said.

    The AMCE, spearheaded by Afreximbank in partnership with Prof. Mufti, King’s Commercial Services, and others, is poised to reduce Africa’s reliance on overseas medical tourism, a sector that drains over $1 billion annually from the continent.

    A landmark in healthcare
    The construction of the 500-bed AMCE Abuja started in 2022, earlier with a groundbreaking in December 2021.

    Oramah, while delivering a moving tribute titled “From One Life to a Journey of Many Lives”, highlighted the transformational vision behind the AMCE, emphasizing its potential to provide accessible, high-quality medical care across Africa.
    He also paid a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Mufti, a globally celebrated haematologist and Clinical Advisor for the AMCE project, for his dedication to healthcare innovation and education.
    “Africa owes Prof. Mufti a debt of gratitude,” Prof. Oramah stated. “He is the tree that seeds a rich forest of healthcare facilities, restoring hope to a continent long deprived of quality medical services.”

    Highlighting Professor Mufti’s profound contributions to medical sciences and his dedication to advancing healthcare globally, Prof. Oramah reflected on his personal connection to the honoree. Recalling his near-death experience in 2013, Prof. Oramah attributed his recovery to Prof. Mufti’s exceptional expertise and compassionate care.
    “Through a series of near-death experiences and recoveries, Professor Mufti and I built a lasting bond that transcended the conventional doctor-patient relationship,” Prof. Oramah remarked. “It was this bond of destiny that gave birth to a transformational healthcare initiative aimed at saving millions of lives in Africa.”

    The cornerstone of this initiative is the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a world-class healthcare and research network designed to provide accessible, high-quality medical care across Africa.

    Investing in healthcare talent and research
    To further honour Mufti’s legacy, Afreximbank announced two key initiatives.

    They include a Scholarship Fund in Mufti’s name and a $300,000 Research Grant.

    “The Scholarship Fund in Mufti’s name, established under the AMCE Endowment Foundation, will support eligible African students pursuing medical training at King’s College London and the AMCE Medical and Nursing School.

    “The $300,000 Research Grant, the bank has approved funding for haematology research projects proposed by Prof. Mufti, underscoring his pivotal contributions to the field of blood disorders and innovative treatments’’.

    The AMCE has a special partnership between Kings College in London and the Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester.

    The centre, which would be run in collaboration with the King’s College Hospital, would be a place of pride as far as quality healthcare was concerned, Oramah had assured at the groundbreaking of AMCE.

    He noted that Africa deserved better healthcare than what was obtainable presently.

    State-of-the-Art services in two phases
    Earlier, Prof. Ghulam Mufti, who is also the Clinical and Medical Adviser on the AMCE project, had said the hospital would be completed in two phases.

    “Phase one will comprise the 170 in-patient beds that will start taking patients two years from now, and phase two will follow soon.

    “The first phase will provide a comprehensive cardiovascular care centre; this centre will provide state-of-the-art cardio diagnostics and imaging technologies together with expertise for complex and other vascular therapeutics.

    “Secondly, the comprehensive cancer centre will cover all the modern needs including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and other relevant important equipment for the modern management of cancer.’’

    Mufti had said that the AMCE would also serve as a place for bone marrow transplants and a hospital for the treatment of blood diseases like leukaemia and sickle cell.

    According to him, the ambition and plan is to create a network of medical centres of medical excellence throughout Africa and link them through advanced digital technology.

    Prof. Oramah concluded his address by extending the gratitude of 1.4 billion Africans, recognizing Prof. Mufti as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in healthcare on the continent.

     

     

     

     

     

  • NITDA, BPP, and FRSC emerge worst agencies for customer complaints resolution in November 2024

    NITDA, BPP, and FRSC emerge worst agencies for customer complaints resolution in November 2024

    The ReportGov.Ng, Nigeria’s Official Public Service Complaint website, has listed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the worst-performing government agencies in terms of customer complaints resolution for November 2024.

    This is revealed in the report detailing how government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) fared in responding to complaints in the period.

    According to the report, NITDA received two complaints in the period under review and resolved none.

    BPP received one complaint and could not resolve it, while the FRSC received eight complaints and was unable to resolve any.

    Top 3 agencies

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) emerged as the top three agencies government agencies responsive to public complaints in November.

    According to the Reportgov data, the FAAN received four complaints within the period under review, and all of them were resolved.

