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FG Asked Not to Relent in Regularizing Activities of Its Agencies for Effective Performance

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FG Asked Not to Relent in Regularizing Activities of Its Agencies for Effective Performance

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has been advised not to relent in its effort at regularizing the activities of its agencies to take out duplicity of roles and boost efficiency.

The advice was giving on Monday during the resumption to duty of the newly appointed Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Bariate.

Speaking at the event, Director, Inspection and Enforcement of NESREA, Abdulsalam Isa, while itemizing the challenges of the agency, which include workers welfare, low budget, amongst others, complained about the encroachment of the Ministry of Environment into the mandate of the agency.

He lamented that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was also duplicating some of the agency’s functions.

He said: “Presently, NESREA is confronted by multiple challenges that have hindered compliance monitoring and enforcement activities in recent times. These include: Lack of adequate funding which has made the agency to operate at a low capacity or inefficiency. Often times, accessing funds from government coffers is tough, and is a major obstacle to effective regulation of facilities. As a result, consistent visits and follow-ups are often lacking, leading to inadequate compliance monitoring and insufficient enforcement of standards.”

He added that: “To attain global standards, the agency’s financial quota needs a degree of increment/expansion that will shift the preponderance (superiority in weight, power, importance or strength) from short term funding to long-term funding for the agency’s growth and development. Recognizing the importance of compliance monitoring/enforcement and awareness creation as drivers of the existence of the agency, there is the need to strategically and consciously secure funds for work.”

He decried that: “There are functions which were domiciled with the agency that have been deliberately encroached on by the FMEnv, thereby causing rifts between the two parties. This has incapacitated the agency in the discharge of its duties.

“Also, just like most other government agencies, NESREA is faced with attempts by sister Agencies (example NAFDAC) to duplicate its functions, even when the NESREA Act clearly defines the boundaries of each Agency.

” It may interest you to note that since inception, the agency has established six (6) Zonal Offices, thirty-five (35) State Field Offices and two (2) Reference Laboratories across the nation to assist in tackling the various environmental challenges in all States of the Federation; however, the Agency regrettably has no field office in the FCT.

“The present office accommodation that houses the Headquarters is of great concern, considering the number of staff and available basic amenities in the building as well as proximity to other basic amenities such as transport stations, banks etc. Sir, serious attention is required in this area to ensure a conducive work environment for staff.

“Staff salary and welfare is grossly insufficient considering the extremely high cost of living in the country. Despite the hazards and challenges of the job, staff salaries have not seen a corresponding increase in recent years, and have remained stagnant since the last review in 2010, with no adjustments made to reflect the rising cost of living or the growing demands of the job.

“The agency’s salaries and allowances are nothing compared to other Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) worldwide and, even to similar Agencies like National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). So far, the Agency has made efforts to ensure a better salary and condition of service.

“Though at its final stage of implementation, the agency is yet to achieve any result due to political bottlenecks. This effort therefore requires urgent follow-up before implementation of the new minimum wage.”

On his part, the new Director General, Innocent Bariate said NESREA will need to work in unity to be able to achieve the agency’s mandate.

Innocent, who stressed the importance of unity, said, “I am coming with a plain mind and would want to assure you all that we will work together .”

He also added that: “We move not only to pursue the mandate but also to pursue the vision .

“The only way we can do that is by working together. You can count on me at all times but I will like to work with each and everyone.”

He also promised to look into the workers welfare, saying “under my leadership, I will pursue the welfare of workers.”

The DG also said that the agency will be collaborating with partners and other agencies to ensure that the agency fulfilled its mandates.

FG Asked Not to Relent in Regularizing Activities of Its Agencies for Effective Performance

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Security forces quell clash between vigilantes, cattle herders in gubio

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Security forces quell clash between vigilantes, cattle herders in gubio

By: Zagazola Makama

Several persons have sustained injuries following a violent altercation between members of local vigilante groups and cattle herders at the Gubio cattle market.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m.

According to the sources, the clash involved one Mohammed Nasuru, 23, also known as Alasura of the Vigilante Group Gubio; one Modugana Modu, 23, alias Shoki of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF); one Kadar Awana, 22, of the Vigilante Group Gubio; and one Abdullahi Salisu, 22, a nomadic cattle herder, alongside other herders who fled the scene.

“During the altercation, dangerous weapons were freely used by both parties. One Mustapha Babagoni, 22, a trader at the cattle market, was hit by flying pellets fired by a member of the quasi-security group.

Nasuru sustained serious machete cuts on his left leg and hand, while Abdullahi Salisu sustained a machete injury on his forehead,” the report stated.

Sources added that troops of Operation HADIN KAI were swiftly mobilized to the scene and successfully restored order.

The injured persons were evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre, Gubio. While Salisu was hospitalised and responding to treatment, Babagoni and Nasuru were referred to the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, for further medical attention.

Sources confirmed that some suspects have been arrested and exhibits recovered from the scene, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

Security forces quell clash between vigilantes, cattle herders in gubio

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NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

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NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

Nuru Nigeria a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has sensitized and supported no fewer than 7,500 women farmers in Adamawa State as part of national efforts to enhance food security.

The initiative, organised in collaboration with financial institutions, policymakers, and other partners, in commemoration of 2025 International Day of Rural Women.

Mrs Amy Gaman, Managing Director, Nuru Nigeria, said, the purpose of the celebration was to encourage and empower women farmers, especially those who are vulnerable in rural communities.

She explained that participants were selected from various local government areas and educated on how to access agricultural loans and financial services to improve their productivity.

She said in line with this year’s World Food Day theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” a lot would be achieved in creating an inclusive and sustainable national food system.

Gaman added that stakeholders from different sectors came together to engage in dialogue on how to protect the food system and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

According to her, the Organisation has reached over 40,000 people through its women’s empowerment initiatives in the local government areas where it operates.

In his remarks, Professor David Jato, Adamawa Commissioner for Agriculture commended the Fintiri administration for creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

According to him, several policies have been implemented by the state government to support rural farmers, especially women, and praised organizations like Nuru Nigeria for complementing government efforts.

Martha Igu, who spoke on behalf of the participants shared testimonials about how Nuru Nigeria has improved their farming practices.

She said their intervention has positively impacted their lives through access to resources, training, and financial support among others.

NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

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Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

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Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

…… As security forces also sustained casualties

By: Ndahi Marama

Dozens of Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP have been killed in an ambush on troops of 21 Armoured Brigade along Bama-Kashimri village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops according to Credible Military Source revealed that they were on clearance operations around the Kashimri general area when the incident took place last Friday (Yesterday).

The Source said, troops of the Joint Task Force North East ‘ Operation Hadin Kai’ responded swiftly with firepower, as over 30 terrorists were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

He said, unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Names withheld), with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two Vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter.

“Yes, out troops came under Boko Haram ambush along Bama- Kashimri village last Friday while on clearance operations.

“Troops responded swiftly and nuetralized dozens of the terrorists, as scores fled with gunshot wounds.

” Unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Names withheld), with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two Vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter”. The Military Source revealed.

He however said, the troops have sustained high spirit, as further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.

Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

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