Hope has been defined as a source of eternal and inexhaustible strength in any or most situations. To Martin Luther King, Jr. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”. King’s thought rhymes with Desmond Tutu who opined that “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness. Robert Green Ingersoll romanticised hope in all its nature’s effect when he said, “Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers”.

Paul Tremblay’s definition is scary as he went financial in his assertion which sees “Hope as a desperate man’s currency” and that brings us to the question of whether hope is a currency that is expendable and exhaustible. For the sake of this article, I will answer in the affirmative.

However, I belong to the school of thought that in the developmental journey of any nation, hope remains a currency (not one of desperation), especially of the masses who in a democracy will always have the choice of choosing their leaders every four years as practised in Nigeria but a “desperate wake-up call to the leaders on whom “all rises and falls”. (John Maxwell).

With every sense of responsibility thousands and I served with all my strength and might in the Renewed Hope campaign team where we took on the very challenging issues of religion, regional bias, et al. No regrets then, no regrets now and for some of us eternally no regrets and this is because a lot of us have for many years been silent students Of ‘The Bola Ahmed Tinubu School of Democracy’ which is anchored on fast track development, reward system and belief in an egalitarian society. It was just a matter of time for him to someday lead our great country and that moment presented itself.

Everything we marketed during the campaign not just as APC PCC members but as patriotic Nigerians and as defined in the Renewed Hope action plan for a better Nigeria document encapsulates the doctrine of that school of thought. Of course, governance isn’t politics and leadership, especially of a multi-ethnic, multi-interest and highly or as some will say overpopulated nation like ours can’t be a walk in the park.
Some of us teach leaders that their popularity comes to a halt after the campaigns and the win for the next leg which is governance comes with decisions and policies that if not carefully thought through and executed deepens that thin line between love and hate.

Our president came in prepared. His words were deep which can only come from someone who is indeed ready and has a plan (in fact a strategy) of how to bring the people and nation to a prosperous position. He indeed hit the ground running fully abreast of the burden he had requested we don’t pity him for the job he has taken on. He has said repeatedly that he hears the people, after all, “the ears of a leader must ring with the voices of the people”.

As Nigerians stand today, is the currency of hope still strong? I guess not. Even the propagators of the currency have taken cover; some are tired of the trolling, some are angry and disappointed, some are unsure… but we must encourage ourselves that we can’t renege or give up on the Renewed Hope mandate we marketed. Our hope as an idea and reality must remain strong and this leads to what is happening to our currency of hope, we couldn’t have so soon spent it off. Have we? How can?

In another light, a leader is as good as his team, thus the current team must be encouraged to give their utmost best at not just playing their roles but understanding, supporting and equally marketing the policy thrust of this administration. The team must tell the leader what he needs to know and not what he wants to hear. They owe the president that much, they owe the nation that duty. Many might have to learn fast and learn hard for a team can’t call the people to buy in on a policy or policies they cannot interpret or implement!

Nigerians are a great people: industrious, patient and with a never-say-die spirit! Nigeria as a country is respected and still has the subregion, in fact, Africa as the focal centre of her foreign policy. On these, our President, H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu is holding the former and latter together and with our heads high.

However for the many people of Nigeria, particularly we the masses what matters is having a modest lifestyle with food on the table, medicare, and security in our homes, schools, farms and roads. Good infrastructure, an education system that can compete globally, employment that guarantees a decent life and tempting enough to “tempt” all citizens leaving in their droves to come back someday. Truly, good governance can be seen, felt and touched!

The information managers and publicists of the government must do more because communication is the art of governance. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been revived which is great however we must speak to the people at their levels, in their languages and locations using the very best practices of mass/public communication.

Mr. President recently appealed to the governors to do more. That appeal should be followed up and followed through for they control the states and local governments and that is where the currency of hope is worst diminished.

Technocrats, bureaucrats, financial experts, economists, publicists, policy analysts, politicians, statesmen and stateswomen, every group, everyone that can keep this currency of hope afloat should see this period in the history of our nationhood as a call to patriotism, in fact, a call to duty not for a political party, not for a friend or foe but for Nigeria, a country we dare to call our own.

Currently, the entire global space is seemingly challenged with different riots, protests, strike actions etc. Nigeria isn’t in isolation however every strong nation with hope keeping citizens and leaders that lead with capacity and sincerity of purpose know that rebound is possible.