    The NPA and the NCS, which received one complaint each were able to resolve them within the period.

    Why it matters

    The Report.Gov platform was conceived by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)) established by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2016 as part of moves to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    • The website is to facilitate the escalation and resolution of issues encountered with Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) towards ensuring a more business-friendly environment.
    • This presupposes that every MDA of the government must be responsive to complaints and issues that the people may have during their engagements with them to remove delays and restrictions that come with doing business in Nigeria.
    • Meanwhile, in a 2020 World Bank report, Nigeria’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business report improved from 146 to 131, representing its second-highest annual progress in a decade. Nigeria’s highest scores were in the areas of starting a business, dealing with construction permits, and getting credit. However, the country’s performance was low in other areas, such as registering properties, trading across borders, and resolving insolvencies.

    Most recently, PEBEC’s 2023 EoDB report showed that at the country-wide level, there was a marginal increase in Nigeria’s overall EoDB satisfaction score to 5.69 on a 10-point scale from 5.45 recorded in the inaugural report. While acknowledging this improvement, PEBEC said there is a lot more to be done to improve the business environment.

  • Lagos govt seals Mega Plaza in Lagos Island for discharging untreated washwater into public drain

    Lagos govt seals Mega Plaza in Lagos Island for discharging untreated washwater into public drain

    The Lagos State Government has sealed Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island, for discharging untreated wastewater into public drains.  

    The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) enforced the closure after monitoring the property at night and obtaining photographic evidence of violations.  

    In a statement published on the official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the government revealed that the facility used a pumping machine at night to discharge untreated wastewater into public drains, polluting the environment and exposing citizens to communicable diseases.

    “The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has continued to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring credible and sustainable wastewater management in the State by once again clamping down on the Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island for discharging untreated wastewater into the public drains, through the use of a pumping machine,” the statement read in part.  

    The statement further noted that the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi reiterated the State’s zero tolerance for environmental pollution and degradation.  

    Afolabi stressed that the agency remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the benefit of public health.  

    He emphasized that properties and facilities violating environmental laws would face strict sanctions by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. 

    What you should know 

    The Lagos State Government, through various agencies, has intensified efforts to ensure strict compliance with sanitation, hygiene, and environmental pollution regulations across the state.  

    A key focus of these initiatives is the monitoring and enforcement against the discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains, a practice that pollutes the environment and exposes citizens to communicable diseases. 

    In September 2024, for instance, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed Cravings & More, a fast food outlet along Egbeda-Idimu Road, for discharging waste into public drains.  

    • This action followed multiple public complaints about the illegal disposal of fats and oils into the drainage system, which caused clogged drains, a proliferation of maggots and houseflies, and foul odors. 
    • Similarly, in February 2024, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed a Jumia outlet located on Herbert Macaulay Way in Yaba. The enforcement was due to the facility’s unauthorized disposal of sewage into the surrounding area, posing significant health and environmental risks.  

    These actions highlight the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and maintaining a clean, habitable environment for all Lagos residents. 

     

     

  • The burden of healthcare cost in Nigeria is unsustainable – NHIA boss

    The burden of healthcare cost in Nigeria is unsustainable – NHIA boss

    The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has lamented over the rising burden of healthcare costs in Nigeria, describing it as unsustainable.

    On Tuesday in Abuja, speaking about Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, Ohiri emphasized the critical role of equity, innovation, and systemic reforms as transformative tools for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “We must prioritize the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not limited by socio-economic status,” he said.
    Addressing major barriers to UHC
    Dr. Ohiri identified geographical disparities, the quality of care, and the high rate of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure as critical challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    “The burden of healthcare cost is unsustainable. We need a system that prioritizes prevention and promotion alongside curative care,” he added.

    To tackle these barriers, NHIA is scaling up efforts to expand healthcare access through outreach programmes, wider insurance coverage and innovative measures aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency.

    The NHIA’s healthcare access study has already recorded over 600,000 participants. This number is expected to grow significantly as we continue to expand coverage. “We must act now to ensure no one is left behind,” Ohiri stressed.

    The NHIA boss emphasized that collaboration across federal, state and international levels was critical to achieving equity and sustainability.

    “We have a plan, and it must unite all stakeholders to create a healthcare system that works for everyone,” he stated.

