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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical sustainable solutions to the persistent migration of skilled healthcare workers warning that the growing exodus is putting enormous pressure on healthcare systems and denying millions access to essential medical services.

The President also expressed concern about the threat posed by Ebola and other infectious diseases urging medical experts to intensify preventive measures and strengthen the subregion’s capacity to respond to emerging public health emergencies.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House Abuja shortly after being conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) becoming only the second Nigerian leader to receive the honour in the institution’s 50-year history.

The President who took the fellowship oath during the ceremony tasked the college’s leadership with making medical brain drain a major priority at its forthcoming scientific conference stressing the need for workable strategies to retain skilled healthcare personnel within the subregion.

According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga the President observed that the continued movement of doctors and other medical professionals to developed countries has compounded existing weaknesses in healthcare delivery increased the workload on available personnel and limited access to quality medical services.

Tinubu said the situation demanded collective action by governments medical institutions and healthcare professionals to strengthen health systems and improve the subregion’s capacity to meet its populations’ medical needs.

Drawing attention to the renewed threat of Ebola the President called for greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and improved preparedness against infectious diseases.

‘We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections. So I wish you the best. As I pledge to behave myself I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession’ he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to deepen ongoing health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible affordable and efficient for Nigerians.

He particularly commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate for leading the administration’s healthcare transformation agenda.

‘We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician Ali Pate who has been doing a very good job’ Tinubu stated.

He also acknowledged medical professionals’ contributions to humanity through research disease prevention life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging health challenges.

Expressing appreciation to the WACP leadership for considering him worthy of the fellowship the President pledged continued support for the medical profession and initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Earlier the President of the West African College of Physicians and Chairman of its Board of Trustees Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka explained that the fellowship was reserved for outstanding presidents who had demonstrated exceptional commitment to healthcare development within the subregion.

He said the decision to honour Tinubu followed an assessment of his administration’s policies and interventions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical services.

‘This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people’ Ka said.

Also speaking the college’s Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation Professor Musa Dankyau said the institution had awarded the fellowship only eight times since it was established 50 years ago.

He explained that the first recipient was former President Dawda Jawara of The Gambia while former Nigerian military President General Ibrahim Babangida received the honour in 1991.

According to him Tinubu’s selection marked only the second time the institution would confer the fellowship on a Nigerian leader underscoring the recognition’s significance.

‘So this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you Mr President. The Council has noted your significant contributions to health infrastructure improved access to care and emergency care and massive investments in primary health care and universal health coverage.

‘At the last count over $2.2 billion had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people. We’ve also seen significant strides in disease prevention immunisation and public health preparedness. Just a couple of days back the health minister had also announced that we are ready and prepared to face Ebola. And so we were able to reassure our colleagues’ Dankyau said.

The college’s recognition comes amid the Federal Government’s intensified response to the recent detection of an Ebola case in Abuja which has prompted heightened surveillance contact tracing and other containment measures by health authorities.

The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats assured Nigerians on Wednesday that the country has the institutional capacity and response mechanisms to manage the situation and prevent further transmission.

During Thursday’s ceremony the WACP leadership also formally informed the President of its forthcoming 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting scheduled to hold from October 26 to 28 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre Abuja.

The meeting is expected to give medical professionals and other healthcare stakeholders across West Africa an opportunity to examine pressing health challenges exchange scientific knowledge and develop strategies to improve healthcare delivery within the subregion.

Those present at the investiture included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.

?Following the confirmation of a case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris has directed key media and information agencies under the ministry to immediately scale up public education and enlightenment nationwide.

?The affected agencies include the National Orientation Agency (NOA) the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

?The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the case earlier this week in a female traveller who recently returned to Abuja from Uganda. According to health officials the patient is currently in isolation receiving treatment while contact-tracing efforts are underway to monitor all exposed individuals.

?In a statement issued in Abuja the minister assured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to containing the disease.

?’The Federal Government is taking every necessary step to contain this case and protect Nigerians. Accurate and timely information is one of our strongest defences’ Idris said. ‘Our agencies must reach every community in every language with clear facts on how Ebola spreads how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases.’

?To ensure consistency Idris directed the agencies to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to disseminate verified evidence-based health information.

