The Port Harcourt Refining Company, a refinery under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Rivers State, has again failed to commence operations after about six postponements, The PUNCH reports.
It was observed that promises made to Nigerians by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC about the refinery have continued to witness multiple failures.
Since December 2023, NNPC, which is in charge of all the government refineries, has given Nigerians different dates, assuring citizens that the refinery would begin the sale of refined products soon.
In July, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, stated categorically that the refinery would come into operation in early August.
The same Kyari said in 2019 that the NNPC would deliver all the country’s four refineries before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
While appearing before the senate recently in July, Kyari boasted, “I can confirm to you, Mr Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.
“Specific to NNPC refineries, we have spoken to a number of your committees, and it is impossible to have the Kaduna refinery come into operation before December, it will get to December, both Warri and Kaduna, but that of Port Harcourt will commence production early August this year.”
However, as August nears midpoint, the refinery has yet to commence operations, creating concerns that this might be another failed promise from NNPC.
Replying to inquiries from our correspondent on Tuesday, the NNPC said it was on course, even when the early August promise has expired.
In a chat with our correspondent, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, tersely replied, “We are on course.”
Soneye did not reply to further questions, asking if he meant the refinery would still operate this month.
The PUNCH recalls that the 210,000 barrels per day refinery was said to have reached what the NNPC called mechanical completion of rehabilitation work in December.
It stated that the facility would start refining 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily after last year’s Christmas break.
Later in January, Kyari said the refinery was being tested and would be ready by the end of January.
During the second month of the year, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited completed the supply of 475,000 barrels of crude oil to the Port Harcourt refinery, raising the expectations of marketers that production was set to commence.
This came a few weeks after NNPC said in January it was seeking to engage reputable and credible operations and maintenance companies to run the Port Harcourt refinery. NNPC did not disclose whether or not it had secured bidders to run the refinery.
In mid-March, Kyari said the Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations in two weeks, April.
“We are serving this country with honour and dignity. And we will make sure that the promises we make on the rehabilitation of these refineries will take place,” Kyari stated after he appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigating the various turnaround maintenance projects of the country’s refineries.
As the April deadline elapsed, independent petroleum marketers told The PUNCH that the facility would begin production by the end of July.
Commenting on this, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Soneye, said regulatory approvals from international bodies were the only impediment stalling the operational commencement of the refinery.
“We have said that the mechanical completion has been done and every other thing is done. There is crude oil and all the pipes are working; we are only waiting for regulatory approvals. As I said, some of our materials and the things we use have to do with nuclear, and we need the nuclear authorities to give us approval to use all those things at the site.
“And some of these approvals come from bodies outside of Nigeria. Until they give us those approvals, we can’t begin operations. We are ready to go but if something happens without it, which would be another issue. Everything has been completed in terms of our work, and once we get those approvals, it will start operations,” Soneye revealed in May.
Some Nigerians have expressed disappointment that the nation’s refineries have remained moribund for years. The country has since depended on imported fuel as it lacks refining capacity, spending up to N2tn monthly.
The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said $4bn had been spent by the Federal Government in an attempt to revive the nation’s refineries.
Obasanjo talks tough
While addressing some House of Representatives members who visited him in Abeokuta on Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recalled how Shell refused his pleas to help run the refineries when he invited them during his days as the President, blaming corruption and poor management.
According to Obasanjo, some Nigerians later paid $750m to take over the refineries, however, his successor turned it back.
“I ran to him, I said, ‘You know this is not right’. He said, ‘Well, NNPC said they can do it’. I said ‘NNPC cannot do it’. I told my successor that ‘the refineries, from what I heard and know, will not work and when you want to sell them, you will not get anybody to buy them at $200m as scrap’. And that is the situation we are in.
“So, why do we do this kind of thing to ourselves? NNPC knew that they could not do it, but they knew they could eat and carry on with the corruption that was going on in NNPC. When people were there to do it, they put pressure. In a civilized society, those people should be in jail,” Obasanjo posited.
He told the lawmakers that he was aware they were investigating the $1.5bn the NNPC has spent on the Port Harcourt refinery.
The refinery, situated in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, has been in operation since 1965, but later became moribund for several years. The Alesa Eleme refinery complex is approximately 25km east of Port Harcourt.
In March 2021, the Nigerian government acquired a $1.5bn loan for the renovation and modernisation of the refinery; a move that was criticised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who advocated the sale of all government refineries.
While reacting to the plan to hand the refinery over to private managers, Atiku tackled former President Muhammadu Buhari and the incumbent President Bola Tinubu for failing to heed his advice that the refinery and others owned by the government should be sold to private individuals.
Earlier, NNPC disclosed that it signed an agreement with the African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited for the subscription of 15 per cent equity by ARPHL in the Port Harcourt Refining Company.
Parties in the deal said the agreement would lead to an increase in the refining capacity of the Port Harcourt refinery from 210,000 barrels per day to 310,000bpd.
PHRC is one of the three national refineries under the management of NNPC.
Meanwhile, the Senate has raised questions over the $1.5bn approved in 2021 for the renovation of the refinery.
The upper chamber lamented that it is “unfair and wrong to treat government businesses or public companies as an orphan while private businesses were flourishing and thriving.”
The Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, Opeyemi Bamidele, raised the questions at a session with stakeholders in the industry in Abuja.
