FG

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has handed the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve long-standing issues affecting Nigeria’s university system.

The decision followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja.

In a statement signed by the union’s national president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU criticized what it described as government neglect and persistent refusal to meet its demands.

“At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands,” the statement read.

The union warned that failure by the Federal Government to take action within two weeks could force it to embark on industrial action.

“Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues. If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike,” Prof. Piwuna said.

It will be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Education had set up a committee, chaired by the ministry’s permanent secretary Abel Enitan, to review ASUU’s proposals.

As of the time of this report, the committee has not communicated any outcome publicly.

ASUU’s major demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, provision of revitalisation funds for universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears, and a sustainable system of funding tertiary education in Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has defended its decision to raise the cost of Nigerian passports to N100,000 and N200,000, saying the adjustment is meant to sustain quality, tackle corruption, and guarantee quick delivery of the travel document.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) disclosed that the new charges will take effect from September 1, 2025.

According to the Service, applicants in Nigeria will now pay N100,000 for the 32-page passport with a five-year validity and N200,000 for the 64-page passport valid for 10 years.

“The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with five-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000,” the Service explained.

It clarified that Nigerians living abroad will continue to pay $150 and $230 for the 32-page and 64-page passports respectively.

The latest hike comes a year after the government approved an upward review in August 2024, when the 32-page passport was increased from N35,000 to N50,000 and the 64-page booklet from N70,000 to N100,000.

At the time, NIS said the change was necessary to maintain quality and enhance service.Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the Ministry of Interior’s mid-tenure retreat, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, defended the new rates.

He said the reform will eliminate corruption in the system and ensure Nigerians receive their passports within one week of enrolment.

“Our target is very clear: within one week of enrolment, every Nigerian should have their passport in hand. Not just delivering quickly, but delivering quality passports that reflect our integrity as a nation,” the minister said.

He revealed that the new system was introduced to put an end to delays and extortion that previously forced applicants to wait up to seven months or pay as much as N200,000 to fast-track processing.

“The system that we inherited that had six months backlog which we were able to clear in two and a half weeks. Nigerians will apply for passports and wait endlessly, or be asked to pay hundreds of thousands of naira. My own daughter had that bad experience. Even when I was chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, my daughter wanted passport, it was a problem. I had to pay hundreds of thousands to be able to get a passport for my daughter, a 12-year-old girl. That era is over,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He added that a new centralised personalisation centre, described as the largest in Africa, will speed up processing and strengthen document security.

“With this facility, we can print five times more passports than we currently need. Once you enrol, it doesn’t take us more than 24 hours to vet. Printing capacity is no longer our problem,” he noted.

As part of the reforms, the minister announced that Passport Control Officers (PCOs) will no longer have the authority to approve or delay applications.

“Some PCOs had so much power that they could decide not to approve or not to print a passport until they were settled. That abuse of power ends now,” he declared.

According to him, removing human discretion from approvals will help curb corruption and restore public trust.

“We realised that the best way to cut corruption is to remove human contact to the barest minimum. Passport approval will no longer rest with PCOs. My responsibility is not for them to like me — it is to deliver efficiency. Let Nigerians be happy,” he said.

The minister further stressed that the reforms would protect the value of Nigeria’s passport.

“My responsibility is not just to make passports available, but to ensure that anybody carrying it is a Nigerian. If you are not a Nigerian, you cannot carry it. It’s about our national integrity.”

He cited previous abuses, recalling: “In one incident, a Ugandan woman carrying a Nigerian passport was arrested at Lagos Airport after paying $1,000 to procure it. That cannot continue. Our passport must remain a true symbol of Nigerian identity.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former key allies of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari who have joined a coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, accused the defectors of lacking principles and being motivated solely by bitterness after losing political relevance within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Onanuga specifically named and criticized several prominent figures like Rotimi Amaechi (Former Minister of Transportation) whom he described as having “lost everything politically” after failing to secure the APC presidential ticket in 2022.

Onanuga stated that Amaechi had effectively left the APC long ago.

Abubakar Malami SAN (Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice) was then characterized by Onanuga as a “bitter loser” since President Tinubu took office, particularly after losing the Kebbi State governorship ticket.

Onanuga claimed Malami’s hostility towards the APC was well-known.

Others he slammed include Hadi Sirika (Former Minister of Aviation), Rauf Aregbesola (Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State).

Onanuga also mentioned Kashim Imam and Chief John Odigie Oyegun as longtime APC figures nursing grudges after losing out on the vice-presidential ticket in 2022.

He described Oyegun, a former APC National Chairman, as having lost influence within the party.In his statement, Onanuga warned Nigerians to be wary of the opposition coalition, labeling its members “bitter” individuals united only by their resentment towards President Tinubu.

