News

NMA, others threaten to join resident doctors strike sept 18

Published

3 years ago

August 29, 2021

Trends Admin

– Medical bodies to give FG 21-day ultimatum

– Forum of health institutions’ chairmen seek end to NARD strike

– Ngige: Striking doctors begrudge government’s generosity, want to act above law

The three-week-old strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) assumed a new dimension on Saturday with threats by three other associations of medical doctors to join them if pending issues are not resolved before September 18.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Medical and Dental Doctors in Academics (MEDSABAM) unanimously agreed to join their counterparts in NARD if the Federal Government fails to resolve all the pending issues.

The threats coincided with calls by the Forum of Chairmen of Health Institutions in Nigeria (FCHIN) for quick resolution of the ongoing strike by resident doctors.

At a just concluded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NMA, the various medical bodies agreed to send a letter to the Federal Government to register their displeasure and give it a 21-day ultimatum, which will lapse on September 18, 2021.

The NEC frowned at the instruction for immediate implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” rule issued by the Federal Ministry of Health to the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions.

The rule applies to all resident doctors and other medical professionals who have failed to report to work since August 2.

It will be recalled that MDCAN had on August 15 resolved to shelve its planned strike while it gave the Federal Government a four-week grace to reverse the removal of the Consultants from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) by their employing universities.

MEDSABAM had also given the federal government a four-week ultimatum to resolve its issues.

Speaking with The Nation correspondent in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of Communication and Communique of the NARD, Dr Julian Ojebo, said: “The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held from Wednesday till the early hours of this morning (yesterday).

“The crux of the matter was the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors’ strike, and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the NMA.

“There is also the issue of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) pending strike. MDCAN gave the government a four-week ultimatum to fulfill their demands.

“Also, there was the issue of the Medical and Dental Doctors in Academics (MEDSABAM) pending strike. MEDSABAM also gave the government a four-week ultimatum.

“These and many more issues were also discussed at the meeting.

“However, the highlight of the meeting was item number 6, which was the NARD strike.

“Discussions on item number 6 lasted for seven hours where state chairmen and secretaries, alongside all the committee members, debated on the issues surrounding the NARD strike, and the need for the NMA to put forth a strongly worded letter to the government – the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“During the meeting, most members of the NEC were made aware of the implementation of the ‘No Work No Pay’ which is against the backdrop of the signatures of the memorandum of understanding, which goes to show that government has already reneged on the MoU they had with the NMA.

“After these, motions were moved and it was unanimously agreed that a 21-day ultimatum, which expires on the 18th of September, be given to the Federal Government, after which the Nigerian Medical Association will embark on a total indefinite strike.

“If the government does not resolve all pending issues before those 21 days, the NMA will be left with nothing than to join the doctors – NARD, MDCAN, MEDSABAM, in a total indefinite strike.

“The NMA NEC also frowned at the circular from the Office of the Head of Service removing house officers from the scheme of service and ordered that the NMA approaches the Head of Service for immediate withdrawal of that circular, and also place caution on the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Service of Lagos State against adopting that heinous circular from the Head of Service of the Federation.

“The meeting was attended by 37 Chairmen and Secretaries of the various NMA plus the FCT, Committee Chairmen and Secretaries, President of Affiliates and other observers.

“Also present were past presidents and secretaries and the President of the Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr Osahon Enabulele.”

The Forum of Chairmen of Health Institutions in Nigeria (FCHIN) yesterday called for quick resolution of the ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors.

The body said the continued resort to strike by health workers disrupt services, adding that it does not portray the country in good light.

The forum said it would meet with the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health to find solution to incessant strike in the health sector.

The chairman of the forum, Dr. Sam Jaja, who led the leadership of the forum to a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige in Abuja, said the forum would choose a four-pronged approach to resolve the dispute.

A statement issued by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, yesterday frowned at the frequent resort to strike by doctors.

“Strike should be the last resort when every other effort has been exhausted in terms of finding solution to whatever the problem is.

“But for any little thing, you resort to disruption of services; it does not portray the country in good light.

“It does not also portray the profession in good light, especially such a profession that has to do with the preservation of human lives.

“The Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDS) briefed us and it is just exactly what you have narrated.

“All hope was that the meeting of last week where all the affiliates of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) except NARD signed the MOU would resolve the strike.

“We feel so concerned the strike hasn’t been called off.