?He specifically tasked the NOA to deploy its grassroots personnel across the country to conduct community sensitisation campaigns in partnership with traditional rulers religious leaders community groups and local media organizations.

?Additionally the ministry is partnering with broadcast organizations including the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) to air public service jingles and produce Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials in major Nigerian languages.

?Urging calm the minister cautioned citizens against spreading unverified rumours on social media and advised the public to rely strictly on official channels for updates.

?Members of the public are urged to report any suspected cases immediately to the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline at 6232.

The Federal Government announced on Thursday that it has approved the promotion of over 27600 personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

The Chairman of the Civil Defence Correctional Service Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) and Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the announcement in Abuja after a meeting of the Board.

Tunji-Ojo said certain decisions were taken in line with on-going reforms in the Ministry and the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise welfare of para-military institutions especially in terms of promotion and payment of all relevant allowances.

The Minister also said during the period under review about 228 personnel who were found wanting for various acts of misconducts indiscipline and behaviour inimical to their calls of duty were meted with different types of sanctions.

‘In keeping with the statutory responsibility of the Board in relation with the Nigerian Correctional Service the Nigerian Immigration Service the Federal Fire Service and of course the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps the Board considered promotion and welfare as well as disciplinary issues.

‘The board considered and validated the health care policy framework with an overall objective to ensure fitness and wellness of all officers and men of the four para-military institutions. The Board considered as part of the welfare of the personnel the need to boost their morale to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

‘Promotion at various ranks were passed and approved by the board this afternoon. And I’m glad to say that a total of 27624 officers have been promoted to different ranks ‘ Tunji-Ojo said.

He gave the breakdown as the Nigerian Correctional Service 4601 officers Nigerian Immigration Service 4097 officers the Federal Fire Service with 1583 officers and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps 17343 officers.

He described the gesture as unprecedented while praising President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of the personnel of the Services.

He said the present administration approved recruitment of 120000 fresh personnel to beef up the strength and capabilities of the para-military agencies stressing that the first set of 30000 would be completed in a due course.

He said the portal for the successful candidates would open by the 28th of this month while they would still undergo drugs tests with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA in their respective states before they are issued letters of appointments.

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there is no evidence of community transmission of Ebola saying the patient receiving treatment in Abuja is showing signs of improvement although her recovery is not yet guaranteed.

The government also said it had no immediate plans to restrict political campaigns conferences religious gatherings or other large public events as there was currently no evidence to warrant such measures.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate gave the assurance at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday saying the government had activated its emergency response system traced the patient’s contacts and introduced measures to limit the risk of further transmission.

The minister did not announce any new cases during the briefing.

‘We have to continue to pray and work hard to ensure that she survives it’ Pate said noting that laboratory results indicated significant improvement in the patient’s condition.

He explained that the patient was asymptomatic when she arrived in Nigeria but developed symptoms a few days later. Following confirmation of the infection health authorities began tracing people who had contact with her at the hospital the private clinic she visited and among her domestic contacts.

Pate said contacts had been categorised according to their level of exposure with high-risk individuals placed in quarantine and others isolated in line with public health guidelines.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is coordinating the operational response in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare the Federal Capital Territory Administration and state governments.

According to Pate the case was diagnosed confirmed and reported to the World Health Organisation within 24 hours of public health authorities being notified.

The government had also briefed the Presidential Task Force the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the National Economic Council while releasing additional resources to support the response.

‘All our state governments have been informed. Most of the states have already response plans which were developed with the guidance of the NCDC’ he said adding that states yet to complete their plans had been directed to do so urgently.

The government is also strengthening laboratory capacity to sequence the virus and establish more information about it with support from genomics expert Prof. Christian Happi of Redeemer’s University and international health partners.

Pate said health facilities had been directed to prepare isolation beds and reinforce infection prevention measures particularly to protect frontline health workers. He also urged private healthcare providers to report suspected cases promptly noting that the patient had visited a private facility.

On whether the outbreak would prompt restrictions on public gatherings including political campaigns and major events the minister said the government had no immediate plans to impose such measures because there was currently no evidence to warrant them.

‘At this moment there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned’ he said adding that the government would review its position and consult experts if the situation changed.