At the session, Bamidele expressed concerns over the dysfunctionality of the government-owned refineries despite investments to carry out turn-around maintenance.
Nigerians are hopeful that the refinery will stop fuel importation and crash the pump price of petrol when completed.
The Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu‘s administration has entered into 26 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various foreign countries and agencies, securing commitments valued at more than ₦4.2 trillion.
These agreements span multiple sectors, including infrastructure, education, trade, investment, tourism, security, information technology, culture, energy, gas, and sports.
The agreements’ total value may be higher, as several MoUs did not disclose their financial details, according to a document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
One notable agreement was signed with India in February 2024 to enhance trade between the two nations. In November 2023, Nigeria signed a $500 million deal with Germany focused on renewable energy and gas. Additionally, a significant MoU with Russia on nuclear energy was finalized on September 27, 2023.
Regarding infrastructure, Nigeria signed a $2 billion deal with China on October 20, 2023, to develop various projects. Another MoU with China, signed on December 9, 2023, involves establishing a $150 million Lithium-Ion battery manufacturing and processing facility in Nigeria.
In the education sector, Nigeria secured MoUs with Russia and Qatar on December 22, 2023, and March 3, 2024, respectively.
In trade and investment, Nigeria signed an agreement with India in February 2024 to further increase trade between the two countries. On March 3, 2024, an MoU was signed with Qatar to establish a Joint Business Council between NACCIMA and the Qatar Chamber.
Another MoU, signed on March 19, 2024, with Lab Four, aims to create 50,000 full-time business process outsourcing jobs in Nigeria over the next three years.
To strengthen national security, Nigeria signed two agreements with the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism on August 30, 2023, focusing on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
Additionally, on January 30, 2024, an MoU was signed with the United States to train commanders of the Police Special Intervention Squad in combating banditry and other crimes.
For cultural preservation, an MoU was signed with the United States on February 16, 2024, to focus on preserving a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in Adamawa State.
In technology, Nigeria secured a $600 million I-DICE Financial Agreement with France on November 3, 2023, to support digital and creative enterprises.
Former Senator who represented Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has replied the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) over claims regarding the earnings of Nigerian senators.
Naija News reported that RMAFC had faulted Sani’s claim that senators receive a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to a N750,000 salary.
The commission insisted that senators get N1 million salary monthly only, stressing that some allowances are regular, while others are non-regular.
The commission said the clarification was “in view of the recent statement made by Mr. Shehu Sani, a former Senator of the Federal Republic who was reported to have disclosed to the public that each Senator collects a monthly running cost of ₦13.5 M in addition to the monthly ₦750, 000.00 prescribed by the Commission”.
However, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Shehu Sani said RMFAC specifically quoted the figure of the salary earned by the lawmakers without the total sum of the monthly running cost.
According to Sani, RMAFC danced around the figures, claiming that a senator receives N1 million in salary monthly, and he understands their fears.
He said: “The RMFAC specifically quoted the figure of the salary earned by the lawmakers and then danced around the figures for the total sum of the monthly running cost per legislator. Anyway, I can understand their fears.
“RMFAC refuted my statement, but I’m now vindicated by Senator Kawu Sumaila who confirmed that the monthly alert is N21million and not N1million.”
Women from Akoko Southwest Local Government Area in Ondo State staged a half-naked protest, voicing their outrage over the persistent kidnappings and killings allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen in their community.
The protesters, concerned about their safety, called for immediate action to curb the violence and restore peace in the area.
According to Saharareporters, the demonstration followed the killing of a 34-year-old farmer, Sunday Ayeni, in Uba-Oka Akoko by suspected herdsmen just a day earlier.
Dressed in various garments and without head coverings, the women marched to the palace of the Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, during a security meeting to express their frustration and demand justice.
Singing war songs, they condemned the recent violence and called for an end to the attacks. They also reported incidents of rape and crop destruction on their farmlands by the herdsmen.
The women vowed to resist any further harassment, torture, and kidnappings by the armed men.
One of the protesters, Abigail Ojo, explained that they were on the verge of abandoning their farms due to the ongoing violence. She urged state security agencies to find effective measures to protect them.
In response, Oba Adeleye assured the women that their concerns would be taken seriously and promised to escalate the issue to the State and Federal Governments for urgent intervention.
He acknowledged that the Akoko communities were already grappling with significant security challenges.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday took a swipe at the top echelons of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Police Force and 12 others, saying they are frustrating the efforts of the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at making Nigeria better.
The chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (SDP, Nasarawa West), told newsmen in Abuja, that the heads of these agencies have consistently refused to respond to queries raised against them over the 2019 audit report.
Daily Trust reports that the committee commenced the consideration of the audit report in October 2023, with a view to presenting its final report to the Senate committee of whole, but some agencies of government have failed to respond to its demands.
Senator Wadada said going forward, any agency that refused to honour invitations of the committee would be reported to the Senate committee of whole during plenary for appropriate actions.
The lawmaker listed other agencies frustrating the Senate and Tinubu’s agenda for Nigeria to include the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (former DPR) and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment.
Others are the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited among others.
He said, “The committee is not in doubt of the commitment of the present administration under the stewardship of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make Nigeria better. But with the attitude of the aforementioned chief executives, that will not be achievable unless and until we all do the needful.
