Lecturers Shortage Hits Nigerian Universities, ASUU Points to Japa and IPPIS

Nigerian universities are facing a severe shortage of staff as thousands of lecturers leave for opportunities abroad, compounded by a high number of retirements. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) confirmed the shortage, attributing it to the surge in lecturers leaving Nigeria and concerns around the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

  • Departures and Shortages: ASUU branches from various universities revealed the extent of the issue. For example, about 100 lecturers have left Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, while the Federal University in Gusau, Zamfara, reportedly needs about 1,000 lecturers to fill vacancies. The University of Ilorin has around 500 academic vacancies, and the University of Lagos has witnessed the departure of 27 lecturers.
  • Causes of Shortage: The reasons behind the shortage are multifaceted. The “Japa” phenomenon, where individuals seek opportunities abroad, has contributed significantly. Additionally, retirements are not being adequately replaced, and concerns related to IPPIS are impacting recruitment.
  • IPPIS Challenges: The introduction of IPPIS, designed to address ghost workers and multiple salary issues, is facing resistance, especially from university workers. Many argue that it limits the ability of institutions to employ staff, contributing to the shortage.
  • ASUU’s Perspective: ASUU leaders emphasize that inadequate funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and interference by the Federal Government are exacerbating the problem. They argue that the government’s failure to prioritize funding and restrictions on employment are stifling universities and contributing to a brain drain.
  • Impact on Universities: The shortage of academic staff is affecting the quality of education and increasing workloads on existing faculty members. The situation varies among universities, with some experiencing more significant challenges than others.
  • Calls for Government Action: ASUU leaders are calling on the government to address the issue urgently by providing adequate funding, allowing universities more autonomy, and scrapping or amending the IPPIS system.

The shortage of lecturers in Nigerian universities highlights the complex challenges facing higher education institutions, including funding issues, bureaucratic obstacles, and the impact of global opportunities on the local academic workforce.

Iyabo Ojo Expresses Views on Marriage: “It’s Overrated”

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has shared her perspective on marriage, emphasizing that she is content in her relationship with partner Paulo Okoye, also known as Paulo, despite not being married. The actress referred to marriage as “overrated” and highlighted that her partner shares the same sentiment.

Speaking on her TV show, Iyabo Ojo TV, with veteran singer Charly Boy as a guest, the actress expressed her satisfaction with the current status of her relationship. She mentioned that both she and Paulo don’t believe in the traditional institution of marriage.

Charly Boy, agreeing with Ojo, shared a conversation with his son who suggested the idea of having a contract for a specified duration, suggesting a renewal option if both parties are happy. He acknowledged the changing dynamics of marriage, noting that contemporary marriages differ significantly from those of previous generations.

The conversation reflects evolving perspectives on relationships and marriage, with individuals reevaluating traditional norms and exploring alternative ways to structure their commitments.

Companies Increase Salaries by N4.6 Trillion in Response to Rising Inflation, Says NBS

In a bid to address the impact of surging inflation, companies in Nigeria raised their employees’ salaries by 18.35%, totaling N29.45 trillion in the first half of 2023. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that compensation of employees, encompassing remuneration in cash or kind, increased from N24.88 trillion in the first half of 2022 to N29.45 trillion in the corresponding period of 2023.

Despite the challenging economic conditions, with heightened prices and increased living costs, businesses took measures to mitigate the effects on their workforce. The NBS reported a year-on-year growth in Compensation of Employees by 15.08% in Q1 and 19.41% in Q2 of 2023 in real terms. These figures surpassed the rates recorded in the same periods of 2022. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, there was a 3.33% decrease in Q1 but an 11.25% growth in Q2 of 2023.

The NBS further explained that the Compensation of Employees refers to the total remuneration payable by employers to employees for their work, encompassing both cash and non-cash benefits.

During the reviewed period, companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), witnessed an 11.93% increase in operating surplus, amounting to N67.56 trillion, compared to N60.36 trillion recorded in the first half of 2022. Operating surplus, defined as the profit that remains for firms after covering costs, saw growth amid economic challenges.

