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No going back on August 2 nationwide protest — Labour insists
…Issues advisory to Nigerians in preparation
…No court order stopping us from embarking on peaceful protest — NLC tells FG
…NECA predicts increase in unemployment, poverty if strike proceeds
…Economist backs FG on distribution of cash palliatives
The Organised Labour has insisted that there is no going back on the planned nationwide strike happening on the 2nd of August, 2023.
The Organised Labour had last week Wednesday issued a strike notice giving the federal government a 7-day ultimatum to address what it described as anti-people policies or face industrial action.
The Federal Government, since the organised labour comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared strike action, had begun last week to make attempt to talk labour out of the plans.
However, the move by the Federal Government has not seen enough light as settlement with labour as of Sunday night has not been struck to stamp a setting aside of the plans for strike set to commence Wednesday.
It was gathered the Federal Government would be meeting today (Monday) with the organised labour to strike negotiations in attempt to stop the move.
The Federal Government had last week, following declaration of the NLC to embark on the nationwide strike, invited the organised labour for a talk.
However, as gathered, failure on the part of the government to show commitment to the meeting, informed labour declaring its resolute stand of ‘no going back’ to commence strike on Wednesday.
A meeting scheduled last week Friday suffered a breach in setting, as it was gathered the government side failed to honour the meeting it called labour into, a development that saw labour lampooning the Federal Government for unpreparedness.
Labour officials had lamented they were subjected to ill treatment which saw them being kept waiting for almost two hours at the gate for clearance into the venue with no intervention, a development that saw them walking out of the meeting, after they realised that the team representing the government failed to show up.
“We felt very disappointed because we did not expect this from the government,” a top labour official had said.
Angered by the posture of the government, the labour has insisted on no-going-back on the strike, citing the masses are deeply frustrated by harsh conditions which it said recent policies of the government have further worsened.
No court order stopping us from embarking on peaceful protest, NLC tells FG
In a letter from the Falana Chambers to the Permanent Secretary/Solicitor -General with the title, ‘Re-NLC in contempt of court,’ signed by Sam Ogala Esq,
the NLC has reminded the Federal Government through the Solicitor -General that there is a subsisting judgement that the right to demonstrate and to protest on matters of public concern are rights that are in the public interest which individuals must possess and exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) told the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice that there is no order be it interim, interlocutory or perpetual order from either the National Industrial Court, or any other court restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by it.
The letter read in parts, “In your reaction to the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country you were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt.
“Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court to the effect that
“The defendants/Respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated 5th June 2023.”
“You will agree with us that the National Industrial Court or any other Court has not granted an order of interim, interlocutory or perpetual injunction restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Since the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to protest peacefully cannot by any stretch of imagination be classified as an Industrial action or strike of any nature, you ought not have threatened our client with contempt of court.
“It is pertinent to draw your attention to the case of Inspector-General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party (2008) 12 WRN 65 where the Court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit. In the leading judgment of the Court, Justice Adekeye said as follows:
“The right to demonstrate and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.
“If as speculated by law enforcement agents that breach of the peace would occur our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order so that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society. Finally, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of democratic rights of every citizen of the republic; our legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests.
“Having advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and its allies to conduct the rallies peacefully, you may wish to advise the Nigeria Police Force to comply with section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020, which “where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to , the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilize personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession.”
NECA predicts increase in unemployment, poverty if strike proceeds
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has however warned that any strike, or mass protest in the face of the hardship and suffering in the country would result in a n increase in unemployment and drag many down the poverty line.
In a statement by its Director-General, Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA argued that any disruption of businesses in the form of a strike or mass protest would exacerbate the current unemployment rate and drag many further down the poverty line
NECA recalled that businesses in the formal and informal sectors lost over N5 trillion due to the crass vandalism by unscrupulous elements who hijacked the purposeful End-SARS protest in 2020.
