Lagos State is facing a severe shortage of medical doctors, with a deficit of 30,000 needed to adequately serve its population, according to Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health. Speaking at the 2024 Clean-Air Forum in Lagos, Abayomi highlighted that this shortage has significantly overstretched the available medical personnel. The commissioner attributed the deficiency primarily to brain drain.

The ongoing forum, themed “Advancing Collaborations and Multi-regional Partnerships for Clean Air Actions in African Cities,” was organized by the University of Lagos, AirQo, Makerere University in Uganda, and supported by the Lagos government. The event aims to raise public awareness about air quality and pollution’s impact on health.

Abayomi emphasized the negative effects of air pollution on the health sector and underscored the importance of inter-agency collaborations to address this issue. He noted that Lagos’s rapid population growth, at a rate of six to eight percent annually, exacerbates challenges in the health sector. The state is particularly focused on tackling its complex tuberculosis index and other health concerns linked to environmental pollution.

The commissioner assured that the Lagos government is committed to improving air quality and reducing the prevalence of air-borne and water-borne diseases. He also acknowledged the public concern over the shortage of bed spaces in health centers and detailed ongoing efforts to construct modern facilities and establish a medical research institution to bridge the service gap within the next 18 months.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Sokoto/Zamfara Command has auctioned 25,162 litres of seized petrol to the public in Sokoto State. Kamal Muhammed, the Area Controller, explained that this auction was in line with extant laws and received approval from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

Muhammed highlighted that a few weeks prior, the NCS had auctioned 11,270 liters of petrol intercepted by Operation Whirlwind. Due to intensified efforts against smugglers, the service seized a total of 55,164 liters of petrol, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of approximately ₦39 million. The significant price difference of petrol between Nigeria and other West African countries makes smuggling a profitable activity, with petrol selling for ₦701.99 per liter in Nigeria compared to higher prices in neighboring countries like Cameroon (₦2,061.55), Mali (₦2,128.20), and the Republic of Benin (₦1,672.05).

The smuggling of petrol has contributed to artificial scarcity and increased the burden on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. The auctioned petrol was sold to the public at a token price of ₦180 per liter. Muhammed assured that the NCS remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests with dedication, justice, and integrity, and issued a stern warning to smugglers that the service would continue to dismantle their illegitimate operations.

Following Nigerians’ growing concerns about the soaring prices of essential food items, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced measures to address the issue. He stated that there would be a suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

Kyari assured that food prices would significantly drop within the next 180 days and outlined strategic measures to be implemented during this period. He mentioned a 150-day duty-free import window for these commodities, which will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to ensure affordability.

The government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize to supply small-scale processors and millers across the country. Additionally, there will be engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve. Kyari emphasized that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of imported food items.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, stated that no one is immune to being voted out of power by the electorate. In a post on his X account on Wednesday, July 10, he expressed that an unexpected result could occur in the 2027 general elections without repercussions, urging people to dismiss threats and remain patient. He emphasized that even institutions like the IMF and World Bank could not protect those in power when the time comes.

In a subsequent post, Bashir clarified that he did not specify any names and reiterated his position, asserting that he would not be compelled to endorse what he considers a complete failure of governance, masked as a harmful and ineffective ethnocentric political strategy. He implied that those who felt guilty knew who he was referring to, and emphasized his refusal to support the current state of governance.

During the 2023 presidential campaign, President Bola Tinubu was widely recognized as a skilled strategist. Meanwhile, there have been allegations that Nasir El-Rufai mishandled public funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

President Bola Tinubu has invited the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to a meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, to discuss the new minimum wage. This move comes after the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector agreed on ₦62,000 as the new minimum wage in June, which was subsequently rejected by the labour unions. The government had appealed to the unions, stating that ₦62,000 was the only realistic option that would not lead to job losses, but the unions did not accept this proposal.

TUC President Festus Osifo has reiterated the union’s demand for a ₦250,000 minimum wage, emphasizing that the union aims to expedite the negotiation process. Nigerian workers are now anticipating the outcome of the upcoming meeting between the president and the labour unions.

Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi, a respected member of the House of Representatives representing the Ibadan North Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away at the age of 51. He was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to the development of his constituency and Nigeria as a whole. Akinremi served as the chairman of the House Committee on Science and Research, advocating for policies that promoted social welfare, economic growth, and scientific advancement. His passing was mourned by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and colleagues in the Green Chamber, highlighting his significant contributions to legislative affairs and his role as a mentor to younger parliamentarians. His death is viewed as a great loss to the House, his constituency, and the nation.

