News

BREAKING: NAFDAC Workers Declare Indefinite Nationwide Strike

Published

1 week ago

October 7, 2024

By Mario Deepromoter

The Staff of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC commenced an indefinite nationwide strike today, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to management.

The decision to down tools was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over unresolved issues.

The striking workers, under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies SSASCGOC, have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices. They were also ordered to remove personal belongings as the strike begins.

The demands of the staff include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently reflect a pass rate of just 35%.

The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 80% for this year and future exams. Another key demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022 among others

In a statement signed by Secretary of the Association, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of ignoring their grievances, calling the inaction insufferable.

The staff have vowed to continue the strike until all demands outlined in their communiqué are met.

NAFDAC, which plays a critical role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries, is expected to face significant operational disruptions as a result of the industrial action.

Efforts to obtain a response from NAFDAC management regarding the strike have been unsuccessful at the time of this report.

News

Bill For Independent Candidacy Passes Second Reading

Published

20 mins ago

October 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to provide for independent candidacy.

The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” is sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., who represents the Ekiti North 1 (lkole/Oye) Federal Constituency. This piece of crucial legislation, is a legacy bill from previous assemblies (7th, 8th, 9th), was reintroduced for consideration after being read for the first time in the 10th Assembly on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The sponsor of the bill emphasized the importance of expanding political participation through independent candidacy.

He said: “This legislative action is pivotal for the continued evolution of our democracy. It recognizes the constitutional significance of offering citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity. “

The bill’s progress is guided by the combined provisions of Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order 1, Rule 1(2), of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.

Speaking to journalists on the bill after the plenary on Thursday, the Founder of ElectHER, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode said the recommittal of the Independent Candidacy Bill was a critical and progressive milestone.

She expressed enthusiasm at seeing the National Assembly unite in support of the bill, underscoring their dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusiivity. Faborode also highlighted that the progress of the bill in the 10th Assembly marked a defining moment for Nigeria, with the potential to significantly shape the future of its democracy.

She therefore reaffirmed ElectHER’s continued partnership with the office of the House Spokesperson to champion public advocacy and engagement towards the final passage of the bill.

The bill was recommitted to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further comprehensive consideration and legislative action.

News

Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

News

Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Published

3 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.

Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”

In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”

Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”

On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said