Connect with us

Business

FG Continues NEMSAS Rollout, Strengthens Emergency Care and Hospital Infrastructure in Bauchi

info

Published

on

The Federal Government has continued the nationwide rollout of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) with the deployment of new ambulances to selected health facilities in Bauchi State, alongside the unveiling of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).

The interventions, unveiled by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, are part of the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly Pillar 4, which focuses on improving the health security of the nation.

The NEMSAS ambulances will strengthen emergency referrals across selected facilities, including Toro General Hospital, Gamawa Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Misau, ATBUTH and the Fistula Centre in Ningi. The Bauchi deployment builds on the Federal Government’s continuing rollout of NEMSAS across the country, following recent deployments in Plateau and Ogun States.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Pate said timely access to emergency care is essential to saving lives, particularly in communities where distance and inadequate referral capacity can delay life-saving care. He urged beneficiary institutions to ensure the ambulances are properly utilised, maintained and integrated into referral pathways.

The Minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s broader investments in Bauchi’s health system, including the ongoing expansion of ATBUTH, the Federal Medical Centre in Misau, the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi and the revitalisation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres through federal-state collaboration. Earlier in 2026, the Federal Government deployed approximately ₦10 billion worth of medical equipment, medicines, ambulances and maternity kits to health facilities across the state.

At ATBUTH, the newly unveiled CNG facility, aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy use within the hospital, forms part of efforts to strengthen the infrastructure that supports hospital operations. The ongoing expansion of the teaching hospital is expected to increase capacity for tertiary and specialised services. The Federal Government is also investing in advanced diagnostics and cancer care to bring specialised services closer to citizens and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for essential care.

Prof. Pate said the investments demonstrate the administration’s focus on translating policy commitments into practical improvements in the health system. He added that the Federal Government would continue to work with the Bauchi State Government, health institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that investments in emergency care, infrastructure and specialised services translate into improved access and better health outcomes for the people of Bauchi State.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to its mandate to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and produce health for all Nigerians.

The post FG Continues NEMSAS Rollout, Strengthens Emergency Care and Hospital Infrastructure in Bauchi appeared first on Business Today NG.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

SEC Deepens Investor Education in Nasarawa, Seeks Stronger Partnership

info

Published

on

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria, has stepped up its drive to boost financial literacy, safeguard investors and widen participation in the Nigerian capital market through its Capital Market Awareness, Unclaimed Funds and Investor Education Outreach Programme, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The programme brought together representatives of relevant institutions, academia and other stakeholders to promote awareness of investment opportunities, facilitate access to unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, and educate the public on measures to guard against fraudulent investment schemes.

Among those present were representatives of the ICMR, the Probate Registry, key departments of the Securities and Exchange Commission, academia and the National Population Commission. Their participation underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing the challenges associated with unclaimed investments and improving public understanding of the capital market.

Members of the SEC Board who attended the programme also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming the importance of investor education, public enlightenment and sustained efforts to protect investors while broadening access to the capital market.

A major highlight of the engagement was a courtesy visit by the SEC Chairman, Alhaji Mairiga Aliyu Katuka, to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, to appreciate the state government’s support and seek stronger collaboration in advancing investor education and financial inclusion.

During the courtesy visit, Katuka expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing strategically located office space in Lafia for the Commission’s liaison office.

The facility, situated within the complex previously occupied by the State Ministry of Education, is expected to become operational soon, bringing the Commission’s services closer to investors and residents of Nasarawa State.

The SEC Chairman described the gesture as a significant contribution to strengthening the Commission’s presence in the state and improving access to its services.

In his response, Governor Sule commended the SEC for its work in the Nigerian capital market, acknowledging the importance of the Commission’s regulatory role and its efforts to promote investor protection and strengthen confidence in the market. He also recognised the significance of initiatives aimed at improving public awareness of investment opportunities and encouraging informed participation in the capital market.

The Governor’s commendation highlighted the value of the Commission’s work in promoting a transparent and orderly market, while underscoring the importance of collaboration between the SEC and the Nasarawa State Government in advancing financial inclusion and economic development.

Katuka also commended the state government’s efforts to promote investment, enterprise, industrialisation and sustainable economic development, noting that Nasarawa’s growing economic potential makes it an important partner in expanding participation in the Nigerian capital market.

He explained that the Commission’s outreach initiative forms part of its nationwide efforts to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate investment opportunities, protect investors and assist Nigerians in recovering unclaimed dividends and other investment assets.

