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Indoor air pollution causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths annually worldwide, primarily due to the use of solid fuels for cooking in developing countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This largely preventable pollution contributes significantly to respiratory illnesses and other diseases.

In Nigeria, indoor air pollution is widespread, particularly in rural areas. The situation is worsened nationally by the use of generators for domestic electricity production, especially in residential areas, and cooking in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. These significantly increase indoor air pollutant concentrations, thus causing severe health issues.

Now, indoor air pollution refers to the contamination of air within buildings and structures and covers a wide range of harmful substances, including gases, particles, and biological contaminants, originating from various sources. Poor ventilation can worsen the issue by preventing the dilution and removal of these pollutants.

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When it comes to the primary sources of indoor air pollution, a major distinction is often drawn between developing countries, which frequently rely on biomass for cooking and heating, and industrialised nations, where building materials and household products are more prominent. Inefficient combustion of solid fuels like wood, charcoal, coal, and crop waste or kerosene in open fires and simple stoves contributes significantly to indoor air pollution. Also, both second-hand smoke from burning tobacco products and chemicals released from them are significant sources of indoor pollutants. In addition, formaldehyde from building materials, paints, and furniture, along with other volatile organic compounds, contributes to poor indoor air quality.

Cleaning products, pesticides, and artificial fragrances equally release harmful chemicals into the indoor environment. Also, biological pollutants, such as animal dander, mould, dust mites, pollen, bacteria, and viruses, are common in indoor environments. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can seep into homes from the ground and building materials.

Furthermore, inadequate ventilation, especially in combination with high temperatures and humidity, traps pollutants indoors and leads to higher concentrations. Incense and some mosquito repellents can also release pollutants into the air, while dust, cockroaches, and rodents can similarly act as sources of indoor air pollution.

The truth is that inhaling fine particulate matter, such as soot from burning solid fuels, can cause or worsen respiratory infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic exposure to pollutants from household sources is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Household air pollution can cause lung cancer, especially in non-smoking women and people who use solid fuels like wood or coal for heating and cooking. Moreover, maternal exposure to indoor air pollution is associated with low birth weight and preterm births. And household air pollution can contribute to conditions like tuberculosis and cataracts and potentially affect neurological development in children.

Children and the elderly are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution. Women and children, however, often bear the greatest burden due to their role in cooking and spending more time indoors, thus increasing their exposure to harmful smoke. People with existing illnesses, especially lung conditions, are also at a higher risk, while low-income households are often excessively affected because they are more likely to use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking and heating.

Now, there are some things you can do to mitigate or prevent household air pollution. You can briefly open windows and doors daily, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, to replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside. You can also turn on local exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to effectively remove moisture and pollutants generated by cooking and other activities.

It is equally important to reduce pollution at the source by choosing non-toxic products and opting for green cleaners and products with no or low volatile organic compounds, such as paints, finishes, and adhesives. Then avoid smoking indoors, as cigarette smoke contains numerous cancer-causing substances and so should not be smoked inside. And do not burn garbage, as this releases harmful pollutants into the air. When possible, use high-emitting products like paint, glue, incense, and candles outdoors, not indoors.

You can similarly use air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove microscopic particles like dust, pet dander, mould spores, and tobacco smoke. In addition, ensure regular cleaning and drying of indoor spaces to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Although they are not a primary solution for severe pollution, certain houseplants can help refresh indoor air by metabolising pollutants. And when renovating or building, select ‘green’ building materials, which adhere to environmental and health-friendly principles.

Close your windows and doors to prevent the smoke and fine particles from entering your house if you are dealing with a less immediate threat, such as pollutants like smoke from high outdoor pollution events. You can open the windows to increase ventilation once the outside air quality improves. It is, however, essential to get anyone experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or confusion medical help immediately.

As a general rule, get everyone out of the building and into fresh air if you suspect a serious or widespread problem, such as a gas leak or carbon monoxide exposure, and call for help from appropriate quarters or agencies once you are in a safe location. Do not use lighters, matches, or any electrical device, including appliances, light switches, and phones, since these can create a spark that ignites a flammable gas.