He stressed that Ebola was not an airborne disease but was transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.

Pate urged Nigerians to practise regular handwashing avoid unnecessary contact with other people’s bodily fluids and report suspected symptoms promptly. People experiencing fever headaches or muscle aches particularly those with relevant travel histories were advised to isolate themselves and notify public health authorities.

He also appealed to Nigerians to comply with contact-tracing and isolation directives warning that disregarding public health measures could expose others to infection.

Addressing public distrust and misinformation the minister said the diagnosis had been confirmed through three positive tests and urged Nigerians to rely on credible health professionals and official information.

‘The alternative to trusting the experts is tragedy. It’s really tragedy’ he said.

Pate cautioned against politicising the outbreak stressing that public health concerns transcended political ethnic and religious differences.

He said Nigeria had prepared for the possibility of an imported case during the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was intensifying surveillance at points of entry including strengthening port health measures.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to manage the situation the minister cited the country’s previous experience in containing Ebola and pledged to keep the public informed as investigations and contact tracing progressed.

‘There is no need for any panic but we have to be vigilant’ he said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the request by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for permission to play part of the footage of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) recording of an incident in its facility where a former governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-rufai is being held.

The ICPC plans to play by video recording during hearing in a N10billion rights enforcement suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1852/2026 files by the ex-governor.

El-rufai listed the ICPC its Chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as respondents in the suit in which he is claiming among others that the respondents violated his rights by allegedly preventing him from having access to his wife Aichatou Asabe and son Abba El-Rufai in custody.

In a ruling on Thursday Justice Chigozie Onah agreed with the ICPC that it was reasonable to play part of the over six-hour recording in the court as against El-rufai’s request that the entire recording be played.

Justice Onah granted parties 20 minutes each to have any part of the recording played in open court noting that the court could not be turned into a viewing centre.

The judge said the court lacked the luxury of time to see the entire recording.

Justice Onah upheld the submission by ICPC’s lawyer Yetunde Mosunmola that the video recording contains some sensitive information that could expose her client’s facility to a security breach if the full recording was played in open court.

The judge added that if such video must be played in full it has to be in his office.

Justice Onah refused El-Rufai’s request for an order for the two ICPC’s officials who deposed to an affidavit to be produced in court for cross examination.

The judge said: ‘Both parties only have 20 minutes each to play part of the footage at 1pm in open court’ when most lawyers and litigants would have left the court.

Justice Onah then adjourned till November 3 at 1pm for definite hearing of the main suit.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support base ahead of the 2027 general elections continues to swell with Olujonwo Obasanjo son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo formally aligning himself with the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS)-popularly known as the ‘Tinubu Must Stay’ Movement.

He joined the movement to advocate policy continuity and support President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

Olujonwo who currently serves as Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Housing President of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) and President of Project One Nigeria announced his decision at a press conference in Abuja where the advocacy group’s leadership welcomed him into its ranks.

Speaking about his political background Olujonwo dismissed perceptions that he was a newcomer to the ruling party emphasising his long-standing allegiance.

‘I’ve been in the APC since 2014. I was there when my father hosted the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to form the movement. I’m not new to the party’ he stated.

Explaining his decision to join TMS Olujonwo noted that several key achievements and economic policies of the current administration have not been adequately communicated to the public leaving room for distortion and misinformation.

‘There’s a lot of noise out there and people are distorting what’s going on. ASUU has had no strikes. Students have access to loans. Nigeria has become a massive construction site and an investors’ haven again. These are things we need to promote’ Olujonwo said.

He stressed that effective public communication must go beyond political slogans to clearly articulate policy objectives implementation processes and direct benefits to citizens.

Welcoming him to the movement Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi National Coordinator of TMS and Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) highlighted the historical resonance of Olujonwo’s joining linking it to his family’s reformist legacy.

‘You grew up in a family that led the second wave of reforms in Nigeria. Telecommunications liberalisation banking reforms-these laid a solid foundation. Being raised in that family you understand what reforms mean’ Abdullahi said.

Abdullahi warned that political instability and frequent policy reversals undermine investor confidence and disrupt long-term national planning.

