News & Announcements

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors members who are on strike have been ordered by the Federal Government to follow the no work, no pay policy, which has been addressed to the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in the Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

The FG further instructed the hospitals to keep an attendance record for all resident doctors who were available for work.

The Federal Ministry of Health wrote the letter, which our correspondent received on Thursday, and it was addressed to the CMDs and MDs of every FTH in the nation.

The letter, dated August 1, 2023, was titled, “Re: Incessant strike action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy of the Federal Government,” was signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Andrew Noah.

On July 26, 2023, NARD began an indefinite strike to enforce its demands.

The walkout happened after the government’s two-week deadline to comply with the demands of the unions had passed.

The doctors are requesting the following: the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The doctors are also demanding an end to the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges.

The government, in the letter, accused the striking of being insensitive.

“The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have proved abortive.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.

“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name on a monthly basis,” the letter read in part.

Reacting, the Secretary General of NARD, Dr Kelechi Chikezie, said the directive was not unexpected.

“We have seen the letter and we will meet as leaders of NARD to take a position on that.

But that policy is not new to us, and we would not say we were not expecting it. However, the position of NARD will meet and take a position on it,” Chikezie said.

The Justice Department took action to hold Donald Trump accountable for an unprecedented attempt to obstruct the peaceful transfer of presidential power and endanger American democracy on Tuesday by indicting him on felony charges for working to annul the results of the 2020 election in the lead-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol.

The third criminal case against Trump, a four-count indictment, shed more light on a troubling period that has already been the focus of in-depth federal investigations and enthralling public hearings.

It details a months-long campaign of deception about the election results and claims that, even after those lies caused a disorderly uprising at the Capitol, Trump tried to capitalize on the violence by portraying it as a sign of his victory.

Even in a year of rapid-succession legal reckonings for Trump, Tuesday’s indictment, with charges including conspiring to defraud the United States government that he once led, was stunning in its allegations that a former president assaulted the “bedrock function” of democracy.

It’s the first time the defeated president, who is the early front-runner for next year’s Republican presidential nomination, is facing legal consequences for his frantic but ultimately failed effort to cling to power.

“The attack on our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy,” said Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, whose office has spent months investigating Trump.

“It was fueled by lies, lies by the defendant targeted at obstructing a bedrock function of the U.S. government: the nation’s process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of the presidential election.”

Barely 24 hours after embarking on nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies, the Organised Labour has suspended its proposed strike action.

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo made this known during an interview with Arise News on Thursday morning.

He said the Labour leaders who had earlier met with President Bola Tinubu extracted some commitments to some of the issues raised during the meeting for immediate implementation.

He explained the suspension of the strike was based on this.

It was reported that in a press release issued on Tuesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress had announced that it would proceed with the nationwide mass protest as initially planned, following a meeting with the Federal Government.

The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero noted that the outcome of the meeting with the government did not yield any positive changes or concessions that would alter their course of action.

They stressed that they remained steadfast in their commitment to representing the Nigerian workers’ and people’s interests and desires.

France has begun the evacuation of its citizens from Niger amid anti-French sentiment following last week’s coup as 262 people arrived in Paris early on Wednesday.

Recall that the coup prompted demonstrations against the former colonial power, with the French embassy coming under attack.

However, the announcement comes in response to attacks on the French embassy and an ongoing airspace closure, which left French nationals unable to leave independently.

According to a statement released by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs read: “Given the situation in Niamey, the violence that took place against our embassy the day before yesterday and the closure of airspace which leaves our compatriots without the possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its nationals and European nationals wishing to leave the country.”

In response to the unrest, France has abruptly suspended all development aid and budget support to Niger, urging an immediate return to constitutional order under President Mohamed Bazoum.

The fate of the 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger, however, remains unaddressed.

Many Nigeriens, particularly supporters of the recent coup, are protesting against French influence, seen in attacks on the French embassy and public expressions of anti-France sentiment.

Some protesters waved Russian flags, though it’s unclear whether Russia has any involvement in the situation. This pattern has been observed in other recent coups in West.

The secretary general’s special representative for West Africa, Léonardo Simão, says the Niger crisis could worsen insecurity throughout West Africa if not addressed.

Mr Simão said this while briefing journalists on Tuesday at UN headquarters in New York.

The UN envoy reiterated condemnation of the attempted overthrow of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

He also underscored support for efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order and consolidate democratic gains in the country.