 

A bill seeking to include Anambra among States in the Niger Delta Development Commission was on Wednesday, February 28, thrown out by the senate.

The Bill titled: A Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act to make provision for the inclusion of Anambra State as one of the member state and for other connected matters thereto, 2024” was sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra state.

He stated that Anambra deserves to be a member of NDDC States having been collecting 13 per cent derivation since 2021 on account of oil production in the state on yearly basis.

Some senators debated against the bill by pointing out that states like Kogi and Lagos are not covered by NDDC operations despite being oil- producing States.

Senator Jibrin Isah popularly known as Echocho also noted that NDDC by its name, is more of a regional or geographical intervention body and not just an amalgam of oil producing states.

Nwoye responded by saying:

“Mr President and distinguished colleagues, Anambra as an oil producing state has been collecting 13% derivation from oil exploited from her wells by the federal government since 2021 and eminently deserves to be included in the operational radius of NDDC.

“Kogi State was also declared as an oil producing state but has not been collecting any 13% derivation.”
This was countered by Senator Isah who asked Senator Nwoye to limit his argument to Anambra State and allow the Senate to decide the fate of his bill.

He said;

“Senator Nwoye with all due respect, please stop dragging Kogi State into your argument for membership of Anambra State in NDDC. Kogi State is an oil producing State and has also been collecting 13% derivation since October 2022.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio who intervened, stated that if the argument of Senator Nwoye on proposed membership of Anambra State in NDDC is to be accepted by the Senate, then Lagos State which has two oil wells in Badagry, will also advocate for membership of the commission.

He also said that if NDDC is considered to be a geographical or regional interventionist body, Anambra State is qualified to be a member on account of its proximity to Niger Delta area. The Senate President further stated that the National Boundary Commission should be allowed to so decide.

Senators at the plenary voted against the bill when it was put to voice vote and it was subsequently threw away.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, says the security situation in Nigeria is getting better.

“The security situation is getting better; I don’t agree that it is getting worse. It is improving,” Adejobi told newsmen in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He stated this in Ibadan for the presentation of awards to the overall winner of boxing and archery competitions in the 14th Biennial Nigeria Police Game (BIPOGA 2024).

He said that most of the unfortunate incidents of insecurity being circulated on social media were old stories.

“They are being recycled to make people believe they are new or current incidents. Actually, they are not.

“You cannot see any conventional media house publishing these stories the way we have them on social media.

“The security situation in Nigeria is not bad. Let us always analyse the situation based on empirical facts and not just on speculation,” he said.

Adejobi said that the Nigeria Police Force collates data and has information on the security situation from all its offices.

“We shall tell Nigerians if the security situation is worrisome.

“We have issued statements to tell Nigerians that most of the kidnapped cases were fake and have given instances and even paraded some suspects for Nigerians to know.

“It is not in all situations that these incidences are real; some people fake and plan kidnappings to get ransom from their families.

“Let us always differentiate between the real and staged kidnapping,” he said.

Adejobi said that the force was not denying the fact that there are isolated cases of incidences of insecurity, but pointed out that the force had arrested and neutralised many kidnappers.

He said that the police and other security agencies in Nigeria would continue to collaborate towards securing the country. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, appealed for patience from Nigerians over the current economic hardship in the country, giving the assurance that there was light at the end of the tunnel.

The President said he was fully aware and took responsibility for the difficulties Nigerians had been subjected to on account of government policies.

He said he would not complain but welcome all criticisms since he was the one who asked to be Nigeria’s President.

The President spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during his visit to the leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere,

He also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed on in December following a protracted battle with cancer.

The fuel subsidy removal and other economic reforms instituted by Tinubu have attracted public censure following the high costs of living, food inflation and other side effects.

The situation compelled the Nigeria Labour Congress to hold a nationwide protest on Tuesday.

The congress also threatened further mass action if the government failed to address the economic crunch within two weeks.

However, addressing public concerns over his economic policies, the President said, “Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.”

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, ‘President Tinubu: I take full responsibility for the nation; we are building an efficient Nigeria that is inclusive and fair to all Nigerians.’’

Tinubu emphasised his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity, saying, “We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity.”

On reforming Nigeria, the President said his task would be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”

He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the harsh but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

“But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.

“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.

“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.

Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.

Fasoranti also charged the President on institutional reforms, saying, “Mr President, please also seek institutional reforms that would strengthen our federation and make Nigeria safer and more prosperous. Try and balance the budget and execute capital projects that would create more employment. We thank you for welcoming the idea of state policing.’’