“The committee is very displeased with the attitude of foot dragging by agencies that are by law, expected to respond to parliamentary invitations and account for their actions.”
Nigerians Dying, Eating Grass, Drinking Contaminated Water Because Of Tinubu’s Ruthless Policies – Dan Bello
AFOLABI
Bello Galadanchi, a skitmaker popularly known as Dan Bello, has said that Nigerians are dying of hunger because of President Bola Tinubu economic policies.
Dan Bello stated this during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics on Tuesday.
He challenged the government to sue him if it was not happy with his works.
The skitmaker said that he was not affiliated to any political party in the country, saying he was not working for anybody.
Bello said, “If what I am doing is not good for them, that means that it is automatically good for the people. If what they are doing is good, then no one will feel that the content is creating significant chances. That automatically is saying what they are doing is not enough. What they are doing is causing all these issues we are facing.
“The ruling party has enacted policies that are making people hungry. People are dying. People are eating grass right now. People drinking contaminated water. People go about knocking doors and saying we have not eaten for three days.
“This is not a natural disaster, rainfall or a tsunami. These are from policies that can be avoidable. These leaders just put out those policies and closed their ears.
“And now they are unhappy because we are calling them out because of the policies. They just want us to keep quiet while people are dying. Really? Where is our humanity? What is the point of studying and seeing how things are done outside and people don’t go hungry in other countries? And we just keep quiet.
“Now they are unhappy because they are getting themselves billions of naira and doing all kinds of bogus projects. Yes, I want them to be unhappy. I want them to go to court. I want them to sue and do anything they can so that we can keep quiet. That means our work is getting better and better.”
The Federal Government has traced at least N83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money channelled towards the recent nationwide protests, The PUNCH reports.
They include $50m of cryptocurrency — $38m of which were blocked in four cryptocurrency wallets — and N4bn contributed by various political actors in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.
This was part of a presentation by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the inaugural meeting of the Council of State convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
According to multiple sources with knowledge of Tuesday’s meeting proceedings, Ribadu, who presented on the topic ‘The Nationwide Protest As It Affects National Security,’ also revealed that an European has been identified as the mastermind of the proliferation of foreign flags during the protests and will soon be declared wanted by the Police.
One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that local conspirators traced to capital city Abuja, Kaduna and Kano have been arrested.
“In his presentation, the NSA said the government was able to trace $50m to crypto wallets that were made as donations to the protests. They succeeded in blocking four of those wallets containing $38m.
“They also found out that some political actors contributed N4bn to fund the protests,” one of the sources told The PUNCH.
The PUNCH had reported on Tuesday that President Tinubu convened the Council of State meeting to discuss, among other matters, the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, national security, the economy and food security.
The Council comprises the President (who serves as its chairman), the Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of The Federation and all state governors.
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhamamdu Buhari attended the inaugural Council meeting, while former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), joined virtually alongside governors of Abia, Adamawa and Akwa Ibom State.
Obasanjo, IBB absent
However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) did not attend the meeting.
Tuesday’s gathering came days after Nigerians, mostly youths, hit the roads in Abuja for a one-million-man march. The march, which climaxed with a low turnout, marked the 10th day of the nationwide protest against the rising cost of living in the country.
On August 1, the opening day of the nationwide protest, demonstrations declined into destruction of property and loss of lives, especially in the North, leading to at least 17 reported deaths during the “days of rage.”
On August 3, just two days into the demonstrations, viral photos and videos showed demonstrators waving the flags in Kano State and chanting in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”
In Kaduna, a state in the north west, protesters were also seen waving the Russian flag and reciting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.” Russia, an Eastern power which is currently mired in a proxy war with the West, has been blamed for several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, among others.
The Nigerian military said the use of Russian flags during the protests was a treasonable offence, adding that it was investigating those behind the move and would “take serious action” against them.
While addressing the nation in a broadcast on August 4, President Tinubu warned demonstrators not to “let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey.”
The PUNCH reported earlier that security agencies had identified at least four politicians from Katsina, Kaduna and Kano states, who, they said, promoted the use of the Russian flag among demonstrators with the intent to spark unconstitutional regime change.
Another source privy to the discussions at the Council of State meeting told our correspondent that these local actors have been arrested, with the foreign mastermind on the run.
The source said, “The NSA also briefed the Council that there was some element of foreign interference in the protest, that they found out that some foreigners fueled the protests. It was not just about Nigerians protesting against hardship.
“A foreign agent had been found to be connected to it and would soon be declared wanted by the Police. The police will make the announcement this week.
“This agent is a person of interest with his Nigerian collaborators; most of them have been arrested. They are looking for him. But his collaborators in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina have been arrested. The NSA also confirmed that eight people died during the protests.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, said no political actor would be allowed to instigate an unconstitutional regime change. He described the #EndBadGovernance protests as an attempt to achieve regime change, saying any such changes must be made through the ballots, not through insurrection.
“Any change of government has to be through the ballots and not through the barrel of the gun or insurrection or any other unconstitutional means,” Alake stated while briefing State House correspondents after the Council of State meeting at the Villa on Tuesday.
He added, “Matters of state were discussed in a robust and frank manner. The National Security Adviser was also on hand to present the security situation of the country. He informed the Council of State about the pre-, during and post-event of the last protests, which I do not call a protest. I call it a movement to effect a regime change by force, which was resisted.
