Latest news with #Abuja
France 24
9 hours ago
- Health
- France 24
Trump's tariffs deadline looms
Also, in Nigeria's capital Abuja, nurses have launched a seven-day strike over pay and working conditions, deepening the city's healthcare crisis. Talks with the government collapsed, prompting walkouts that have crippled hospitals. The strike follows a wave of unrest over rising living costs after President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms. While the government plans to meet union reps, frustration grows among patients and health workers alike. Finally, in the Central African Republic, crumbling infrastructure and soaring energy prices have sparked a surge in illegal electricity connections. A dangerous trend that has resulted in deadly fires and electrocutions. The latest catastrophe led to a stampede that claimed the lives of nearly 30 students. The stakes have never been higher.
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Nigeria takes bold steps toward Hepatitis-free future with World Health Organization (WHO)'s support
The World Health Organization (WHO) has collaborated with the Government of Nigeria and hepatitis stakeholders to raise awareness and promote early diagnosis and treatment for World Hepatitis Day 2025. The global event, observed annually on 28 July, raises awareness about viral hepatitis- an inflammation of the liver that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Hepatitis includes five types: A, B, C, D, and E. In the WHO African Region, over 70 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B or C, but fewer than 10% are diagnosed or treated. Nigeria, with 325,000 new infections in 2022, ranks third globally in hepatitis prevalence. Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to liver damage and cancer, even though they are preventable, treatable, and, in the case of hepatitis C, curable. This year's theme, 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down,' calls for action to remove financial, social, and systemic barriers, including stigma, that prevent hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention. For 2025 World Hepatitis Day, WHO joined the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its partners to mark the occasion with a ministerial press briefing at the Federal Secretariat, and launched a three-day hepatitis B screening, on the stop vaccinations for those who test negative, and linkage to treatment programme for those who test positive at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The event at the National Assembly in Abuja brought together health officials, legislators, and the public to address the issue of hepatitis. Addressing journalists at the press briefing, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, represented by Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director Public Health Department, FMOH, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to combating hepatitis. He noted that the burden and cost of hepatitis treatment in the country is still very high and, as such, has a huge economic impact on the country and called for collective action in eliminating the disease. Dr Ntadom said, 'hepatitis costs Nigeria between ₦13.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion annually in direct and indirect costs. He also announced, 'Project 365,' a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating Hepatitis C and halting Hepatitis B transmission by 2030. 'The project will support the ongoing efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis, and STIs, alongside expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing through funding, the establishment of the Viral Elimination Fund, tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and legislative support. Nigeria must no longer hold the third-highest hepatitis burden globally. We have the science, we have the strategy, and we will act together, boldly and urgently, toward a hepatitis-free Nigeria, he said. WHO's Acting Representative in Nigeria, Dr Alex Gasasira, represented by Dr Mya Ngon, cluster lead for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) praised Nigeria's triple elimination initiative for HIV, hepatitis, and STIs, and emphasized the importance of reducing treatment costs, boosting local production, and expanding screening to achieve healthcare equity. WHO urges Nigeria and other nations to: • Ensure hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth; • Integrate hepatitis testing and treatment into primary healthcare services; • Address stigma and misinformation; • Secure sustainable domestic funding for hepatitis programs; and • Protect the rights of individuals living with hepatitis, especially in healthcare and employment. She reiterated WHO's commitment to supporting Nigeria's efforts to strengthen its health systems and expand access to affordable diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. A beneficiary of the screening, Fash Yommie, 53, from Abuja, shared that he took the test to know his status. 'I took the test to know my status, and I am relieved to have tested negative. I now understand the importance of hepatitis prevention. I will start taking precautionary measures, such as avoiding sharing needles and ensuring proper hygiene with food and water, to protect myself and my loved ones from infection. I encourage everyone to get tested and vaccinated, as early detection is key to preventing this disease. "Early detection and vaccination are crucial in preventing the spread of hepatitis. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood or fluids, hepatitis C via blood-to-blood contact like sharing needles, and hepatitis A and E through contaminated food or water. Nigeria has enhanced hepatitis B prevention by adding the vaccine to the national schedule, supported by WHO, Gavi, UNICEF, and partners, to vaccinate all newborns and children and reduce early transmission. This year's activities reflect the broader goal of integrating hepatitis services into Nigeria's primary healthcare system, making screening and treatment more accessible to vulnerable populations. The National Assembly event is part of WHO's ongoing collaboration with Nigeria to achieve universal health coverage and align with the 2030 Global Health Agenda. Through national and local partnerships, WHO supports Nigeria in reducing the hepatitis burden and improving public health outcomes. The three-day screening serves as a reminder that hepatitis is preventable, and everyone has a role in raising awareness and preventing its spread. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Nigeria.