The report comes amid concerns about the erosion of purchasing power and increased poverty in Nigeria due to record-high inflation. The World Bank had previously warned that inflation had significantly reduced the real value of the minimum wage and contributed to a rise in poverty levels.

As inflation continues to impact Nigerians, the report highlights the efforts made by companies to address the economic challenges faced by their employees through increased compensation.

A glimpse into express packaging box‘s carbon reduction journey in China

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

In recent years, China has constantly promoted the minimization, standardization and recycling of express packaging, continuously reducing energy consumption while boosting the green development of its express delivery sector.

China’s express delivery sector has maintained rapid growth over the past decades. During the annual “Double 11” online shopping spree(from Nov. 1 to Nov. 16), express delivery enterprises across the country collected a total of about 7.77 billion packages, surging 25.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the State Post Bureau.

How can such a burgeoning industry accelerate its transition to green logistics services? A whole-process tracking of the warehousing, packaging, delivery and recycling of an express packaging box by People’s Daily may offer a glimpse into the efforts.

At 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 5, a woman surnamed Wang who lives in Dongxihu district, Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei province, placed and confirmed an order for some products on an e-commerce platform.

Nearly at the same time, an order with a serial number ending with 7205 was officially created 50 kilometers away in the largest logistics park in central China – a smart logistics park of Cainiao, the logistics arm of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, in Jiangxia district, Wuhan.

After intelligent stacker cranes accurately picked up goods one by one from racks ten stories high in a warehouse, automated guided vehicles standing by steadily transported them along a preset route to a packing platform.

When all the goods, which included laundry detergent, yogurt, and facial masks, were ready, an instruction suggesting a customized packaging solution appeared on the computer screen at the packing platform: use No. 8 box, which is 26 centimeters long, 20 centimeters wide, and 20 centimeters high.

“We used to rely solely on experience for packaging. To avoid changing boxes midway and affect efficiency, we tended to choose bigger boxes, resulting in waste to some extent,” said Lin Fang, a packer who packed the goods ordered by Wang.

The problem has been effectively solved by the intelligent box recommendation system of the logistics park, which can automatically generate a packaging plan encompassing box size, product arrangement and protection measures, according to Lin, who added that the system has also greatly improved box space utilization.

While talking to People’s Daily reporters, Lin completed the packaging and skillfully pulled out a tape, and then neatly cross-sealed the cardboard box and affixed a waybill to the package. At 11:30 a.m., the package was officially released from the warehouse.

The adhesive tape used at the warehouse now is much “slimmer” than the one used before, according to Yi Qing, manager of the warehouse.

“The width of the tape was reduced from 60 millimeters to 48 millimeters, the cross-shaped sealing avoids excessive wrapping, and the adoption of waybills using thermal paper instead of regular paper can further reduce material usage,” explained Yi.

It is estimated that the above-mentioned measures can reduce carbon dioxide emissions generated during the packaging of each cardboard box by about 65 grams.

After departing from the warehouse, the securely packaged goods went through a 100-meter-long corridor via a conveyor belt and entered an automatic sorting line along with many parcels.

While improving efficiency, automation also results in growing energy consumption, according to Tang Anxin, an executive in charge of the distribution center of the logistics park.

“Our fully automated parcel sorting system can save 70 percent of manpower, but has also become the main electricity consumer of the logistics park,” Tang said.

“Although our electricity consumption has increased, the electricity is greener,” said Tang, leading People’s Daily reporters to the roof of a warehouse to show that nearly two thirds of the rooftops of the logistics park are covered with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

“The distributed rooftop solar PV system has a total area of over 50,000 square meters. By directly converting sunlight into electricity, it not only meets the power demand of the distribution center, but can also feed the surplus into power grid,” Tang said.

Since it was put into operation in September 2020, the rooftop PV power system of the logistics park generates about 4.1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which is equivalent to a reduction of 2,500 tonnes a year in carbon dioxide emissions. This means that by using electricity produced by PV power system, handling each package can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 grams.

At 12:57 p.m., Wang’s package rolled off the sorting line and was loaded onto a vehicle driven by Xiang Jun, leaving for a distribution station of Cainiao in a residential area in Dongxihu district.

