The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, ANPMP, says private hospitals in Nigeria are folding up due to the ravaging economic downturn.

It also revealed that the nation’s economic situation has forced several Nigerians into self medication, resulting in organ failure and subsequently, death.

ANPMP’s Chairman, Dr Odia Festus Ihongbe in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, weekend, in Abuja, said that morgues were being filled up with dead bodies, while hospital beds were empty.

According to him, “people come only when it becomes critical and they just want you to do magic. And some want to die in the hospital, maybe because of confusion in their families.”

Dr Odia revealed that Nigerians now google their symptoms and buy “drugs from chemists until it gets to the terminal stage.

“Sometimes, we keep them outside and issue death certificates because if you don’t do that, they will come in and dump the body in your hospital and say they are going to look for money for burial”.

Odia further lamented that private hospitals cannot afford to pay the N70,000 minimum wage recently approved by the federal government, owing to poor revenue.

He said, “How will the private sector pay the N70,000 minimum wage?

“Meanwhile the private sector employs 80 percent of doctors and nurses and other scientists, so we are more in number.

“If you have like eight to ten cleaners in your hospital, that’s already about N800,000. Who will pay that money?”

“We provide services to 80 percent of healthcare services in Nigeria yet the government does not show concern about developing the private sector.

“They do more lip service than giving us required attention. Whatever affects health, affects the private sector more.

“You have to provide accommodations for your workers, pay salaries like any other businesses.”

He lamented that prices of essential drugs and hospital equipment have skyrocketed due to the forex crisis.

“We buy drugs and other heavy equipment and the prices of all these things are galloping everyday.

“For instance, the oxygen machine that we used to buy for N25,000 some years ago, went to about N100,000 and we raised the alarm.

“Now the same machine is over N1.5 to N2 million. How do we survive it? These are even minor pieces of equipment.

“Now, the interest rate in banks is something else and no bank wants to help us because it’s not a ‘sharp sharp’ business”, he lamented.

He further stated that the only way the Nigerian medical system would work effectively was through the national health insurance, which according to him, collapsed 20 years ago.

He said, “Where the Nigerian medical system would have worked is through national health insurance. This has been destroyed for over 20 years.

“For over 20 years, they could only cover 4 percent of the Nigerian population. Recently they said the insurance has increased from N500 to N700, how can N700 treat a person for a whole month?

“They know the truth, but they are acting like they are ignorant. Some months ago, we said we are not treating again, then they added N400.

“You can see that there is no seriousness. Between now and December, we will stop treating them. They should go and look for how to treat their patients.

“The way Nigerians are dropping dead every day is alarming. If we have resolved as a country to reduce the population of Nigerians through negative health index, let us come out openly and say it.

“Because Nigerians can no longer access healthcare. Paracetamol that used to be N250 is now N7000. I don’t know how they want Nigerians to survive.

“Ordinary syringe of N250 is now more than N7000 per pack. We are all confused. People are just dying and mortuaries are filled up”.

On the issue of minimum wage, Odia stated that “if health insurance is working and the government is paying when they are supposed to pay, the hospital will be able to settle these bills.”

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has raised concerns over ministries conducting promotion exercises for special civil servants without adhering to due process.

According to Punch, a memo signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, cautioned such ministries against bypassing established protocols.

The document emphasized that cases involving promotions for special, deserving civil servants must be submitted to the Federal Civil Service Commission for approval.

The memo, addressed to key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, heads of departments, and agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and permanent secretaries, highlighted the need for compliance.

Dated October 28, 2024, the memo stated, “Henceforth, all Ministries/Extra-Ministerial Departments are advised to follow the extant procedure as provided in Part IV Section 24 of the “Guidelines for Appointments, Promotion and Discipline” (2004 Edition) issued by the Federal Civil Service Commission, in their requests for special promotion for deserving officers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all requests for special promotion must be forwarded to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission by the recommending Permanent Secretary, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

“Kindly ensure strict compliance with the content of this Circular.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has given state governments an ultimatum of December 1, 2024, to implement the new minimum wage.

It also accused fuel marketers of inflating petrol prices, claiming the pump price is significantly higher than the actual market value.