“The unfolding crisis, if not addressed, will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region. It will also negatively impact the development and lives of the population in a country where 4.3 million people need humanitarian assistance,” he said, speaking from Accra, Ghana.

He added that “Niger and the region do not need coups d’état. Populations deserve to enjoy peace, democratic governance, and prosperity.”

Mr Simão was in Nigeria on Sunday to participate in the ECOWAS extraordinary summit on the crisis, where leaders took “decisive action commensurate with the gravity of the situation.”

The 15-member bloc of West African States issued a communiqué demanding that Niger’s democratically elected president be returned to power within a week.

Failing that, they would “take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order,” including the use of force.

ECOWAS also imposed financial sanctions on Niger and closed air and land borders with the country.

In response, the military governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso said using force in Niger would be a “declaration of war,” according to international media reports.

Mr Simão had no comment on their statement but said he would travel to Mali’s capital, Bamako, on Wednesday “so I will have interaction with the authorities and maybe these matters can be raised.”

He said ECOWAS “is trying to give time for a peaceful settlement to take place” and described the situation as “very fluid.”

He added that other diplomatic efforts were also underway, including a visit by the President of Chad, who will meet with some of the “key personalities” in Niger.

“ECOWAS, as far as I understand, is not for use of force. It is for negotiating a settlement of the situation,” Mr Simão said.

The UN envoy expressed hope that military action would not be necessary but stressed that this would solely be the decision of ECOWAS and not the UN.

“What we value, and support is that all means to find a peaceful solution for the problem should be used but recognise also that ECOWAS has the right to take other measures if they feel fit,” Mr Simão said.

Mr Simão was asked if he was concerned about any potential impact the Niger crisis could have on the wider region.

“My concern is that if measures are not taken, or the situation is not reversed, it is very likely the spread of terrorism in the region can increase,” the UN official said.

“But no one wants to see regional conflict happening.”

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of the arrest of several members of the ousted Niger government.

“(He) urgently calls for the strict adherence to Niger’s international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order,” UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said while speaking on Tuesday in New York.

Mr Haq also said the UN and humanitarian partners were committed to staying and continuing to provide vital aid to the most vulnerable segments of the population.

“To ensure the continuation of this crucial assistance, it is imperative that all parties foster a conducive operating environment,” he added.

The small plane with two passengers on board crash-landed into an old communication pole inward Ikeja Bus Stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos around 4 pm on Tuesday.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday evening, visited the site of a crash in Ikeja and commended the efforts of all the first responders as well as residents who joined in the rescue mission.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement, described the aircraft as a single-engine fixed-wing Jabiru aircraft with registration number 5NCCQ.

The small plane with two passengers on board crash-landed into an old communication pole inward Ikeja Bus Stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos around 4 pm on Tuesday.

The two occupants of the helicopter were rescued and are being attended to at the hospital, the statement added.

Speaking to journalists after assessing the site of the private helicopter crash, Sanwo-Olu, who stopped at the site on his way from the airport after joining President Bola Tinubu on a trip to the Benin Republic, said no life was lost in the unfortunate incident.

The governor thanked God that the incident did not result in any fatality, saying the extensive investigation into the incident would be carried out by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

The Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, on Monday, paid a maiden operational visit to Headquarters Sector 1 in Mora, Far North Region of Cameroon.

During the visit, the Force Commander handed over some MNJTF-completed Quick Impact Projects in the Amtchiale, Kagalerie, and Tousky areas of Mora Municipality, Mayo Sava. The projects are a significant part of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities for MNJTF.

In his remarks, a statement signed by the Military Public Information OfficerNdjemena, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers ( NAOSNP), quoted Major General Ali as saying that MNJTF in collaboration with COGINTA Non-Governmental Organisation has constructed a block of 4 classrooms, an administrative block, and a toilet facility in Amtchiale. 

This, he described as a testament to MNJTF’s continuous commitment to the improvement of education in its area of operations. 

He added that, in Kangalerie and Tousky, MNJTF has drilled up two boreholes each.

“These are more than just physical structures – they stand as embodiments of hope and development, promising improvement in water supply and education, which are fundamental to nurturing peaceful, prosperous communities” he stated.

Major General Ali further revealed that the construction of a new laboratory block and a consulting room in Bonderi are ongoing adding that the provision of these amenities will go a long way in transforming this community and enhancing the living standard of the locals.

The Force Commander condemned the havoc and devastation caused by Boko Haram describing their terrorist action as an affront to humanity and progress.

He appealed for local cooperation in containing the threat of remnants of Boko Haram in the region.

