The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to expand immunisation programmes and revitalise 8,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under the 2024–2028 Medium-Term Framework.
Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health, disclosed this after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.
He said the framework places strong emphasis on social welfare and healthcare delivery across the country.
“Mr President is committed to human capital development as captured in this 2024–2028 MTF,” Salako said.
He added that the ongoing upgrade of more than 4,000 primary health centres will be sustained alongside the planned 8,000 facilities.
“It means the revitalised 4,000 PHCs and the additional 8,000 on stream can be sustained,” he explained.
Salako said the commitment to sustained funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund will accelerate the process nationwide.
He noted that this aligns with the President’s agenda to strengthen primary healthcare as the system’s foundation.
The minister said the council’s approval ensures continuity of key immunisation programmes introduced by the administration.
“The commitment to fund immunisation from the MTF means we can scale up innovative programmes Mr President has introduced,” he said.
Salako cited the nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, which he said has reached millions of girls.
“For example, the HPV introduction has seen over 40 million Nigerian children immunised,” he said.
He added that the combined measles–rubella vaccine programme will also expand significantly next year.
“The novel combined rubella rollout, which reached nearly 30 million children, can be scaled up next year,” he said.
Salako stressed that the administration remains focused on policies improving citizens’ wellbeing.
“It highlights Mr President’s commitment to social welfare, which touches the average Nigerian directly,” he said.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the deployment of 4,000 telecom towers nationwide to expand digital access in underserved communities.
Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, said the approval followed a joint memo.
He said, “There is also an approval by FEC granted to the Ministry of Digital Communications and the Ministry of Finance to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization and digital economy on the deployment of towers to places that are currently underserved.”
Idris said the initiative targets communities lacking basic digital connectivity and economic inclusion.
He added, “Under that program, about 4,000 towers will be erected in underserved communities.
“The presentation of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy indicates that about 23 million Nigerians are currently underserved, meaning that they are unable to do anything.”
Idris said limited digital access had hindered economic participation and basic communication in remote areas.
He said the measure would also strengthen national security and boost commerce in rural communities.
Idris said, “Indeed, this will also help in fighting insecurity and enhancing commerce and economic activity amongst the people of Nigeria.”
The minister said the council also issued new directives to intensify project prioritisation across government agencies.
Idris added that FEC further approved service centres for agricultural mechanisation across the geopolitical zones to boost year-round farming.
He said, “There was also a decision taken by the Federal Executive Council to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization in the six geopolitical zones.”
The minister said the decisions aligned with the medium-term expenditure framework earlier presented by the ministers of finance and budget.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has vowed a tougher border security control following the killing of its three officers by suspected bandits in Kebbi.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, made this known during a condolence visit to the state government in Birnin Kebbi.
She said the service was deeply pained by the tragic loss but remained unwavering in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.
“It is with a deep sense of respect and sober reflection that we gather here today.
“I wish this visit was under different circumstances, but we are here because of the tragic attack that claimed the lives of our very dedicated and committed officers.
“The slain personnel were brothers, fathers and sons who worked daily to secure our borders and ensure peace in Kebbi, a strategic gateway to trade, culture and travel,” she said.
Nandap noted that: “While the state’s border location enhanced national economic activities, it is also exploited by criminal elements whose actions endanger communities and threaten national security.
“Today, we are here to honour the sacrifice of our fallen officers and to reassure you that we remain firm and unwavering in our commitment to protect this state and the nation,” she said.
Nandap reaffirmed that the service would not be discouraged by the incident.
“Even in mourning, we are strong, resilient, dedicated and professional in carrying out our duties,” she revealed.
She commended the Kebbi government for its continued cooperation, particularly in strengthening community-level engagements and fostering synergy among security agencies.
“We do not take this partnership for granted.
“We appeal for your continued support, especially in community sensitisation, because curbing irregular migration requires strong border governance and active community participation,” she said.
Responding, Gov. Nasir Idris, represented by his Deputy, Abubakar Umar-Tafida, condoled with the NIS over the loss of its officers, describing them as gallant personnel who died in active service.
“They came to discharge their constitutional duties when criminal elements attacked them, leaving behind their loved ones. We deeply commiserate with you,” he said.