“Any strike, the threat of mass action or civil disobedience that could potentially disrupt the economic activities of businesses, especially those in the formal and informal sectors (which could compromise sustainability and job creation), based on economic policies of the Government (which are non-employment related) will be counter-productive. While Organized Labour is at liberty to engage with Government on behalf of its members on issues of welfare as they relate to the impacts of any economic policy, sometimes deadlock may hold sway. When that happens, the consequential action by Organized Labour should not, in any way, hinder anyone from going about their businesses peacefully or cause anyone to be intimidated or harassed.
“We re-emphasise the importance of Social Dialogue, a potent instrument of the International Labour Organization, ILO, and a globally accepted mechanism for dispute resolution.
“While it should be noted that various ILO Conventions, Recommendations, International treaties and local legislations guarantee certain rights and privileges to Social Partners, a call for mass action or civil disobedience is certainly not one of them.
“We urge the Government to, as a matter of urgency; take immediate steps to ameliorate the economic trauma being faced by workers, Nigerians and Organized Businesses. It is no gainsaying that many businesses are shut-down and many others are on the verge of closing down, which will exacerbate the current unemployment rate and drag many further down the poverty line.
“We strongly request that a coordinated implementation of the various pro-growth and other palliative schemes should commence, without further delay, at the Federal level to complement the efforts of some State Governments and Organized businesses. The need for transparent communication and the building of National consensus at this difficult time cannot be over-emphasized.
“Recent events that portend serious danger for the survival of Sustainable Enterprises, Decent Work, National Development and our Industrial Relations System as a whole necessitated this urgent call. The parlous state of the economy and the recent mobilization for strike and civil action by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, is not only worrisome but also calls for urgent action by Government and other stakeholders.
“Freedom of Association is a fundamental and structural characteristic of the International Labour Organisation, ILO. In fact, without Employers’ and Workers’ Organizations that are autonomous, representative and endowed with the necessary rights that guarantee the defence of the rights of their members, and the advancement of their common welfare, the principle of tripartism would be impaired and chances for greater social justice would be seriously prejudiced. However, the rights enjoyed by social partners are premised on the basic understanding and respect for the social and economic rights of others.
“The complex employment inter-relationship between successive Nigerian Governments, Organized Labour (NLC/TUC), and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, has been challenging, especially between Government and Organized Labour. The goal of the interrelations to facilitate sustainable enterprise, decent work, and economic growth and assist all parties to achieve their objectives, is menaced by incessant conflicts and numerous threats of strikes. While Industrial conflict is inherently built into these inter-relationships, there are credible Institutions, Legislations, Regulations and Guidelines in place to arrest it and to ensure sanity within the context of the Labour and employment ecosystem.
“In view of the recent call by the NLC for strike and mass action, and the urgent need to protect the objectives of Sustainable Enterprise, Decent Work and National development, it is our candid view that social partners must respect the established institutions created to adjudicate and arbitrate labour matters in the country. These Institutions include but are not limited to the National Industrial Court, NIC; the Industrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, etc. Neglecting these Institutions could potentially compromise our labour and industrial relations system and framework, with grave consequences for the economy.
“It is important for social partners to deference their jurisdictional and operational limits. A call for “strike and mass action” by any social partner at this difficult time, in furtherance of the achievement of its objectives could potentially cause a breakdown of law and order with attendant risk for Organized businesses and the nation as a whole,” NECA said.
Economist backs FG on distribution of cash palliatives
Prof Ayo Teriba, CEO, Economic Associates has backed the Federal government on its now suspended plan to distribute cash to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, “The palliatives being contemplated should be given in cash to cushion the adverse impacts of subsidy removal to mitigate the impact of petroleum subsidy removal. It reduces the income of the generality of the people. However, whether it should give everybody the same sum is debatable because you are dealing with workers and people, who are on different salary scales and incomes. But I am in support of the principle that it should be limited to cash and that it should not be more than 6 months.”
“The conversation about many of the other items that Labour was clamouring for is something that the government would still get to like the minimum wage, which is a periodic issue and the transportation, energy costs and others would be tackled at another or different levels.”
