CBN Revokes licences Of 132 Microfinance Banks

May 24, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has revoked the operating licenses of 132 microfinance banks and those of four primary mortgage banks and three finance companies.
This was disclosed in the official gazette of the Federal Government, which was published on the website of the CBN on Tuesday.
The gazette stated that the licenses of the financial institutions were revoked because they “ceased to carry on in Nigeria, the type of business for which their licences were issued for a continuous period of six months; failed to fulfil or comply with the conditions subject to which their licences were granted; or failed to comply with the obligations imposed upon them by the Central Bank of Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, Act No. 5.”
The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, revoked the licenses in the exercise of the powers conferred on the Central Bank of Nigeria under Section 12 of BOFIA 2020, Act No. 5.
The microfinance banks include – Atlas Microfinance Bank, Bluewhales Microfinance Bank, Everest Microfinance Bank, Igangan Microfinance Bank, Mainsail Microfinance Bank, Merit Microfinance Bank, Minna Microfinance Bank, Musharaka Microfinance Bank, Nopov Microfinance Bank, Ohon Microfinance Bank, and others.
Finance companies whose licenses were revoked include – HHL Invest & Trust Limited, TFS Finance Limited and Treasures & Trust Limited while the four primary mortgage banks whose licenses were revoked are – Resort Savings & Loans, Safetrust Mortgage Bank, Adamawa Savings & Loans and Kogi Savings & Loans.
According to the Gazette signed by CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the affected institutions also failed to fulfill or comply with the conditions subject to which their licences were granted.
They also failed to comply with the obligations imposed upon them by the Central Bank of Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, Act No. 5.
“Now Therefore, I, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, CON, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on the Central Bank of Nigeria under Section 12 of BOFIA 2020, Act No.5, hereby revoke the licences of the Microfinance Banks, Finance Companies and Primary Mortgage Banks stated in Schedules I, II and III respectively attached hereto,” Emefiele stated in the report.
Source: City BusinessNews.

Buhari Unveils Series Of OSSAP-SDGs Projects In Anambra

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled series of projects executed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) at the weekend.
The projects were located at the permanent site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
President was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama.
The interventions, which were unveiled by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, include a 100-bed Mother and Child Centre, a new Accident as well as new Accident and Emergency Building, the Renal Building, new ward complex in Block A and Block B, as well as a new Accident and Emergency Unit.

Speaking during the commissioning of the projects, attended by top officials of Anambra State Government, NAUTH, lawmakers and other stakeholders, Princess Orelope-Adefulire said that the interventions were aimed at tackling the problems of shortage of the required infrastructure at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi which has affected the quality of healthcare services being delivered to patients over the years.
She said that with the complete provision of the facilities at the hospital through the interventions of OSSAP-SDGs, the Teaching Hospital has been turned into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that everyone can be proud of.
“The intervention at this teaching hospital will not only significantly enhance the educational experience and skill development of students for their professional careers, but it will also contribute to the achievement of SDG 3 and a positive spill-over impact on several SDGs,” said the Presidential Adviser.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire said that apart from the critical intervention at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, the Office has also carried out several interventions across the entire state.
She listed the interventions to include the construction of 4 units of 2-Bedroom staff quarters and a 500-capacity mortuary at Ifitedunu Primary Healthcare Centre to improve the healthcare infrastructure and widen access to quality healthcare services for the people.
“In the same vein, and to enhance a conducive learning environment for students in schools, we have also provided hostels and security house, a 40Kva hybrid solar inverter, solar powered borehole, 50 solar streetlights, and football pitch with artificial turf at St. Mary’s High School and Nnaemeka Secondary School, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA.
She added that the interventions include construction of a new garri processing centre, provision of 239 Nos of 2.5Kva generators to the Anambra South Senatorial District as well as the construction of access roads with drainages and asphalts across nine streets in Dunukofia LGA of the State.
“Together these interventions will enhance transportation, stimulate trade, and improve overall connectivity, leading to increased economic activity, improved access to healthcare and education, and a greater sense of community cohesion and development, and have the potential to uplift the quality of life for the people of Anambra State.

“I am confident that these interventions will accelerate our progress towards the SDGs by the year 2030.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health urged residents, staff, and management of the health institution to ensure that the facilities were protected against vandalism.
“What we see here today represents lots of sacrifices. Many projects sought the attention of the national budget, but the Federal Government decided to invest heavily in this particular project because of its importance to the well-being of the people.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who represented Governor Charles Soludo at the event expressed appreciation to Buhari’s administration for the interventions at the hospital.
The Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Joseph Ugboaja and the Chairman, Management Board of the NAUTH, Chief Ezekiel Afukonyo also said the interventions will help the facility meets it desire to provide quality healthcare services to the people at its new permanent site.

