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JUST IN: Jubilation as FG Plans to restart direct cash transfers to 15 million households

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The Federal Government has concluded plans to restart the direct cash transfer to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

This is coming in the face of hardship faced by millions of Nigerians with escalating prices of goods and food items as well as the continuous fall of the naira.

With about 3 million Nigerians benefitting from these programmes, the federal government projects that an additional 12 million people, households can benefit from these direct payments, due to the sharp rise in the cost of living, bringing the total to about 15 million households.

This was made known by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, during a retreat of the ministry on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Presidential panel to recommend restart of direct cash payments


Edun said that the presidential panel on the social investment programmes are set to meet with President Bola Tinubu and recommend the restart of the direct cash payments to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

He said, “The presidential panel on the social investment programmes, have prepared to go to Mr. President with an internal recommendation to restart the direct payments to the poorest and the most vulnerable. Everything is being done to ease the pain.


“We know that there’s been about 3 million beneficiaries now, but given the way the rates have gone, there are probably another 12 million people, households that can benefit from that payment.”
The minister noted that the expansion of the direct cash transfer aims to reach a wider population struggling with the economic situation and to put more money directly in the hands of those who need it most, allowing them to prioritize their needs and alleviate poverty.

He stated that the decision to inform the President of the Panel’s decision before the final report is completed is to keep the President abreast of developments, adding that technology will be used to ensure smooth and transparent payments, avoiding manual processes and delays.

The minister aid: “The only thing delaying that is not waiting for the end of the report. It is something that the intervention is meant to happen immediately.
“We have experts in technology, the commitment was to make sure that we use technology to ensure that we have a seamless payment, a seamless movement between the registered and the direct beneficiaries, without any manual processes in between. So it’s taking time to automate that process immediately that direct payment will resume”.
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BREAKING: PDP Expels Wike, Anyanwu, Fayose, Ajibade, others over alleged Anti-party activities

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled several prominent members, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kamaldeen Ajibade, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, and others, over alleged anti-party activities.

The major shake-up occurred on Saturday at the party’s ongoing 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where delegates deliberated extensively on internal discipline and the future of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to party officials, the expulsion was adopted after majority of the delegates overwhelming voted in support of the National Working Committee’s recommendation, citing the need to cleanse the party of persistent internal sabotage and factional crises.

Party leaders described the move as a “decisive step toward restoring unity, discipline, and focus,” noting that the PDP must reposition itself to regain national relevance and electoral competitiveness.

The expulsion marks one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions in the party’s recent history and is expected to trigger political reactions across the country.

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Doctors’ strike continues as NARD demands fair deal, better pay

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has urged the Federal Government to immediately conclude the long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the union’s indefinite strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

The doctors are also demanding a review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which they described as outdated and inadequate in the face of rising living costs.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, NARD said doctors have waited too long for a fair and clearly defined agreement on their work conditions and remuneration.

“For long we’ve waited for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a simple, written promise that ensures fairness, clear work terms, and proper pay. But the government keeps delaying, while doctors face rising costs and crumbling morale,” the union said.
“We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.”

The ongoing industrial action, which began earlier this month, has disrupted services in 91 hospitals across the country, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and federal medical centres.

NARD reiterated that its 19-point demand list is vital for improving the welfare of doctors and safeguarding the health sector. Among the demands are the payment of arrears under CONMESS, the disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, prompt payment of specialist allowances, improved recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and better working conditions.

The union said these measures are essential to keep medical professionals in the system and maintain a functional healthcare delivery structure.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the Ministry of Health to ensure immediate resolution of the strike, assuring that the government is working to address the doctors’ concerns.

However, NARD said the continued delay in signing the CBA and reviewing salaries has further dampened morale among resident doctors, many of whom are battling with economic hardship while providing critical healthcare services.

The union maintained that it remains open to dialogue but expects urgent government action to restore normalcy in the nation’s hospitals.

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Marwa Vows Tougher Crackdown on Drug Traffickers in Second NDLEA Tenure

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The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has warned drug barons and trafficking networks to brace for an even tougher clampdown as he begins his second five-year tenure.

Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, November 14, 2025, issued the warning while addressing jubilant NDLEA personnel who gathered at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to celebrate the announcement. His reappointment was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday, November 15, 2025, by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

Speaking to the crowd, Marwa vowed that the next phase of the agency’s operations would be relentlessly aggressive.
“This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria,” he declared.

He expressed surprise at the warm reception, thanking the workforce for their dedication and acknowledging the recognition from President Tinubu.
“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.

Marwa also appreciated the support of the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and several international partners who, he noted, have played vital roles in the agency’s achievements.

Issuing a stern warning to drug cartels, he urged traffickers and cannabis cultivators to abandon illicit trade:
“This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate.”

He highlighted the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Unit, which provides legal livelihood options for offenders, but cautioned that anyone who persists will face severe consequences.
“You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. You will come out from jail to find nothing left,” he warned.

Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to drug-demand reduction and announced expanded rehabilitation initiatives. He said the NDLEA’s 30 rehabilitation centres will receive increased support, with seven new centres set for completion under the 2025 budget—ensuring every state has access to drug treatment facilities.

He also noted improvements in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education, including the recent approval of drug tests for students upon admission into tertiary institutions.
“With this, we can catch them young before addiction sets in,” he said.

Marwa concluded with prayers for the president, NDLEA supporters, and the agency’s personnel as he embarks on what he described as a more aggressive phase in Nigeria’s war against drugs.

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