Idris said the incident had triggered fresh security considerations, including the need for joint checkpoints to enhance operational strength and response capacity.
“This development calls for a rethink of the number and structure of checkpoints we have.
“Joint checkpoints will provide more strength to counter criminal activities. This is one measure we want security agencies to consider,” he added.
The governor assured the NIS of government’s sustained support to all security agencies in the state and highlighted ongoing community engagement efforts with clerics of all faiths to enhance peace and security.
It will be recalled that on November 28, three officers of the NIS had been killed following a terrorist attack on their camp in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi.
The global fight against Lassa fever has recorded another breakthrough as the Oxford Vaccine Group administered the first dose of a new Lassa fever vaccine to a volunteer in the United Kingdom.
The event, announced online on Thursday, took place in Oxford through the Oxford Vaccine Group, a unit of the University of Oxford’s Department of Paediatrics.
The milestone marks the start of a first-in-human clinical trial of the ChAdOx1 Lassa vaccine, funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Thirty-one healthy adults aged 18 to 55 will take part in the trial in Oxford, while a second phase-1 trial is expected to begin in Ghana early 2026.
Prof. Ramasamy Maheshi, Chief Investigator of the trial at Oxford, described the study as a “crucial step toward protecting vulnerable communities.
“Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have in global health: they save lives, stop outbreaks, and strengthen health systems,” Maheshi said.
She noted that the vaccine was developed using the same platform as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, estimated to have saved six million lives in its first year alone.
“CEPI had earlier supported the preclinical development of the Lassa vaccine,” she added.
Dr Katrin Ramsauer, CEPI’s Lassa Disease Programme Lead, called the launch a “transformative milestone,” adding that progress so far reflects years of scientific innovation and global collaboration.
Ramsauer said that beyond the trial, regional efforts were underway to accelerate vaccine licensure and ensure equitable access.
“The Lassa Fever Coalition, led by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) with support from CEPI and partners, is coordinating steps toward eventual rollout across affected countries,” she said.
According to Dr Virgil Lokossou, Director of Healthcare Services at WAHO, Lassa fever has affected lives in West Africa for more than half a century, impacting families, livelihoods, hospitals, and economies.
“Our region is now taking bold steps to change that story,” he said.
Public health authorities in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), continue to record seasonal outbreaks, with healthcare workers among those at risk.
If successful, the Oxford vaccine could become one of the first licensed preventive vaccines against Lassa fever, a development experts say could dramatically reduce illness, deaths, and socioeconomic disruptions in West Africa.
Lassa fever, first discovered in Nigeria in the late 1960s, remains endemic across West Africa and continues to cause recurring outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality.
The virus, spread primarily by rodents, can lead to severe complications including deafness, bleeding, and death.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that two persons lost their lives in a multiple accident involving 11 vehicles along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday.
The Sector Commander of FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Enugu shortly after rescue operations by operatives of the corps.
Agbakoba said that no fewer than nine males got injured as a result of the multiple accident, which involved 30 people comprising 26 males and four females.
He said that the multiple accident happened at about 11:45a.m within the Port Harcourt bound axis of the expressway and precisely within the New Garki axis of the road in Enugu State.
The sector commander said that the multiple accident involved four trucks, two trailers, one sienna, one tipper, one Hiace bus, one Mini-Bus and one Jeep.
According to him, within 10 minutes of the unfortunate incident, officers and men of the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command stationed along the road and started the rescue operations.
“The injured victims were taken to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ozalla by the FRSC Zebra 32 Ambulance team stationed along the expressway.
“Also, the obstructions were cleared by the FRSC and the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA) towed the trucks.
“The FRSC Unit Commander, Ozalla; the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ozalla and military men coordinated the rescue operation,” he said.
The sector commander said that causative factors that led to the multiple accident included speed and route violations and loss of control.
Port Harcourt — Five students of the Rivers State University (RSU) abducted from the institution’s Satellite Campus in Emohua have been rescued unharmed, the Rivers State Police Command said on Thursday.
The students — Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious and London Sampson — were seized on Tuesday, a development that triggered panic within the university community and led Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, to temporarily shut down academic activities at the campus.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the victims were freed during a coordinated operation by the Command’s Tactical Units, supported by other security agencies and local vigilante groups, at Rumuodogo 2 in Emohua.