The driver told People’s Daily that he switched to a new energy vehicle for cargo transportation early last year. The vehicle travels an average monthly mileage of 4,500 kilometers, saving 50 percent of the operating cost per kilometer compared to a similar fuel vehicle, Xiang said.

New energy logistics trucks shuttling between distribution stations and electric two-wheelers running on streets are facilitating the transition of the express delivery sector toward green transportation.

Compared to fuel vehicles, new energy vehicles are estimated to be able to help express delivery service providers reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 percent, equivalent to a reduction of about 70 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per parcel delivery.

At 5:45 p.m., with a crisp doorbell ring, the package with a serial number ending with 7205 was successfully delivered to Wang.

Instead of discarding the packaging box right away as usual, Wang took it to a nearby express distribution station together with several other express packaging boxes for recycling as she took out the garbage downstairs. She received 0.5 yuan ($0.07) as a reward for the eco-friendly choice.

“By sending boxes to the distribution station, I can get rid of waste while participating in a public-benefit endeavor. The recycling serves a double purpose,” she said.

Since consumers were encouraged to participate in packaging recycling, express distribution stations have seen a greatly increased number of boxes recycled.

According to an industry insider, nearly half of the cardboard boxes recycled at express distribution stations are reused for express delivery, and boxes that cannot be reused anymore are turned into paper pulp and made into exercise books, which are then given to students across the country by public welfare organizations.

It is estimated that recycling a used express cardboard box can result in a reduction of about 37 grams of carbon dioxide emissions on average.

With concerted efforts of various links of express delivery services, from warehouses using electricity generated by PV power system to intelligent system-empowered packaging, transportation by new energy vehicles, and box recycling, an express packaging box finishes its carbon reduction journey as if finishing a “green relay race”.

Effective management of disagreements reduces risk of conflict, confrontation in China-U.S. relations

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

China and the United States are different in history, culture, social system and development path. They have encountered, are currently encountering, and will continue to encounter differences and disagreements. How to view these differences and responsibly manage the disagreements tests the wisdom of both countries.

During the summit meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and the U.S. should manage disagreements effectively, and put forward it as one of the five pillars for China-U.S. relations.

Disagreements should not be a chasm that keeps the two countries apart. Instead, the two sides should look for ways to build bridges to help them walk toward each other, Xi said.

It is important that they appreciate each other’s principles and red lines, and refrain from flip-flopping, being provocative, and crossing the lines. They should have more communications, more dialogues and more consultations, and calmly handle their differences as well as accidents, said Xi.

Xi’s remarks provide crucial guidance for China and the U.S. to efficiently manage disagreements.

Difference and disagreement in itself is no cause for alarm; the key is to have the vision and layout to seek common ground and resolve differences.

For 22 years, there were estrangement and antagonism between China and the U.S. Converging interests enabled the two countries to rise above differences and make the handshake across the Pacific Ocean.

The Shanghai Communique released in 1972 ended the long-standing isolation between China and the U.S. and launched the process of normalizing the China-U.S. relations. It showed that the two major countries with different social systems were willing to coexist peacefully.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once praised the Shanghai Communique as a new example of diplomatic document that respects the different views of both countries, and this preservation of divergent opinions adds greater significance to the document.

Over 50 years ago, both sides were able to correctly view their differences and responsibly manage their disagreements. Today, it is imperative to show similar wisdom and courage.

Difference and disagreement in itself is no cause for alarm; the key is not to let them overshadow the relationship between China and the U.S.

Although the two countries are different in history, culture and social system and have embarked on different development paths, they have made many achievements－$760 billion of annual bilateral trade and over $260 billion of two-way investment, 284 pairs of sister provinces/states and sister cities, and over 300 scheduled flights every week and over five million travels every year at peak time.

Despite the differences, the two peoples are both kind, friendly, hardworking and down-to-earth. They both love their countries, their families and their lives, and they both are friendly toward each other and are interested in each other.

It is the convergence of many streams of goodwill and friendship that has created a strong current surging across the vast Pacific Ocean, it is the reaching out to each other by the peoples that has time and again brought China-U.S. relations from a low ebb back onto the right track. History has repeatedly proved that China and the U.S. are capable of rising above differences and managing disagreements.

