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Federal Government Withdraws Controversial Circular On Nurses’ Wages In Bid To End Strike

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The federal government has taken back the controversial circular regarding nurses’ wages that recently sparked widespread discontent among health workers and raised the possibility of a nationwide strike.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, announced the withdrawal on Thursday during a briefing with State House correspondents after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Pate emphasized that the government remains dedicated to maintaining industrial harmony and ensuring continuous healthcare services across the nation.

He acknowledged that the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) caused dissatisfaction among nurses and other health professionals due to its potential impact on earned wages and welfare benefits.

“We acknowledge the discontent caused by the recent circular, and in our commitment to a listening government, we have withdrawn it,” the minister said.

“We are now in transparent negotiations to increment allowances and resolve welfare concerns raised by our health workers.”

The circular, which appeared to adjust salary structures and entitlements, triggered responses from the Nigeria Union of Nurses and affiliated health groups, who threatened to take industrial action if the directive was not withdrawn.

Pate confirmed that the government has initiated formal discussions with relevant groups, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the nurses’ union, to address their complaints and negotiate sincerely.

He said the timelines for discussions have been extended and the ministry of finance is already preparing disbursement plans for outstanding arrears.

He also spoke to concerns raised by nurses about the centralised approach to postings and recruitment.

“For the nurses’ demands regarding centralisation of postings, we have agreed to manage postings in a fair and orderly manner,” he said.

Highlighting broader changes in the sector, Pate commended Tinubu’s leadership for driving what he described as a “revolution” in the country’s healthcare system, especially through investments in infrastructure.

The minister disclosed that FEC approved N3.7 billion for a modern oncology centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. This includes the purchase and installation of advanced cancer treatment equipment such as a Linear Accelerator.

He added that the UCH upgrade complements cancer centres already established in Katsina, Maiduguri, and Enugu, and new facilities are also being planned for Lagos, Nasarawa, and other states.

Pate further said that within the past week, the federal government had launched over ten key healthcare initiatives at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, covering neurology, stroke care, heart care, interventional radiology, and oncology.

“This level of attention from a presidency to strengthen the health system is unprecedented,” he said.

Speaking directly to healthcare workers, Pate appealed for understanding and collaboration.

“We call on all our health workers — nurses, doctors, and other professionals — to keep the Nigerian person at the centre of our attention. Let us focus on patient care while negotiations continue,” Pate said.

He assured them that the government is “working in good faith” and will allocate resources to address welfare concerns.

“President Tinubu has encouraged the ministry to double down on both infrastructure upgrades and health worker welfare,” he said.

Pate urged union leaders to be patient and maintain trust in the dialogue process.

“This government is fully committed to keeping hospitals open and nurses on duty to secure the health of all Nigerians,” he added.

BIG STORY

Obasa Hails ‘Jandor’s’ Return To The APC

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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the return of former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development and a major boost for the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaker Obasa, who hosted Jandor on Tuesday at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, expressed excitement over his return to the APC, describing it as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians, and indeed, Nigerians.

“We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move,” Obasa said, assuring Jandor of full reintegration and collaboration in the party’s collective pursuit of good governance. The Speaker further praised Jandor for his courage and conviction, stressing that the APC’s inclusive structure provides the right platform for unity and development.

Responding, Jandor, who returned officially to the APC fold in March, thanked Obasa for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to working with the APC for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria because, “It is only through unity of purpose, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership that we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for every Nigerian.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reforms, saying, “Though demanding, the President’s reforms are courageous steps toward re-engineering our economy and laying a firm foundation for progress and prosperity.”

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BIG STORY

Stop Giving Money To Miscreants, Lagos Tells Celebrities, Influencers — Says It Fuels Insecurity, Environmental Problems

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The Lagos State Government has cautioned celebrities, social media influencers, and residents against giving money to street miscreants, warning that such actions worsen insecurity and environmental issues.

Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for environment and water resources, issued the warning in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

“Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants. Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness,” Wahab wrote.

He added that what many regard as an act of kindness complicates enforcement and creates broader security challenges.

His remarks followed a complaint by a resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja, who reported harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Ajenifuja urged the state to deploy the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to curb extortion, assault, and intimidation by homeless boys and teenagers in the area.

The warning also came after a viral video showed touts and luxury car content creators chasing a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy, attempting to solicit money while recording content. The singer’s security team prevented them from reaching his car.

Wahab said the state government is committed to tackling the menace but urged residents to support the efforts by refusing to encourage the miscreants.

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Leave Before Visa Expires Or We’ll Remove You — UK Warns Foreign Students

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The United Kingdom has warned international students whose visas have expired to leave the country or risk deportation.

The Home Office, in a new enforcement campaign, said it has begun sending direct text and email messages to students, marking the first time such a measure is being applied.

According to the BBC, about 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already received the messages, while tens of thousands more will be contacted in the coming months.

The message from the Home Office reads: “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”

The agency also warned that asylum claims considered “lacking merit” would be swiftly rejected.

Data released by the Home Office showed that between July 2024 and June 2025, a total of 41,100 asylum claims were lodged by people who had entered the UK legally on visas, with students making up the largest share.

Figures indicated that international students filed 16,000 asylum claims in 2024, almost six times the number recorded in 2020. Although the number has since dropped by about 10 percent, the British government said it expects a further reduction.

The department noted that asylum claims by skilled worker visa holders have decreased within the same period.

Earlier this year, the UK government reduced the period foreign graduates can remain in the country after completing their studies, cutting it from two years to 18 months.

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