In the end, our well-being is tied, not just to the government or the world outside our windows, but also to the air we breathe within our walls. By having a good knowledge of the sources of indoor air pollution, we can take control of our health and that of those around us. A well-placed air purifier, a commitment to natural cleaning products, and a simple habit of opening windows and doors can make all the difference by transforming our private spaces into true sanctuaries of clean, safe air.

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has recorded a major reduction in crude oil theft from over 102,000 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025.

The Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe stated that this was achieved through collaboration with security agencies, private contractors and community stakeholders in implementing the Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation.

The result, he stated, was a reduction in theft by over 90 per cent in four years.

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He spoke in Lagos on Thursday during at the 2025 Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) conference in Lagos. Prior to Komolafe’s remark, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), had given an industry report on crude oil theft, disclosing that the Federal Government lost a total of 13.5 million barrels of crude oil worth $3.3 billion to theft and pipeline sabotage between 2023 and 2024.

He decried the lack of transparency and accountability that had bedeviled the oil and gas industry, saying there was the need for openness, transparency and innovation in driving the oil and gas value chain.

He spoke on the theme, ‘Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth.’

Orji noted that the lost revenue could have supported a full year of the federal health budget or provided energy access to millions of households.

He further disclosed that that its 2021-2022 Oil and Gas Industry Reports indicated that Nigeria earned $23.04 billion in 2021 and $23.05 billion in 2022 from the sector.

In addition, it stated that N1.5 trillion were owed to the Federation by some companies and government agencies, saying the funds could have supported the provision of energy infrastructure and healthcare to the people.

This is why transparency and accountability are not optional but necessary conditions to guarantee a more sustainable energy future for Nigeria, he stated.

The ES stated that NEITI is committed to ensuring that every barrel of crude produced is duly accounted for, noting that the secrecy in the value chain remains a matter of concern.

According to him, there is the need for reliable data in the industry as ‘data build trust, trust drives investment, investment generates revenues and revenues deliver impact.’

He said, ‘Over the past decade, NEITI has evolved from an auditing agency to a governance reform institution.

‘We have institutionalised regular audits of oil, gas, and solid mineral sectors, tracking production, payments, and remediation; developed Nigeria’s Beneficial Ownership Register, unmasking the true owners of over 4,800 extractive assets, and helping the government combat corruption and illicit financial flows; and launched the NEITI Data Centre-a national open-data infrastructure that provides real-time public access to industry information.

‘We have also strengthened partnerships with NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NCDMB to promote transparency in licensing, metering, and host community trust management and introduced the Just Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework to ensure that Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy is transparent, inclusive, and fair.

‘These are not ceremonial milestones. They are practical governance instruments designed to make transparency the DNA of Nigeria’s extractive sector.’

He stated that as Nigeria positions gas as its transition fuel and renewable energy as its future there was the need to adopt innovative approaches with data and open contracting in the value chain.

‘Our energy future must rest on verifiable data, open contracts, measurable emissions, and accountable institutions.

‘NEITI envisions a sector where every dollar is traceable, every contract is public, every decision is transparent, and every Nigerian citizen can see how natural resources translate into national prosperity.

EITI, we are committed to ensuring that every barrel produced, every cubic foot of gas commercialised, and every kobo earned contributes to national development-in full public view,’ he said.

2.7m barrels target on course – NUPRC

However, the NUPRC CCE represented by the Director, Lagos Office, Mr. Paul Osu stated that the commission had prioritized production optimization and recovery enhancement.

‘By reviewing field development plans, supporting brownfield optimization and enabling the re-entry of shut-in wells, the NUPRC has facilitated renewed activity across mature assets.

‘These interventions are projected to deliver incremental volumes exceeding one million barrels of oil per day, a key milestone toward achieving the national production target of 2.5 million BOPD by 2027,’ he stated.