In his welcome address, the Mayor of Mora municipality, Chetima Hamidou who received the projects on behalf of the communities appreciated the MNJTF, COGINTA, and European Union for supporting the stabilization of his municipality which is worst affected by insurgent attacks.

He pledges to work together with national and multinational troops to contain the threat of remnants of terrorists.

The Mayor appealed for more support to aid citizens of his area to recover from Boko Haram attacks.

Earlier, the Force Commander in his interaction with officers of Sector 1 sought their continued cooperation in the fight against insurgency in the sector. He commended the troops for their relentless effort acknowledging the successes recorded in achieving the MNJTF Mandate.

Gen Ali emphasized the importance of unity of purpose and continued collaboration among multinational forces to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.

In Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigerian Army troops have destroyed bandits’ camps and freed at least four abducted victims.

The revelation was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday night by Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army.

Yahaya reported that on Monday, July 31, 2023, the military freed the captives who had been kidnapped.

It read, “In continuation of its sustained operation against bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other criminal elements in the North-West, troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence has carried out a clearance operation in Kajuru Local Government of Kaduna State.”

He said that forces encountered bandits during the clearance operation and confronted them head-on.

He claimed that because of their superior firepower, they forced them to release their prisoners and fled, suffering varying degrees of bullet wounds.

“The troops successfully rescued four kidnapped victims, captured bandits’ motorcycle and destroyed their camp,”  Yahaya added.

Yayaha, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, praised the troops for their tenacity and professionalism both before and throughout the operation.

He ordered the military with maintaining momentum in order to put a stop to the criminal operations of bandits, livestock rustlers, and other criminals in the state for good.

He also urged all law-abiding persons to go about their regular business and provide timely and trustworthy intelligence to the Nigerian Army and other security authorities.

AFP journalists reported that hundreds of supporters of the Niger coup came out for a large demonstration in the country’s capital, Niamey, on Thursday. Some of them were waving enormous Russian flags.

On the day of the nation’s 1960 independence from France, the demonstrators gathered at Independence Square in the city center in response to a demand made by a coalition of civil society organisations.

One of the protesters, Issiaka Hamadou, declared that “only security interests us,” regardless of whether assistance comes from “Russia, China, Turkey, if they want to help us.”

“We just don’t want the French, who have been looting us since 1960 – they’ve been there ever since and nothing has changed,” he said.

France has some 1,500 troops in Niger in a bid to fight against jihadism in the Sahel.

“I have no job after studying in this country, because of the regime (of Bazoum), which is supported by France,” said one student who only gave his first name Oumar. “All that has to go!”

Alarms about a jihadist insurgency that began in northern Mali in 2012, spread to Niger and Burkina Faso three years later, and now threatens the frontiers of vulnerable states on the Gulf of Guinea have been raised by the coup in Western nations that are trying to control it.

Supporters of the Nigerunta claim that Russia would be a better partner and that France has failed to protect them from the terrorists.

Oil marketers claim that when local refining is fully operational, the cost of gasoline will be reduced by at least N70 a litre.

Speaking about the advantages of the federal government investing in operational refineries, Mike Osatuyi, National Controller Operations of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, made this statement.

He stated to on Wednesday that while refinery renovation contracts have been given, it would be excellent if repairs could be finished as soon as feasible to lessen the financial burden and anxiety that comes with importation into the nation.

He said, “The contract has been awarded already before the new government came into office. IPMAN doesn’t know the context of the contract, but if the refineries are working, it would cut freight and ship-to-ship transfer costs.

“Not less than N60/N70 per litre will be off if the refineries start working.”

He mentioned a few more advantages of doing local refining, like lower insurance costs, faster product delivery, and more jobs.

According to him, “Cost of insurance would reduce, and then if we keep importing, it takes about 30 days for ships to arrive in Nigeria and we would have to pay for hiring the vessel.

“But if we refine in the country, products would arrive within one day.  There will also be more jobs for the masses. It’s a lot of benefits.”

A former Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria and Chairman/Chief Executive of 11 Plc, Tunji Oyebanji, said marketers did not prefer products importation over local production.

“We want local refineries to work because we don’t enjoy importing,” he said.

Since there were no operational local refineries, Nigeria continued to rely largely on the importation of gasoline.

Petrol prices have skyrocketed after the termination of subsidies on May 29. They went from roughly N198/N200 per litre to N617 per litre.

Since then, local consumption has decreased by 30% from the 66 million liters per day that were recorded before to the elimination of subsidies.