SaharaReporters earlier exclusively reported that the long-serving and controversial Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Adejobi, was removed from his post at the Force Headquarters.
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SaharaReporters earlier exclusively reported that the long-serving and controversial Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Adejobi, was removed from his post at the Force Headquarters.
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Tinubu Directs SGF To Issue Service-wide Circular On Health Insurance Implementation Across MDAs
* Canvasses constructive engagement with private sector to avoid disruption of businesses under NHIA, 2022
* Appoints governing council members, VC for federal universities of education in Kano and Zaria
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular to all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the implementation of mandatory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.
He, however, called for further, closer and constructive engagement with the private sector on the Act to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained.
The president’s directive, according to a release issued on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, covers five key areas.
First, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health insurance plan. Where desired, MDAs may take up supplementary private insurance coverage in accordance with the NHIA Act.
All entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.
This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.
The presidential directive also compels all MDAs to require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licences, permits and other official approvals.
According to the directive, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of Health Insurance certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
Finally, the directive compels all MDAs to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the submitted Health Insurance certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.
The presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures and promote accountability in public and private sector engagements.
The NHIA Act, 2022, stipulates compulsory health insurance for Nigerians and mandates NHIA to ensure health coverage for all persons in Nigeria and undertake necessary measures to achieve its objectives.
Three years after the Act was enacted, national health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low despite recent progress in the health sector.
The president also appointed Abdurrazaq Abubakar Nakore, an engineer, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.
He also named Prof. Abdullahi Tukur Kodage as Vice-Chancellor of the university.
Nakore, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, was Executive Secretary of the Rural Electricity Board in Jigawa State.
President Tinubu also named Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Bunkure, a renowned academic specialising in science education, is currently the Vice-Chancellor of Saadatu Rimi University of Education in Kano.
The Federal University of Education, Zaria, and the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, were among the four Colleges of Education upgraded into full-fledged universities between 2022 and 2023.
In accordance with the institution’s governing laws, the pro-chancellor will serve a term of four years, while the vice-chancellors will serve for five years.
The post Tinubu Directs SGF To Issue Service-wide Circular On Health Insurance Implementation Across MDAs appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.
* Canvasses constructive engagement with private sector to avoid disruption of businesses under NHIA, 2022 * Appoints governing council members, VC for federal universities of education in Kano and Zaria
The post Tinubu Directs SGF To Issue Service-wide Circular On Health Insurance Implementation Across MDAs appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.
Train Derailment: Preliminary Investigation Reports To Be Release In 23 Days, Says NSIB
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Tuesday hinted that preliminary report of the ongoing investigation into seriously incident involving the derailed Abuja-Kaduna bound train will be released to the public in 23 days.
The NSIB, through its Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., gave the hint at a Press briefing in Abuja.
Badeh stated that the train, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) consisted of eight passenger coaches with one locomotive at the front and one at the rear departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 09:45 hours and stopped at Kubwa Station at 10:04 hours before continuing its journey.
“Shortly after passing a track changing point (switch/turnout) at Asham Station, five coaches (SC00 6T, SC00 8T, SC00 10T, E00 2S, and EB00 2S) derailed.
“The forward locomotive (CDD5C2 2701) and two coaches (SC002T, SC004T) overturned, while the rear locomotive (CDD5C1 W0004) and the last coach (SE00 2S) remained on the rail track.There were 583 persons on board, including crew.”
He noted that, an eyewitness reported that approximately 50 passengers may have been injured, though many were taken away by their families. Official records confirmed 12 person sustain minor to moderate injuries. No fatalities recorded. The injured received first aid treatment and were transported to medical facilities for further examination.
According to him, “The derailment resulted in significant damage to the track, sleepers, and switching mechanism. Services on the Abuja–Kaduna–Abuja corridor were temporarily suspended to allow for recovery and repairs.”
The NSIB boss, further explained that upon notification of the accident by the NRC (as required under Part 4 of the Regulation, including details such as the date, time, location, type of occurrence, and initial consequences), the NSIB has appointed an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) based on qualifications to organise, conduct, and control the investigation.
He said: “This process focuses on gathering and analysing information, determining causes and contributing factors (such as actions, omissions, events, or conditions that led to or increased the probability of the derailment), and issuing safety recommendations.
“Recorded data from the train, including vigilance control systems, speedometers, on-board CCTV cameras, and over-speed trip mechanisms, will be preserved and analysed.”
He added that upon completion, a Draft Final Report will be prepared, which will include factual information, analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations.
“This draft will be shared for consultation with stakeholders (including the NRC, other states, and interested parties) to solicit significant and substantiated comments.
The Final Report will then be released by the Director-General of the NSIB to recipients, including the Minister for Transport, the operator, and international bodies if applicable, and made publicly available.
However, Badeh hinted that interim statements may be issued on the anniversaries of the accident to update progress and highlight any ongoing safety issues.
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Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Tuesday hinted that preliminary report of the ongoing investigation into seriously incident involving the derailed Abuja-Kaduna bound train will be
The post Train Derailment: Preliminary Investigation Reports To Be Release In 23 Days, Says NSIB appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.