“The Council thanked Nigerians at large for resisting any unconstitutional move to change the government. If anybody is not satisfied with the government, there is always an election coming, so you wait for the election and cast your vote.
“The NSA briefed the Council on the security situation and allayed fears. He spoke about the tightness of the security around the country and also reassured all and sundry that nobody would be allowed to truncate our hard-earned democracy. And he reassured us of the readiness of all security agencies in the country to secure our territorial integrity and protect Nigeria’s democracy.”
The cabinet member confirmed an earlier report by The PUNCH, stating that he and his counterparts from various ministries briefed the Council on seven areas: The Nationwide Protest as it Affects National Security; the State of the Economy; Food Security, Availability and Affordability; Milestones in the Solid Minerals Sector; Budgeting and Planning for Sustained Development; Milestones in the Road Sector and Leading a Strong Industrial Base for Transformation and Growth.
“Some of us ministers were invited to make presentations on our road map and what we’ve achieved, as well as the prospects and the challenges in our various ministries.
“And so, me, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Finance minister, Mr Wale Edun, were there to make a presentation.
“The Minister of Budget was also there, he made his presentation. The Minister of Works also made a presentation and so did the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of Agriculture,” he stated.
On his part, Finance minister Wale Edun told journalists that his data-based presentation at the Council meeting showed attendees Nigeria’s inflation rate, which he said was too high by Tinubu’s reckoning, was reducing steadily.
“In my case, we updated them on the economy, how much progress has been made in terms of the macroeconomic policies being followed under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and these policies are anchored on his eight priority areas and the results to date have been very encouraging.
“We looked at the data of this half year for which data was available, compared to the first and second quarters of 2023. And in broad terms, the economy is growing. The balance of payments, in particular, the trade and current account balances, are in surplus.
“The exchange rate is stabilising, and inflation, though uncomfortably high for the liking of Mr. President and his team, is slowing, and it is set to fall. But in particular, there has been support for the economy from investors, by way of portfolio investors and domestic investors, who are participating in important private-public partnerships, particularly the infrastructure sector and foreign direct investment, which is beginning to recover; I would say so.”
Edun noted that the takeaway from his presentation was that “we have exports, goods exports, non-oil exports, at $55bn last year with tremendous room to grow. And we reported an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian economy and society in general due to prospects for economic growth and progress.”
He said the service sector, particularly the outsourcing industry, was highlighted as a sector with high prospects for growth in the near future.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced that the Council of State unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu.
“The high note of the meeting was a unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, said.
“Members, especially those of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, were satisfied with the presentation by the members of the Federal Executive Council, and after that meeting, there was an executive session between members of the NGF and Mr President, and frank and fruitful discussions were held between both parties.
“I’m glad to say we are on the right track. And to say in the same vein, members of the NGF, like the members of the Council of State, also passed a vote of confidence on Mr. President.”
The Council was last held 18 months ago – February 10, 2023 – under former President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, Buhari had convened the meeting to discuss the 2023 elections, the crisis emanating from the new naira policy and fuel scarcity.
The National Council of State is a constitutional organ of the Nigerian government that advises the executive on policy-making, among other functions. Its largely advisory role is to guide the President in decision-making processes on national security, appointments and economic policies.
At the President’s behest, the Council meets to deliberate on crucial national issues, including—but not limited to—national security, economic challenges and the appointment of key public officials like the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Population Commission and the Police Service Commission.
Additionally, the Council advises on the exercise of the President’s powers regarding pardons and commutations. The meetings are typically convened by the President and are not held regularly but are instead called as needed, especially when the country faces significant challenges that require input from past and present leaders. Though not binding, the Council’s recommendations often influence presidential decisions.
The United Kingdom has warned its citizens against travelling to several parts of Nigeria, noting that another wave of nationwide protests may erupt anytime with little notice.
“Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in a travel advisory issued on Tuesday.
The FCDO warned UK citizens against all travels but essential to Abuja, Lagos, Borno, Kano, Imo and other major cities with the view that nationwide protests might recur following the conclusion of the initial wave of days-long demonstrations earlier this month.
The travel advisory indicated, “Widespread public demonstrations took place across Nigeria from 1 to 7 August, including in major cities of Abuja and Lagos. This resulted in disruptions, reports of violence, and use of tear gas by security services in various locations.’’
The FCDO noted that “Protests have now largely receded but may reoccur with little notice. Exercise caution when travelling, consider avoiding travel after dark, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and monitor local media reporting, as well as UK Travel Advice.”
In previous travel advisories, the FCDO advised Britons against travelling to most northern states including Borno, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi states over terrorism. It also warned against travelling to Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom and Anambra and Imo states over insecurity.
Britons have been advised to be cautious travelling to several other places across the West African nation over instabilities.
“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting.”
The latest FCDO travel advisory was issued days after several countries including Nigeria warned its citizens against travelling to the UK amid violent far-right protests targeted at mostly black and brown immigrants.
Anti-immigrant protesters stormed several British cities after a 17-year-old second generation immigrant, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who is of Rwandese descent, stabbed and killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport late last month.
Southport mosque, hotels housing asylum seekers and property suspected to belong to immigrants were targeted and burnt by violent mobs calling for deportation of immigrants. People were also assaulted on the street by the protesters.
