New Health Insurance for FCT Residents

In a move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing financial barriers, the Federal Government has introduced the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) to residents across the FCT’s six area councils. The scheme, designed to prioritize the healthcare needs of marginalized groups, offers subsidized enrollment and free registration for the poor and vulnerable. Dr. Mohammed Danfulani, Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, announced the commencement of enrollment during a sensitization drive held in Gwagwalada for Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, and Gwagwalada area councils. Residents can enroll in the scheme for an annual fee of N13,500, with provisions in place for those unable to afford the cost. “The Federal Government’s commitment ensures that every individual, irrespective of financial status, gains access to essential healthcare services through the FHIS,” stated Dr. Danfulani, highlighting the nationwide implementation of similar initiatives. Addressing concerns regarding service delivery, Pharmacist Adedeji Fatai, Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit at FHIS, assured the public of stringent quality control measures to uphold standards across healthcare facilities. Community leaders, including Estu Sule Dobi, the District Head of Dobi in Gwagwalada area council, praised the scheme’s introduction and advocated for comprehensive awareness campaigns to reach remote communities. Grace Johnson, a beneficiary of the scheme, commended the FCT leadership for the efficient enrollment process, signaling widespread acceptance among residents. Additionally, as part of its support measures, the Federal Health Insurance Scheme distributed delivery kits to expectant mothers in the FCT, underscoring its commitment to maternal and child healthcare. The launch of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme represents a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and improving health outcomes for FCT residents. With its emphasis on inclusivity and quality assurance, the scheme is poised to address healthcare disparities and promote well-being across the region.

FCT Residents Get October 31 Ultimatum To Revert Land For Residential Use

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued an ultimatum to beneficiaries of monetized federal government properties in Abuja. They are required to revert to their original land use by the end of October, or they risk having their properties revoked by November 1. This announcement was made by Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control in the Administration, during a news conference in Abuja.  He emphasized that the monetization program was initiated by the Federal Government in 2005 due to the high maintenance costs of these properties, and beneficiaries must adhere to the terms of purchase. Galadima stated, “The minister has approved and directed that all owners of such properties should revert the properties to their original and designated land use, which is residential. Failing to comply with this directive from Nov. 1, the houses are considered as revoked and returned to FCTA.” The Department of Development Control has recorded over 111 cases of land use conversion for these sold houses, spanning across all districts of the capital city.  Additionally, the minister has ordered owners of properties, especially those along major streets, who have converted their properties without approval, to either revert to the original use or pay contravention charges. Non-compliance with these directives may result in the administration taking appropriate action, including revocation.  The primary objective of these measures is to maintain the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

Don’t pay advert revenue to DOAS, firm urges FCT residents

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been advised to pay their respective advertisement revenue to the Areas Councils where they operate their businesses and not to the Department of Advertisement and Signage (DOAS). In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, signed by the management of Pro Tax Pro Nigeria Initiative, they warned that any business that continues to make payments to the Department of Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was doing that at their own risk. “Any individual or organization therefore who deals with DOAS, FCTA harmonized mobile advertising revenue for the six area councils or any other agency other than the six area councils or their technical partners with regards to mobile advertisements and signage’s (including mobile, 1st party and 3rd party advertisement) does so at his/her detriment and would be deemed to have contravened the area councils constitutional mandate on regulations of advertisements,” the statement said. The company noted that with two court judgments nullifying the existence of the DOAS, it would be out of place for businesses to still make payment for advertisement and signage to the DOAS. The statement read in part: “Following the judgment of the FCT High Court delivered on the 11th September 2020 by Hon. Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris of Court no. 26, Nyanya, Abuja, which is now on appeal no. ca/abj/cv/1082/2020 between Hon. Minister of the FCT and Metro Auto Workshop & 4 others.  “The Court held thus: the department of advertisement and signage of the FCTA is hereby nullified having been created contrary to section 1(3) and paragraph 1 (k) (i) of the 4th schedules to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 as altered”. “The said judgment which nullified the Department of Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) has not been stayed by either the FCT high court or the court of appeal, the implication of this position in law is that (DOAS) is no longer in existence until the court of appeal says otherwise. “Also, in the case of Pro Tax Pro Nigeria Initiative & 1 ors vs. Hon. Minister of FCT & 2 others suit no. cv/1646/2020, the FCT High Court presided by Hon. Justice K. N. Ogbonnaya made similar pronouncement nullifying the Department of Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) from usurping the constitutional revenue powers of the area council.” The management of the company insisted that until the appeal filed by the FCT Minister is vacated at the Court of Appeal, the High Court judgment is still valid and subsisting in the eyes of the law. “Consequently, the general public is by this notice advised to disregard henceforth all revenue collections with respect to advertisements and signage’s (including mobile, 1st party and 3rd party advertisement) by anybody under whatever name called including but not limited to DOAS or FCTA harmonized mobile advertising revenue for the six area councils as there is no such body known to law until the court of appeal decides on the two appeals pending before it.  The general public is by this notice advised to be properly and adequately guided,” the company said.