In recent years, some people in the U.S. have been viewing China through a biased lens, magnifying the differences and disagreements between China and the U.S., and defining their relationship solely in terms of competition. Such practices are irresponsible to history, to the people, and to the world.

China remains undeterred by any containment or suppression, and is resolute in defending its legitimate interests, upholding its principles, and safeguarding its bottom line.

China consistently engages in planning for the China-U.S. relationship with a focus on the future of humanity and Planet Earth. The country is firmly committed to managing differences and addressing sensitive issues in a constructive manner, striving to foster a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the U.S.

Mutual respect and equal treatment provide an important foundation for China and the U.S. to effectively manage disagreements. In an atmosphere of mutual respect, the two heads of state had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on strategic and overarching issues critical to the direction of China-U.S. relations and on major issues affecting world peace and development in San Francisco.

Xi elaborated on the essential features of Chinese modernization and its significance, China’s development prospects, and its strategic intention. He also elaborated on China’s principled position on the Taiwan question, and made clear China’s position on issues related to economy, trade, and technology.

The summit meeting in San Francisco reached more than 20 deliverables in such areas as political affairs and foreign policy, people-to-people exchange, global governance, and military and security. These achievements demonstrate the significance of Xi’s proposal for “more communications, more dialogues and more consultations” between China and the U.S.

Observing the basic norms of international relations and the three China-U.S. joint communiques is vital for managing differences and preventing conflict. It serves as the most important guardrail and safety net for China-U.S. relations. Seventy-eight years ago, China and the U.S. initiated together with others the San Francisco Conference, which helped found the United Nations. Starting from San Francisco, the postwar international order was established.

During the San Francisco meeting, the two presidents endorsed the efforts of their respective diplomatic teams to discuss principles related to China-U.S. relations since the Bali meeting and the common understandings arising from those discussions. They stressed the importance of all countries treating each other with respect and finding a way to live alongside each other peacefully, and of maintaining open lines of communication, preventing conflict, upholding the United Nations Charter, cooperating in areas of shared interest, and responsibly managing competitive aspects of the relationship. These seven points of common understanding are very important in that they provide a solid foundation for deeper discussions going forward.

The San Francisco meeting between the two presidents showcased the willingness of the two countries to manage differences in a constructive way. It is crucial for stabilizing the China-U.S. relationship.

Moving forward, both countries should uphold mutual respect, seek common ground while resolving differences, and remain unperturbed by individual incidents or particular comments, thus jointly ensuring that the giant ship of China-U.S. relations stays on the right course

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

Coalition Calls For Intelligence Gathering Against Terrorism Financing

A group, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has called for strategic intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies in the country to end alleged connivance on terrorism financing.

The chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa, had earlier disclosed that some Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East planned attacks from the prison in connivance with prison warders.

However, addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the president of CSGGG, Chief Ogakwu Dominic, while acknowledging the gravity of the information shared by General Musa during a public hearing, expressed concern over the public nature of such allegations.

Dominic said the CSO believes that inter-agency collaboration is crucial in the fight against terrorism, and discreet engagement between the military and NCoS would have been more effective in addressing the issue.

“Coordination, management, and utilisation of information are key in waging the war against terrorists, and public disclosure hampers the covert operations necessary for success,” he said.

Dominic urged Musa to refer to the National Crisis Management Doctrine (NCMD) for coordinated crisis management.

Acknowledging the swift response of the minister of interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in launching an investigation into NCoS officials, Dominic also commended the initiative to free 4,000 inmates, relieving pressure on current NCoS manpower for better performance.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to support the infrastructural revolution of the nation’s correctional facilities, emphasising the need for modernisation to align with international best practices.

While commending the sacrifices of the military in ensuring internal security and sovereignty, he called for collaboration on de-radicalisation efforts, emphasising the NCoS’ exclusive right in this regard.

Addressing the National Assembly, Dominic called for a reconsideration of their approach to security issues, stressing the importance of avoiding the public disclosure of sensitive information that aids insecurity.

Dominic asserted that “security is a collective business requiring collaboration among various stakeholders. It behooves the military to collaborate with the NCoS and save the nation from embarrassment.”

COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ( CSO), GIVES MAGAJI CLEAN BILL , ALLEGES BLACKMAIL


As National Assembly Management sets Committee to Investigate Alleged false Bill submitted to Tinubu

BY Lateef Taiwo

Over 40 coalition of Civil society has described recent media reports on the ongoing reforms by the management of the national Assembly management led by the Clerk of the National Assembly , Sani Magaji Tambuwal, as an unfortunate development .

The group expressed concern on the negative story sponsored by some individuals and group in National Assembly management without proper investigation by media houses before going to the press.

“ while the management of the National Assembly is not immune from investigations, the media practitioners should not allowed itself to be used as pawn in the political chess game by those who lost out in any contest in National Assembly management leadership “

National trail investigation at the Corporate Affairs Commission ( CAC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau revealed that there is no registered company or entity traced to the Clerk of the National Assembly

The Chairperson of the Conference of Civil Societies, and Coordinator of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), Comrade Adams Otakwu has disclosed plans of collaboration between the Civil Society, Armed Forces, Security and Intelligence Community to clamp down on Subversive Groups and Elements who operate under the guise of Civil Societies and other platforms.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday the 25th November 2023, Comrade Otakwu said “the activities of these individuals and groups who hide under the umbrella of Civil Societies to blackmail and extort public officials, perpetrate heinous crimes and indulge in reactionary and fraudulent activities, portray a bad image of the civil society, and undermine national security”

He expressed concern over incessant blackmails of the Armed Forces, Security Agencies, National Assembly and other critical institutions in the country, by subversive elements and so-called ‘coalition of civil societies’ or ‘concerned citizens groups’.

Otakwu who further described such needless and mindless machinations as “inimical to the country’s

progress” also cautioned against them, and disclosed plans by the Conference of Civil Societies to collaborate with the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligence Community to clamp down on these elements in the interest of National Security and development.

The group in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, also warned against attempts by “some so-called civil society groups from distracting the CNA through blackmail and spurious allegations that are unfounded and misleading” in the performance of his duties.

National coordinator of the PYF, Otunba Bamidele Adigun, and National Organising Secretary, Musa Isah, stated that since Tambuwal’s assumption of office as the CNA, there have been a telling improvement in staff welfare and communication in the National Assembly bureaucracy.

“It is a fact that since Mr. Sani Magaji Tambuwal’s emergence as the CNA in November, 2022 and his eventual confirmation in March this year, there have been marked improvement in staff welfare and communication with top management within the National Assembly bureaucracy,” Adigun and Isah stated in the statement.

According to the group, “the payment of N3.7bn CON-PECULIAR and other outstanding entitlements within a few months in office and the upgrade of the NASS clinic with plans for the state-of-the-art equipment, easing the transportation needs of workers with eight new buses and effecting the payment of N35, 000 palliative grant, from September,2023 are few of the pragmatic leadership of Mr. Tambuwal this past one year in office.

“We wish to further state that, we have diligently followed his leadership and management style, it is gratifying to know and see that all outstanding workers welfare packages and entitlements are been cleared as well as increase in trainings and retraining for all cadres of staff in the NASS service.

“It is on this note and many more, we call on Mr. Tambuwal to remain focused, accountable and ignore mischief makers and those given to blackmail and trading in spurious allegations.”People should be guided by their conscience in all that they do so as not to impugn on the integrity and reputation of honest leaders, desirous for the right things to be done.”

Informed sources told National trail that recent attempt at drawing the clerk of the National Assembly Magaji, into what is strictly a responsibility of the Clerks of the upper and lower legislative Chambers fell on its face.

A media report ( not Aljazirah Nigeria had reported how the Clerk Sani Magaji Tamuwal , allegedly sent a false real estate regulatory council Bill of Nigeria ACT 2023 to President Tinubu , and was rejected.

investigation revealed that nothing has exposed the traducers of the Clerk of the National and put the media on the spot like the report of the rejected Bill.

National trail gathered that despite the manifest ignorance displayed on the process of lawmaking by the media House , the management has set up a high powerful Committee to unravel the allegations.