“The rescued victims have been taken to the hospital for medical examination,” Iringe-Koko said, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects, believed to be members of a cult group.
The Police assured students, parents and residents that it is intensifying efforts to track down the kidnappers and reinforce security around tertiary institutions in the state.
The Senate on Wednesday advanced deliberations on a landmark bill seeking to overhaul the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, with a central proposal mandating a two-year pupillage for lawyers newly called to the Nigerian Bar.
The bill, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, scaled second reading after robust debate during plenary. It forms part of a sweeping effort to modernise legal practice in Nigeria and bring it in line with global standards in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Kenya.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin put the proposal to a voice vote, securing unanimous approval. The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters is expected to convene a public hearing and submit its report within two weeks.
Leading the debate, Bamidele underscored the inadequacy of the current legal framework, describing the nearly 60-year-old Act as outdated in both content and structure. He noted that technological advancement, digital court systems, cross-border transactions and evolving ethical expectations have transformed legal practice beyond what the existing law accommodates.
“The nature of legal practice today has drastically evolved,” he said. “Accordingly, our regulatory framework must evolve to meet these new realities.”
A major thrust of the proposed amendments is the restructuring of the Body of Benchers, which is to be strengthened as the apex regulatory institution for the legal profession. Under the bill, the body would gain corporate legal personality, financial autonomy, an enhanced secretariat and expanded powers for rule-making and oversight.
The bill also addresses longstanding concerns over the inefficiency of the disciplinary process for lawyers. It proposes a decentralised Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) with multiple panels nationwide, clearer sanctioning powers ranging from suspension to striking off, and mandatory publication of all decisions. Practitioners will maintain a right of appeal to the Supreme Court.
Another key feature is the establishment of an Ethics, Adherence and Enforcement Committee—an investigative body empowered to inspect law offices, demand records, probe complaints and prosecute cases before the LPDC.
At the heart of the reform is the introduction of a compulsory two-year pupillage scheme for new lawyers, except in special circumstances. Bamidele said the measure would provide young lawyers with essential hands-on training, professional grounding and mentorship before they practise independently.
The bill further proposes compulsory continuing professional development as a condition for renewing practising licences—an attempt to ensure lawyers remain current throughout their careers.
To curb the rise of impostors posing as legal practitioners, the legislation criminalises unauthorised legal practice and clearly defines its scope, with penalties attached.
The reform package also covers the regulation of foreign lawyers, a review of the criteria for conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and stronger safeguards for clients’ interests and funds.
Supporting the bill, Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, drew from his more than three decades at the bar to affirm the urgency of the reforms.
“This bill is apt and germane,” he said. “We are in a digital age, and our legal profession must reflect these realities.”
The Senate’s decision marks a significant step in what could become the most comprehensive transformation of Nigeria’s legal regulatory framework in decades.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a major financial lifeline to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State. The support comes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, a nationwide economic empowerment effort.
Representative of Nigeria’s First Lady and wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara (middle); retired Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili (7th left); Founder, Rivers Women Unite for SIM, Amaopuorubo Sotonye Toby Fulton (left); and others join hands to cut the 2025 World Disability Day cake while some the beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative small business support grants watch in admiration during an empowerment programme for persons with disabilities and disabled veterans in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The event, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the theme: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.
The RHI empowerment effort covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA). Each jurisdiction will have 250 PWDs receive a N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50million. In total, N1.9 billion is being disbursed to 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria.
Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. She expressed delight at unveiling the programme under the RHI Social Investment Framework.
Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of Rivers State Governor presenting grants to one of the beneficiaries.
She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that the nation becomes stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute. She also quoted Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
According to the First Lady, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in
Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”
The nation’s First Lady said that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.
Lady Fubara, wife of Rivers State Governor acknowledging cheers at the RHI empowerment programme held in Government House Port Harcourt.
She announced that the RHI Governing Board has approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event every December 3.
She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.
In her speech, Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state will collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities are guaranteed.
She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day, reaffirms the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.
Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries: “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this state.”
She urged society to champion inclusion, noting that disability is not a tragedy but that discrimination, silence, and exclusion are.