The NLC contended that Nigerians were being exploited, with citizens enduring heightened suffering and hunger due to government policies which keep pushing many into destitution.

In a communique released on Sunday, following its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC highlighted the severe economic hardship across the country and called for an urgent review of policies it described as “anti-people.”

The NLC further directed state councils where the new minimum wage is not yet implemented to commence an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024, in protest against the unaddressed labour issues.

In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers from N30,000 to N70,000.

However, the implementation across states has been gradual, with some still yet to adopt the new minimum wage.

While a number of states have pledged to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, others have gone further, committing to pay amounts higher than the federal mandate.

As of the first week of November, more than 20 states have announced the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and sensitisation campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent

until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state councils where the national minimum wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024.

“Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the communique read.

The NLC’s call underscored its growing concerns over the economic strain on Nigerians and its commitment to holding both fuel marketers and the government accountable for citizens’ welfare.

“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol in Nigeria.

“It observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price.

“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote group.

“It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of economic power in Nigeria which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.

“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the Public domestic refineries in PH, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream,” it added.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun and vigilante group, among others, from participating in the Ondo State governorship election.

No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the election slated for November 16, 2024.

In a statement on Sunday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG said only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.

He said, “Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like vigilante corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State gubernatorial election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”

The police boss ordered the deployment of officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit, among others.

The statement added that aerial patrols would be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies.

“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”

Adejobi also said the IG vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.

He said, “The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”

For the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission said is set to deploy over 15,500 ad hoc staff.

INEC via its website as sighted by The PUNCH on Sunday, revealed that out of the 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, only 1,757,205 collected their Permanent Voter Cards and would be eligible to vote on Saturday.

The remaining 295,856 registered voters failed to collect their PVCs, thereby missing out on the opportunity to participate in the upcoming election.

The electoral body will allocate a team of four officials to each of the 3,933 polling units across the state, comprising one presiding officer and three assistant presiding officers, bringing the total number of ad hoc staff to 15,732.

In addition, supervisory presiding officers will be assigned to oversee operations at various polling locations.

INEC commenced training for its ad hoc personnel on Friday, November 8, and concluded it on Sunday, November 10.

The sessions, conducted by INEC’s Electoral Institute, took place across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

The training aimed to equip National Youth Service Corps members, ex-corps members, and final-year university students with the necessary skills to manage polling operations effectively.

The focus was on adhering to the 2022 guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections.

During his monitoring visit, the Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute, National Commissioner, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, stressed the importance of the training to ensure “efficiency and effective performance of the Polling Officials on election day.”

He also used the opportunity of the visit to reiterate the function of the INEC Results Viewing portal “as a platform to view election results stating that this does not connote transmission of results.”

NSCDC deploys 6,000 officers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced the deployment of 6,000 officers to ensure adequate security across Ondo State during the election.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, disclosed this in a press release signed by the Corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on Sunday.

Audi stressed the corps’ readiness to provide comprehensive security before, during, and after the polls.

He explained that the personnel would be drawn from Ondo and neighbouring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta.

“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and men to provide adequate security before, during and after the November 16, Ondo governorship elections.

“CG Audi said the NSCDC is fully ready to ensure free, fair and credible elections, noting that the corps would deploy personnel from neighbouring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, amongst others,” the statement read in part.

The officers will be tasked with protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, safeguarding INEC officials and ensuring the safe distribution of election materials.

The deployment covers all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units, including coastal areas in the state.

The security arrangement will feature specialised units such as the Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit.

Additionally, K-9, Marine, and Election Monitoring units, along with the Intelligence and Investigation Department will also be part of the operation.

The NSCDC boss noted that these measures were designed to prevent political violence and thuggery throughout the electoral process.

“The personnel drawn from the host state, neighbouring states and the national headquarters comprises Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, CG’s Mining Marshal, Election Monitoring Unit as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department.

“There are comprehensive and strategic measures already put in place which are targeted towards forestalling all forms of political violence and thuggery before, during and after the elections.

“It is highly imperative that you work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security,” the statement added.

He also warned against acts of vandalism, destruction of public utilities, and election-related violence, urging parents to caution their children against being used by politicians for violent purposes.

