Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned protest and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service, and all tertiary health institutions nationwide. The decision was made after a meeting with the Federal Government, government officials, and the National Assembly. The NARD's President, Dr. Emeka Orji, confirmed the suspension and plans to review progress in 72 hours. NMA President Dr. Uche Ojinmah urged the government to resolve the labor dispute and eschew punitive responses in the interest of industrial harmony. The NARD calls for a gesture of goodwill towards the government and a better Nigeria.

The National Assembly has passed the Investment and Securities Service Bill 2023, which includes provisions for possible jail sentences for those who promote Ponzi schemes in Nigeria. The bill is expected to protect investors, regulate the market, reduce systemic risks, and provide for more stringent punishment for operators of Ponzi schemes. It also prohibits Ponzi/Pyramid schemes, which have led to the loss of billions of naira on victims and affected confidence in the investment climate in Nigeria. The passed bill prohibits Ponzi/pyramid schemes as well as other illegal investment schemes and prescribes a jail term of not less than 10 years for promoters of such schemes. According to Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission, three million Nigerians lost N18bn when the popular Ponzi scheme, Mavrodi Mundial Movement, crashed in 2016.

Works Minister David Umahi yesterday decried the short lifespan of roads across the country.

He said the average lifespan of roads in Nigeria is between five and seven years.  

The minister said this may be attributed to a number of reasons, including lack of competence among contractors, the climate, and the quality of materials used in constructing the roads.

Umahi bared his mind after touring some roads, including those under construction in the last 20, 12 and three years. 

The minister said the sad development was unacceptable to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said the government would explore the use of technology, including concrete, in constructing its roads across the country, instead of using asphalt. 

According to him, this will expand the lifespan of roads for up to 50 years.

Umahi urged state governors to prioritise the repair and construction of all roads, regardless of whether they are state or federal-owned.