“However, I do not subscribe to giving these 12 million vulnerable people equal sum of N8, 000 makes sense. Some may be of low income, others middle income, so, it would not be right and fair to give them equal sum.
“That detail, government has to negotiate for the beneficiaries, because you are talking about the real value of income of the vulnerable people to the extent that they are not all on the same income level. They have to be relative to their loss to the incidence of the impact of subsidy removal. Government has to go into the details of the modality for giving the beneficiaries: how do you separate the middle income from the low income, because there’s no suggestion or data that all the 12 million people are low income.”
Top Story
Unemployment crisis fuels crime, mental illness as Nigerians anticipate FG’s annual 2.5m jobs target
…We need jobs, not empty promises — Frustrated graduates cry out
…Rhetoric won’t solve poverty, unemployment — Experts warn FG
…FG exposes 1,618 civil servants with fake employment letters
…Fake recruitment agencies exploit desperate job seekers in Nigeria
By Sodiq Adelakun
In spite of numerous governmental initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment, Nigeria continues to face soaring joblessness, worsening poverty levels with far-reaching ramifications.
Reports indicate that the country’s population, currently the largest in Africa at approximately 229 million, is projected to surge to 401 million by 2050.
The rapid demographic expansion, fueled by a high birth rate of 37 births per 1,000 people and socio-cultural factors like early marriages and limited access to family planning, emphasises the urgency of effective employment strategies.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE).
This collaboration aims to enhance the ministry’s Labour and Employment Empowerment Programme (LEEP) initiative, thereby contributing towards achieving the government’s 2.5 million job creation target.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with unemployment’s ripple effects extending into increased insecurity, crime, and mental health issues across the nation.
Furthermore, recent reports indicate that youth unemployment remains a significant concern in many regions of Nigeria, with projections for Africa in 2024 estimating a youth unemployment rate of approximately 11 percent, according to Statista.
Recall that President Tinubu recently signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill at the presidential villa in Abuja. Following the signing, he emphasised the budget’s efficient implementation and rigorous monitoring to ensure accountability across all institutional mechanisms.
The budget’s key priorities include defence and internal security, job creation, macroeconomic stability, improving the investment environment, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.
Under the Social Development and Poverty Reduction Programme, the federal government allocated N534 billion, equivalent to 2 percent of the total budget.
However, Minister Abubakar Bagudu highlighted during the public presentation that the 2024 aggregate expenditure is estimated at N27.50 trillion, marking a 10.8 percent increase from N24.82 trillion in 2023.
Recall that Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 5 percent in the third quarter amid a cost-of-living crisis after the government scrapped a popular but costly petrol subsidy.
President Bola Tinubu has defended his two biggest reforms — the scrapping of the subsidy and foreign exchange controls — saying although this would lead to hardship in the short term, they are necessary to attract investment and boost government finances.
The unemployment rate rose from 4.2 percent in the previous quarter, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The jobless rate among young people aged 15-24 rose to 8.6 percent from 7.2 percent. Unemployment in the urban areas also rose marginally to 6 percent from 5.9 percent in the previous quarter.
Still, underemployment persists with 87 percent self-employed. Only 12.7 percent were in wage employment during the period.
The informal employment rate, which measures the proportion of workers in the grey economy, was little changed at 92.3 percent, according to the NBS, while the workforce participation also fell slightly to 79.5 percent from 80.4 percent in the second quarter.
In a concerted effort to tackle the pervasive issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria, the government has rolled out several ambitious programs, yet faces significant hurdles in achieving desired outcomes. Among these initiatives is the N-Power program, designed to provide job opportunities, skills development, and entrepreneurship training to unemployed graduates.
Another key program, the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN!), aims to empower young entrepreneurs through access to finance, business training, mentoring, and networking.
Despite substantial financial allocations to these endeavours, the exact figures remain unspecified.