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, along with his son Abdulaziz and several others, are facing a 37-count charge related to money laundering. The trial, which began in 2015 and has seen multiple judicial reassignments, is ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Nyako misappropriated state funds during his tenure from 2007 to 2014 through inflated contracts and other means. Key evidence includes financial records and statements obtained from various companies and banks linked to the defendants. The trial continues with further hearings scheduled for October 2024.

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has announced that local government elections in Plateau State will be held on October 9, 2024. This announcement, made by PLASIEC Chairman Planji Cishak at a press conference in Jos, aligns with the commission’s mandate under the PLASIEC Law, 2016, and constitutional provisions.

Here are key dates and procedures related to the upcoming elections:

1. **Nomination Forms Collection:** Prospective candidates for the positions of chairmen and councillors can obtain nomination forms from the PLASIEC office in Jos from August 9 to August 13, 2024.

2. **Campaign Period:** Political parties are allowed to commence campaigns from July 12, 2024.

3. **Primary Elections:** Political parties will conduct their primary elections and resolve disputes from July 29 to August 8, 2024.

4. **Nomination Forms Submission:** Political parties are required to submit nomination forms for their candidates from August 14 to August 19, 2024.

5. **Publication of Candidates’ Particulars:** The commission will publish the personal particulars of candidates on August 21, 2024.

6. **Verification and Screening:**
– Chairmanship candidates’ verification and screening will take place from August 22 to August 24, 2024.
– Councillorship candidates’ verification and screening are scheduled for August 26 to August 30, 2024.

7. **Withdrawal and Replacement of Candidates:** Candidates can withdraw or be replaced until September 9, 2024.

PLASIEC Chairman Cishak emphasized the importance of cooperation from all political parties and stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, credible, and transparent election process in Plateau State.

Senator Ahmad Lawan’s warning about potential protests due to increased food prices and electricity tariffs underscores the growing economic challenges facing Nigerians. He emphasized the need for urgent collaboration among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to mitigate these issues. Lawan’s remarks came during a Senate debate initiated by Senator Sunday Karimi from Kogi West, who highlighted a staggering 300 percent increase in the cost of basic food items following the removal of petrol subsidies. The Senate approved a motion urging government ministries and agencies to address these pressing concerns, reflecting broader concerns about food insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Delta Command, has reported that as of the latest update, 4,651 permanent driver’s licences remain uncollected in Delta State. Muftau Irekeola, the state Sector Commander, disclosed this in an interview, highlighting that despite efforts to notify license holders through their next of kin, many have not retrieved their licenses.

Since the beginning of 2024, approximately 23,513 driver’s licences have been produced, but only 18,962 have been collected. Irekeola expressed concern over motorists who neglect to pick up their licences even after processing them. He emphasized the legal requirement of possessing a valid driver’s licence for driving in Nigeria, warning that failure to do so not only poses risks to road safety but also subjects offenders to severe legal consequences, including potential charges of manslaughter in cases involving accidents.

The FRSC intends to collaborate with the board of internal revenue on an “operation show your licence” initiative to enforce compliance among drivers in Asaba and ensure that those with temporary licences obtain their permanent ones promptly from the designated licencing offices.

A dramatic confrontation unfolded between the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, during a session convened to address allegations of corruption. Led by Kafilat Ogbara, the committee had summoned the minister to clarify accusations surrounding the alleged misappropriation of N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.

Tensions quickly escalated into a heated shouting match, with accusations flying from both sides. Ogbara pressed the minister with direct questions about the budget allocation for 2023 and whether the funds were properly disbursed to the ministry. Meanwhile, Marie Ebikake accused the minister of sidelining ministry staff, prompting Kennedy-Ohanenye to vehemently defend herself, protesting the allegations and asserting her independence.

The exchange grew increasingly contentious, with interruptions and strong statements exchanged, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations and allegations at play. Efforts to restore order were futile as the session remained fraught with tension and unresolved accusations.

Yoruba serves as the predominant language of communication in Lagos State, despite its diverse population encompassing millions from various ethnic backgrounds.

The Lagos State Law Reform Commission recently organized a workshop aimed at utilizing Artificial Intelligence to translate the state’s laws into Yoruba. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance access to legal frameworks, improve operational efficiency, and ensure greater scalability of Lagos State laws.

