Government
MINISTER COMMENDS DIRI’S PERFORMANCE IN HEALTH SECTOR
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, has praised Governor Douye Diri for prioritising the health of Bayelsans. Prof. Ali-Pate gave the commendation on Tuesday while inaugurating the newly established Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre at the 500-bed hospital within the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of activities marking Governor Diri’s fifth anniversary in office.
The facility was established to address non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the Health and Social Welfare Minister noted that tackling a major health issue like non-communicable disease in Nigeria was a strong statement of commitment by the governor as it touches the lives of millions of people. Alabrah added that the minister said what the Bayelsa State government was doing in the health sector was in line with the federal government’s health policy where states invest their resources and the federal government complements that to address the needs of the people. Alabrah also stated that Prof. Ali-Pate equally commended Governor Diri for appointing a seasoned health professional as Commissioner for Health, saying Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe’s performance made the federal ministry sought his services at the national level.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, said his government broke the jinx by equipping the 500-bed hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and inaugurating the Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre. He said the centre was conceived due to the death of his mother in 2013 from renal failure and that he desired to have such facility to treat those with similar health conditions. “I feel very fulfilled that our people will no longer die of renal failure. I feel fulfilled that we can now offer these services to Bayelsans and to Nigerians,” Governor Diri said.
The governor acknowledged the immediate past governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who donated N500 million to the Bayelsa Medical University, noting that the fund had been judiciously used. He stressed that his administration does not play politics with development as the facility will not only serve Bayelsa but also other neighbouring states who have students in the university. Daniel Alabrah stated that the governor also expressed his gratitude to the former governor of Rivers State and current honourable Minister of the FCT, saying “I do not play politics with development and whoever assisted us, we will always acknowledge and recognise you publicly.”
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the centre was a leap forward in renal care and an active drive towards universal access to healthcare. Prof. Brisibe stressed that inaugurating the centre was a defining moment in the state government’s efforts to address the growing burden of kidney disease in the country and in Bayelsa. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Health Minister also inaugurated the Zipline Aerial Logistics Delivery System complex and an 800-metre concrete access road at Elebele. Present at the events were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayaowei, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State, Chief Solomon Agwana, as well as top government functionaries.
The governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening cooperation against organised immigration crime and enhancing border security.
The initiative was announced in a joint statement issued by the UK Home Office on Thursday, following the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
According to the statement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised immigration crime and addressing risks associated with irregular migration, describing border control as a matter of “significant importance” to both nations.
The agreement, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlines measures to curb visa abuse, strengthen legal frameworks, and enhance operational collaboration.
Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its legal system to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving the production of fraudulent travel documents. Both countries also pledged to expand legal provisions for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations around visa and travel documentation.
The partnership will further strengthen the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit through new Memoranda of Understanding focused on operational engagement and data sharing.
In addition, the United Kingdom will provide training and capacity building for Nigeria’s border security agencies, while both nations will collaborate on protecting vulnerable migrants, especially women and children.
The agreement also includes enhanced research efforts, improved document verification systems, and regular assessments under the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue framework.
Both governments noted that the pact reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding citizens and reinforcing border systems through partnership, mutual support, and shared understanding.
The development comes amid a series of high-level engagements during President Tinubu’s visit, hosted by Charles III, which marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit also yielded key agreements, including a £746 million financing deal targeted at modernising Nigeria’s major seaports in Apapa and Tin Can Island, further strengthening economic ties between both nations.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as both countries sealed a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
The President made the call during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Describing his state visit as historic, the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, Tinubu said the trip marks a significant step in reinforcing longstanding ties between the two nations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” Tinubu said ahead of bilateral talks, noting that discussions would span trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.
He emphasised that Nigeria is currently undergoing major economic reforms and expressed optimism about collaborative efforts to improve citizens’ welfare.
“The entire world is facing challenges, and Nigeria is not immune. My priority remains the economy and the welfare of our people, and how we can work together to improve livelihoods,” he said.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer described the visit as historic and highlighted the significance of the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
He reaffirmed the UK’s appreciation of its enduring relationship with Nigeria, pointing to strong people to people ties and ongoing collaboration in the economy, defence, and security sectors.
Starmer added that new agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and expand engagement on global issues.
At Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the formal signing of the £746 million agreement for the modernisation of infrastructure at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while Blair McDougall signed on behalf of the British government.
Edun said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, noting that stronger bilateral partnerships would attract critical investments needed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He added that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both nations, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic benefits for their citizens.
The governments of United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a landmark £746 million agreement to modernise two of Nigeria’s major seaports, in a move expected to strengthen bilateral trade and create thousands of skilled jobs in both countries.
The deal, announced on Thursday, March 19, is backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and will fund the redevelopment of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos.
The financing will be delivered through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility, coordinated by Citibank (London branch), with the agreement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
Officials say the project represents one of the largest recent trade and investment partnerships between both countries. At least £236 million of the total value will go to British companies through supply contracts.
A major beneficiary is British Steel, which secured a record £70 million contract to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets for the project. The materials will be used by construction firms Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria.
UK Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, described the agreement as a significant boost for UK manufacturing and a testament to the growing economic ties between both nations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the project aligns with the federal government’s strategy to unlock the country’s maritime potential.
He noted that modernising the ports would reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo delays, and lower logistics costs for businesses, while improving transparency through automation and digitalisation.
According to him, the upgrades will position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, while boosting revenue generation and easing trade operations.
Alongside the ports agreement, both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening long-term cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and investment.
The MoU outlines Nigeria’s priority projects that could receive future UKEF-backed financing, while opening more opportunities for UK companies to participate in Nigeria’s supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer of UKEF, Tim Reid, said the agreement demonstrates the agency’s capacity to support large-scale international projects while driving growth for UK businesses.
Also speaking, Citi’s Global Head of Export and Agency Financing, Richard Hodder, highlighted the bank’s long-standing presence in Nigeria and its role in facilitating the deal.
The agreement signals growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and reinforces the country’s commitment to expanding trade partnerships and improving its logistics backbone.
Analysts say the project could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s port efficiency and overall economic competitiveness, while strengthening its position as a key trade gateway in Africa.