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to address the continued exodus of Nigerian doctors abroad.
The policy, announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, on his X handle on Tuesday, aims to woo an estimated 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors practising abroad
According to Pate, who also appeared on Channels TV on Tuesday evening, 67 per cent of Nigerian-trained doctors are practising in the United Kingdom alone.
“The recruitment countries, that recruit our professionals, should they not have some responsibilities to help us expand the training? Because the strain of health workers’ migration is continuous; it’s not going to stop tomorrow.
“the UK will need Nigerian doctors; 67 per cent of our doctors go to the United Kingdom and 25 per cent of the NHIS workforce is Nigerian.
“Nigerians are very vibrant, very entrepreneurial, and very capable wherever they are. If Nigerians hold back from the UK, for instance, the NHS will struggle to provide the services that many Nigerians are going there to get,” the minister said.
Pate said the policy signed by the President was more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals but a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health workers’ migration.
While health workers believed the policy might be positive, they demanded the details and implementation plan.
Announcing the policy on Tuesday, the health minister said, ”This afternoon, HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, in-council, approved a landmark policy set to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria.
“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration addresses the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health human resources. As the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, Mr President’s commitment to a resilient and robust healthcare system is powerfully reflected in this forward-looking policy.
“This policy is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration. It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.”
Many Nigerian healthcare workers leave the country for greener pastures, leaving their colleagues to contend with additional workload and extended call hours.
The push factors, according to them, are inadequate equipment, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and poor salary structure.
The minister noted that central to this vision was the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
“By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria.
“In an increasingly digital world, integrating advanced health technologies is essential. The policy’s focus on digital health infrastructure—including electronic medical records, telehealth, and a comprehensive health workforce registry—marks a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system. These innovations will streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the equitable distribution of health workers, ensuring access to quality care for all Nigerians.
“Capacity building is at the heart of this policy. It recognises the importance of continuous professional development, with strategic partnerships and opportunities for international training to equip our healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. This investment in human capital underscores our commitment to retaining and empowering our healthcare workforce,” he stated.
He added that the policy addressed the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora.
The minister said by establishing streamlined registration processes and providing attractive incentives, the policy would not only encourage the return of talented professionals but also actively reintegrate them into the health system.
“This approach leverages the expertise of our Diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector. Also, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.
“Recognising the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.
“The governance of this policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme within @Fmohnigeria, in collaboration with state governments. This ensures responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.
“With this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Under Mr President’s leadership, this policy will further catalyse the transformation of our health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
“As we embark on this journey, all stakeholders are invited to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects our nation’s potential and promise,” Pate said.
Explaining the policy further, the Senior Adviser, Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, said the government was negotiating with countries where Nigerian healthcare workers migrate to to help Nigeria improve health training facilities.
“We are talking to those countries that our health workers are going to, to see if they can now help Nigeria to improve provisions of some of the facilities that will enable Nigeria to train more health workers.
“The Federal Government has expanded our admission quota and improved on these medical institutions, so they are now encouraging all these countries where our health workers go, to assist us in maintaining these health institutions.”
Hallah said the implementation of the policy takes effect immediately.
“It’s a policy, it was adopted by the Federal Executive Council yesterday (Monday). So, it is immediate, and it has been approved. So, it’s a Nigerian government policy. This is a policy binding on healthcare workers.
He emphasised that the FG has established a policy allowing healthcare workers to travel abroad for training and then return to apply their new knowledge.
“Currently, there is a request by Qatar for 10 medical doctors to go there to study, especially in oncology. So, immediately after the training, they are coming back to the country,” he said.
Guarded optimism
The President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Prof Muhammad Muhammad, said the policy looks more theoretical than real.
Muhammad also called for the details of the policy for a better understanding.
“The issue is that we need to see the detail, it’s not just the English that matters. People bring a lot of policies on the ground, very well drafted and crafted, but execution is usually a problem. It might be difficult to say we are fully in support or otherwise if we have not seen the document.
“I have planned to check on the Ministry of Health, maybe tomorrow (today), to see if we can get the document and look at it. They mentioned certain things that we have been advocating – the welfare of doctors, improvement of the work environment, and retraining, but how they are going to do it needs to be spelled out in the document.
“We were not consulted before drafting the document, so we don’t have an insight into what is in the document. If they are going to put it to work, what they have written might be beneficial to the system and to also the healthcare workers, but the problem is that there may be a lot of other things that we don’t know yet. For example, when they say they are going to stop the migration, in what way? Is it by preventing doctors from moving, or how are they going to do it?”
The MDCAN President noted that the public needs to know if the policy will improve or worsen the rights of healthcare workers.
He said the 1:1 match—training of healthcare workers to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker might mean that, “They want any country that is hiring a healthcare worker, in addition to paying the healthcare worker, will also pay Nigeria for the cost of training that doctor. Let’s say Saudi Arabia or UK or Canada are going to employ a doctor that is trained in the public institution, they will expect that that country will pay Nigeria the same amount that was spent to train that doctor in Nigeria.”
The Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, Toba Odumosu, acknowledged that the policy appeared promising but emphasised the importance of gaining a clearer understanding of its details.
He also expressed support for the 1:1 training match for healthcare workers, noting that this approach is successfully implemented in other countries as well.