He added, “We want each of the geopolitical zones to have greater responsibilities for security, food production and infrastructural development. Since the removal of fuel subsidy, which was costing Nigeria $10bn yearly, the state governments have been receiving hefty allocations from the Federation account.

“Mr President should persuade the governors to allow this change of fortune for the states to reflect at the grassroots so that life can be better for our people. They should not just buy rice and yams for the people. They should create employment, improve education and build new infrastructures. Today, life is truly challenging for most people and the state governments have an important role to play to transform society.”

Fasoranti received the President in the company of some Afenifere leaders, who included a former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, Chief Kole Omololu, among others

Earlier, the President paid a condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family in Owo also visited the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

Speaking at the palace of the monarch, Tinubu eulogised the late Akeredolu as a statesman and a distinguished legal luminary who served his people with unwavering dedication.

“We lost an illustrious son. Akeredolu was very close to me and an ally. He was a son of the soil, and I have come to pay homage,” the President said.

He extended his prayers for the good health, progress, and prosperity of the traditional ruler and the community and thanked the people of Owo for their support to the bereaved family.

Accompanied by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Tinubu also commiserated with the Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, the children, and other family members.

Addressing the widow and the family members, Tinubu said, “God will be with you. Your children will do well in life. May you all end well. May God be with you and uphold you,”

The wife of the late governor expressed appreciation for the President’s visit, describing Tinubu as a good friend and brother to her late husband.

She also thanked the South-West governors for their contributions to the burial of the late governor. She particularly thanked Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for single-handedly repatriating the remains of Akeredolu back to Nigeria.

She said, “On behalf of my family, I appreciate Mr. President. We understood he couldn’t attend the burial ceremony due to the dictate of Yoruba culture. He couldn’t have attended the burial of his younger brother.

“Coming today (Wednesday ) is a big deal because we are in a better atmosphere. I also express my profound gratitude to the southern governors for their immense financial contributions to the burial, most especially, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who singlehandedly brought Aketi’s remains back to Nigeria. We appreciate this huge show of love and we are grateful and forever indebted to him.

“I requested that Mr President see where Aketi has been laid to rest and he followed me. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for coming. He is indeed Aketi’s brother and friend.

“I told Mr. President, yes, Aketi has left but he lives because he left behind legacies. It is our wish that those legacies continue and are built upon where necessary.”

Special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has warned that cryptocurrency trading platform, Binance will destroy the country’s economy if it is allowed to continue to arbitrarily fix the country’s foreign exchange rate.

Making this assertion on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Onanuga argued that Binance was capable of destroying the country’s economy if the government dues not take decisive actions against the platform.

Naija News reports that Onanuga encouraged Nigerians to stop patronising the parallel market for FX rates, saying the website of the apex bank is the only legal platform.

He said, “If we don’t clamp down on Binance, Binance will destroy the economy of this country. They just fix the rate, We have saboteurs. Look at what Binance is doing to our economy. That is why the government moved against Binance. Some people sit down using the cyberspace to dictate even our exchange rate, hijacking the role of the CBN. They just sit down and fix anything they like. It’s a sabotage and we are trying to prevent that from happening henceforth.

“The parallel market is not the real gauge of Nigeria’s economic health. The parallel market is an illegal market. I don’t even know why Nigerians and the media are feeding on the parallel market. That is not where we should go; what’s the CBN rate? As at Friday, the rate for the dollar was about N1600. Even in the so-called parallel market, the exchange rate is stabilizing there and that is what this needs. Our economy is too much dollarised. Importers are looking at the exchange rate and using it to fix prices, some of them arbitrarily, some of them actually profiteering.”

His comment comes as President Bola Tinubu led the government’s continued effort to revive the plummeting value of the country’s currency.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the frequent collapse of the national grid with a view to proffering a lasting solution for the recurrent power outages.

This was a sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) at plenary on Wednesday.

The House insisted that sustainable energy is essential to any modern economy, and Nigeria is no exception, as stable electricity supply ensures that industries remain viable, powers homes, and facilitates significant economic growth and industrial progress.

Osawaru expressed worry that in a space of one week in the month of August 2023, Nigeria recorded three national grid collapses, the national grid collapsed twice within six hours and on the August 19, 2023, another system collapse was recorded.