    The director-general also highlighted NHIA’s target to extend insurance coverage to all tertiary hospitals and subnational facilities by the end of the year, a goal designed to bolster healthcare accessibility.

    A lifeline for every Nigerian
    Describing UHC as a lifeline, Ohiri reiterated the NHIA’s focus on underserved populations. “Universal Health Coverage is not just an aspiration; it is a lifeline for every Nigerian. Regardless of socio-economic status, we must ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare, “he concluded.

    He added that with focus on equity and innovation, NHIA is laying the foundation for a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of Nigeria’s most underserved populations.

    What You Should Know
    Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensures that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It encompasses the full spectrum of health services, including health promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
    The UHC 2030 initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By 2030, governments worldwide, including Nigeria, aim to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone.
    Challenges in achieving UHC in Nigeria
    High Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Many Nigerians still rely on personal funds for healthcare, making services unaffordable for low-income households.
    Geographical Disparities: Rural areas often lack adequate healthcare infrastructure and professionals.
    Limited Insurance Coverage: Despite ongoing efforts, a significant portion of the population remains uninsured.

     

     

     

  • NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a counterfeit alcohol production site on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island, following a public complaint.

    The site, a shop converted into a fake alcohol manufacturing hub, was raided on Monday.

    Assorted counterfeit beverages were destroyed on-site, while packaging materials, empty bottles, and repackaged drinks were seized.

    NAFDAC revealed in a statement shared via its official X handle, that the estimated value of the destroyed and confiscated items exceeds N30 million.

    The agency announced that it has initiated further investigations and advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from reputable vendors.

    It also urged the public to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    Nairametrics recently reported that NAFDAC dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State.

    • During the raid, over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials for fake alcoholic beverages, valued at approximately N2 billion, were confiscated.”
    • Also, the agency has also shut down another counterfeit alcoholic factory in Abuja and Kaduna.
    • While intensifying its campaign against counterfeit alcohol, NAFDAC dismantled an illicit production operation in Lugbe, Abuja about a few weeks ago.
    • The raid uncovered large quantities of fake alcoholic beverages and expired ingredients with altered dates, underscoring NAFDAC commitments to clamping down on dangerous, substandard goods.
    • In the operation led by Shaba Mohammed, director, of NAFDAC’s Federal Task Force and its enforcement teams, the agency seized the counterfeit alcoholic beverages and equipment used in repackaging these products in reused bottles.
    • “This operation is part of a broader effort to target hotspots for counterfeit goods,” said Mohammed. “Lugbe has become a focal point for producing and distributing these fake alcoholic products, with bottles labelled to mimic popular brands and expiration dates altered to deceive consumers. 

      The confiscated products have been packed in residential settings, where counterfeiters relied on imitation packaging materials to produce fraudulent versions of popular alcoholic drinks. Tamanuwa Andrew, deputy director of investigation and enforcement for NAFDAC in Kaduna, reported similar findings in Wuse Market and Mararaba, a community bordering the FCT and Nasarawa.

      “We’ve seen an increase in unregistered herbal remedies and pharmaceutical products alongside counterfeit alcohol,” said Andrew.” Our surveillance is ongoing, with the aim of clearing these products from the markets and protecting public health ”

    • Anthonia Obokoh is journalist with years experience in the media industry, focusing on health reporting. Known for her expertise as a health writer and analyst, she brings depth to topics from public health policies to healthcare advancements. Her work has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in Nigeria’s health journalism field

     

  • FCCPC probes GTBank, MTN and Air Peace over alleged customer rights violations

    FCCPC probes GTBank, MTN and Air Peace over alleged customer rights violations

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it has launched a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors comprising GTBank, MTN, and Air Peace. 

    The Commission disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of  Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, issued on Sunday. 

    According to the statement, the inquisitions, which will begin on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations. 

    Allegations against the companies 

    FCCPC said  Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) is being investigated over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications. 

    “In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care. 

    “Similarly, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for bookings on certain domestic routes,” the Commission stated. 

    Legal backing 

    FCCPC said the inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the Commission to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition. 

    • It added that the engagement with these companies would provide a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.  
    • The companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly. 

    “This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace, and ensuring accountability across all sectors. 

    “We urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels,” the Commission stated. 

    What you should know  

    The allegations of network failure against GTB may not be unconnected with the bank’s recent transition to a new core banking application, which disrupted its services for weeks. 