‘Signature Bonus slashed from $100m to $10m’

The CCE also disclosed that the Federal Government has reduced the cost of the signature bonus from about $100 million to $10 million in its drive to actualise the 2.5 million barrels per day target in 2027.

Daily Trust reports that signature bonus is the non-refundable upfront payment made to the government for the exclusive rights to develop an oil block.

With the federal government targeting 2.5m barrels per day production by 2027, the reduction in signature bonus was a strategic decision to drive investment and encourage the development of more oil blocks.

According to Komolafe, the downward review of signature bonuses is among several strategic reforms introduced to reposition Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector for growth and competitiveness.

‘This single policy shift has enhanced investor confidence, enabled early field development, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s standing as a transparent investment destination,’ Komolafe stated.

He added that NUPRC has implemented a fully digital and transparent licensing framework to improve efficiency and reduce human interference during bid rounds.

According to him, the 2024 mini-bid round minimised human interface, ensuring maximum transparency and fairness in the licensing process.

Komolafe further revealed that the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) provisions as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) has been transformative.

He said the Commission has successfully inaugurated over 90 Trusts across the Niger Delta, ensuring that development funds flow directly to communities.

‘This model not only secures local ownership, but also guarantees peace, stability and continuity in production, key pillars for sustained energy security,’ he added.

He explained further that the NUPRC is ‘advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda as part of the ‘Decade of Gas’ and the nation’s energy transition pathway.’

‘Natural gas remains our most reliable transition fuel, a catalyst for industrialization, power generation and clean energy substitution. By promoting gas monetization, flare elimination and gas-based investments, the Commission is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to a just and balanced energy transition.

‘Globally, the context reinforces this direction. The IEA projects that upstream investment will surpass $580 billion in 2025, marking a steady recovery from pandemic lows. While renewables will continue to grow, hydrocarbons will remain central to industrialization, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria,’ he added.

‘Energy, power reforms yet to achieve results’

The conference chairman and President, Masters Energy Group, Dr. Uche Ogah stated that the power and energy reforms recently implemented by the federal government must deliver tangible results.

He pointed at the PIA 2021, the fuel subsidy removal of 2023 and the Electricity Act which redefines how power is generated, transmitted and consumed with states now involved in the value chain.

Despite these, he stated that as observed by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) recently, the power reforms have not translated into achieving tangible improvement in supply with actual generation hovering around 5000 megawatts.

Ogah said, ‘Among factors responsible for the power inadequacy despite reforms are gas supply constraints, transmission bottlenecks and commercial inefficiency cutting across the entire electricity value chain.

‘So three major energy challenges remain daunting for Nigeria as of today. First is ensuring that the energy and power reforms deliver tangible results to justify the reforms. The second challenge is maximising the value of our hydrocarbon endowment before it declines and third is delivering universal, accessible and affordable energy to every Nigerian household.’

According to him, Nigeria’s energy future is not a choice between opportunities and risks but a challenge to navigate both dynamics together.

‘Success will demand the pragmatic, multi-pronged strategy that leverages our strength while confronting our vulnerabilities head-on,’ he added.

He stated that the oil and gas remains the backbone of the economy supporting millions of jobs but more value could be delivered if the nation acts decisively.

NDPHC lauds Tinubu for Approval of ?4trn Legacy Debt Defrayment

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, at the conference commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s power sector, following his recent approval of the defrayment of the ?4 trillion legacy debts owed to generation companies (GenCos).

Adighije described the President’s approval as a landmark decision that would go a long way in restoring the financial health of the sector.

‘With the funds available, we at NDPHC – given our unique mandate as the government’s intervention entity in the power sector – plan to deploy a significant portion of these recovered funds toward converting our power plants from open-cycle to combined-cycle operations,’ she said.

‘This will not only enhance efficiency but also diversify our generation mix, aligning with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan,’ she added.

Adighije further noted that the power sector is currently undergoing a major transition, moving towards bilateral trading and the implementation of a cost-reflective tariff regime.