The translation project aligns with Lagos State’s commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture, as highlighted during the announcement of preparations for the upcoming Yoruba Week celebration in September. This festival is intended to provide a comprehensive exploration of Yoruba cultural heritage, incorporating traditional music, dance, art exhibitions, and traditional cuisine to foster cultural continuity and pride.

Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, emphasized that the Yoruba Week celebration is themed “Embracing the Yoruba Heritage, Unity, and Pride by Preserving Our Past and Inspiring Our Future,” underscoring its significance in transmitting cultural values to future generations.

Health workers in Kaduna State have suspended their five-day warning strike following fruitful negotiations with the state government, resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This development was announced in a communique issued by Nassa Yashi, the State Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), on Wednesday.

Key points from the communique include:

1. **Negotiations and MOU Signing**: The health workers engaged in meaningful discussions with the government, leading to the signing of an MOU aimed at addressing their demands for improved welfare.

2. **Reason for Suspension**: The strike has been suspended to create an atmosphere for further negotiations and to allow the government time to fulfill its commitments under the MOU.

3. **Resumption of Duty**: Workers are expected to resume their normal duties immediately following the suspension of the strike.

4. **Appreciation and Readiness**: The State Administrative Council (SAC) expressed appreciation for the support and determination shown by the health workers during the struggle. Yashi reiterated the readiness of the health workers’ representatives to advocate for their members’ interests without compromise.

5. **Conditional Suspension**: The suspension of the strike is conditional on the government fulfilling its promises as outlined in the MOU. Should there be a failure to meet these commitments, the health workers reserve the right to resume their industrial action at an appropriate time.

Overall, the resolution marks a temporary cessation of the strike action as both parties work towards implementing the agreements reached in the MOU for the benefit of health workers in Kaduna State.

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), has undertaken significant road maintenance efforts in the first half of 2024. According to Tokunbo Ajanaku, the General Manager of LSPWC, a total of 393 roads across various local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have been repaired and rehabilitated. These efforts encompass a range of interventions from total reconstruction to routine maintenance and palliative measures.

Key highlights of the road maintenance activities include:

1. **Types of Interventions**: The LSPWC utilized approaches such as asphalt premix, interlocking paving stones, and palliative interventions to address road maintenance and rehabilitation needs.

2. **Scope of Work**: The interventions covered major reconstruction, rehabilitation, routine maintenance, and fixing of inner roads within public facilities. Specific examples include Eluku Street in Agbowa-Ikosi, Igbogbo-Baiyeku Road in Ikorodu, and various streets in Ikeja GRA, Oshodi, Surulere, and other areas across Lagos State.

3. **Completion and Progress**: By mid-year 2024, 69 major rehabilitation projects had been completed, with ongoing work on 15 roads undergoing total reconstruction across different local governments.

4. **Challenges and Mitigation**: Challenges such as heavy rainfall and cost-push inflation impacted project timelines and costs. Despite these challenges, the LSPWC continued to deploy resources to ensure road infrastructure improvements were implemented promptly.

5. **Routine Maintenance**: A total of 240 roads were routinely maintained to prevent minor issues like potholes from escalating into more significant road defects.

6. **Community Engagement**: Ajanaku emphasized the importance of community involvement in preserving road infrastructure, urging residents to collaborate with the government to prevent habits that contribute to road damage.

Overall, the Lagos State Government’s efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across the state, addressing both immediate repair needs and long-term maintenance strategies to ensure safe and accessible roads for residents.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to airlines engaging in deceptive departure time scheduling, stating that such actions will be met with serious regulatory consequences. The Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions, stressing that airlines must adhere strictly to regulations regarding departure time displays both at their counters and on promotional materials.

Najomo underscored the NCAA’s commitment to facilitating a business-friendly environment for operators, including streamlined licensing processes aimed at enhancing efficiency. Despite these efforts, he highlighted that the authority expects airlines to reciprocate by delivering world-class services to passengers, ensuring transparency and reliability.

In a move to enforce compliance, the NCAA recently suspended permits for ten holders of Non-Commercial Flights (PHCF) for failure to comply with recertification advisories. Najomo clarified that these actions were taken in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and reiterated the authority’s mandate to uphold safety, discipline, and economic regulation within the aviation sector.

Furthermore, the NCAA affirmed its resolve to combat illegal charter operations and debunked misconceptions surrounding recent regulatory actions, emphasizing their legal basis and commitment to industry transparency and accountability.