Collaborations with international organisations such as UNICEF have also been forged, focusing on implementing social protection programs that include vocational training, scholarships, and apprenticeships for vulnerable youth.
However, these efforts have encountered criticism and challenges.
A prominent issue noted by NewsDirect is the significant gap between the skills possessed by job seekers and the evolving requirements of the labour market.
In a competitive job landscape, employers increasingly demand candidates equipped with a diverse and adaptable skill set, posing a formidable barrier to employment for many Nigerian youths.
A graduate of Education Management from the University of Ilorin, Temitope Adediran, has expressed her frustration and disappointment with the lack of job opportunities despite her academic achievement.
In an interview with NewsDirect, Adediran shared her struggles, saying, “I thought I had done everything right, but it seems my skills are not what the labour market wants.” She lamented being jobless for an extended period, describing it as a “never-ending nightmare.”
Adediran highlighted the gap between academic training and practical skills, stating, “We were taught theories, but not prepared for the demands of the labour market.” She emphasised that many graduates face the same challenge, urging educational institutions to revamp their curriculum to produce employable graduates.
Also, a graduate of Public Administration, Akinlisi Dorathy found herself working in an airport, a field seemingly unrelated to her area of study.
“I never imagined that I would end up working in an airport.
“After all, I had studied Public Administration in school and had always envisioned myself working in a government agency or a non-profit organisation.
“But life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns, and I found myself applying for a job at the airport after graduation.
“At first, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t know anything about the aviation industry, and I wasn’t sure if I had the skills to succeed in such a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
“But I decided to take a chance and see where this new opportunity would take me.It wasn’t easy at first. I had to learn a lot of new things, from airport regulations to customer service protocols.
“But I was determined to do my best and prove myself as a valuable member of the team. I worked hard, asked questions, and sought out feedback from my colleagues,” she revealed.
Also, in a separate interviews with Bode, a tricycle operator in Command area, Lagos and Kunle David, who owns a Point On Sale( POS) shop in Agege, Lagos they share their experiences and their adamant to get a job after tertiary institution but failed ended up doing what they choose and describe as a means of survival till Nigeria gets better to start giving out the promised 2.5 million jobs to Nigerians annually.
Bode lamented, “Four years of university, countless nights of studying, and a fancy degree… FOR NOTHING! Can’t even get a decent job. The system is broken! Now, I’m reduced to pedalling a tricycle like a mere peasant, just to survive. The frustration is suffocating. I’m a graduate of Mathematics, for crying out loud, I deserve better than this humiliating struggle. The government and universities need to wake up and address this mess. We need jobs, not empty promises.”
Also, Kunle David, who owns a Point On Sale (POS) shop in Agege said, “Ah! The pain and anger I feel is unbearable! I was the best student in my department, Office Technology & Management at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, but what did it get me? No job, no recognition, just a fancy certificate. I was forced to take a loan to start this POS shop just to survive. And you know what? It’s still a struggle.
“And to think that our so-called leaders promised us 2.5 million jobs annually? LIES! All they care about is their fat pockets and luxurious lives. They don’t care about the suffering masses. I’m tired of their empty promises!
“What I want from the government is ACTION! Provide us with real opportunities, not just empty words. Create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, not just for their cronies. We need empowerment, not handouts. We need jobs, not poverty.
“And to my fellow frustrated graduates, don’t give up! Take your destiny into your hands like I did. Start something, no matter how small. We can’t rely on these failed leaders. We must create our own future!”
The pervasive issue of unemployment among Nigerian graduates has been linked to an increase in crime and mental health challenges, exemplified by the case of Akeem Odunsi from the Sango community.
According to reports gathered by NewsDirect, Akeem, a graduate unable to secure employment, resorted to joining touts in begging for money.
The situation escalated to the point where he allegedly threatened individuals who refused to give him money, underscoring the desperation and potential risks faced by unemployed youths.
During a recent visit to Aro Psychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, NewsDirect encountered a poignant example of the mental health toll worsened by Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. One patient, identified by hospital staff as an ‘educated mad man,’ reportedly spiralled into psychological distress due to his inability to secure meaningful employment.