‘What this means for us is that we are beginning to see increased liquidity within the sector, which in turn is making it more bankable and attractive for investment,’ she explained.

‘For us in the power generation space, we understand that cash flow drives efficiency and sustainability. Improved liquidity ensures that generation companies are better positioned to reinvest in the power sector,’ Adighije said.

She reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to supporting ongoing reforms in the sector and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure energy security and economic growth.

Meanwhile, the association conferred on the company, Power Company of the year Award.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes on Thursday with a narrow 2-1 victory over Lesotho.

The win in South Africa revived Nigeria’s campaign after earlier setbacks, keeping their chances alive ahead of the final group matches.

After a goalless first half, William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring in the 53rd minute from the penalty spot following a handball by Lesotho’s Motlomelo Mkwanazi.

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Akor Adams doubled the lead in the 80th minute, finishing off a pass from Victor Osimhen, who had returned to the lineup alongside Ekong. Lesotho pulled one back late on through Hlompho Kalake after a defensive lapse from the Nigerian backline, but it was not enough to deny the visitors all three points.

The result leaves Nigeria still in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

At least eight members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have been reportedly killed in Dan Loto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attack was coming barely two weeks after bandits attacked a mosque and killed five worshipers, including an Imam in the Local Government.

Dan Loto is located in Yandoton Daji, a community where the bandits killed the five worshippers on September 26,2025.

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Daily Trust findings revealed that the members of the CJTF were ambushed by the bandits while responding to a distress call on the bandits’ attempt to unleash terror on the Dan Loto community. Usman Yusuf Tsafe told Daily Trust that the CJTF personnel were killed while exchanging fire with the bandits.

‘Probably the bandits got prior information about the coming of the CJTF personnel, hence ambushed them.

‘The bandits killed them and disappeared. They only targeted the CJTF personnel and after they killed five of them, they went back to the bush; they have not attacked residents of the community,’ he said.

Aliyu Danlami, a resident of Yandoton Daji community, said the affected community and environs have been thrown into confusion by the attack.

He said the remains of the victims have been recovered from the scene of the attack and buried according to Islamic rites.

‘The community was terrified by the attack. They were lucky, the bandits did not attack the village or kidnap anyone,’ he said.

A driver, Anthony Joseph (46), was on Thursday arraigned in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly stealing 800 bags of charcoal valued at N21 million.

The defendant, whose address was not disclosed, is charged with conspiracy and theft.

The prosecution counsel, Sgt. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendant allegedly conspired with others at large to commit the offence.

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Akinloye alleged that the defendant, in July 2025, absconded with 800 bags of charcoal valued at N21 million, the property of one Bakare Kabiru.

He alleged that the defendant committed the offence along Ibadan-Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State.

Akinloye said the offence is contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N7.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

Magistrate Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner while the second surety must be related to the defendant.

The Yobe State Government has flagged off the distribution of learning materials to Tsangaya and Islamiyya (Islamic schools) across the state.

The initiative aims to improve the welfare of Almajiri children and enhance the capacity of Islamiyya schools by creating a more structured, safe, and supportive learning environment.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), Malam Umar Abubakar, said the agency has introduced several welfare programmes to improve the living conditions of Tsangaya pupils.

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According to him, the state government has distributed 20,000 mats, 2,200 mosquito nets, 3,500 food dishes, 3,000 pairs of shoes, and 30,000 textbooks to various Almajiri schools. Other distributed items include 2,000 reading materials, 10 sewing machines, and one grasscutter machine presented to Ulamas to promote self-reliance.

Malam Abubakar further revealed that since the establishment of the Board, thousands of Almajiri children have been enrolled in the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YOCHMA) to ensure access to free and quality healthcare services.

He disclosed that more than 35 Almajiri children have undergone surgical operations, including some with serious medical conditions.

However, he noted that challenges such as street begging, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to learning materials remain major concerns.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, said the state government has commenced teacher training programmes aimed at equipping Ulamas and instructors with modern teaching techniques.