“Also worried that frequent grid collapses this year have negatively impacted the economy, reducing industrial output and raising manufacturing expenses, Firms are forced to invest in alternate power sources, thus, raising operational costs and leaving end users with exorbitant prices, which citizens cannot afford, especially with subsidy removal effects.

“Recalls that the nation is currently facing its worst form of insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, the collapse of the National grid will embolden criminal activities and security facilities such as the Vigiscope App, Police Situation room App, all Police Commands control rooms can be compromised during the dark hours, tracking devices that need power to reach telephone lines can be hampered.

“Cognizant that if the frequent national grid collapses are thoroughly investigated and solutions proffered, it will end the continuous system collapse, boost the economy and reduce the suffering of the citizens,” he stated.

Also at plenary, the House urged the Federal Government to improve on short-term food subsidies, assistance to farmers, especially those engaged in dry season farming, improved supply chain control to reduce wastage, and short-term price control.

This was as the House adopted the motion moved by Hon. Chike John Okafor, who acknowledged the spreading issue of food scarcity in Nigeria and the impending nutritional dangers that accompanies it.

“As we approach the farming season, it is imperative that we take immediate action to avert a worsening crisis and ensure the availability of food and well-being of our citizens.

“The current state of food scarcity in Nigeria poses a grave threat to the health and livelihoods of millions of our people. Insufficient access to nutritious food not only leads to hunger and malnutrition but also exacerbates existing health conditions and undermines the overall development of our nation.

“Worried that Nutrition and Food is the most important existential challenge in Nigeria today, because 24.9 Million Nigerians are presently in an acute/critical stage of hunger, and this is considered to be an emergency, while 85.8 Million Nigerians have insufficient food consumption and out of this number, 47.7 Million Nigerians have a crisis or above crisis level in terms of food-based survival margin.

“Also worried that peaceful protests is taking place now in some states with citizens groaning due to hunger and demanding immediate government intervention,” he said.

A former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the Senate, Shehu Sani, has blamed the ongoing economic hardship in the country on erstwhile president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Sani insisted that President Bola Tinubu never deceived Nigerians, adding that he had earlier informed the citizenry of his intention to remove subsidy when he comes into power.

He argued that if Buhari had implemented some of Tinubu’s economic policies, there would not be hardship in the country.

Sani insisted that the Buhari administration allowed the country to deteriorate to the present economic crisis plaguing the nation.

The former lawmaker shared his thoughts during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday.

He said, “We must be very factual and realistic with ourselves; the problem we find ourselves today, originated, was engineered, fabricated and sustained by the Buhari administration.

“The Buhari administration, institutionally, fundamentally destroyed the Nigerian economy.

“When Tinubu took over, he knows there is not going to be subsidy and to be realistic, he was very frank during his campaign. He said, ‘I am going to remove subsidy and whatever protest that will come out of it I will not back down’ and then people went ahead and voted for him, so he has not deceived Nigerians.

“Now he is in power, we are paying the price for the mistake of the past, for the failure of the past and for what we have refused to do in the past, so this is the reality.”

In a decisive move to address the alarming rise in kidnapping incidents within Abuja, the Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe.

The summons is part of a broader inquiry into the murder of Chris Agidy, a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, who fell victim to kidnappers in November 2023.

The Senate’s action follows a motion put forward by Senator Nwoko, spotlighting the tragic kidnap and subsequent killing of Agidy, alongside 19 others, in the Galadimawa area of Abuja.

The motion triggered an extensive debate among the senators, culminating in a resolution that demands a comprehensive briefing from the FCT Minister and the police commissioner on measures to curb the escalating kidnapping crisis in Nigeria’s capital.

In addition to the summons, the Senate has issued directives aimed at bolstering security within Abuja and nationwide.

Key among these is a resolution calling on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to significantly enhance security patrols and surveillance efforts.

The legislative body also advocated for the strategic installation of CCTV cameras across Abuja, particularly along highways, to aid in monitoring and deterring criminal activities.

Further, the Senate has instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the operational readiness of dedicated emergency numbers.

These numbers are intended to facilitate prompt communication with the police, ambulance services, and fire departments, thereby improving the efficiency of emergency responses.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, indicated that the FCT Minister and the Commissioner of Police are to engage with the Senate in a closed-door session.

The specifics of this meeting, including the date, will be communicated to Wike and Igwe through an official letter of summons, to be dispatched by the Clerk of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze.

Akpabio said, “The FCT Minister and Police Commissioner would appear before us in closed session on a date to be sent to them by the Clerk of the Senate.