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Stakeholders differ over proposed bill to relocate NSIB
Stakeholders in the Aviation industry on Wednesday expressed divergent views over a proposed bill seeking to relocate the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Abubakar Kana, who, during the public hearing held in Abuja, organized by the joint House Committees on Special Duties and Aviation, opposed the proposed legislation. He urged lawmakers to retain the Bureau under the Ministry, while advocating for a strengthened legal and operational framework to guarantee its functional independence. 'I recommend that the National Assembly and its relevant stakeholders retain the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau within the Federal Ministry of Aviation,' Dr. Kana said. However, supporting the bill, OSGF Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs, Engineer Gagare Nadungu, argued that the Presidency, through the SGF, offers a centralized coordination structure better suited to host the Bureau. He maintained that placing the NSIB under the Presidency would promote broader national oversight and institutional independence. In the same vein, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, emphasized the need for the Bureau to operate independently, especially in the conduct of accident investigations. In his remarks, Hon. Kwamoti Laori, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described the amendment as a proactive effort to enhance transport safety and align Nigeria's systems with global standards. He noted that the House is ready to provide the legislative support necessary to strengthen key sectors of the national economy, adding that aviation, land, and maritime transport collectively form the backbone of any modern, thriving society. Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Agbedi Fredrick, described the session as a platform for inclusive governance and constructive dialogue. 'We are here today because we care about the safety of Nigerians—whether in the air, on land, or at sea. We also believe in the value of public input in shaping laws that impact our national infrastructure. 'Your voices—as experts, operators, civil society actors, and concerned citizens are crucial. The success of this process depends on your honest contributions and informed perspectives.' Sponsor of the bill, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, argued that the Bureau's current placement under the aviation ministry hampers its effectiveness due to institutional bottlenecks, lack of independence, and poor inter-agency coordination across Nigeria's transport regulatory ecosystem. 'Globally, leading accident investigation bodies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States operate as autonomous agencies, reporting directly to the highest levels of government. 'This structure guarantees independence, credibility, and efficiency in accident investigations.' He listed key challenges confronting the NSIB, including: lack of institutional independence, raising concerns about impartiality and operational autonomy; overlapping mandates with agencies such as the FRSC, NCAA, NIMASA, NIWA and NRC, which operate under different ministries but perform similar accident investigation functions; as well as limited access to high-level decision-making required to resolve inter-agency conflicts and implement safety recommendations. According to him, the current structure, tied to a single ministry, restricts the Bureau's autonomy and compromises its credibility. 'International best practices favor independent investigative bodies. Relocating the NSIB to the Presidency would help overcome these structural limitations and empower the Bureau to fulfill its mandate across Nigeria's multi-modal transport sector,' he noted. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Real estate overtakes oil as third-largest contributor to Nigeria's GDP — Statistician General
Statistician General of the Federation, Mr. Semiu Adeniran says with the recent rebasing, Nigeria's real estate and sector currently accounts for a substantially larger portion of the country's GDP, increasing from of total GDP to 15.9 percent. Mr. Adeniran disclosed this in Abuja while addressing Stakeholders during the ongoing African International Housing Show (AIHS), with the theme: 'Re-imagining housing through innovation, collaboration and policy'. While stressing the need for urgent need to rethink Africa's housing landscape with fresh ideas, strong partnerships, and effective public policy, Mr. Adeola underscored the 'significance of reliable data in this regard is not in doubt. It guides policy formulation, fosters investor confidence, and supports sustainable solutions to the housing challenges on our continent. 'The housing sector acts as a cornerstone of economic development, creating jobs in construction, manufacturing, retail, finance, and beyond, while directly improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. 'With the recent release of the results of the rebasing of Nigeria's GDP, we have achieved a more comprehensive understanding of our economy, with the reference year having shifted to incorporate emerging sectors and capture recent economic dynamics, including the growing importance of real estate and housing within our national output. 'The rebased GDP figures reveal that the real estate sector now accounts for 10.7%, up from 6.2%, while the construction sector now accounts for 5.2% of total GDP. 'Combined, both sectors account for a substantially larger portion of Nigeria's GDP, increasing from 12.4% of total GDP to 15.9%. While this 3.5 percentage points increase may seem like a small increase, in value terms, we are talking about N14.6 trillion naira increase. 