Audi assured the public of the corps’ commitment to protecting voters’ fundamental rights while promising to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to disrupt the election process in accordance with the electoral law.

The newly appointed Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, has said his mission is to deliver Kano State to the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

The development came as the immediate-past minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, faulted the decision to choose Ata as his replacement, describing it as a wrong political decision.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after his maiden visit to Kano after his swearing-in as minister, Ata said, “My appointment was mainly for political reasons, APC has lost Kano State and now it will take Kano State. The main problem is the Kano Central and I am from there.

“Even as a minister, I will continue to sit in this ward, we are going to work very hard to see that APC gains control of Kano State by 2027.

“My mission, like I said, is purely political. Even though I am posted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, I will do my work but I will be coming to Kano State every week so as to work towards gaining control of the state.”

The minister appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the appointment, adding that it was not for his own person but for the citizens of Kano and Nigeria as well.

He, therefore, assured the President that come 2027, the APC will win Kano.

“This is my assurance given to the President,” he said.

The President had sacked Gwarzo alongside four other ministers in a recent cabinet reshuffle.

Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa service on Saturday, Gwarzo said the President should have chosen the APC standard-bearer in the 2023 governorship election, Nasiru Gawuna, in order to improve the party’s fortunes in Kano Central senatorial district.

The former minister said his sack was not due to poor performance but political schemings orchestrated by some chieftains of the party in Kano.

“I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance. And I was a minister of state with the senior minister who handles a large chunk of the ministry’s activities.

“Before the announcement, the President had put me on notice of his decision.

“He said Kano North was overloaded with political officers, hence the need to strike a balance. We gave our advice, but it was ignored.

“From there I began to suspect that some people were behind this because for me that wasn’t a valid reason.

“If it’s true that the ministerial slot will be allocated to Kano Central, we have our 2023 governorship candidate, who is also our leader in Kano Central. Why not consider giving him the slot?” Gwarzo queried.

He added that Mr Gawuna’s current position could not sustain him to properly manage his structures.

“Gawuna should be offered the position first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else.

“All his other colleagues who contested in other states were given positions, such as the candidates from Plateau and Zamfara states,” Mr Gwarzo added.

The former minister added that he had accepted his fate and moved on as he pledged continued support for the administration of the President.

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan as the incoming administration’s “Border Czar.”

In this role, Homan will oversee national border security and manage the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Trump expressed confidence in Homan’s capabilities, stating, “I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders.”

Homan, who served as acting ICE director from January 2017 to June 2018, has been a prominent advocate for stringent immigration enforcement policies.

His tenure was marked by a significant increase in deportation arrests and the implementation of policies aimed at deterring illegal immigration.

His return to the administration signals a continuation of hardline immigration strategies.

In addition to Homan’s appointment, Trump had named Susie Wiles as his incoming White House Chief of Staff.

Wiles, who managed Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign, is recognized for her strategic expertise and leadership.

Her appointment marks the first time a woman will hold the position of White House Chief of Staff.

Wiles’ extensive experience in political consulting and her role in orchestrating Trump’s campaign are expected to influence the administration’s policy direction and operational efficiency.

Observers anticipate that Homan and Wiles will play pivotal roles in shaping the administration’s approach to border security and overall governance.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has insisted that the controversial tax reform bill presented by President Bola Tinubu will be passed into law by the National Assembly.

Jibrin, disagreed with the position of Borno Senator, Ali Ndume, who said the bill was dead on arrival.

Speaking on Sunday during an interview with Channels TV, Jibrin, who represented Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, said contrary to the belief in certain quarters, the North is not against the bill.

He said the National Assembly would check the clauses in the bill, and it will be passed.

According to him, after the bill is passed, Nigerians would also be able to see that what President Bola Tinubu packaged in the bill is in their interest.

“It is not a consensus in the North that this bill should be shut down. And talking for myself and also how I know the National Assembly operates in terms of following procedures of the passage of the bill, I can be able to tell you authoritatively that the bill is not dead on arrival,” Jibrin said on the programme.

“I can explain to you that hundreds of clauses in these bills are things we have been pursuing for ages and I will be able to tell you this; the work that we are going to do for Nigerians to see all the clauses in detail and everything, I can confidently tell you that bill will go through the processes in the National Assembly and it will be passed,” he added.