“For everybody that migrates to particular countries, you have a bilateral agreement for active recruitment of our health workers, then you find a way to sponsor the training of another healthcare worker in Nigeria. So the burden of training is not just on the Nigerian government, but the people who also benefit. That’s essentially what so many countries have done. In some cases, they have bilateral agreements that would mean that you actually go there for a certain number of years, and then you also find an agreement to come back to your country for a particular number of years before you are now free to migrate back. So, it’s sort of like a controlled migration system.
“But, we need the details of the policy to understand how this works because we still need to allocate more funds in the health sector, and meet the 2001 Abuja health declaration,” he noted.
As of December 3, 2023, the number of Nigerian-trained doctors licensed to practice in the UK was now 12,198, according to data from the General Medical Council in the UK.
Also, no fewer than 281 Nigerian doctors are working in other African countries, according to the data obtained from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in 2023.
The MDCN data showed that 153 Nigerian doctors are practicing in Sudan; followed by South Africa with 41 doctors; Egypt 17; Ghana 17; Uganda 13; Gambia – seven.
Others are Lesotho -six; Cameroon – four; Namibia -four; Algeria -two; Ethiopia -two; Kenya -two; Liberia -two; Benin -one; Botswana -one; Equatorial Guinea -one; Niger -one; Rwanda -one; Sierra Leone -one; Seychelles -one; South Sudan -one; Tanzania -one; Togo -one; and Zambia -one.
So far, a total of 13,656 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives are practicing in the United Kingdom.
This is according to the latest report on the number of nursing and midwifery professionals on the Nursing and Midwifery Council register as of March 31, 2024.
The report also showed that Nigeria is one of the top non-UK countries of education as of March 2024, and the number of Nigerian nurses and midwives practicing in the UK increased by 28.3 per cent in one year.
Other top non-UK countries of education as of March 2024, compared to last year are India (62,413), Philippines (49,092), Romania (7,378), and Ghana (5,536).
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, PCN, to appear before him and explain the rationale behind their move to scrap the award of Higher National Diploma, HND, Pharmaceutical Technology in all institutions in Nigeria.
The judge ordered them to appear before him on Friday, August 16, 2024, for their defence.
The decision of the judge followed a complaint by six plaintiffs against the decisions of the two defendants in their bid to discontinue the issuance of HND certificates in Pharmaceutical Technology.
The NBTE had, in a circular dated April 7, 2024, resolved to discontinue the award of HND certificate in Pharmaceutical Technology in all institutions under its control.
In the circular, NBTE indicated that it will henceforth stop granting approval and accreditation of HND in Pharmacy Technician Programme but will, however, continue to grant approval and accreditation for National Diploma in Pharmacy Technology.
The circular, signed by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, after a ministerial meeting in the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, said that all students currently studying Pharmacy Technology programme will be allowed to graduate but that there will be no fresh admissions as of April 2024.
The circular also indicated that graduates of Pharmacy Technology may have no place in clinical settings, according to PCN but can seek employment in other sectors.
Not satisfied by the decision, the six plaintiffs, through their lawyer, Wumi Adebayo, had approached the court in an ex-parte application seeking an order of interim injunction restraining the two defendants from implementing or giving effect to the circular that sought to discontinue the HND programme in Pharmacy Technology.
After listening to the argument of the six plaintiffs, the judge drew their attention to their failure to make the Minister of Education a party in their suit since the decision to discontinue the HND certificate was at the instance of the minister.
Justice Lifu thereafter ordered them to go and amend their processes to accommodate the necessary parties because of the national and sensitive nature of the request being made from the court.
Upon amending their processes, the judge ordered them to serve the same on the defendants, who must appear in court along with the plaintiffs on August 16, 2024, to show cause why the request should not be granted.
In an enrolled order, Justice Lifu said: “Considering the national nature of this case, I hereby invoked Order 26, Rule 8 of the 2019 rules of this court to order the defendants to show cause latest by Friday, August 16, 2024, while the reliefs being sought herein should not be granted as prayed in the motion ex parte.”
Plaintiffs in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/911/2024 are Abdul Aziz Bello, AbdulRasheed Tanimu, Osaro Odeh, Comrade Olufemi Adebisi, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians of Nigeria.
The two defendants are NBTE and PCN.
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The National Council of State has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, his leadership and the policies of his administration.
The council, during its meeting held on Tuesday at the council chambers of the presidential villa in Abuja, endorsed the efforts of President Tinubu targeted at addressing the challenges in Nigeria and stabilizing the economy.
The attendees at the meeting, passed a unanimous vote on the President and his activities as the leader of Nigeria.
As earlier reported by Naija News, former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan attended the meeting physically, while former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar participated virtually.
The National Council of State before passing a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and his cabinet, listened to presentations by six ministers and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Discussions at the meeting were detailed by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, during a press briefing after the Council’s meeting.
The Minister stated that the council members called for the protection of democracy in Nigeria and praised Nigerians for resisting the attempt by some persons to cause an undemocratic change of government during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.
Alake said the Council unanimously agreed that any change in government should occur through democratic elections.
He added that the council appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful while ensuring no person or group is allowed to take over governance through force.
National Security
Alake narrated that during the meeting, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu briefed council members on the current security situation and happenings in the country.
