Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike,  over his commitment to the welfare of doctors in the FCT. In a letter of appreciation to Wike, dated January 15, 2026, the resident doctors commended the Minister for what they described as his “exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers, as demonstrated by the payment of the longstanding 13 months hazard allowance arrears as well as the payment of one month wage award.” We also wish to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable roles played by the Minister of State Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Acting Head of Service, Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan, Chairman FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, Mandate Secretary Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Permanent Secretary Treasury and Budget, Mr Adamu Ibrahim Wanki, Permanent Secretary Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Baba Gana Adam,Permanent Secretary Common Services, Mr Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde, Overseeing Director General, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Ahmadu Abubakar and Director Clinical and Diagnostics, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Osagie Osayande”.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State following an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in the area.The deployment, according to the IGP, includes tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and other proactive measures aimed at protecting lives and property and restoring calm to the affected communities.In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police confirmed that subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources established that the incident indeed occurred.The source added: “We do not want a repeat of that mistake. Those responsible for protecting lives and property should acknowledge the situation and act swiftly.”Community members expressed deep disappointment over what they described as the official dismissal of their ordeal, warning that further delay could endanger the lives of the victims.Another source said most of the abducted persons were children and youths, who were reportedly marched on foot into the surrounding forests.

Members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) protested at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), halting operations due to unpaid allowances, unresolved salary issues, and a prolonged strike by FCT primary school teachers. The workers blockaded the Minister’s office, demanding the dismissal of Emeka Ezeh, the FCT Civil Service Commission Chairman. Key grievances included unpaid salaries for various staff categories, delayed wage awards for health workers, non-payment of hazard allowances, and hindered career progression for retiring employees. JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer emphasized the importance of released overhead funds for operations, criticizing claims that these funds were only for directors. She voiced concerns over the stagnation of careers for retiring workers and irregular salary disbursements. Additionally, she highlighted the unpaid hazard allowances for auxiliary staff in the health sector, condemning abrupt salary stoppages. Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Audu Akogwu supported the protest, describing non-participating workers as "saboteurs" and criticizing Minister Nyesom Wike for inaction regarding the education strike and salary disputes in local councils. Akogwu warned that unless their demands are met, protests would intensify, threatening the shutdown of all FCT offices.