Naija News reports that despite the controversy generated by the bill, including the recommendation by the National Economic Council led by Vice President Kashim Shettima for the bill to be stepped down, President Tinubu has insisted that the bill would not be withdrawn from the National Assembly.

The estimated cost of landing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, on Nigeria’s shores has seen a significant 20.34 per cent reduction, falling to ₦971.57 per litre over the past three months.

This decline, which includes importation and distribution expenses, reflects relief from global market fluctuations and supply chain dynamics.

Despite this drop, the retail price of petrol in Nigeria has surged by ₦443 or 71.79 per cent, increasing from ₦617 per litre on August 1, 2024, to ₦1,060 per litre as of November 8, 2024. Independent marketers are selling at even higher prices, up to ₦1,180 per litre.

Data from the Major Energies Marketers Association’s daily energy bulletin indicates that in August, oil marketers imported petrol at ₦1,219 per litre when Brent crude was priced at $80.72 per barrel, with an exchange rate of ₦1,611 per dollar. During this period, petrol retailed at ₦617 per litre.

However, by November, the landing cost had dropped to N971.57 per litre, with Brent crude priced at $75.57 per barrel and the exchange rate at ₦1,665.84 per dollar.

Yet, petrol now sells for ₦1,060 per litre at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets and ₦1,180 at independent marketer stations.

The data also shows that the landing cost stood at ₦945.63 in September and ₦903.64 per litre in October 2024.

The increase in retail price, despite falling landing costs, is attributed to factors such as the ongoing deregulation of the fuel market, exchange rate fluctuations, rising inflation, and wider economic challenges.

Experts expect that the decline in landing costs should result in lower retail prices. However, on Sunday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) accused fuel marketers of inflating petrol prices, stating that the current pump price is disproportionately high compared to the actual market value.

In a communique following its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC argued that Nigerians are being exploited, enduring heightened suffering and hunger due to government policies pushing many into poverty.

Ebonyi State-based prophet, His Holiness, Spirit Emmanuel Chukwudi, who prophesied the emergence of Mr Donald Trump has again said that former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will still become the president of Nigeria.

According to him, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has disappeared from the spirit realm.

Chukwudi, who is the General Overseer King of Kings Deliverance Ministries Worldwide, Gbonum Ulepa Ntezi, Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, gave the prophecy while speaking in an interview shortly after Trump defeated Kamala Harris last week. 

Chukwudi had days before the US election, predicted victory for Trump.

He has now said Atiku will become president, as God has directed him to announce it again to Nigerians.

He stated “Today, the Lord has said it again, that just as Donald Trump was elevated to lead Americans on November 5, so shall it come to pass in Nigeria regarding His word on Atiku Abubakar.

“I prophesied in 2019 and 2023, that Uzodinma will win, and he won.

“In 2011, I told Buhari that Goodluck Jonathan will be president.

“Jonathan won and Buhari lost. In 2014, I told Goodluck to retire, that Buhari will rule. The word of God came through me as Buhari won and Goodluck lost.

“In 2015, didn’t I say that Prince Abubakar Audu of APC will win in Kogi? Didn’t he win? He won and died.

“In 2020, I warned Chief Chekwas Okorie of APGA and UPP not to join APC, that he will disappear permanently from politics. Didn’t it happen?”

While decrying the release of fake prophecy by people he called puppet prophets, he declared that: “For many years, I have prophesied that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will become president. It has not yet happened and Nigerians are arguing that my prophecy is false. But know that the word of God does not fail.

“I have made tons and tons of prophecies, and they all came to pass. I don’t prophecy and fail. The word of God lives in me. I cannot even list half of them here.

“Three times, I have said that Donald Trump will be pardoned by God because he is on a rescue mission to save America and the world from the kingdom of darkness. Just a few days before the election, it happened again as I said that he must become president.

“Just like Trump, Atiku is coming. Every word of the Lord shall come to pass and His Word on Atiku shall also come to pass.

“As a matter of fact, the APC has disappeared from the spirit realm. So, Atiku is coming. He will be president. He has been reserved to save Nigeria, and it shall manifest in our presence.”