‘We are building investors’ confidence. The naira is strengthening. Our stock exchange is among the fastest-growing. The Dangote Refinery is a game-changer. If we start reversing these policies we’ll go back to where we were’ Abdullahi added emphasising that while TMS supports governance continuity beyond 2027 its principal aim is to strengthen sustainable institutions.

Echoing these sentiments the Director-General of TMS and former Obidient coordinator Engr. Marcel Ngogbehei praised the Obasanjo family’s historic contributions to economic growth particularly external debt relief and market liberalisation.

‘We’re happy you have decided to take this step. Your father was one of those who revolutionised this country. The debt was paid off and major innovations were introduced to liberalise the economy’ Ngogbehei remarked.

Ngogbehei explained that TMS was formed to foster evidence-based civic engagement correct misconceptions about ongoing reforms and elevate public debate beyond mere political rhetoric.

‘This is not about propaganda. We will engage respectfully factually and transparently’ Ngogbehei affirmed.

The TMS Foundation operates nationwide through specialised directorates covering research policy analysis strategic communication and grassroots mobilisation.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to using digital platforms town halls and data-driven fact-checking to counter misinformation and encourage constructive public participation in governance.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced a self-confessed member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mr. Paul Okechukwu (48 years) to 20 years in prison for belonging to a proscribed organisation.

The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of a two-count charge the Federal Government preferred against him.

The Federal Government alleged in the first count that the defendant who is from Nnewi South in Anambra State had in 2021 while in Imo State committed an offence by belonging to IPOB a proscribed organisation contrary to and punishable under Section 16 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

In the second count the Federal Government alleged that the defendant participated in an attack in which two security operatives were killed and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

After the charge was read to him the defendant pleaded not guilty to the second count.

In view of this development and following an application by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) who was in court to lead the prosecution the court struck out the second count after it was withdrawn.

Relying on Section 72 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 the Attorney-General applied for the court to allow a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) to review some facts of the case.

The witness whose name was given as ‘ABC’ for the purpose of the trial identified the defendant as a member of IPOB which he said had since been outlawed.

He told the court that the defendant was involved in acts of terrorism which he said included attacks on security agents.

The witness who said he was part of a team that investigated the defendant tendered a copy of the report which was admitted as Exhibit A.

While applying for the defendant to be convicted the AGF argued that the law prescribed a minimum sentence of 20 years for the offence.

‘We therefore urge my lord to impose the maximum sentence at least to serve as a deterrent to others and to also show that the nation cannot condone any act of terrorism’ the AGF added.

Meanwhile immediately after the AGF made the application the defendant broke down in tears in the dock begging the court to temper justice with mercy.

Delivering judgment in the matter Justice Hawa Yilwa found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 20 years.

The court said it took note of the charge against the defendant and ‘the ripple effect it has on the nation.’

It held that the defendant should be remanded in any correctional facility chosen by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his sentence which should count from the day he was arrested.

The court held that the convict should be rehabilitated and redecalised upon the completion of his prison sentence.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed that those found culpable for the deaths of 10 people in Kula Community Akuku-Toru Local Government Area will face the full weight of the law.

Fubara made the assurance on Thursday while responding to a peaceful protest by Kula indigenes who marched to Government House Port Harcourt to demand justice for the deaths.

The governor represented by his Chief of Staff Sunny Ewule expressed sympathy for the bereaved families and assured the community that the state government would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He appealed to protesters to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands assuring them that the government would pursue the matter until it identified those responsible and brought them to justice.

‘Anybody who is involved in this incident or found culpable for whatever happened will definitely pay for it according to the law. We are not going to sit by and allow Rivers indigenes to go through this type of unnecessary death’ he said.

Fubara described the loss of life as a serious matter stressing that his administration would not relent until the circumstances surrounding the incident were unravelled.

‘We want to sympathise with the Kula Community and the bereaved families’ he said.

Earlier the leader of the Kula delegation High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe said the community visited Government House to formally report the incident and seek the governor’s intervention.

Sara-Igbe said the community could have retaliated but chose a peaceful approach by bringing its grievances to the government.

‘It is proper we inform him (Fubara) because we don’t want to take the law into our hands. We have the capacity to react but we don’t want to react’ he said.