Ex British PM To Tinubu: I Will Partner With Your Govt.

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2023

Former British Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair, has assured President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that his Foundation will partner to fast-tract the development of Nigeria.
Tony Blair, who spoke when he visited the president-elect at the Defence House, Abuja today, May 23, emphasized that the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which he founded, would be a willing partner of the Tinubu administration, especially in prioritising its goals and delivery.
He said that since leaving office as the UK prime minister, he had been working with governments around the world to help them deliver on their mandates.
He said that the Blair Institute have a project in place in Nigeria and felt it was incumbent upon him to meet Nigeria’s incoming president to understand the administration’s priorities.
“We would like to help in any way with your administration. We only need to know what the leadership priorities are and help in how to actualise them.”
Blair commended the President-elect for allowing his campaign to focus on key areas of security, economy, agriculture and power, describing the intertwined nature of the areas as critical to the development of any society.
He expressed optimism that with the appetite shown by investors to invest in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration could get the support it needs to spur economic development in the country.
Blair, however, acknowledged the difficult task before Tinubu and other leaders, at a time of global turmoil.
“Being in government today anywhere in the world is tough. You have things happening around the world which affect you and for which you can’t do anything much.”
President-elect Tinubu, in his response, expressed appreciation to Blair for the visit and for his offer to work with his administration.
He spoke of the shared vision between him and Tony Blair Institute in their priority areas, but underlined the importance of tackling investment challanges and the need for social investment to fight poverty.
“Yes, we are challenged. But where is our courage? We can eliminate ignorance, diseases and poverty in Africa. We must work hard to ensure democracy works for our people.
“We have to invest more, put technology in place and keep terrorists at bay because without effective security, there is no guarantee investors will come.”
The president-elect promised to provide a conducive environment that would encourage investors and open up opportunities for the people.
Tinibu was accompanied to the meeting by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Vice President -elect, Senator Kashim Shettima; member of Tinubu Transition Team, Wale Edun; former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru and Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Zacch Adedeji.

We Did Not Squander Loans, But Invested Them On Infrastructures – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has said finally that his government did not squander all the loans it procured so far but that they were Invested in specific Infrastructures for the purpose of hastening development in many other sectors of the economy.
Speaking today, May 23, at the virtual commissioning of three bridges, three secretariats and one road project undertaken by his administration, the President described criticisms of the debt profile of his administration as unfair.
“We do not act on infrastructure by accident. It has been a deliberate choice for our government as a tool to fight poverty, to create economic growth and employment and to open the path of prosperity for our people.”
He said however that he shared the concerns of Nigerians, but that the debts are tied to projects that have been executed in very transparent circumstances and are there for everyone to see. He added that the wealth of other nations is traceable to their investments in infrastructure made possible by debts redeemed over decades.
“As we look at the debt profile, I urge us to also look at the assets and investment profiles, some of which were paid for by debt and some by investment income.
“In 8 (Eight) years, I am proud to say that we have doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to GDP from about 20% to over 40% and that is no small undertaking.
“The projects that we hand over today apart from others such as rail, sea and airports, gas pipeline projects that have been previously completed, symbolise our country’s sharp focus on delivering prosperity.”
Buhari described the projects as frontal efforts to address multi-dimensional poverty as well as improve business efficiency and service delivery time.
According to the President, the Ikom Bridge is aimed at boosting trade in and around the Calabar Port and Free Zone and facilitate transport connectivity from the South-South, through the North Central to the Northeast.
“This is a bridge across the Cross River itself.
“The Second Niger Bridge, which has been long in the making, and is certainly now a reality, is a bridge of choice across the River Niger to bring relief to those crossing from the Southeast to the Southwest.
“The Loko-Oweto Bridge, across the River Benue will provide a shorter connectivity for those traversing from Benue to Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory. It cuts off travel through Lafia and provides connectivity to Keffi and to Abuja.”
President Buhari also commissioned 200 kilometres out of the 365 kilometres Abuja-Kano highway noting that the road, the Second Niger bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were all funded partly from dividend income earned from investment in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), repatriated funds from overseas, and recoveries from proceeds of crime successfully prosecuted at home.
“This is an example of the change that we promised; to invest dividend income in visible assets that last for generations and to put proceeds of crime to public and enduring use for the country.
“Our anti-corruption approach does not end in courts. Stolen and recovered assets are utilized for the common good.”
The President also commissioned three Federal Secretariats in Anambra, Bayelsa and Zamfara States, believing that they would reduce the cost of governance by bringing federal civil servants under one roof for efficient service delivery, thereby reducing expenditure on rent for office spaces.
He named the Secretariats after distinguished Nigerians as follows:
i. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Federal Secretariat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State;
ii. Ebele Okeke Federal Secretariat in Awka, Anambra State; and
iii. Malam Yahaya Gusau Federal Secretariat in Gusau, Zamfara State.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola said that the construction of the infrastructure generated economic activities around them, providing means of livelihood for hundreds of thousands who worked there.
According to him, travel time is reduced by more than 50% in many of the places we surveyed; Property values of landowners have appreciated by up to 30% in the surveys conducted on land values where we have delivered infrastructure.
The Minister said that these are some of the attempts by Government to push back against multi-dimensional poverty.
Goodwill messages were delivered at the event by the Governors of Anambra, Imo and Delta States, Minister of Labour and Employment as well as the Obi of Onitsha and the Asagba of Asaba.