He added that the programme also emphasises discipline, hygiene, and moral upbringing in accordance with Islamic principles.

Across Nigeria, the signs of a deep infrastructure crisis are impossible to ignore. From pothole-ridden highways and epileptic power supply to congested ports and inadequate rail networks, the country’s physical backbone is crumbling. While citizens struggle daily with the consequences, promises of massive infrastructure renewal have remained more rhetoric than reality. For a nation seeking to attract investment, create jobs, and lift millions out of poverty, the failure to provide reliable infrastructure is a heavy weight dragging progress backward.

Perhaps the most visible symbol of this crisis is Nigeria’s road network. Federal and state highways are riddled with potholes, many barely passable during the rainy season. Road accidents claim thousands of lives annually, many of them avoidable if proper maintenance were carried out. Truck drivers spend days stranded on roads leading to Lagos ports, creating bottlenecks that drive up the cost of goods. Rural communities remain cut off because feeder roads are either non-existent or in terrible condition, preventing farmers from bringing produce to markets and worsening food insecurity.

The power sector tells a similarly grim story. Despite billions of dollars spent on reforms, Nigeria continues to generate far below the electricity its citizens need. Frequent blackouts cripple industries, forcing businesses to rely on expensive generators. For small businesses and households, the cost of fuelling these generators eats deep into income. Meanwhile, renewable energy opportunities remain largely untapped, even though solar and wind could help close the gap. Without reliable power, the dream of industrial growth will remain a mirage.

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Water and sanitation infrastructure are equally inadequate. Millions of Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water, relying instead on boreholes, wells, or unsafe streams. Urban centers face recurring water shortages, while sewage systems are either broken or non-existent. The result is frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, which claim lives that could easily be saved with proper investment in sanitation. In rural areas, women and children walk long distances daily to fetch water, reducing time that could be spent on education or productive work.

The state of Nigeria’s rail system further highlights the neglect. Although some progress has been made with the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan lines, the network remains grossly inadequate for a country of over 200 million people. Cargo transport by rail, which could ease pressure on the roads and reduce accidents, is minimal. Instead, trucks dominate long-distance haulage, worsening road degradation and increasing costs for businesses. A modern, expansive rail system would not only transform trade but also integrate regions and boost national unity.

Airports and seaports, gateways to international commerce, also suffer from inefficiency. Delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and outdated facilities discourage foreign investors and frustrate local businesses.

Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit is not insurmountable. With the right policies, transparent governance, and sustained investment, the country can transform its roads, power, water, and transport systems. The benefits would be far-reaching: lower business costs, increased trade, job creation, and improved living standards. But unless bold steps are taken, Nigeria will remain a nation stuck on the road to development-moving, but never arriving.

A passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja was on Wednesday arrested for allegedly stealing N290,000 from a foreign traveller shortly before takeoff.

The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 a.m., shortly after boarding had been completed. Eyewitnesses said the foreign passenger raised an alarm after discovering that cash kept in his bag in the overhead luggage compartment was missing.

Cabin crew members promptly intervened, while another passenger informed them that he had earlier seen the suspect handling the foreigner’s bag. The suspect, however, denied any wrongdoing.

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Although an initial search of the suspect’s hand luggage turned up nothing, tension mounted when some passengers demanded a body search. Witnesses said the suspect became visibly agitated, prompting further checks during which the missing cash was allegedly discovered hidden in his socks and under his seat.

Airport security personnel were immediately alerted, and the suspect was escorted off the aircraft and handed over to aviation authorities for investigation.

As of press time, Ibom Air had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust, the Centre for Infection Control and Patient Safety (CICaPS), the University of Lagos, and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), on Friday launched the SayAMR Language Hackathon to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through local languages.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, described AMR as ‘one of the greatest health and development challenges of our time,’ warning that it threatens Nigeria’s health security, food safety, and economic stability. He said the hackathon aims to ‘make AMR relatable, memorable, and actionable in every Nigerian community’ by using local languages to communicate health risks.

