NEWS
Union Tells Tinubu To Appoint A Non-physician As Health Minister
The Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, has asked President Bola Tinubu to appoint a non-physician health minister even though it opposes the sale of teaching hospital facilities to private profiteers while the review of ministerial nominees continues.
Mathew Ajurotu stated to other medical professionals that the sale of the teaching hospitals will negatively effect their emoluments contrary to their perceptions in a letter to the President signed by the Acting National Secretary for the National President, JOHESU, and AHPA.
JOHESU argued that the salaries of 20% of the sector’s workers, which account for 60% of the personnel expenditures for the overall health staff in FHIs, are not served by the sales of Federal Health Institutions.
The health workers called for caution on the part of other medical professionals who have been assured that the sale of the facilities won’t affect them.
JOHESU/AHPA said that despite constituting 20 per cent of the total workforce in the sector, it is certain that private profiteers will fire them given reducing overhead costs.
According to them and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association, AHPA, those advocating for concessionaires are avaricious and would increase the healthcare problem and indexes.
The group pleaded with well-meaning Nigerians to take action and prevent the Federal Government from privatising the FHIs.
The letter further states: “Conscionable Nigerians should assist the Federal Government to be decisive in taking a position that the profiteers, concessionaires, greedy entrepreneurs and their collaborators in Government jostling to take over the FHIs be responsible enough to build their world-class health facilities like their presumed equivalents do in the global arena.
“Even in Nigeria today, we have a few tertiary hospitals like Duchess and Reddington Hospital which continue to make footprints in the sands of our evolving healthcare dispensation.
“In Lagos State, where the privatisation of healthcare was kick-started by these same dramatis personae, the experiment has failed. The privatised pharmacies which were about six at inception have failed in at least four of the centres at huge losses to the Lagos State Government, LASG.”
At the Federal level, the commercialisation of the Pharmacy facility of the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, collapsed and the concession of Garki Hospital, Abuja, has never been a value-added decision.
Today, that facility is a shadow of itself, as it has become inaccessible to a wide range of consumers of health in the Abuja area.
“We therefore strongly urge the Federal Government not to contemplate the privatisation of Teaching Hospital facilities to private profiteers. We must seize the discourse to advise other health professionals who have been promised that the concession of these facilities will not affect them to be wary and discern wisely.
“Private profiteers will naturally get rid of the block of health professionals whose wages consume 60 per cent of the personnel cost of the entire health workforce in FHIs even when they constitute less than 20 per cent of the entire personnel in the health sector,” it added.
Privatising FHIs, against healthcare equity, accessibility
JOHESU listed the consequences of concessions, privatisation, and outsourcing saying that it does not promote Universal Health Coverage, but would lead to inequity and accessibility rather than efficiency and profitability.
The letter further reads, “Given the monopolistic nature of health systems because of the inelastic nature of their demands, there is little or no probability of competitiveness. It follows that a monopoly that comes with exploitation becomes the order of the day.
“High charges generate crazy profits at the detriment of efficiency, which ultimately defeats the goal of accessibility to health facilities in real terms because health cannot be delivered to vulnerable groups.
“Equity and accessibility rather than efficiency and profitability should be the benchmark to measure performance in healthcare. Patient-care-centred services cannot be the hallmark of concessions and privatisation because profit is the watchword.
“In the proposed privatisation and concession models, the Government’s role is largely regulatory, which is at the same cost as owning the FHI. As stronger institutions outlive the weaker ones which further limits the availability and choices of the citizens, the monopolistic tendencies of formidable profiteers play out at the detriment of consumers of health.
“Privatisation calls to question the integrity of the management of the FHIs dominated by Physicians since the advent of the Teaching Hospital Act of 1985. It is the biggest confirmation of the failure of Physicians in the running of the public hospital system in Nigeria.
“How come these same facilities hitherto dubbed Centres of Excellence in some instances have suddenly become failed enterprises? The only explanation remains that Nigerian Physicians are not seasoned administrators or managers of cognate experience.
“The government, therefore, needs to tinker with the health system by reverting management of FHIs to professionally trained administrators and managers, while health professionals are allowed to embrace their areas of due competence in the public’s good. This is the trend which is in alignment with global best practices,” JOHESU added.
Increased drug costs, out-of-pocket expenses
The health workers further said that privatising teaching hospitals would increase the cost of drugs and diagnostic services which will lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses, leading to more difficulty in healthcare access.
The letter reads, “Generally, privatisation of health services is a precursor to the increased cost of drugs and diagnostic services which will naturally impact on out-of-pocket costs, leading to hardship and more stress junctures in accessing healthcare.