He solicited the state government’s support in mobilising business owners, cooperative societies, youth groups, market associations and other stakeholders to participate actively in the programme.

According to him, an informed population is better equipped to make sound financial decisions, protect its savings and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

At the outreach programme, the Commission highlighted the challenge of unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, emphasising the need to ensure that investors can access funds rightfully belonging to them.

Unclaimed investments may arise from incomplete investor records, outdated shareholder information, changes in bank account details and difficulties associated with transferring investments following the death of an investor.

The Commission stressed that such funds represent the savings and investments of individuals and families and should be accessible to their rightful owners through established procedures.

To address the challenge, the SEC highlighted the enhanced e-Dividend Mandate Management System, which facilitates the direct payment of dividends into shareholders’ bank accounts and enables investors to update their records more conveniently.

Investors were encouraged to regularise their investment information and take advantage of the available facilities to facilitate the recovery of outstanding dividends.

The Commission also emphasised the importance of cooperation among registrars and other market stakeholders in improving record management, enhancing service delivery and resolving outstanding claims.

The programme further reinforced the SEC’s commitment to protecting investors, promoting financial literacy and expanding access to reliable information about the capital market. Through continued engagement with government institutions, academia, market stakeholders and the public, the Commission aims to strengthen investor confidence and encourage responsible participation in Nigeria’s financial markets.

The post SEC Deepens Investor Education in Nasarawa, Seeks Stronger Partnership appeared first on Business Today NG.

Continue Reading

Business

NPA to fix rail, logistics gaps at inland dry ports

info

Published

on

716230728 18402984094159892 2837159792095527570 n.jpg

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has moved to address rail connectivity and logistics challenges affecting inland dry ports as part of efforts to integrate the facilities into the nation’s port system and improve cargo movement across the country.

The move followed a meeting between the NPA management, led by its Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, and the Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, Ahmad Rabiu, alongside representatives of Funtua Inland Dry Port, at the authority’s corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

The engagement came after the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the transfer of operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA.

The discussions focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, addressing infrastructure constraints and improving operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Dantsoho stressed the need to upgrade inland dry port infrastructure and technical capacity to complement ongoing modernisation efforts at the nation’s seaports.

He said the facilities must be equipped to handle increasing cargo volumes and support the broader transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

PT WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Dangote Refinery AD

“For our Inland Dry Ports to function at the same velocity as the ongoing modernisation across our seaports, we must proactively upgrade dry port infrastructure and technical capacity,” Mr Dantsoho said.

He explained that the integration of digital platforms, including the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, into seaport operations must be matched by corresponding improvements at inland dry ports.

“As we integrate digital systems such as the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window in our seaports, the dry ports must deploy modern equipment and advanced technical capabilities to handle larger cargo volumes and bigger vessels coming to our coast,” he added.

Increased private-sector investment

The NPA managing director also called for increased private-sector investment in inland dry port infrastructure, noting that stronger investment would be critical to improving cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency.

He cited APM Terminals’ establishment of an Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria as an example of private-sector participation in the development of inland logistics infrastructure.

ALSO READ: INVESTIGATION: Ganduje embroiled in multi-billion naira Kano dry port ownership scandal

Mr Dantsoho assured stakeholders that efforts to optimise the inland port system were underway and confirmed plans to visit the Dala and Funtua facilities to assess their operational conditions and infrastructure requirements.

Operational oversight

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hassan Bello welcomed the transfer of operational oversight to the NPA, expressing appreciation for what he described as a seamless transition.

Mr Bello referenced the gazetted Port Act, which recognises inland dry ports as official ports of origin and destination, while drawing attention to challenges confronting the facilities, particularly inadequate rail connectivity and broader logistics constraints.

Rail access is a critical component of inland dry port operations, as efficient connections to the national rail network can facilitate cargo movement between seaports and inland destinations, potentially reducing pressure on road transport and lowering logistics costs.

The meeting also established a framework for further technical consultations, infrastructure integration and physical planning to identify the requirements for improving operations at the facilities.

The discussions highlighted the need for detailed technical assessments, stakeholder coordination and physical inspections to establish infrastructure priorities and guide subsequent project development.

The planned visits to Dala and Funtua inland dry ports are expected to provide NPA with a clearer understanding of the facilities’ operational challenges and the interventions required to strengthen their roles in cargo distribution, trade facilitation and wider maritime logistics network.


Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Trending