‘When we communicate health messages in people’s own languages, we move from awareness to ownership,’ Idris said. ‘When a farmer or market woman can describe AMR in their own words, then we have truly begun to win the fight.’

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Managing Director of DRASA Health Trust, Ninola Williams, said the initiative builds on the legacy of Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh by empowering communities to prevent infections through awareness and language.

‘Prevention is not only about medicine or policy – it’s also about language. The way we talk about AMR will shape how we fight it, from our homes and hospitals to farms and markets,’ she said.

Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), said universities are proud to support the initiative, which bridges academia and public health.

‘By translating AMR concepts into our indigenous languages, this project makes vital health information understandable and actionable,’ Haruna stated.

Also speaking, Dr. Chavan Laxmikant, Technical Officer and One Health Coordinator at the World Health Organization (WHO), commended Nigeria for its innovative approach.

‘Antibiotic misuse is a major issue, and this initiative is one of the best ways to address it. AMR doesn’t respect borders – it starts in the community, and so must our response,’ he said.

The SayAMR Language Hackathon seeks to engage young Nigerians, linguists, and health advocates to create culturally relevant ways to communicate the dangers of antibiotic misuse, promoting local ownership of the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), on Thursday, staged a protest in some states across the country over withheld salaries and allowances.

NASU and SSANU, Bayero University Kano (BUK) chapter, held a protest within the university premises, following a directive from the national leadership of the two unions after the expiration of a one-week ultimatum and an additional two-week grace period issued to the federal government.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the National Vice President of SSANU (North West), Sabo Balarabe Wudil, said the action was necessitated by the federal government’s failure to meet longstanding demands.

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‘We are on the streets because our demands have been ignored for too long. The federal government has withheld our two months’ salaries from the 2022 strike, failed to implement the 2009 agreement, and neglected the payment of salary arrears from January to December 2023,’ he said. Wudil also lamented the non-release of N40 billion in Earned Allowances, noting that only N10 billion was paid out of the N50 billion approved in 2022.

He added that despite several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government, none had been honoured.

‘We are peaceful unions. We want peace to reign, but we also want justice. This protest is just the beginning. If the government fails to act, our national bodies will decide the next line of action,’ he said.

Receiving the protest letter on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Amina Mustapha, assured the unions of the university’s support.

‘I want to assure you that the Vice-Chancellor is with you in this struggle. We will forward your grievances to the appropriate authorities,’ she said.

Daily Trust reports that the protesters were carrying placards with various inscriptions, including ‘Treat non-teaching staff with dignity’, ‘We worked, you withheld. Release our two months salary’, ‘25%/35% salary arrears are our right’ and ‘No more promises, action now’, among others.

Protest at ABU Zaria, FULAFIA

Also, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the NASU and SSANU staged a peaceful protest over unmet demands at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Samaru campus, on Thursday.

Addressing newsmen during the protest, Mohammed Yunusa, JAC Chairman ABU Zaria branch, said the protest followed a directive from the National JAC headquarters in Abuja for a one-day nationwide protest.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Enough is Enough, pay our withheld salaries’, ‘FG honour our 2009 agreement’, ‘Justice delayed is Justice denied’, among others.

The members marched peacefully within the campus from the Senate Building to the main gate of the university.

The JAC Chairman said once the national body directs an indefinite closure of the universities, the ABU chapter will comply.

Similarly, NASU and SSANU at the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) joined their counterparts across the country in the protest.

The branch chairman of SSANU, Comrade Daniel Dajen, led the protesting members on the university premises.

In his address, Dajen stated that the Federal Government and the Association are supposed to renegotiate every five years.

‘Our issue is the non-renegotiation of the 2009 agreement. Based on the agreement, we are expected to renegotiate our salaries and allowances every five years, but from 2009 to date, nothing has been done,’ he said.

He added that the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promise led to the association’s strike in 2022, and members’ salaries were withheld.

Dajen said that the public should blame the Federal Government if the association takes any decision that the public might not be happy with.