The community’s appeal comes amid demands for accountability over the deaths with the state government assuring residents that anyone found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has urged the Federal and state governments to activate emergency operations centres and infectious disease isolation centres nationwide following the diagnosis of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in Nigeria.

The association called for increased surveillance contact tracing laboratory testing and cross-border collaboration to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

In a statement issued on Thursday October 22 MDCAN said Nigeria must draw on lessons from the 2014 Ebola outbreak to strengthen its response warning that the country’s large population high mobility and fragile health system could complicate containment efforts.

The statement was signed by the association’s Publicity Secretary Dr Taiwo Alatishe on behalf of its President Prof. Apollos Chidi Ndukuba.

MDCAN said the government should strengthen screening and surveillance at airports seaports and land borders while ensuring that healthcare facilities have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) diagnostic tools running water and other essential supplies.

It also called for the training and retraining of frontline health workers in infection prevention and control as well as improved welfare hazard allowances and insurance cover for healthcare providers.

The association expressed confidence in the Federal Government the Federal Ministry of Health the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to contain the outbreak.

It urged medical and dental consultants to maintain a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with fever severe headache vomiting diarrhoea unexplained bleeding or a history of contact with suspected cases.

MDCAN warned healthcare workers against attending to suspected Ebola patients without adequate protective equipment and advised hospitals to enforce strict hand hygiene proper triage and other standard infection prevention measures.

It also urged hospital managers to reactivate infection prevention and control committees conduct emergency drills and ensure that isolation areas were ready to receive suspected cases.

‘Prompt notification and reporting of suspected cases to State Epidemiologists and NCDC in line with IDSR guidelines is integral to containment’ the association said warning hospitals against managing suspected cases in open wards.

The association called on the public to avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of symptomatic persons practise regular handwashing with soap and avoid bushmeat.

It also advised Nigerians not to conceal symptoms or keep sick relatives at home but to report suspected cases promptly to health authorities.

MDCAN urged the public to rely on information from the NCDC the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) warning that misinformation on social media could undermine containment efforts.

The association further cautioned against stigmatising patients their relatives healthcare workers and health facilities involved in treating Ebola cases noting that discrimination could discourage people from seeking timely medical attention.

It said cooperation with health officials during contact tracing and early access to supportive care would be critical to improving survival and containing the outbreak.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that can cause serious illness and death. MDCAN said reported case fatality rates range from 25 to 90 per cent depending on the outbreak and other factors.

The association maintained that Nigeria had successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and could do so again through coordinated government action a prepared health workforce and public cooperation.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed a 90-day emergency economic action plan aimed at reducing the cost of living making food more affordable and accelerating the delivery of projects that will directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.

The Council also approved the establishment of a national dashboard to monitor government projects across the federation and ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of proceeds from the removal of petrol subsidy.

The decisions were reached on Thursday at the 161st meeting of NEC held virtually and presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima following a presentation by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Taiwo Oyedele.

The Council further agreed on a joint financing arrangement between the Federal Government and states to accelerate the deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles with a directive that savings from their adoption must translate into lower transportation fares for commuters.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha the 90-day action plan identifies five priority areas for immediate intervention.

These include food affordability tax harmonisation completion of high-impact projects removal of investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.

The measures are intended to consolidate gains from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms while ensuring that improvements in macroeconomic indicators translate into tangible relief for households and businesses.

Presenting the economic outlook Oyedele expressed optimism about the administration’s reform programme identifying the reduction of headline inflation and interest rates to single digits by 2027 as major policy objectives.

He stressed that achieving these targets would require coordinated implementation of economic policies across federal and state institutions as well as interventions to address the immediate challenges confronting Nigerians.

The minister also emphasised the importance of improved fiscal coordination targeted support for vulnerable households and the removal of obstacles discouraging investment and economic expansion.

Addressing the Council Vice President Shettima challenged state governors to ensure that the benefits of the administration’s economic reforms were reflected in affordable transportation improved healthcare employment opportunities and greater financial security for Nigerians.

He insisted that economic reforms would ultimately be judged not by official pronouncements or statistical improvements alone but by their impact on the everyday lives of citizens.

‘The first dividend of prosperity should be the confidence to plan a life. Our task is to make such confidence less dependent on fortune’ the Vice President declared.