    Last week, the bank issued an apology to all its customers, with explanations that it faced difficulties in the process of transitioning to a new core banking system, Finacle Suite of Core Banking Application. 

  • Kebbi Governor awards N1bn contract for Argungu general hospital rehabilitation

    Kebbi Governor awards N1bn contract for Argungu general hospital rehabilitation

    Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has announced the awarding of a N1 billion contract for the general rehabilitation of Argungu General Hospital, located in the Argungu Local Government Area.

    The governor made the announcement during the flag-off of a 1km road construction in Argungu town on Tuesday.

    Governor Idris disclosed “I have awarded the general rehabilitation of Argungu General Hospital, and the total contract sum is N1 billion. 
    The amount covers total rehabilitation N500 million, while procurement of modern equipment will also gulp another N500 million,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor Idris reiterated his government’s focus on prioritizing the welfare of the people, stating that his administration will continue to invest in improving public health infrastructure to protect lives and property.

    “We want the people of the state to have modern health facilities in all our general hospitals,” he affirmed.

    Idris lauded the National Organizing Secretary of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad-Argungu, for his pivotal role in facilitating the construction of a 1km road along Jarman Kabi Road in Shagari Quarters, Argungu town.

    The governor called on other elected and political officeholders in Kebbi State to follow Muhammad-Argungu’s example by championing initiatives and projects that directly improve the lives of their constituents.

    Acknowledgment of achievements and continued development
    While thanking the people of Argungu Emirate for their continued support, Governor Idris assured that over 80 percent of his campaign promises to the Emirate Council had been fulfilled.

    Earlier, the national organizing secretary appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity in approving the project as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu for playing a significant role in facilitating the project.
    He commended Gov. Idris for proving to the people of Kebbi that he was once a teacher by establishing a primary school and junior secondary school in a community where there was none.
    Muhammad-Argungu also appreciated the governor for renovating the palace of Emir of Argungu to be one of the best palaces in the Fulani emirates.
    The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, commended the governor for facilitating the establishment Agric Processing Zone in Argungu.

    “The processing zone, when actualized will make Kebbi an agricultural hub not only in Northern Nigeria but also across Nigeria,” he said.

    The Monarch said over 500 hectares of land had been cleared and payment of compensation to landowners had already begun.

     

     

     

  • Nigeria, France sign MoU to foster research, training, and student exchange in minerals sector

    Nigeria, France sign MoU to foster research, training, and student exchange in minerals sector

    Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in research, training, and student exchanges within the minerals sector.  

    The MoU aims to enhance the critical minerals value chain through joint projects promoting knowledge and skills transfer between Franco-Nigerian institutions.  

    The announcement was made in a statement shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, on Sunday.  

    The MoU was signed in France, where President Bola Tinubu is currently on an official working visit, accompanied by several members of his cabinet. Dele Alake signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of France, signed on behalf of France.  

    “I am pleased to share that Nigeria and France have reached an agreement to develop joint projects aimed at promoting and diversifying the critical minerals value chain within the solid minerals sector of both our countries. 

    “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes our commitment to collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges between Franco-Nigerian institutions to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer,” Alake’s X post read in part. 

    The statement further highlighted a key aspect of the MoU, which is the commitment to promoting sustainable mining practices. It includes the implementation of projects and programs aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mining, specifically targeting issues such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change. 

    More insight  

    The Minister noted that the agreement also includes plans for the establishment of joint extraction and processing projects, which will be supported by co-financing from both the public and private sectors.  

    • This initiative, according to him, is designed to enhance the diversification and security of the supply of critical minerals, essential for energy projects aimed at decarbonization, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of the value chain.  
    • Alake emphasized that both Nigeria and France have committed to adopting international best practices in the execution of these projects.  
    • In pursuing this goal, the two countries aim to optimize both mineral extraction and processing, while simultaneously enhancing the well-being of local communities impacted by mining activities, the statement noted.  

    He stressed that transparency will be at the core of these efforts, ensuring that the benefits of the projects are shared fairly and that all stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout the entire process.  

     

  • Canada to tackle labor shortage with immigrants in key sectors

    Canada to tackle labor shortage with immigrants in key sectors

    Canada is addressing its growing labour shortage by turning to immigration to sustain its workforce. Immigrants are filling key roles in healthcare, transportation, construction, business, and technology, driving economic growth and meeting critical staffing needs across industries vital to the country’s economy.