National trail checks revealed that Bills from the Senate or the House are sent to the office of the Clerk, from the office of the Clerk it is sent to the legal department , the department scrutinized it if there are glare areas they send it back to the Clerks of either the Senate or House, for harmonization.
After the harmonization it is sent back to the legal department in the National, then the Clerk of the Assembly before the Clerk sends it to the presidency for assent.

“ In the presidency the legal department also subject the Bills to scrutiny to ensure the Bill does not conflict with extant laws, the president either decided to send such Bill back to National Assembly for corrections or amendment where necessary”
The question is who sent the Bill to the president?
National trail investigation reveaed that the Clerk Sani Tambuwal is not in a position to influence the passage of any Bill as alleged by the media.

National trail gathered that President Buhari in the dying days of his administration signed 16 constitution amendment bills out of the 35 bills transmitted to him by the ninth National Assembly.

One of the constitution review bills that President Muhammadu Buhari refused to assent to is a bill to empower the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to summon the President and governors.

The President Buhari refused to assent to which include “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 48, 2022 (Power to Summon the President and Governors – Sections 67 & 108).

“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Empower the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to summon the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Governors of States to answer Questions on issues on which the National and State Houses of Assembly have the Powers to make Law.”

Other bills the President failed to assent to include: “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 65, 2022 (Food Security – Section 16)

“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to require the Government to Direct its Policy towards ensuring Rights to Food and Food Security in Nigeria.”

The President also failed to assent to the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 54, 2022 (State of the Nation and State of the State Address – Sections 67 & 108).

“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for a State of the Nation and State of the State Address by the President and Governor.

“Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 55, 2022 (Composition of Members of the Council of State – Part I, Third Schedule).

“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Include Former Heads of the National Assembly in the Council of State.”

See the full list of the 19 rejected bills below:

  1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 10, 2022 (Enforcement of Legislative Summons – Sections 89 & 129)

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to compel persons to obey or comply with Legislative Summons

  1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 24, 2022 (Expansion of the Interpretation of “Judicial Office” –Section 318)

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to expand the Interpretation of Judicial Office to include Courts or Tribunals created by an Act of the National Assembly or a State Law of the House of Assembly.

  1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 29, 2022 (Devolution of Powers [Airports] – Part I & II, Second Schedule)

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Move Airports from Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List

  1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 39, 2022 (Power to Enforce Compliance of Remittance of Accruals into the Federation Account and Review of Revenue Allocation Formula – Section 162 & Part I, Third Schedule)

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Empower the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to Enforce Compliance with Remittance of Accruals into and Disbursement of Revenue from the Federation Account and Streamline the Procedure for Reviewing the Revenue Allocation Formula.

  1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 41, 2022 (Removal of Transitional Law-making Powers of the Executive – Section 315)

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Remove Transitional Lawmaking Powers from the Executive Arms of Government

  1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 66, 2022 (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps – Section 213 & Part III)

A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Reflect the Establishment and Core Functions of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

UBA SANI’S FIVE ACTIONS THAT CHANGED KADUNA’S HEALTHCARE HISTORY

“We must put in place measures to ensure inclusiveness, responsiveness, fairness and integrity in policy making and service delivery” — Kaduna Governor, on June 12th, 2023

By NASIR DAMBATTA

Kaduna, a state with an estimated population of about ten million people and 1,064 primary healthcare facilities was experiencing a man-made backward slide, owing to what discerning observers considered as weak management capacity in the state’s healthcare system. Now there is the growing consensus that five recent and unforgettable actions of Governor Uba Sani have given a major facelift to Kaduna’s healthcare delivery system. Let us maize through them, in no particular order.

Number one, is the approval by the governor, dedicating 15% of Kaduna’s annual budget to the health sector. This landmark disclosure was reported the day key stakeholders stormed Kaduna, notably officials of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF among others. The interaction between Governor Sani and the stakeholders revolved around issues of upgrading primary healthcare services with the aim of ensuring universal health coverage and routine immunisation for children and women.

Number two, Governor Uba Sani ensured the distribution of medical equipment and consumables to 290 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) of the State. The objective of committing huge resources to the supply of ultramodern healthcare facilities was to enhance access to affordable and efficient healthcare services especially in the new spirit of rural renewal.

