Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The federal government has notified professional bodies and councils that it would cease to fund them beginning from the 2024 budget in line with the decisions of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS). The move, THISDAY gathered yesterday, was in line with the recommendation in the Orosanye committee report and the recent Presidential Committee on Salaries. The Director General, Budget Office of the Federation (BoF), Mr. Ben Akabueze, conveyed the message via memos sent to the professional bodies. Professional bodies in Nigeria are largely responsible for research and technology development in their fields, relying on government funding to conduct ethical reviews and propose and promote new professional standards. There are over 100 professional bodies in the country. However, the development has generated mixed reactions from analysts who spoke to THISDAY. While some hailed the decision of the PSC, others warned the discontinuation may imperil the nation’s healthcare system.