“The privatisation of health facilities is a hurricane that compounds unproductivity in healthcare. The preponderance of Nigerians who live in poverty and squalor will not be able to access or afford health and its major components, which include the use of safe and efficacious drugs in the event of this dreaded reality,” it added.
CEOs of FHIs, MDAs must take hospital management courses
While alleging that the MDAs are adjudged to be the most corrupt sector, JOHESU urged Federal Government to compel CEOs of FHIs, Departments, and Agencies to undergo Health Systems and hospital management courses.
The letter said, “In the interim, the FG must compel all the CEOs of the FHIs, Departments, and Agencies of the Health Sector to run administrative as well as management programmes in Health Systems with bias in hospital management. This will help these incumbent CEOs to administer albeit much better the FHIs, other Departments, and Agencies.
“The FMOH must however make it abundantly clear that it will no longer be automatic for erring CEOs of FHIs to complete their tenure of four years when found wanting.
“Permanently, the FG must return the business of hospital management and administration to seasoned administrators and managers of cognate experience.
“All health professionals who desire to head hospitals in Nigeria must henceforth undertake specialist management and administrative courses at post-graduate levels in specialised schools and institutes.
“These health professionals including Pharmacists, Physicians, Physiotherapists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, and other health workers must be made to study health administration and management in their reviewed curriculum even at the undergraduate level moving forward.
“The Federal Government is enjoined to encourage the management of FHIs that are ready to embark or consolidate the concept of amenity facilities in the FHIs. These services will be available to the nouveau riche who can afford such hyped services.
It will reduce health tourism and save the nation’s hard-earned forex.
“The militating bane remains the tendency to abuse these amenity facilities in FHIs by some of the CEOs.
“We at JOHESU/AHPA have had cause to send evidence-based complaints about misnomers in the handling of DRF Funds and mismanagement of amenity ward resources by some of the CEOs of FHIs.
“An outstanding instance was the report made on the MD/CEO of the NOH, Igbobi which made the FMOH initially declare its readiness to probe this MD/CEO until it later reneged on the probe,” it added.
Incentivise Health Workers Offering Surgeries, Pharmaceutical Care
JOHESU appealed, “Government must incentivise all health professionals and workers who render services including surgeries, pharmaceutical care, diagnostic services with agreed percentages of income realized as amenity allowances to compensate for their skills, time and the totality of their output.
“Your Excellency, as Ministers will be deployed to Ministries in the days ahead, JOHESU/AHPA reiterates its calls for the appointment of a non-Physician Health Minister to pave the way for the restoration of the hitherto great times when Health Administrators steered the ship of healthcare successfully to attract the likes of the Saudi Royal family to UCH, Ibadan in the ‘70s.
“This was the era our Health System was rated as one of the top five in the commonwealth,” JOHESU added.
Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over a recent United Nations warning of a worsening food crisis in Northern Nigeria, urging the Federal Government and state governments to take immediate steps to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Obi made the call on Saturday in a post shared on his X account, describing the development as disturbing, especially because Northern Nigeria has traditionally been regarded as the country’s food-producing region.
The former governor stressed the need for more effective policy implementation to address the growing humanitarian challenge, urging governments at all levels to make proactive investments in securing agricultural corridors and supporting smallholder farmers with accessible resources to improve food production.
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He also called on authorities to work closely with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other development partners to bridge existing funding gaps before the crisis worsens.
According to Obi, the WFP’s latest assessment revealed that more than 17 million people across nine northern states are currently facing crisis-level hunger, while over 35 million Nigerians could be at risk during the ongoing lean season.
He further cited reports indicating that more than 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered what humanitarian agencies describe as “catastrophic hunger conditions.”
“Insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, has prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands and remains a major obstacle to agricultural production,” Obi said.
The former presidential candidate called for improved security across farming communities and increased investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural productivity to restore food production.
He also urged policymakers to prioritise production-driven economic policies aimed at expanding cultivated land and boosting agro-industrial output.
According to Obi, Nigeria has the resources and agricultural potential to significantly reduce hunger and poverty if the appropriate measures are implemented.
He maintained that a Nigeria free from widespread hunger and mass poverty remains achievable if leaders place the welfare and livelihoods of citizens at the centre of national decision-making.
The statement follows a recent United Nations warning that worsening hunger in Northern Nigeria is being fuelled by insecurity, which continues to prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands and has created conditions that armed groups exploit to recruit vulnerable people.
NEWS
Tinubu’s Adviser Masari Bags International Leadership Award, Receives US Congressional Commendation
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, has received international recognition for his contributions to public service, leadership and good governance after emerging as one of the recipients at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) held in London, United Kingdom.