The Minister said Ribadu told the council members that the #EndBadGovernance protests were not just a mere protest but a movement to change the country’s leadership by force.
He said Ribadu “Did inform the Council of State about the pre, during and post-event of the last protests, which I do not call a protest. I call a movement to effect a change of regime by force, which was also resisted.”
The Position Of The Governors
The Kwara State Governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said the Governors passed a vote of confidence on the President.
Governor AbdulRazaq mentioned that the governors had a private discussion with President Tinubu and concluded by expressing their confidence in his leadership.
More Details From The Finance Minister
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, also briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council’s meeting.
He said the country’s economy is experiencing growth and that the exchange rate is showing signs of stabilization based on the reports presented to the Council of State by the invited Ministers, which compared the first half of the year with the second quarter of 2023.
Edun said both local and foreign investors have renewed hope in the nation’s economy.
“But in particular, there has been support for the economy from investors, foreign investors, by way of portfolio investors, domestic investors, who are participating in important private public partnerships, particularly infrastructure sector and foreign direct investment, is beginning to recover, I would say so.
“On that basis, we reported on, in particular, the opportunities for the economy once stabilized for investment and growth, and identified for the meeting was the fact that we have exports, goods exports, non-oil exports at $55 billion last year with tremendous room to grow.
“And in particular, we identified that the service sector that is, software services, computer services, accounting services, personnel services, which can be provided by young Nigerians staying in Nigeria and providing services through the internet and through telephones, outsourcing in a world was a big area we emphasized.
“So in a nutshell, we reported that there was good progress being made that the effort was going to continue to ensure that the interventions and measures to ameliorate the high cost of living for individuals, for the agricultural sector, for industry, for small scale businesses, were going to continue to be implemented with all efforts needed for success.
“And on that basis, we we reported an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian society in general, as a result of prospects for economic growth and economic progress,” the Minister stated.
Each Lawmaker Earns Over ₦12 Million annually – Revenue Commission Gives Salary, Allowances Breakdown
AFOLABI
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has said that each of the 109 senators in the upper chamber receives a total of N1.06m in salary and allowances per month.
It clarified this in response to recent controversies over the real amount each lawmaker earns per month.
This means each lawmaker earns N12.72m in 12 months and the Federal Government makes a total expenditure of N1.4bn annually for all senators.
The RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, said this in a statement personally signed on Tuesday in Abuja.
Commissioner of Police arrive at Ojota Park during the protest #endbadgovernanceinnigeria | Punch
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A breakdown of their monthly earnings revealed that each Senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of N1,063,860, consisting of a basic salary, N168,866:70; motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance, N126,650:00; and personal assistant, N42,216:66.
Others include domestic staff,126,650:00; entertainment, N50,660:00; utilities, N50,660:00; newspapers/periodicals, N25,330:00; wardrobe, N42,216,66:00; house maintenance, N8,443.33:00; and constituency allowance, N422,166:66.
The statement added, “It is instructive to note that some allowances are regular while others are non-regular. Regular allowances are paid regularly with basic salary while non-regular allowances are paid as at when due.
“For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200:00) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200:00) are paid once in every tenure, and vehicle allowance (N8,105,600:00) which is optional, is a loan which the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office.”
Recently, a former senator, Shehu Sani, claimed that each senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5m in addition to the N750,000 monthly payment prescribed by the commission.
But responding, Shehu clarified that the RMAFC does not possess the constitutional authority to enforce compliance with the remuneration package for lawmakers.
He, however, stated that this gap is being addressed by the National Assembly.
Shehu stated that apart from the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, other public and legislative officers no longer receive housing benefits, which was previously the case.
“The commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation.
“To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community, the commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng,” the statement added.
On Sunday, the Senate responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks suggesting that lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly set their salaries.
Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, challenged anyone with credible evidence to refute this, calling the idea that the National Assembly sets its salaries “uncharitable and satanic.”
Adaramodu clarified that the Senate receives salaries strictly as allocated by the RMAFC, under the constitution.
Former President Obasanjo, who served from May 1999 to May 2007, had criticised the practice of lawmakers determining their pay, calling it “immoral” and recommending that the RMAFC should handle the setting of salaries and allowances instead.
The nationwide protest held by Nigerians came to an end last Saturday after 10 days.
DAILY POST reports that organisers of the EndBadGovernance” protest said the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the hardship in the country.
One of the organizers and popular activist, Omoyele Sowore said Nigerians are asking the Federal Government to scrap the 1999 constitution and replace it with a people-made Constitution, return to the fuel subsidy regime, reduce the earnings of lawmakers, release Nnamdi Kanu, and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, among others.
Sowore also demanded that present and past leaders be probed, restructure Nigeria, end banditry, terrorism, and establish a special energy immediately to drive massive corruption-free power sector development.
Also, he demanded the reconstitution of the electoral body, and massive shake-ups in the Nigerian judiciary to remove cabals of corrupt generations of judges and judicial officers.
DAILY POST reports that several deaths were recorded, while hoodlums, who hijacked the demonstration, wreaked havoc on some business owners and residents.
Addressing the protesters in a nationwide speech, President Bola Tinubu had urged them to call off the demonstration and brace up for negotiation with his administration.
Speaking, Tinubu said: “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation.