Lady Fubara, wife of Rivers State Governor and former first lady of the State, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, during the RHI empowerment programme for PLWDs in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Lady Valerie Fubara confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant. She encouraged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely: “Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”
Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, announced the enrollment of the 250 persons with disabilities into the state’s contributory health protection programme, adding that the beneficiaries will now enjoy free medical care and services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the State.
“You’re going to not only access primary care, but anytime you require secondary or tertiary services, you will be referred to those levels of care at no extra cost,” in line with the government’s “Health For All Rivers Initiative,” she said.
Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lorenta Davis-Dimkpa, stated that efforts are underway to establish a South-South office for the Disability Commission. She also confirmed ongoing work to domesticate the 2018 Disability Act.
In her goodwill message, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), commended both the Federal and Rivers State governments for taking bold steps to ensure persons with disabilities are included in governance.
Earlier in her speech, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, had said that the programme was carefully designed to address the needs of actual persons with disabilities and disabled veterans, helping them upscale their businesses across the State.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kie Obamanu, called for full implementation of disability laws to eliminate discrimination. He expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady and the wife of the Rivers State Governor for their support.
The Rivers State Ministry of Health presented a Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award to Lady Valerie Fubara in recognition of her contributions to improving access to healthcare services.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will confer the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, on December 7, 2025.
A letter signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, stated that Ogbuku would be honoured at the forthcoming Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) organized by The Best Strategic (TBS) Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
According to the Permanent Secretary, the prestigious award ceremony, scheduled to take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, would be graced by President Tinubu.
Danjuma states: “With reference to the letter from the Chairman, Advisory Council of Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, I write to respectfully inform you that you have been nominated to receive a Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth.”
Recall that the President had, on July 12, 2024, during the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, commended the NDDC Board and Management for working in harmony to fast-track the development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
This recognition highlights Ogbuku’s remarkable contributions to advancing infrastructure development and promoting sustainable growth in the Niger Delta region. Significant achievements, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and social amenities, have marked his stewardship at NDDC.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed cash deposit limits and also increased the weekly cash withdrawal limit from N100,000 to N500,000.
The CBN made this known in a circular to all banks and other financial institutions, signed by Dr Rita Sike, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department.
Sike said that the revisions formed part of ongoing efforts to moderate the rising cost of cash management and address security concerns.
According to her, it will also curb money laundering risks associated with heavy reliance on cash.
She said that the cash-related policies previously issued in response to evolving circumstances were aimed at reducing cash usage, and promoting the adoption of electronic payment channels.
“However, with time, the need to streamline and update these provisions to reflect present-day realities became necessary,” she said.
She said that with effect from Jan. 1, 2026, the cumulative deposit limit would be removed and the fee previously charged on excess deposits will no longer apply.
The director said that the cumulative weekly withdrawal limit across all channels has been reviewed to N500,000 for individuals and five million Naira for corporates.
“Withdrawals above these thresholds will attract excess withdrawal charges as specified.
“The special monthly authorisation that allowed individuals to withdraw five million Naira and corporates N10 million once a month has been abolished,” she said.
She said that for Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), daily withdrawal remains capped at N100, 000 per customer, with a maximum of N500, 000 weekly.
She said that this formed part of the overall weekly withdrawal limit applicable to all channels, including point-of-sale (POS) transactions.
Sike said that excess withdrawals above the stipulated limits would attract three per cent for individuals and five per cent for corporate customers.
According to her, this will be shared in the ratio of 40 per cent to the CBN and 60 per cent to the operating bank or financial institution.
She directed banks to load all currency denominations in ATMs, while the existing limit on over-the-counter encashment of third-party cheques remains pegged at N100,000.
Sike said that such withdrawals would be counted as part of the cumulative weekly limit.
The director said that banks were also required to render monthly returns to the relevant supervisory departments.
She listed the departments to include the Banking Supervision Department, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, and the Payments System Supervision Department.
Sike said that revenue-generating accounts of federal, state, and local governments were exempted from the new withdrawal rules.
She said that accounts of microfinance banks and primary mortgage banks held with commercial and non-interest banks are also exempted from the new rules.
She, however, said that the long-standing exemption previously enjoyed by embassies, diplomatic missions, and aid-donor agencies had been removed.