A US Secretary, Marcia Fudge, Leads Presidential Delegation To Tinubu Swearing-In

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2023

Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Honourable
Marcia L. Fudge will lead American Presidential delegation to the swearing-in of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Other members of the Presidential delegation are David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Abuja: Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative (D), California: Honorable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce: General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command: Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency: Honorable Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State: Honorable Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council and Honorable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development

Dangote Refinery Will Generate $21 Billion, 100,000 Jobs For Youths – Aliko Dangote

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2023

The President of the pan-African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has said that the newly commissioned 650,000pbd refinery would employ over 100,000 Nigerians youths as well as generate over $21 billion, thereby saving the country huge foreign exchange.
The company, according to him, now has over 33,000 employees.
Dangote said that the commissioning marked the beginning of the new journey of self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and exportation, the same way it was achieved in Cement and fertilizer sectors.
Dangote noted that the current fuel crisis has had negative impact on the nation’s economy and that the situation informed his decision to build a world class refinery that would change the trend.
He highlighted events leading to his deciding to build its own refinery after his attempt to acquire one of the existing moribund did not materialize.

He said that he decided to change marketing strategy and settle for gigantic project ever undertaken by an individual across the world.
According to him, the refinery plant would be run at the highest effective and efficient level for maximum benefits to all Nigerians.

“We will replicate what we achieved in cement and fertilizer by attaining self-sufficiency and becoming net exporter.’
Dangote assured Nigerians that 40 per cent of the production capacity will be available for export with the coming on stream of the plant, guaranteeing raw materials for plastic, and pharmaceutical industries.
In his remark, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Dangote Group, saying “the 650,000 barrels a day of crude which will enable our country to achieve self-sufficiency in refined products and even have some supplies for export saying the government and people of Nigeria are proud of the doggedness and tenacity of Dangote as entrepreneur.
“This feat at this time of the nation’s economic development clearly made this event a notable milestone for our economy and the game changer for the downstream petroleum products not only for Nigeria but the entire African continent. Dangote Group has helped transform our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in some critical industries, including cement and Fertiliser.”
He noted that the economy which has been stressed for many decades by huge deficits in economic infrastructure and over a decade of insurgency has also been severely impacted by several external crises, including the global financial crisis, the collapse of world crisis the Coronavirus pandemic and the Russia Ukraine war.
“The consequences of these challenges constitute a severe strain on our economy and limiting government’s ability to provide basic infrastructure without resorting to borrowing. Government therefore decide to focus attention on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill the enormous gap in investments not only in infrastructure, but also in all critical sectors.
“We recognize that without active participation of the private sector and a strong commitment to public-private partnership, the economy will not be able to continue to meet the challenge and economic growth”, while expressing the hope that the coming administration will continue to apply such innovative schemes to accelerate the fruition of critical infrastructure, in particular roads and gas pipelines.

Group Calls For “War” Against Thieves Stealing NDDC Blind

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2023

A group which goes by the name, Niger Delta Concerned Indigenes has called for a “war” against those it called thieves that have over the years, stolen the resources of the region, especially the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a few words designed and being circulated around the social media, the group wanted the people in the region to join hand with the chairman of the NDDC Board, Lauretta Onochie to get rid of the age-long marauders in the system.
“This is the time for all men and women of goodwill from Niger Delta region to stand up.”
It stressed the urgent need to rally round Lauretta Onochie “in her epic battle with buccaneers and wolves in the NDDC and the region who have, over the years, appropriated the wealth of the region, using thievery, shenanigans and chicanery. Enough is enough.”