'This is highly significant by any measure and reflects the expansion of housing activities, from urban development to infrastructure projects, underscoring the sector's growing influence on national growth. Construction 4.2%, Real estate 7% – 2024. 'Growth in the real estate sector, which essentially involves the buying and selling of properties, including the management of the facilities, outpaced several traditional industries, contributing not only to GDP but also to employment, innovation, and value addition across supply chains. It is now ranked as the 3rd largest contributor to total GDP, overtaking Crude Oil and Natural Gas, due to the heavy involvement of informal operators in this economic activity. 'Nigeria's population has surpassed 200 million, with projections indicating continued rapid growth. The United Nations estimated that by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world, resulting in an exponential increase in housing demand. 'Urbanisation trends are accelerating—over half of the Nigerian population is expected to reside in urban centres within the next decade, fuelled by migration, youth demographics, and changing lifestyles. This urban influx intensifies the pressure on the existing housing stock and creates tremendous opportunities for new developments. 'Access to affordable housing, be it in terms of ownership or rent, is natural human desire and development objective. This is enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) of the global developmental agenda, which deals with ensuring access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade of slums by 2030. 'Available data indicates that only 38.2% of urban dwellers own the houses they live in, making over 60% of those living in the urban areas so not own the properties they live in. This not only highlights the need for more housing but also underscores the significant opportunities and demand in the rental market. 'Investment in housing and construction generates powerful multiplier effects, stimulating demand for materials such as cement, steel, glass, tiles, and providing livelihoods for millions in manufacturing, trade, and professional services. 'Given these new realities in the housing space, the demand and opportunities that exist within the sector. The need for more granular and sector-specific data on housing, real estate, and construction is now more apparent than ever. 'Till now, the available data on housing have been generated through general household or firm-level surveys, where only little information on the sector is collected, analysed, and reported. With the increased contribution and relevance of the sector, more investment is needed to produce the data required to maximise the potential and exploit the opportunities within the sector.' Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: RMDB President harps on domestic capital mobilisation for critical sector development
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), Mr. Adeniran Aderogba, has emphasised the urgent need for the mobilisation of domestic capital to support the development of Africa's critical sectors. Speaking recently at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2025), held from 15 to 17 July at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mr. Aderogba highlighted the strategic role of financial institutions like the RMDB in advancing sustainable development across the continent. The summit, themed 'Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development', convened senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, and development partners from Africa and beyond. Discussions centred on leveraging local content development as a cornerstone of economic growth, with a focus on building inclusive, resilient and future-facing resource governance frameworks. In remarks made on the sidelines of the event, Aderogba underscored the critical importance of shifting the financing narrative from dependence on foreign capital to a more deliberate mobilisation of domestic financial resources. He said, 'If we are serious about sustainable development, we must stop relying solely on external capital. Africa needs to harness its own domestic financial instruments, institutions and networks to fund infrastructure, energy, maritime logistics, and other critical enablers of industrialisation.' He noted that local content development cannot be achieved in isolation from financial sustainability and that African capital markets and institutions must evolve to meet the scale and complexity of the continent's development needs. According to him, the RMDB was established with a mandate to close long-standing gaps in maritime and trade-related infrastructure financing and is now positioning itself as a partner for broader development finance initiatives. Aderogba also stressed the need for improved coordination between governments, financial institutions, and private investors to align policies and reduce duplication. He called for prospective lenders to familiarize themselves deeply with the nuances of critical sectors requiring funding and identify project risks with a view to finding practical mitigants. 'The gaps in infrastructure and energy across the continent are not new, but what has often been lacking is consistency in implementation and alignment between national priorities and regional strategies. We must ensure that the institutions we build can deliver long-term capital at affordable rates and with appropriate risk management frameworks,' he stated. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