Masari was honoured for his exemplary leadership, distinguished public service and sustained contributions to governance and sustainable development during the prestigious event organised by the African Leadership Organisation under the auspices of the African Leadership Magazine.
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The annual summit attracted African presidents, governors, ministers, policymakers, business executives, development partners and academics to celebrate outstanding leadership while promoting dialogue on Africa’s economic transformation, innovation, investment and sustainable development.
In addition to the ABLA honour, Masari also received a Special Congressional Commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives in the United States in recognition of his contributions to public service and leadership.
Organisers said the dual honours reflect growing international recognition of Masari’s commitment to good governance, accountability and nation-building.
As Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, Masari has been instrumental in providing strategic political counsel, fostering dialogue among stakeholders and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening national cohesion and Nigeria’s democratic process.
Reacting to the recognition, Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, PhD, described the awards as a fitting tribute to Masari’s years of dedicated service, integrity and commitment to national development.
Ramat said Masari’s leadership style, characterised by humility, accessibility and commitment to public service, has earned him widespread respect across political, ethnic and social divides.
According to him, the presidential adviser has remained steadfast in supporting President Tinubu’s administration through strategic engagement, loyalty and dedication to advancing the government’s policies and programmes.
He also commended Masari for his humanitarian interventions, support for education, youth mentorship and community development, noting that his philanthropic efforts have positively impacted many lives across Nigeria.
“His recognition is not just an award but a validation of a lifetime devoted to integrity, patriotism, compassion and selfless service to humanity,” Ramat said.
Other prominent African leaders honoured at the ceremony included Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone Henry Falla Saamoi, and President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor.
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Prof. Shehu Aliyu, alongside other African leaders and development experts.
Congratulating Masari on the honours, Ramat expressed confidence that the international recognition would further inspire him to continue serving Nigeria with dedication while promoting unity, peace and national development.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has admitted Nigeria as an Association country.
The development, Biztellers reports has been well received by the Nigerian authorities led the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who described it as a major milestone that will strengthen the country’s role in global energy governance while supporting its drive for universal energy access, industrialisation and sustainable development.
Ekpo’s positive sentiments were expressed in a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, who noted that the unanimous decision of the IEA Governing Board to admit Nigeria reflects the country’s increasing strategic importance in the global energy sector.
The minister said Nigeria’s membership would open new opportunities for collaboration with the world’s leading energy body, giving the country greater access to global expertise, research, policy guidance and investment partnerships needed to transform its energy sector.
“I am elated by the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country.
“It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency. I also encourage other African countries to deepen their engagement with the IEA as we work together to achieve key development goals, including universal energy access and industrialisation”, Ekpo said.
According to him, the partnership will strengthen cooperation in critical areas such as energy security, gas development, investment mobilisation, electricity access and sustainable energy solutions, while supporting Nigeria’s efforts to build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive energy sector.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s admission comes at a critical period when the country is pursuing reforms aimed at expanding domestic gas utilisation, increasing electricity access, attracting investment and driving industrial growth through improved energy infrastructure.
Nigeria is the latest nation to join the IEA’s Association programme, which brings together major energy-producing and energy-consuming countries to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems.
With Nigeria’s admission, the IEA Family now represents more than 80 per cent of global energy demand, a significant increase from the 40 per cent it accounted for when the Association programme was launched in 2015.
Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, described the country’s admission as a significant achievement for both the Agency and the global energy community.
“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA. It is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player. Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks an important advance in global energy governance,” Birol said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Ekpo for their confidence in the Agency, saying stronger cooperation would help Nigeria improve energy security, accelerate economic growth and expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.
Birol added that the partnership would also support broader efforts to build more resilient and sustainable energy systems while addressing key development challenges.
The IEA acknowledged Nigeria’s growing influence in international energy markets, particularly following recent developments in the country’s refining sector.
According to the Agency, increased fuel exports from Nigeria during periods of global market disruption helped improve the resilience of fuel supply across Africa and other international markets.
It also recognised Nigeria as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar energy, noting the country’s ongoing efforts to expand electricity access and promote clean cooking solutions for millions of households.
The Agency said Nigeria’s admission builds on more than a decade of cooperation that began in 2014 and will deepen collaboration in strategic areas, including energy security, clean energy transition, methane emissions reduction, electricity access and wider energy sector development.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, Ekpo said the country’s admission into the IEA underscores its growing relevance in shaping global energy policy and reflects its determination to work with development partners to strengthen energy security, expand access to affordable energy and build a sustainable future.
He expressed optimism that the new partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s energy transformation agenda while creating fresh opportunities for investment, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
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