He dismissed the coalition as “unprincipled” and “without ideology.””Their eyes are closed by the pursuit of their ambition, the hunger for power is glaring, not for the benefit of Nigerians, but for their own benefit,” Onanuga stated.

He predicted the coalition would inevitably collapse due to internal clashes and conflicting political ambitions among its members.

“Their mutual antagonism and political ambitions will make them fight each other,” Onanuga asserted.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed reports claiming he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, labelling them as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume described the rumours as baseless and the work of mischief-makers.

“The information is entirely false and lacks any factual basis, as Mr. President has no intention of removing me,” the statement read. Akume emphasized that he retains President Tinubu’s full confidence and remains committed to driving the administration’s Renewed Hope AgendaThe SGF urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that fake news erodes trust in institutions. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also refuted the claims, reinforcing that Akume remains in office.

By Anwar Usman

Sokoto State government has revealed its commitment to peace and security and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with armed groups who are ready to surrender their weapons and embrace reconciliation.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Col Ahmed Usman (rtd).

The government, in a statement, noted that “many historical conflicts have not ended solely through the use of force, but through meaningful dialogue, reaffirming that the state is open to negotiating with bandits who demonstrate a genuine commitment to surrender and reintegrate peacefully into society.”

It also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the service chiefs, security personnel, for their unwavering efforts in protecting the region.

“Their sacrifices are deeply appreciated. May Allah bless the souls of our fallen heroes and grant comfort to their families,” the statement read.

While commending the federal government over the proposed deployment of forest guards across the region, the Sokoto State Government stressed the importance of integrity and community trust in the recruitment process.

The government, however, reaffirmed its unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace in the state.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has kicked off a major healthcare initiative in Kano State, offering free emergency medical services to indigent patients—beginning with the accreditation of Dala Orthopaedic Hospital under the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

At the official unveiling on Friday, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Nurudeen Isa, described the move as a significant milestone in the administration’s health agenda.

He noted that the facility would now offer 48 hours of free emergency care to underprivileged patients brought in from any part of the state.

“Today marks a new chapter in emergency healthcare delivery—one where the poor no longer have to suffer or die in silence due to lack of funds,” Dr. Isa said.

Funded through the Federation Account, NEMSAS was established to ensure that Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable, receive timely and life-saving emergency treatment.

The program targets cases such as road traffic accidents, obstetric complications, snake bites, gunshot wounds, and other urgent conditions.

Dr. Isa revealed that Dala Orthopaedic is the first accredited facility in Kano under this scheme, with more public and private hospitals expected to follow soon.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health at the event, Dr. Emuren Doubra, Head of Operations at NEMSAS, said the initiative is sustained through a statutory allocation—5% of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund—as mandated by the National Health Act.

“Our goal is to eliminate financial barriers during emergencies. We’re partnering with both private and public hospitals to ensure that poor Nigerians aren’t left stranded when minutes matter most,” he said.

The program is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and falls under the broader National Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative, led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

To facilitate prompt response, the initiative includes a fleet of ambulances equipped with medical gear and staffed by professionals, working in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to transport emergency patients from any location in the state.

“These ambulances are mobile emergency units. They begin treatment at the scene and alert hospitals in advance so preparations can start immediately,” said Dr. Doubra.

One of the program’s early beneficiaries, Aliyu Andul, shared his story. After a severe accident, he was advised in hospitals across Enugu and Lagos to undergo leg amputation. But receiving care at Dala Hospital changed everything.

“I was told my leg should be amputated. But when I came here, I got better treatment. I am now recovering—you can see I am standing,” he said, expressing gratitude for the free treatment.

The initiative is expected to scale up across Kano State, setting a new standard for emergency healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

By Anwar Usman

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that workers play a crucial role in helping the country to grow and achieve its aims.

This was contained in a statement to commemorate the 2025 Workers’ Day on Thursday, he called on the Federal Government to see workers not just as tools for economic growth but as important partners in building a great nation.

The vice president said “The Nigerian worker remains the indomitable engine driving our nation towards the long-anticipated promise of prosperity.

“In the face of persistent hardship and inadequate remuneration, Nigerian workers have continued to shoulder the burdens of our economic ambitions with quiet heroism.

“It is deeply disheartening that those entrusted with the responsibilities of governance and policymaking have failed to respond to this unwavering dedication with tangible support and justice,” the statement added.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

In the early hours of Friday, April 12, 2025, Zike village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State was reduced to a theatre of blood. At least 40 people, including women and children, were brutally killed by armed assailants who invaded the community under the cover of darkness.