“It makes them (doctors) insensitive, and that is not right. For whatever reason, I think we should nip it in the bud. That is what we as Forum of Chairmen of Health Institutions of Nigeria are in for.

“We need to find a solution to this. It is not good for us and it is not good for them.

“I bet that as you are solving this problem, others are warming up to start theirs.

“We can’t allow them to continue. We must find a permanent solution.

“As the representatives of their employers, we can’t continue to fold our hands over this constant disruption of health services in the country.

“Our plan was to meet first with the NMA, NARD and the Ministry of Health before coming to you.

“Incidentally, you are the first to open your doors to us. So, we came to intimate you with our plans. We will return when we round off meeting with them,” the statement said.

Striking doctors want to act above law — Ngige
Ngige faulted the ongoing strike, describing it as unjustifiable and unwarranted, even as he said the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with doctors on August 21 was on course.

He said government had adopted a holistic approach to tackling the challenges in the health sector, noting that some of the issues in contention cut across sectors.

He added that government bent backwards to improve the ease of practice of medicine in the country despite dwindling resources.

The statement said: “The resident doctors are on the scheme of service against which obtained earlier. There was nothing like that when we started practice.

“Nigeria is also about the only country that has the Medical Residency Training Fund backed up by an act, Medical Residency Training Act, passed into law by this administration in 2018.

“N4.8 billion is already in 2021 Service Wide Vote for this – to cover exam fees, books, travel to exam centres and accommodation. We are battling to meet up the timeline on this.

“As a matter of fact, the Residency Training Fund for 2021 is a borrowed fund. It is part of the deficit budget funded by the World Bank and IMF.

“Now that the President has signed the law governing it, with signatures appended, we can access this fund through the CBN and from there to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office and to the Accountant General of the Federation.

“But it is not what you achieve in a day. It takes some time. But these young doctors will hear none of that.

“Take the issue of hazard allowance. It was even the Federal Government who noticed the paltry sum doctors and health workers receive and said no during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic last year.

“Considering the dangers they face, government took the bull by the horn, approved and released a jumbo, the sum of N32 billion as hazard allowance.

“We felt this is commensurate with the dangers of the pandemic and immediately after, felt the need to re-negotiate and give them something more meaningful than the N5000 they were earning since 20 years and kept quiet.

“Now that we have invited them for re-negotiation, they turned round to make it an issue, claiming that the process is too slow.

“Meanwhile, they are the ones causing the delay. NMA and JOHESU can’t agree on the table.

“Right now, the two have written to me to say they won’t negotiate together again.

“NMA said that they must compartmentalise into clinical and non-clinical, and that the people who are clinical should take more money.

‘JOHESU said no, we don’t want clinical and non-clinical. We have clinical and non-clinical people but the hazard is the same because we are working in the same hospital environment.

“So, who do you blame for the delay? Government or doctors and JOHESU?”

Ngige said all the issues contained in the MoU, ranging from arrears of the consequential adjustment of the national minimum wage to skipping allowance and bench fees, among others, have successfully been tackled at the meeting of 20 and 21 August, and all affiliates of the NMA signed the MOA with NARD dissenting.

He said: “NARD wants a particular clause to be inserted in the agreement that section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act should not apply to them. That we should insert in it a government agreement that they should be paid for the period they are not at work.

“I’m being careful about this. This is law and I will not lend myself to illegality to state in the agreement that a group of Nigerians are above the law. But as a matter of fact, a clause in that agreement states clearly that nobody should be punished for participating or not participating in the strike.

“So, what else do they want? They want me to put it in writing that they are above the law. That ‘No work No pay’ should not apply to them. That ‘No work, No pay’ is no more part of our law, despite the fact that I swore to uphold the constitution?

“This is notwithstanding that a clause in the agreement says that no one should be punished for any role in the strike. This is why they refused to sign the MOU and call off the strike, and not because government has not substantially met their demands.”

The minister further urged the officials in the parent ministries of the unions in perennial strikes to sit up and effectively play their roles.

“Whether you are talking about ASUU, SSANU, NMA, JOHESU, etc., their employers are the federal ministries of education and health respectively. Those Ministries should do their work with their employees.

“The employers of workers under these unions should take care of them. Here, I’m only a conciliator, but the load is much because some people aren’t doing their beat,” the statement said.

News

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Adebayo Ogunlesi

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Forbes has unveiled its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, celebrating the achievements of the wealthiest and most influential Black Americans.