    According to Immigration News Canada (INC), immigration is central to sustaining Canada’s workforce, especially as the country faces the challenges of an aging population. It is observed that immigrants contribute to nearly every industry.

    Reports tell that immigrants provide the skills and expertise needed to keep the economy strong and ensure the continued growth of the country.

    In-demand job sectors in Canada

    From healthcare and transportation to construction and technology, immigrants’ contributions are not only addressing immediate workforce gaps but also supporting long-term growth in sectors critical to the country’s prosperity. Sectors as the ones listed below:

    Healthcare: a lifeline sustained by immigrants 

    Immigrants make up a significant portion of Canada’s healthcare workforce, INC reports. In a sector that employs over 1.9 million people, one in four healthcare workers is foreign-born.

    • With more than 420,000 healthcare professionals expected to retire in the next decade, immigrants are essential in addressing the staffing shortages.
    • Facts note that they make up 25% of registered nurses and 42% of nurse aides, playing a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in nursing and residential care facilities.
    • They also fill specialized roles, accounting for 43% of pharmacists, 37% of physicians, 45% of dentists, and 61% of dental technologists.
    • As Canada’s aging population drives demand for home health care services, immigrants are stepping in to provide essential care, ensuring accessibility and quality.
    • With healthcare demands on the rise, reports tell that immigrants will remain key to maintaining the stability and quality of the system.

    Transportation: keeping Canada moving 

    The transportation sector is another critical area supported by immigrants, with over 800,000 workers ensuring the delivery of goods and services across the country.

    • Immigrants represent 35% of truck transportation workers and own 56% of trucking businesses. They also make up 43% of the public transit workforce and 25% of air transportation employees.
    • INC informs that 25% of transportation workers are aged 55 or older, and the sector is facing a significant wave of retirements in the next decade.
    • Immigrants also account for 26% of postal service workers and 18% of those in rail transportation. Through their contributions, they help maintain Canada’s transportation networks, ensuring the continued flow of goods and services vital to the nation’s economy.

    Construction: building Canada’s future 

    • Canada’s residential construction sector, which employs over 600,000 workers, relies heavily on immigrants to meet the growing demand for skilled labour.
    • With a significant portion of the workforce approaching retirement, immigrants fill key roles in construction, particularly in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work; especially as 18% of skilled tradespeople are expected to retire in the next decade.
    • They contribute significantly across various sectors: 41% of architects and 40% of civil engineers are immigrants, driving innovative housing solutions.
    • Additionally, 24% of construction managers are immigrants. Immigrants also make up 20% of roofers, 16% of electricians, 15% of carpenters, and 14% of plumbers, showcasing their diverse skills in the trades.

    Business: immigrants drive economic growth 

    Immigrants are also significant contributors to Canada’s business sector. Over 800,000 immigrants are self-employed, many of whom own businesses that provide jobs and support local economies. Immigrants own 53% of restaurant businesses and 52% of grocery stores, and they lead 40% of software publishing companies.

    INC reports that “the business sector employs nearly 12.5 million Canadians, with immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners at the forefront of innovation and job creation.

    More than 800,000 immigrants are self-employed, and 250,000 of these have paid employees.”

    Food services: keeping Canadians fed 

    • The food services sector is one of the largest employers in Canada, with over 1 million workers. Immigrants represent more than 51% of food and beverage businesses with paid staff and make up over a quarter of the workforce. Their contributions help meet the increasing demand for food services across the country.
    • By owning and operating food businesses, immigrants help fuel the sector’s growth and innovation.
    • According to reports, in 2021, over 2,400 recent immigrants were business owners, fueling growth in the industry.
    • Immigrants also make up over a quarter of the workforce in food services, helping restaurants and other establishments meet increasing demand. Their contributions are not only sustaining the industry but also driving innovation in Canada’s culinary landscape.

    Technology and science: pioneering innovation 

    • Canada’s technology and science sectors also benefit greatly from immigrant contributions. Immigrants make up 35% of computer programmers, 43% of engineers, and 57% of chemists.
    • Many immigrants come to Canada as international students, particularly in STEM fields, and stay to contribute to the country’s technological advancements.
    • According to reports, immigrants bring essential skills to Canada’s science and technology sectors. Their expertise is used to be critical in ensuring Canada remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global tech landscape.