How We Supported Dangote Group To Put Up Gigantic Refinery – CBN Gov

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2023

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has narrated how the apex Bank partnered with the Dangote Group to ensure the successful completion of the gigantic refinery, which president Muhammadu Buhari declared open today, May 22 in Lagos.
In a goodwill message at the opening of the 650,000 barrels-per-day (BPD) Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Emefiele said that CBN provided about N125 billion to cover domestic currency requirements for the venture.
According to him, the Dangote Group had started repaying some of the commercial loans before the inauguration of the facility, adding that the outstanding debt of Dangote Group, following extensive repayments, had dropped from over US$9 billion to US$2.7 billion.
Emefiele recalled that the project, at conception, was estimated to cost about US$9 billion, of which US$3 billion was projected as an equity investment by the Dangote Group and the balance financed through commercial loans, even as he praised the role of Nigerian commercial banks for providing loans to the Dangote Group to finance the project.
He expressed appreciation to all the participating local Nigerian banks, which provided immense support and exceptional understanding, even when interest payments and principal repayment had fallen due.
“I am proud to state that the commercial loan component of the project was financed majorly by our domestic banks, with the balance sourced from foreign banks.”
The CBN boss said that given the processing capacity of 650,000 barrels-per-day (BPD), the Dangote refinery is more than able to meet all of Nigeria’s domestic fuel consumption.
He put the domestic consumption at about 450,000 barrels per day, while the excess production is available for export.
Emefiele said that the refinery is designed to process not only the Bonny Light grade of crude oil, but also process a wide variety of other crude streams, including many from Africa, some Middle Eastern streams, and the US Light Tight oil.
He said that the Dangote refinery is capable of delivering all types of liquid products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel.
Emefiele projected that the Dangote refinery could earn Nigeria foreign exchange savings, of between US$25 billion and US$30 billion annually, stressing that the impact of the savings would be directly reflected in Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves by reducing the pressure on the country’s balance of payments.
He described the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Factory as a blessing to Nigeria and Africa, with favourable spillovers expected to spread from Nigeria to other West African countries and eventually to all countries of the African continent.
He said that the recent endeavours of Alhaji Aliko Dangote confirmed that Africans have the capacity to drive the continent’s economic integration, growth, and development, rather than depend almost entirely on foreign investors.
Emefiele said d that the Central Bank of Nigeria, through its various development finance interventions, would continue to support critical sectors of the Nigerian economy to promote a homegrown rebalancing of the Nigerian economy and fostering self-sufficiency.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said that the first product from the refinery will be available by August 2023.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and successive Governors of Lagos State for supporting the project to come into existence. Alhaji Dangote specially commended Emefiele, whom he said: “moved mountains” to ensure the success of the project.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kolo Kyari, said that the inauguration of the plant provided the potential for domestic security in the country.
In their various goodwill remarks, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Adoo, the President of Niger Republic, Mohammed Bazoum; and the President of Senegal, Macky Sall; the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima; and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, all commended the project in superlative terms
The CBN Governor lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as his unrivalled leadership, vision, and support in ensuring that the refinery project, which exemplifies his effort towards building a more productive economy, was completed during his tenure as President. He also commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group for their tenacity and unwavering commitment to completing the mega project, notwithstanding various challenges and constraints that they encountered along the way.

WAFU B U20 Opener: Nigeria’s Falconets Wallop Niger 7-0 In Ghana

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2023

The Nigerian Uunder-20 national team, the Falconets made none sense of their Niger counterparts yesterday, when they handed them sven unreplied goals in the opening of the 2023 WAFU B U20 Women’s Championship, taking place in Ghana.

Esther Ajakaye scored a hat-trick as the Falconets pummelled the Niger Republic 7-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to begin their adventure at the 2023 WAFU B U20 Women’s Championship on an excellent note.

Parading a few of the girls that helped Nigeria reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Costa Rica last year and some members of the bronze medal-winning Flamingoes from last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India, the Falconets had little trouble seizing control of the game.

By halftime, the coach Chris Danjuma-tutored girls were already leading Niger by three goals, with Esther Ajakaye netting twice within the opening quarter of an hour and Chinyere Kalu adding the other in the 39th minute.

Adaobi Okah joined the goalscoring act barely five minutes after the restart before Ajakaye completed her hattrick in the 54th minute.