Among the honorees are three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey—whose groundbreaking contributions and entrepreneurial successes have earned them places on this prestigious list.

The ForbesBLK 50 is a reimagining of Forbes’ 2009 Wealthiest Black Americans list, which then featured figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson.

While net worth remains a core metric, the new list also highlights innovation, societal impact, and leadership across diverse industries.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, with a net worth of $1.7 billion, stands out as a pioneering force in global infrastructure investment. As chairman and cofounder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi led the private equity firm through a transformative acquisition by BlackRock in 2024 for $12.5 billion.

Ogunlesi, a Harvard-educated lawyer and banker, previously spent over two decades at Credit Suisse before launching GIP in 2006.
His influence extends beyond business, as he has become a key figure in reshaping infrastructure investment on a global scale.

Also, Nigerian entrepreneur,Tope Awotona, the founder and CEO of Calendly, has redefined efficiency in scheduling and holds a net worth of $1.4 billion.

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Born in Lagos, Awotona moved to Atlanta as a teenager and pursued business and management information studies at the University of Georgia. After early entrepreneurial setbacks, he launched Calendly in 2013, driven by frustration with cumbersome meeting coordination. The platform, which raised $350 million in 2021, is now valued at $3 billion and serves millions of users worldwide.

Although not a ranking, Wemimo Abbey, at just 32, is the youngest Nigerian on the list and cofounder of Esusu, an African fintech company addressing financial inclusion. Esusu helps renters build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus, a service utilized by more than 20,000 properties and benefiting 1.8 million Americans.

In 2022, Esusu achieved a $1 billion valuation following a $130 million funding round. Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, has a background in mergers and acquisitions consulting and a passion for leveraging technology to drive social impact.

These three Nigerians show innovation, resilience, and the drive to address pressing global challenges. Their inclusion on the ForbesBLK 50 list is a foretelling of their entrepreneurial vision and the increasing influence of Nigerians on the global stage.

The ForbesBLK 50 list, launched under ForbesBLK, aims to go beyond net worth to measure impact and influence within the Black community and beyond.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

News

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Coalition of Northern Groups, Taraba State chapter, has expressed concerns that the proposed Tax Reform Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is cunningly designed with all premeditated intent and purposes to further develop the southern Nigeria at the expense of the north.

The northern youths, who lamented the economic hardship in the country, concluded that the effect bears more scars on the region than any other.

Aside from the new Tax Reform Bill, the group also condemned the federal government’s land-border closure, alleging that the ideas favour the South more than the North.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Idris Ayuba, made available to Vanguard Correspondent in Ilorin alleged that most difficulties the North faces are the repercussions of the decisions, citing the effect of Petroleum subsidy removal, land border closure and the new tax regime as few examples.

He noted in the statement that”reduction in the consumption of a capital commodity like petroleum occasioned by the subsidy removal is not a manifestation of a positive policy impact; it rather indicates reduced economic activities that force people out of energy consumption,”

On the land border closure, Idris said: “One of the primary concerns is the impact of this policy on the regional economy, which has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. The closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, exacerbating poverty and unemployment.

“The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, the closure has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

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“Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure has also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

” This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalizing Northern Nigeria,” Idris explained in the statement.

According to the coordinator, one of the primary concerns is the impact of the land-border closure on the regional economy, which they claimed has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.

They said that the closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, saying: “The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, it has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

” Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

”This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalising Northern Nigeria,” the Northern youths also posited in the statement

They stressed that the new tax reforms, particularly its revenue sharing formula will disproportionately affect Northern Nigeria, saying:

“One potential impact is a reduction in the region’s revenue allocation, which could hinder its ability to fund development projects and provide essential services to its population.

“Northern Nigeria is already grappling with significant development challenges, including poverty, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to education and healthcare. A decrease in revenue allocation could exacerbate these issues,” it said, urging the federal government to retrace and reconsider certain conditions before taking certain steps in certain directions.

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Still, on the tax reforms, the group said it would widen the economic gap between Northern and Southern Nigeria since the Southern region is already home to many of Nigeria’s major industries and economic hubs, noting that a more favourable revenue-sharing formula could further consolidate its economic advantage.

“This could lead to a brain drain and talent flight from Northern Nigeria, as individuals seek better economic opportunities in other parts of the country.

” This policy if allowed to pass, will bring about national disintegration, strife and bad blood between the North and South.

“The tax reforms could also hurt the region’s agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to its economy,” it said.

