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Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocations

Published

5 months ago

November 22, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps. Tajudeen Abbas, has lamented that the health sector is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries, despite the considerable amount is allocated annually by the Federal Government.

The Speaker also said alot more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.

Abbas stated this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.

The Bills are “A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018”; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021”; “A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act”; and “A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria”.

The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Obordor Mitema, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said it was for this reason that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the urgency of this situation, prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.

According to him, this was to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it receives the necessary support partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria are being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future we shall see vast improvement.

He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.

“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.

“It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.

“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.”

Speaker Abbas commended the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bassey Akiba and the entire members of the committee for organizing this hearing.

He said it is a reflection of their commitment and support to do their quota towards helping Nigerians achieve not only better health but having access to better healthcare.

“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.

“The House Committee on Healthcare Services and other Health related Committees of the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly are fully committed to doing their part by initiating and amending laws that will always be people friendly with the aim of bringing succor and positive changes towards the Health sector in Nigeria.,” he said.

Rep. Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years has gone through a myriad of challenges.

The challenges, according to him, includes the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.

“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact possibly other people.

“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance. Like I mentioned, there are four bills.

“Three of these bills are an amendment bill, three of the bills are an amendment bill, and one is an establishment bill. I wish to assure you all that as legislators and members of the Committee on Health Care Services.

“We are conscious of our constitutional and legislative resources towards the people. We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and support any genuine effort required to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said, A Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.

The Association said the Medical Residency Training Act was a bill primarily sponsored by Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), an affiliate member.

First Vice President of the NMA, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin, said It was a surprise to them that the primary constituency on the Bill was never contacted for input.

He urged that the Bill be stepped down to get more input of relevant stakeholders.

“So, in solidarity to our affiliate NARD and the validation of the Medical Residency Training Act we strongly advise that this bill be stepped down until every stakeholder involved and primarily NARD and then NMA is on the table from the very beginning,” he said.

Stakeholders who attended the hearing included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Committee of Chief Medical Directors among others.

Related Topics:chairman Nigeria Nigerian president Tinubu

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Nigeria Condemns Deadly Terrorist Attack in India’s Kashmir Region

Published

28 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…call for stronger global cooperation against terrorism

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam area of India.

In a official statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep sadness over the attack, which reportedly targeted mostly tourists and left several others wounded.

The statement reads in part: “Nigeria, having faced similar challenges, understands the devastating impact of such acts of violence and reiterates its call for enhanced global cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism”.

The government described terrorism as a “global menace” that must be addressed through collective international effort.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of India as they recover from this tragedy, and we stand united in the shared pursuit of peace, stability, and justice worldwide,” the statement added.

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Ex-DIG,Olofu debunks online newspaper report, says ” I retired from NPF meritously after 35yrs service

Published

41 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

ADMIN

Ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu has denied an online newspaper report declaring that the information published are mere fabrications.

The former DIG, in a statement she personally signed noted that:

“My attention has just been drawn to a publication dated April 26, 2025, by an online publication, *Sahara Reporters.*

“The said report purports than I was “discharged” from the police “over allegations of age falsification and violation of service rules.”

“A number of my colleagues who equally retired from the Nigeria Police Force, (NPF), were also listed in the same report. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this baseless concoction which attempts to stand gospel truth and reality on its head.

“To put things in correct perspective, I joined the Nigeria Police on March 3, 1990. I was barely 25 years of age at the time. I had indeed graduated with honours from the University of Ilorin in 1986, just about the time of my 21st birthday. I trained at the prestigious Police academy Kaduna.

“I served the Nigeria police force in various capacities. Notably: Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Establishment, Office of the Force Secretary; Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP), Investment, Logistics and Supply Department as well as DCP, Administration, Training and Development.

” Similarly, I was DCP, Research and Planning; Commissioner of Police, (CP), Servicom, Research and Planning; CP, X-Squad, Force Criminal Investigation Department, (FCID) and CP, Ports Authority Police Western Command, Lagos. I was also AIG, Maritime Police Command, Lagos. I was redeployed to the Force Headquarters August 28, 2024, as Force Secretary of the Nigeria and rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Force thereby becoming the first female Deputy Inspector-General of Police in the entire Northern Nigeria to the glory of God.

“I retired after attaining 35 years of service with unblemished record. As it stands, I am yet to attain the age of 60. Service rules requires that officers and personnel retire either upon the completion of 35 years or attainment of 60 years.

“For me, my 35th year in service preceded my 60th birthday. I retired contented, grateful to God for a career without blemish and thankful to the Nigeria Police for the opportunity to contribute my quota to national development. I was NEVER discharged from service as has been mischievously proffered.

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Financial infractions: EFCC finally , nabs Aisha Achimugu at Abuja airport

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2025

ADMIN

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has nabbed a renowned business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.

Her legal team made this known in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, her lawyer had reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC today in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.

The court also directed that she must be present before it on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.