Shettima said the administration’s economic transformation agenda would only achieve its objectives when Nigerians could access essential services pursue productive livelihoods and make meaningful plans for their future without excessive uncertainty.

According to him deliberations on transportation healthcare police reform and livestock development were fundamentally about improving the quality of life of Nigerians and making government institutions more responsive to their needs.

‘Our separate jurisdictions must serve a common public interest’ he said urging governors to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government in implementing policies that directly affect citizens.

On affordable transportation the Vice President warned against measuring the success of the National CNG Bus Initiative merely by the number of vehicles deployed insisting that reduced transport fares and accessibility must remain the primary considerations.

‘The cost of reaching a livelihood should never consume the livelihood itself. The passenger’s experience must guide our ambition because the value of public transport resides in the journeys it makes possible. We should assess success through affordability and access rather than fleet size alone’ he stated.

Shettima said President Tinubu’s economic reforms were designed to lay the foundation for broader national prosperity but stressed that governments at all levels must demonstrate the capacity to convert policy objectives into improvements in living standards.

‘His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has made economic reform the instrument of a larger national ambition. Our contribution must give that ambition social depth and productive strength’ he said.

The Vice President also urged governors to bring their understanding of local economic and social realities into national policy decisions noting that effective implementation required clearly defined responsibilities among the three tiers of government.

‘Our separate mandates must not become competing excuses. Each Governor carries knowledge that no federal document can supply’ he said.

He challenged members of NEC to evaluate every policy proposal on the basis of its potential to reduce uncertainty create opportunities and strengthen public confidence in government.

‘Nigerians deserve institutions on which they can organise their lives. Providing that assurance is among the most consequential uses of public authority. That is the assurance we owe them’ Shettima added.

Meanwhile the Council received a briefing on the Ebola situation in the Federal Capital Territory from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate who assured members that Nigeria possessed the institutional capacity to contain the disease and prevent a major public health crisis.

Pate outlined measures being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders to strengthen the national emergency response.

He identified effective coordination surveillance and detection at points of entry laboratory testing provision of essential medical kits and personal protective equipment as well as strategic public communication as critical components of the containment strategy.

The minister disclosed that 21 states had updated their Ebola preparedness and response plans while urging the remaining 15 states to urgently establish the necessary mechanisms to respond to potential infections.

The briefing followed the confirmation of an Ebola case in the FCT which prompted the activation of emergency public health response measures.

In another development NEC directed state governments to intensify efforts towards the eradication of polio particularly in communities affected by insecurity and areas where children were missed during previous immunisation campaigns.

The directive followed the presentation of a report by the NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The Council directed states to conduct comprehensive post-campaign reviews to identify gaps in immunisation coverage and develop measures to reach children previously excluded from vaccination exercises.

It also emphasised the timely release of counterpart funds strengthening of routine immunisation programmes and improved cooperation with security agencies to facilitate access to vulnerable communities.

NEC stressed that sustained political commitment from governors traditional rulers and security agencies would be essential to achieving complete polio eradication in the country.

On livestock development the Council received a report from its Ad Hoc Committee on Livestock Development chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and acknowledged the sector’s potential to stimulate economic growth generate employment and improve livelihoods.

The Council noted that all 36 states had indicated interest in supporting the Federal Government’s livestock development initiatives and resolved to strengthen collaboration towards accelerating reforms in the sector.

It also considered a presentation on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme by the Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed.

Following the presentation NEC resolved to establish a joint financing framework between the Federal and State Governments to support the deployment of CNG and electric vehicles nationwide.

The Council insisted that the initiative must produce measurable reductions in transportation costs rather than merely increase the number of alternative-energy vehicles operating across the country.

Consequently relevant authorities were directed to engage transport unions and operators to ensure that cost savings arising from the use of CNG and electric vehicles were passed on to passengers through lower fares.

To implement the resolution NEC agreed to establish a committee that would coordinate the proposed financing arrangement engage stakeholders and develop practical mechanisms for delivering affordable accessible and sustainable transportation.

The decisions form part of the Council’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and states in addressing economic pressures improving essential services and ensuring that the benefits of ongoing reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.