The governor was on point to have offered that the initiative’s impact goes beyond the medical equipment but underscored the determination to invest heavily in the healthcare workforce, their training, and providing an enabling environment for professional excellence.

Hear him: “Our goal is to provide them with the tools they need to make informed decisions, deliver precise diagnoses, and administer effective treatments”.

Number three, the Governor inaugurated five mobile medical trucks, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide medical services to communities that are difficult to reach.

It is obvious that the mobile trucks policy will address the problems of long and difficult terrains that make it nearly impossible for rural communities to access health services.

His words: “With these medical trucks, screening and diagnosis of ailment will be brought to the doorstep of the citizens of Kaduna State. Our administration is committed to taking all necessary steps to make significant progress towards achieving universal health coverage”.

In a nutshell, the vision of his administration is to build and strengthen an enhanced health system that is adequately equipped, well-staffed with comprehensive, accessible and affordable services to deliver distanced standard of care.

Number four? The approval for the recruitment of 89 medical doctors was a game-changer. This approval for the continuation of the recruitment of 89 medical doctors to address the staffing gap identified in 2017, as recommended by a special committee, gladdened the hearts of Kaduna populace no end. This initiative, the governor once revealed, was amongst others, designed to boost doctors’ morale and improve access to quality healthcare for the residents.

Number five, Governor Sani gave full backing to the partnership with a United Nations agency to confront the growing menace of the consumption of psychotropic substances in the State. The partnership with this UN body, known as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), marked a significant milestone in the efforts to combat substance abuse in the State. This move will also be helpful to human capital development and citizen engagement.

Evidently, these five major steps by the administration of Senator Uba Sani has changed the history of Kaduna State’s healthcare services in an unprecedented way. It is therefore obvious that the governor will go down in history as a leader who gave a befitting touch to modernizing the Kaduna healthcare system, while making it so affordable that people at the grassroots will not be left out. This all-embracing strategy has been at the heart of the government’s SUSTAIN Agenda.

Dambatta is Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Nasarawa: Coalition Condemns Appeal Court Verdict, Cites Threats to Democracy”

In the heart of Nasarawa State, amidst the backdrop of political turbulence and legal contestations, a unified voice emerges. The Coalition of Indigenous People of Nasarawa State recently convened at the Nasarawa State Stadium, articulating their profound concerns regarding the erosion of democratic values and the suppression of indigenous rights within their region.

Led by Hon. Kefas Elisha Tigga, the coalition’s convener, the assembly sought to shed light on the challenges plaguing their democratic process. At the core of their grievances lies the unsettling outcome of the gubernatorial elections held on March 18th, 2023.

In a spirited and impassioned address to the press, dignitaries, justice advocates, and concerned citizens, Tigga articulated the coalition’s dismay over a recent appellate court judgment. This judgment, overturning the lower tribunal’s decision, created ripples of discontent, challenging the very essence of majority rule in Nasarawa’s democratic fabric.

“We stand at the precipice of a dangerous precedent,” declared Tigga, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard the indigenous people’s right to have their voices heard through the ballot box. He underscored that the rightful winner, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP, was unjustly overlooked by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ultimately leading to a tumultuous legal battle.

The coalition vehemently contested the irregularities and manipulations allegedly orchestrated by the APC in key wards, particularly in Gayam and Chiroma. They cited instances where votes exceeded the accredited numbers, questioning the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

What struck a chord among the attendees was the coalition’s lament over the derogatory labeling of peaceful protesters, especially women. Tigga expressed deep anguish over their disparaging treatment, decrying the mockery faced by those exercising their right to voice their concerns. The coalition found themselves insultingly branded as “hired crowds” and even derogatorily called “prostitutes.”

“We seek liberation, not because of someone’s charisma, but to break free from the shackles of power that hold our state hostage,” emphasized Tigga, highlighting the significance of their vote for Ombugadu as a symbolic step towards emancipation from control and exploitation.

Amidst calls for intervention from international bodies such as the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, and the United States, the coalition’s fervent appeal resonates: a plea for the Supreme Court’s intervention to rectify what they perceive as an injustice and a defiance of the people’s will.