“Their expected appearance before the Senate is to hear from them, measures and strategies being put in place to stem the ugly tide of kidnappings in the FCT.

“Incidences like kidnapping and killing of SLA of Senator Nwoko and some residents of FC are worrisome and must be stopped not only in the FCT but also in Nigeria generally.”

[NaijaNews]

Countering the minister, organised labour expressed outrage over President Tinubu’s approval for implementation of the Oronsaye’s report on public sector reforms, saying it will lead to massive job losses, among others.

While the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, directed members in the public sector to furnish the national secretariat with impact analysis report focusing on the potential consequences, including job losses, changes in workload, pay/compensation and the overall impact on workers, work, and trade unions, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, set up a three-member committee to monitor the implementation of the report to ensure none of its members loses his or her job.

Already, the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, has called on President Tinubu to review his stance on the report because of members’ job, querying: “Why did you think the former governments of President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari refused to implement the Oronsaye’s report? You think they are cowards?”

NLC, in a letter to the public sector unions, titled: “Request for impact analysis of Oronsaye’s report on public sector reforms,” its Acting General Secretary, Ismail Bello, said: “As you are aware, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, the President of the federation, recently announced the initiation of public sector reforms, with particular reference to the Oronsaye report.

“This comprehensive report outlines proposed measures aimed at restructuring and streamlining various governmental agencies and institutions with the stated goal of enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.

“While these reforms hold the promise of improving governance and public service delivery, it is imperative that we, as representatives of the workforce, thoroughly analyze the implications of such changes on the lives and livelihoods of our members including its possible impact on trade unions. The potential consequences, including but not limited to job losses, changes in workload, pay/compensation and the overall impact on workers, work, and trade unions, need to be carefully assessed and addressed.

“In light of this, I kindly request that your esteemed union conducts a thorough impact analysis of the Oronsaye report on public sector reforms, focusing on the following key areas:

“Job losses- Evaluate the potential impact of the proposed reforms on employment within your sector, including projections of possible job losses and the sectors most affected.

“Efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery – Assess how the proposed reforms may affect the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery within your sector. Consider factors such as resource allocation, institutional capacity, and the ability to meet public demands and expectations.

“Workload of Staff: Examine the potential consequences of the reforms on the workload and working conditions of employees- Identify any risks of increased work pressure, burnout, or stress resulting from restructuring or downsizing measures.

“Pay/Compensation- Appraise its impact on Pay and Compensation structure to ensure that workers are not left with reduced Pay and Compensations during and after the transitions.

General Implications for Workers, Work, and Trade Unions – Analyze the broader implications of the reforms on workers’ and trade union rights, job security, collective bargaining power, and the role of trade unions in advocating for the interests of workers.”

National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) said the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has agreed to review all the issues raised by the association following the revised guidelines and requirements to be met by nurses and midwives seeking the verification of certificate(s) to foreign nursing boards/councils.

The national president of NANNM, Michael Ekuma Nnachi, disclosed this at the induction programme for newly elected state officers of NANNM, in Abuja.

He said, “The leadership of the association promptly engaged the NMCN through a series of meetings to address the critical issues and the council agreed to review all the issues raised by the association.

“Issue of letter of good standing to be handled by the Head of Nursing services of respective facilities.

“Issue of verification for six months was stepped down. Application fee remains status quo ante. Two years post qualification experience now to be post registration with the Council.

“All the agreed reviewed guidelines will be uploaded on the council portal from first week of March 2024.”

Meanwhile, the nurses have called on the federal government to implement the upward review of nurses salary, extend and include appointment of nurses into key positions as well as members of Federal Boards in order to address extreme marginalisation in the governance structure of the health facilities in the country.

Other demands made by the nurses include “Government to approve creation of a special separate salary package called Enhanced Nurses Salary Structure (ENSS) as a motivation to the nurses and midwives to reduce migration.

“Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to direct the payment of 25 percent CONHESS adjustment to nurses and midwives working at the three tiers of government, effective from June 2023 as approved by the government, which the financial implication would erode due to the prevailing inflation and implications of removal of fuel subsidy.

“CMDs/MDs to objectively implement government approved policy replacement circulars by replacement of appropriate cadre of nurses due to brain drain syndrome as directed by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

“The FMoH is requested to approve the elongation of the retirement age of nurses from 60 to 65 years to improve on available workforce in the clinical and educational institutions in the country.”

[Leadership]