Urging policymakers to consider the potential impacts of these reforms and work to ensure that they do not exacerbate the existing economic inequalities, the group advised that the North’s contribution to the nation’s coffers should not be solely measured by its economic output.

“The region’s agricultural sector, for instance, is a vital component of the national economy. The Northern farmers produce a significant portion of the country’s food, which deserves recognition and compensation.

“It’s essential to recognize the historical and structural inequalities that have hindered the North’s economic development. The proposed tax reform bill should aim to address these disparities rather than perpetuate them.

“A more equitable revenue-sharing formula would acknowledge the North’s unique challenges and contributions, ensuring that the region receives a fair share of the national revenue.

They however, lamented many abandoned federal government Projects in North, mentioning the Mambila hydroelectric project that has been in the works for over 40 years, with the first feasibility study conducted in 1972; “the project has faced unexplainable delays.

“The Mambilla Hydropower Project is estimated to cost around $5.8 billion, with the Chinese Export-Import (Exim) Bank funding 85 per cent of the project, while the Federal Government of Nigeria provides the remaining 15 per cent.

“The project is expected to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity, making it the largest power-generating installation in Nigeria.

“The Jalingo-Numan Road project has equally lingered for more than 15 years without a tangible commitment to even start it. It’s essential to note that the project is crucial for connecting the Taraba State to other parts of the country.

“The failure to complete these projects perpetuates the existing disparities between the North and the South. The lack of investment in critical infrastructure hinders the region’s ability to attract businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth,” they said.

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

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BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained that the impressive performance of the 2024 national budget encouraged members of the National Assembly to extend the lifespan of the 2024 budget beyond December 31 this year.

Akpabio gave the explanation Wednesday in his welcome address during the presentation of the 2025 national budget to the joint session of the federal parliament.

He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50% for capital expenditure and 48% for recurrent expenditure respectively.

“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.

“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”

As the red chamber planned to start deliberations on the budget proposals, Akpabio warned heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to make themselves available for the budget defence.

He said: “Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of the honourable ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments being prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocation in the exercise of our legislative oversight.

“We have observed concerning the behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant committees of the legislature.

“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the constitution going forward.”

Akpabio noted that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nigerians has “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation’s stability and growth”.

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According to him, “The courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu’s) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

“Your collaboration with the Central Bank has cultivated an environment ripe for investment, and your focus on infrastructure development reflects a visionary commitment to improving the connectivity that fuels our economy.

“Furthermore, your initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.“

The chairman of the National Assembly commended Tinubu’s efforts in the era of security.

“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror.

“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together.

“The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralization of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President said Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the nation forward.

He said: “We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians travelling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.

“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”

He said the introduction of social welfare programmes embodies the president’s unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of our citizens.

“You remind us that our nation is not merely constructed of bricks and mortar, but of the resilience and determination of its people.

“Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements. You have doubled aggregate government revenues to over NGN 18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing expenditures from 97% to 68%, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.

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“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law, and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, all while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states,” Akpabio said.

He commended the groundbreaking tax reform initiative including the four tax reform bills, namely the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

He said the tax reform bills represented a monumental shift in the country’s fiscal landscape and that its critics haven’t read the proposed legislations.

The Senate President said: “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.

“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.

“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”

Akpabio said the infrastructure renaissance has paved the way for many roads, including the coastal road and crucial arteries in the Abuja capital city and other parts of the country.

“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to bear with the president whose economic reforms had imposed hardship on Nigerians but noted that: “We are light-years away from where we began, though some rivers remain to be crossed.

“The pains we feel are not merely the pains of hardship; they are the pains of childbirth. When that season arrives in Nigeria, when this administration births that season, we will rejoice for the struggles endured.

“For now, I ask for your patience and urge all Nigerians to cooperate with the president and maintain faith in his vision.

“Mr. President, while you cannot be everywhere, you have eyes everywhere. We, the distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives, are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of Nigeria.

“When our constituents struggle to afford rice, they come to us. When their shoes pinch, they seek our assistance. When the economic alarm sounds, they turn to us.

“Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you touch the hearts and pulse of Nigerians through these appropriation bills resonating with the sounds of hope and signalling the dawn of Nigeria’s economic rebirth,” he added.

Akpabio ended his speech by leading the members of the National Assembly to sing for the president as they all chorused, “On your mandate we shall stand” to the admiration of the legislatures and the guests.