Homes were set ablaze, farmlands destroyed, and hundreds displaced — once again. This is not an isolated tragedy. In less than four months, Plateau State has lost over 400 lives to mindless violence across Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa LGAs.

According to data from local community leaders and humanitarian groups, more than 150 villages have been attacked since January 2024, with thousands displaced and properties worth billions destroyed.

Yet, the response from government authorities has been chillingly muted. Standard condolence statements have followed each carnage, but little in the way of justice or proactive security. For many in Plateau, it feels like being condemned to die in silence.

The question is painfully simple: for how long will this continue? The victims of these attacks are not armed militias or combatants. They are primarily farmers, traders, women, and children — people asleep in their homes, utterly unprepared for war but caught in its crosshairs.

The attackers, on the other hand, are described as well-coordinated, heavily armed, and operating with an eerie sense of impunity. The carnage in Plateau should not be seen as just a “communal crisis.” It is terrorism — plain and simple.

Any act that involves the targeted killing of innocent civilians on such a consistent and organised scale deserves to be treated as a national security emergency. The lack of urgency from both the federal and Plateau State governments is not just disappointing — it is dangerous.

The time has come for both levels of government to stop playing to the gallery and act. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang must rise above politics and confront this crisis with the seriousness it demands.

Enough of the empty press statements. The people of Plateau need protection, justice, and healing, not promises. There must be an immediate and thorough investigation into the Zike killings and all previous attacks across Plateau State.

The security agencies must identify and arrest the perpetrators. Communities cannot continue to bury their dead while those responsible roam free. Beyond this, a special joint military-police operation should be launched in Plateau — not as a temporary show of force, but as a sustained mission to flush out criminal elements and restore peace across all hotspots.

Such an operation should be intelligence-led, with active engagement from community leaders, local vigilantes, and civil society actors. Security operatives must also be adequately funded, equipped, and monitored to ensure professionalism and accountability in the course of duty.

Furthermore, there should be a comprehensive resettlement plan for displaced persons. The IDP camps in Plateau are filled with women and children who have been forgotten by a country that swore to protect them.

The government must support rebuilding destroyed homes, schools, and clinics in the affected communities. Most importantly, the culture of impunity must end. When killers are not punished, others are emboldened.

When justice is denied, peace remains a fantasy. Nigeria cannot claim to be fighting insecurity on one hand and tolerating unaddressed massacres on the other. This country must no longer treat the deaths of rural Nigerians as a footnote in national discourse.

The tears in Plateau are real. The graves are real. The trauma is real. And so must be our response. Plateau State is bleeding. Its people are tired. And the time to act is now — not with words, but with swift, firm, and visible action.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu writes from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” across all 36 states to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthen the creative industry.

Speaking in Ilorin, Abiola Jagunlabi, Special Assistant to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, revealed that the initiative is part of the “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” designed to preserve historical sites, enhance tourism, and drive economic growth.

According to Jagunlabi, the project will be executed in collaboration with state governments to transform historic landmarks into creative hubs, fostering job creation and economic opportunities in the arts and entertainment sectors.

“The project focuses on restoring and conserving monuments, palaces, and artifacts while promoting cultural education and capacity building in traditional crafts,” he stated.

Jagunlabi noted that the success of the initiative depends on active participation from state governments, local communities, and industry stakeholders.

He noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities while boosting revenue through tourism and creative enterprises.

He further disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the initiative, paving the way for its nationwide implementation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The federal government of Nigeria has called on retailers to reduce food prices, adding that failing to reflect the recent price drop is unfair to consumers.

The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Abubakar Kyari, made this appeal on Tuesday during the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Day at Dabi village in Jigawa State’s Ringim Local Government Area.

Kyari criticized retailers for not adjusting their prices despite the decline in costs, labeling their actions as unpatriotic.

“The federal government is aware of the significant drop in the prices of food items across major markets, particularly for essential commodities such as flour, sugar, rice, and pasta.

“However, it is deeply concerning that many retailers, bakers, and shop owners have refused to reflect this reduction in their selling prices, thereby denying Nigerians the relief they deserve.

“In previous months, stakeholders in the retail value chain raised concerns about the rising cost of food items. Now that the prices have dropped, such as flour, which fell from N81,000 per bag to below N60,000, and spaghetti, which has fallen from N20,000 to N15,000.

“It is only fair and just to let consumers benefit from food price reduction,” Kyari said.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 24.48% in January 2025, with food inflation declining to 26.08%, down from 34.8% and 39.84% in the previous month.

The decline is attributed to a rebasing of the country’s consumer price index.

However, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise clarified that the lower inflation rate does not necessarily mean a reduction in the overall prices of goods and services.