“To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”
On his part, the Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole said there was no need for the protest because Tinubu was doing everything within his power to solve the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
Oshiomhole said he does recognise anyone among those who called themselves organizers of the nationwide protest.
He said: “I know Sowore as a defeated presidential candidate. And when you’re defeated in an election, you wait for the man who won the election.
“Give him time. Sowore cannot be seen as speaking for the people because he is still nursing the pain of his defeat.
“So, that’s not the guy to speak for people in Kano, for those people who throw bombs in Maiduguri or those people who hijack cars in.”
Protest a success but Tinubu not sincere – Adeyanju
Commenting, constitutional lawyer, Deji Adeyanju described the 10 days nationwide protest as a success because Nigerians were able to make the Federal Government understand their demands.
Adeyanju also accused Tinubu of being insincere with his proposal to meet and negotiate with the organizers of the protest.
Speaking with DAILY POST, he wondered why Tinubu’s administration would arrest over 1,300 protesters and expect the organizers to meet with him.
He said: “The protest was extremely successful in the sense that the idea of protest is to draw the attention of the government to the societal ills and by so doing, the nation is able to address some of these challenges, especially when you have a government that listens to the people.
“Even before the protest started, it was successful because the government was aware of the protesters and knew what to do about their demands but failed to do the needful which was why the protest even held in the first place.
“Issues around reverting to the old fuel subsidy, cutting cost of governance, amendment of the constitution, and providing more security for the people, etc.
“The protest further emboldened freedom of assembly as enshrined in the constitution.
“Before the protest, the government at all levels, including the military, the police, even the Senate President, Akpabio, threatened people that it would not hold.
“The Presidency threatened people not to protest, even the traditional rulers joined the fray asking people not to protest in a democracy.
“So, the protest was largely successful, even though it has not come to an end yet. As long as hunger, insecurity and unemployment persist, this protest will continue.
“The president appeared uninterested in meeting the demands of the protesters; however, that is just postponing the evil day.
“These protesters are just asking for economic and political reforms, so they should be commended.
“Politicians are living large at the expense of the Nigerian people. It’s shameful that this Government has arrested over 1,300 protesters in a democracy; even the military did not arrest that much. Abacha will be so proud of Tinubu and his regime.
“Someone who said he was willing to meet with protesters was still arresting protesters two days after the demonstration. Is that the kind of person you want to meet with?
“You can’t meet such people. Tinubu’s government is very insincere and has arrested over 1,300 people. Tinubu has no intention of meeting with protesters.
“This government does not want protest, but they were the ones who protested against other governments. I see a bigger protest because as long as the issues affecting the people persist, then a bigger protest is inevitable.”
Protesters projected failures of Nigerian govt to the world – Lawyer Idam
Activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam, said the protest succeeded in projecting the failures and ineptitudes of the Nigerian government before the international community.
He told DAILY POST: “Without gimmicks, I shall quickly say that the protests was a huge success, it could not have achieved a better result than the apprehension and anxiety that the protesters deposited with the government at all levels, having exposed their ineptitude and cluelessness before the international community.
“The message intended to be conveyed by the Endbadgovernance protests was well received by the authorities, whether or not the governments decide to play the ostrich and pay deaf ears to the yearnings of the protesters, is totally their own undoing which shall certainly not go without corresponding consequences at the right time, particularly during the polls.
“The only result that the Endbadgovernance protests did not achieve was a takeover of the government which was not intended and could not have been intended by the organizers of the protests nor the protesters themselves, knowing that a democratically elected government is and can only be changed through the ballot.
“The humiliation, mockery, ridicule and shaming, meted on the government by the reason of the protests, locally and internationally is one that no government would wish to experience.
“What more can a disgruntled citizen give in the expression of his displeasure towards a government that is totally unfrugal with public funds and clueless to basic economic principles if not the shame and ridicule it has exposed the government to by way of the protests.
“While I regret the casualties occasioned during the protest, I must say once more that the grievances of the citizens were well registered. Hence, the protest was a huge success.”
Protest yielded no result – Activist
A right activist cum chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Austin Okai said the just concluded nationwide protest yielded no result because the president did not grant any of the protesters’ requests.
Okai, however, advised organisers to ensure they get coordinators who would be bold enough to meet with the president in person to discuss their demands.
“The protest was okay but I don’t know what it achieved because of all the demands they made, did the president grant anyone? No.
“The president has not granted any of the requests rather he was even appealing about making sacrifices.
“The funniest thing is that the subsidy will not come back again and the Minister of Finance said they are paying a higher subsidy than before, so why can’t it reflect at the filling stations? This leads to the question, who is the president paying the subsidy to?
“Some say there is refinery in Malta and that’s where they are paying the subsidy to; these are some issues that the president and his handlers must speak about.
“I’m sure there will be another protest because this one did not yield any results and the organizers should bring in coordinators who will communicate with the government by looking at the president and telling him what people are going through and not on a placard.
“They should have a leader who can meet with the president and tell him what people are going through,” he told DAILY POST.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Leave For Equatorial Guinea on Official Visit](/media/k2/items/cache/11df8fa55e8d550f754fdaf15d88a8be_XS.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday, August 14, depart Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
President Tinubu will meet with the Equatorial Guinean President at the Presidential Villa on arrival, where meetings will be held between the two leaders and agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security, signed.
The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet who will be involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)