According to sources at the hospital, the person’s prolonged unemployment led to excessive overthinking and stress, prompting him to resort to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Chief Operating Officer of A&B Steel Organisation, Tunji Kabeer, in an interview with NewsDirect revealed why many graduates struggle to secure employment.
“Frankly, most graduates lack the necessary skills and practical experience we need. They’re only armed with theoretical knowledge, which isn’t enough in today’s competitive market,” Kabeer stated.
He emphasised that his company requires graduates with specialised training, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, which are often lacking in many applicants.
“We want graduates who can hit the ground running, not those who need extensive training. Unfortunately, our education system hasn’t adapted to the changing needs of the industry,” Kabeer lamented.
…Rhetoric won’t solve poverty, unemployment — Experts warn FG
Experts have cautioned the Federal Government against relying solely on rhetoric to tackle the persistent challenges of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.
Highlighting the urgency for concrete and effective economic policies, they emphasise that substantive action is crucial to make meaningful strides in addressing these pressing issues.
Renowned expert in risk management and insurance, Professor Tajudeen Yusuf, has urged the government to focus on boosting productivity in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to tackle Nigeria’s unemployment crisis.
Speaking at a presentation in Lagos, Professor Yusuf emphasised that SMEs’ productivity is key to integrating into global value chains, which is essential for economic growth and development.
“To tackle unemployment, we must prioritise SMEs’ productivity. This will enable them to participate in global value chains, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth,” Professor Yusuf said.
He also stressed the need for improved institutional quality, infrastructure development, and access to finance for SMEs to thrive.
An Associate Professor of Business Administration, KolaDaisi University, Ibadan in Oyo State, Olarenwaju Hassan called upon the Federal Government to adopt a more purposeful, deliberate, and strategic approach in its economic policies to effectively address poverty and unemployment in the country.
Hassan, who spoke in a research paper titled, “Taming the Twin Problem of Poverty and Unemployment for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” explained that poor working conditions had led to an increase in the crime rate in the society.
The don said, “Nigerian government needs to be more purposeful, deliberate and strategic with their economic policy drive.
“Entrepreneurship development initiatives should be greatly encouraged and supported with the required financial resources to establish young graduates with robust self-employment initiatives as this will create viable means of gainful employment for young fellows, especially those being churned out of various tertiary institutions every year.
“Taming the twin problem of poverty and unemployment for sustainable development in Nigeria cannot be based on rhetoric but based on action; concrete action and consistent strategic action over time.”
Hassan lamented that despite the enormous and abundant natural resources such as crude oil, natural gas, gold, limestone, iron ore, coal, uranium, and others in Nigeria, the country has the largest share of its people living below the extreme poverty line in 2023.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Adeniyi Olatunbosun, called on the government to pay more attention to the adequate funding of education and scientific research for the sustainable development of Nigeria.
…FG exposes 1,618 civil servants with fake employment letters
In a significant revelation during the 2024 Civil Service Week Celebrations, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, announced that 1,618 civil servants have been identified with ‘fake/illegal’ employment letters through the ongoing verification exercise of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, she disclosed that the exercise also successfully integrated 69,308 civil servants into the IPPIS after completing mandatory verifications.
Dr. Yemi-Esan emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing the capacity and skills of civil servants, noting that 8,905 workers have undergone training under the Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Training Programme. This initiative is part of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan aimed at bolstering efficiency and professionalism within the civil service.
Furthermore, she highlighted efforts to combat corruption within the civil service, revealing that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has initiated investigations into more than 3,600 public servants based on allegations of misconduct.
Dr. Yemi-Esan reaffirmed her resolve to uphold integrity and transparency in public service, urging continued support from all stakeholders in achieving these goals.
…Fake recruitment agencies exploit desperate job seekers in Nigeria
Investigations have revealed that dubious recruitment agencies in urban areas are taking advantage of unemployed graduates in Nigeria, promising them lucrative jobs in exchange for exorbitant fees.