As the conference drew to a close, the reverberating message echoed a steadfast hope that justice, devoid of mere technicalities, will prevail. The coalition’s unwavering stance embodies the aspirations of Nasarawa State’s indigenous people—a fervent desire for fairness, justice, and an unwavering commitment to democracy’s foundational values.

Aluminum industry in Guangxi sees fruitful results in green, low-carbon development

By Zheng Yi, People’s Daily

What is “green aluminum?”

People’s Daily recently visited Guangxi Investment Group LiuzhouYinhai Aluminum Co., Ltd.in Baise, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region to find the answer.

In a workshop of the company, dozens of electrolytic cells were seen electrolyzing alumina powder into aluminum liquid meeting purity standard. Every 24 hours, the boiling aluminum liquid would be extracted and sent to downstream foundries.

Over half of the electricity used by the electrolytic cells was clean energy. Thanks to advanced technologies, current efficiency was maintained at 93.5 percent, with the comprehensive energy consumption on a downward trend.

By utilizing clean energy, promoting clean production, and enabling carbon footprint traceability, Guangxi Investment Group Liuzhou Yinhai Aluminum Co., Ltd.became the first company in China to have obtained a “green aluminum” carbon label for its aluminum electrolysis project.

Only enterprises that have significantly lowered carbon emission and pollutant discharge in the production of aluminum can receive this carbon label. The greening of the aluminum industry is an epitome of China’s efforts to advance green and low-carbon transformation.

China is the world’s largest producer of electrolytic aluminum. The production of electrolytic aluminum is electricity-intensive, and that’s why it matters in China’scarbon emission reduction.To achieve the”dual carbon”targets, the aluminum industry mustembrace green and low-carbon development.

The “green aluminum” carbon label tracks the total carbon emissions of aluminum products when they are produced, transported and consumed. This helps strengthen carbon management across the industrial chain, transforming the energy-intensive industry towards an energy-efficient one.

Many clients of Guangxi Investment Group LiuzhouYinhai Aluminum Co., Ltd. only purchase aluminum alloy plates with the “green aluminum” carbon label. By utilizing clean energy, the company can save 40-50 million yuan($5.64-7.05 million) in electricity fees annually.

As green development becomes a societal consensus, proactively developing green technology and products is also an industry consensus. Taking green transformation and upgrading as a priorityand nurturing green and low-carbon industries not only enhances the development potential of enterprises, but also shapes the global competitiveness of the Chinese aluminum industry.

To seize the initiative in green transition requires the strength from technology. Digitalization and intelligentization can play vital roles in facilitating green and low-carbon development.

In digitally upgraded workshops, industrial software and relevant equipment can be used to collect energy conservation data from electrolytic cells and smart meters. By constructing abstract models, manufacturing data visualization can be achieved on relevant applications.

Properly harnessing technological tools and upgrading manufacturing equipment can empower green transitions. By vigorously innovating and digitalizing production management, enterprises can make carbon reduction effects measurable, traceable, and assessable. This not only injects momentum into the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries but also strengthens the foundation for improving carbon emission accounting systems.

The aluminum industry chain is being extended in Baise, Guangxi – scrap edges and corners from aluminum processing are re-melted and shaped into aluminum ingots and rods; metallic iron is extracted from solid waste of alumina production and made into construction materials and roadbed materials.

Recycled aluminum and relevant derivatives have made aluminum recycling a”green recycling,”strengthening weak links in the industry, expanding the circular economy and forming new competitive edges.

This proves that green development aims to achieve maximum economic and social benefits with minimum resources and environmental costs, and itupgrades theentire industrial chain.

Transformation and upgrading are mandatory for corporations, pivotal for industrial economies, and critical breakthroughs for regional development. The transition of the traditional aluminum industry is guided by green, low-carbon, and high-quality development,supportedby digital and smart production management models, and advanced by the amplified value of the circular utilization of resources.

Nowadays, both solar panels on rooftops and wind turbines in forests are injecting”green electricity” into Baise’s aluminum industry. Pursuing green and low-carbon developmentand followinga whole-industrial-chain perspective, China’s aluminum industry will achieve bigger success in green transition.