Victoria Alani made it six for the Falconets shortly after the hour mark, and Chioma Olise completed the rout with a fierce drive deep into stoppage time.

After a brilliant all-round performance, Ajakaye was named the woman of the match as Nigeria bagged their first three points of the tournament.

Nigeria will be back in action on Wednesday when they tango with Togo in Group B’s second match.

The Falconets will round up group-stage proceedings with a clash against Burkina Faso’s U20 national team at the Paa Joe Stadium next Sunday.

Source: Soccernet.

Federal Govt Kowtows To Nigerian Doctors Over Wage Increase, Regular Payment

Greenbarge Reporters

May 22, 2023

The Federal Government has accepted to increase the wages of members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they jointly signed for the purpose of stopping the proposed strike by resident doctors.

The MoU was signed at the end of a conciliation meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige in Abuja. The meeting, which lasted about five hours, addressed all the eight issues raised by the striking resident doctors.

They are the non-payment of salaries of doctors by state governments, domestication of the reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for the year 2023, the bill at the National Assembly on bonding of doctors for five years before licensing, the circular on immediate replacement of exited doctors, and immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF.

Others are arrears of Consequential Adjustment on Minimum Wage, Skipping Arrears and the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

In the MOU, which was made available to newsmen yesterday, the contending parties agreed that health is in the concurrent list of the constitution, hence the Federal Government cannot compel the state governments to effect the payment of salaries and allowances in the health sector.

NMA and NARD were advised to embrace more persuasion and social dialogue at the state level. Regarding Abia State where doctors have been on strike for several months for perennial non-payment of salaries, the meeting noted that the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has taken the matter to the National Council on Health (NCoH) in Abuja, which looked into the matter and asked the Abia State government to pay up for good health delivery to the people.

They equally agreed that the states cannot be compelled to domesticate the MRTF and must not pay the same amount being paid by the Federal Government.

NARD was advised to reach out to states that are not paying and negotiate with them, even if the rates are lower than that of the Federal Government.

On the bill of bonding of doctors for five years before licensing, sponsored by Ganiyu Johnson from Lagos State at the National Assembly, it was agreed that the Executive Arm of government cannot interfere with it, being a private member bill and not an executive bill.

The meeting resolved to await the public hearing for the bill, where the doctors will deal with the bill through the NMA, to ensure it does not see the light of the day.

On the replacement of exited doctors, the meeting noted that the recommendations of the Federal Ministry of Health Brain Drain Committee have been forwarded to the office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for further action.

The OHCSF was directed to engage all stakeholders by Wednesday, May 24, 2023 on the matter to ensure the approval of the implementation plan on or before June 5, 2023, for transmission to teaching hospitals and federal medical centres for implementation.

It was also agreed that the fund for the payment of the 2023 MRTF has been captured in the 2023 Appropriation and payment would commence when the operation of the 2023 Budget begins. It was noted that the budget office had requested for a comprehensive list of all resident doctors in the federal tertiary health institutions from the Federal Ministry of Health and same has been forwarded appropriately through the Ministry of Health by the Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria for payment to commence as soon as funds are cash backed by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

On the issue of doctors omitted in the payment of Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment, the meeting resolved that NARD should re-present the list on Monday, May 22, 2023 to the FMoH, with annexes of the old submission and same copied to the office of Minister of Labour and Employment.

Following information that the matter of skipping arrears is pending in court, the Minister of Labour asked the Minister of Health to produce evidence to him for noting and necessary action.

With respect to CONMESS, the meeting resolved that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), should adopt the percentage used for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university unions, which would include rise in allowances, while relativity of the increase would be maintained when other consolidated scales are considered.

It was agreed that the proposal would be presented to the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) in the next valedictory meeting for final action, to enable NSIWC issue the relevant circular seven days after the PCS meeting.

The NSIWC earlier informed the meeting that it was yet to receive any agreement between the FMoH and NMA on CONMESS. The commission said it wrote a letter to the FMoH, asking for the details of the agreement.

The meeting directed the Permanent Secretary, FMoH to provide a response to the letter on or before May 23, 2023. The Minister of Labour corroborated that he received a report of the meeting from the FMoH.

Signatories to the MOU on government’s side were Dr (Mrs) C.M. Yaya Kolade (NSIWC); Dr. Salma Ibrahim-Anas, the Director of Hospital Services, FMoH; Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary of FMoH and Okokon E. Udo, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office (SPSO), OHCSF.

The President of NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah and his counterpart of NARD, Dr. Emeka Orji signed on behalf of the doctors.

Source: The Guardian.

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