These agencies, operating in cities like Lagos, Ogun, and Edo, collect registration fees and conduct aptitude tests, but fail to deliver on their promises.
Victims of these scams have come forward, sharing their experiences with fake recruitment firms like Ade Spar Supermarket. One Mr Sam allegedly collects N3,000 for registration and conducts aptitude tests, but fails to secure jobs for applicants.
Also, Job Seekers Gallery Group, handled by one Haryourdeji, demands payment from job seekers without providing employment.
In the same vein, Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, said his ministry has developed new initiatives and restructured existing ones to meet the needs of youths as a result of the grave threat high unemployment rates pose to the nation.
Speaking at the 12th Youth Summit on crime prevention organised by African Youth Initiative in Lagos, Dr. Ibrahim also said the new initiative was aimed at sustaining solutions that address long-term challenges.
…Award is motivation to serve more — Mobereola
By Seun Ibiyemi
Special Adviser to Nigerian President on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Dr Jumoke Oduwole this weekend announced the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, as the best Agency of Government in exemplary teamwork, quality service delivery and consistency.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on PEBEC, also announced the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as the overall Best performing Ministry in the country.
Dr Oduwole announced that 33 operational activities of NIMASA were subjected to thorough scrutiny alongside those of 36 other Agencies of the Federal Government.
In her words, “We want to commend NIMASA for emerging as the best Nigeria’s Agency of Government in exemplary teamwork, quality service delivery and consistency. PEBEC also wishes to commend the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for his commitment to ensuring that all the Agencies under the Ministry improve their service delivery in a consistent manner.”
Reacting to the award, Director General of NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle @MobereolaD, dedicated the award to all members of Staff of NIMASA and acknowledged the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy in providing the right framework for the Agency to create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors in the Nigerian maritime space.
“This award from PEBEC and by extension the presidency is a call to serve more. I appreciate our Honourable Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who not only convened a meeting between NIMASA and the PEBEC secretariat, but constantly kept us on our toes to ensure better service delivery to stakeholders. I also wish to commend members of team NIMASA and we know that this is simply a call to more service to our stakeholders,” Mobereola stated.
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) which is chaired by the Vice President, Kassim Shettima GCON, was established to remove bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria, and make the country a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.
This is also in line with Business Facilitation Act 2023, a legislative intervention by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, to codify an executive order on the promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the Business environment.
…As WHO donates 10,000 doses amid hygiene upgrades
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has confirmed an outbreak of cholera at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, with 25 cases of severe gastroenteritis reported.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the cases were confirmed to be caused by cholera.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that urgent medical and environmental intervention measures have been implemented successfully.
While no new deaths have been reported in the last 72 hours, the government is intensifying efforts to eliminate transmission, despite evidence of ongoing low-grade community transmission.
The update follows a strategic meeting of the “One Health” inter-governmental agency over the weekend.
According to the Commissioner, “We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention and other health consumables. Additionally, the World Health Organisation has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected and there are ongoing inspections of other correctional facilities in the state.”
The Commissioner identified the source of the cholera outbreak two weeks ago as unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supply.
According to Abayomi, samples collected by undercover environmental officers from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Health in the affected areas tested positive for vibrio cholera bacteria, the causative agent of cholera.
The contaminated street beverages, which were purchased from popular vendors, were found to be the root cause of the outbreak.
“All of the containers had no NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are small cottage backyard informal production units. Identifying the precise location of manufacture has proven difficult and the directorate of environmental health is planning to seal any such unregulated manufacture and make arrests of anybody involved with the manufacture or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers,” Abayomi said.
He emphasised that in partnership with the Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies (LAWMA and LASWAMO), the state government is actively implementing environmental health measures. These include widespread sanitation efforts, inspection, and disinfection of boreholes.
He urged the public to prioritise safe consumption of water, food, and beverages, maintain good personal hygiene, promptly begin oral rehydration therapy, and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
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