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.
Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted Aondo Ver, a director at the Federal Housing Authority in the Federal Capital Territory. The attack occurred around 12:30 am on Thursday merely 200 meters from a military base in Pambara, Bwari Area Council, Abuja. The assailants, firing indiscriminately, created panic before fleeing through the bushes with their captive. Residents, including serving and retired military personnel, confirmed the incident, expressing shock at the audacity of the bandits given the proximity of a military base. Sources revealed that the targeted area, Pambara Extension, housed both civilians and military personnel. The abducted director’s home was located a short distance from the military base known as ‘camp.’ Witnesses reported that despite the military presence, the bandits executed the kidnapping successfully. Concerns are escalating over the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, with residents and authorities expressing growing apprehension. Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
N5bn Palliatives: FG has released N2bn to States, FCT -Wale Edun
The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun has said that the sum of N2 billion has been released to the 36 States and the federal capital territory. The minister, who said this during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, said the money is a combination of loans and grant. Edun said the federal government decided to release the money in tranches to avert further spikes in the inflation rate. He said, “On the issue of the N5 billion, it is a combination of grants from the federal government and borrowing by the states. And of course, although the sum of N5bn is earmarked, you will agree with me that if you release such funds across all states at once, it will be self-defeating and it will lead to an inflationary spiral, lead to cost of goods going up, and exchange rate liquidity will go up,” he said. The minister further said that the N500 billion palliatives is part of the federal government’s support to poor and vulnerable Nigerians. He said “the president is going to deliver a better life to Nigerians by encouraging investment that increases productivity that grows the economy and thereby creating jobs and reducing poverty”. Acknowledging the hardship currently being experienced by Nigerians over the removal of petrol subsidy, the minister said that in a little while, the whole system will begin to experience the benefits of the subsidy. He said: “There are funds in domiciliary accounts and If you give people the incentives they will utilise those funds in Nigerians for Nigerians. They have huge holdings in foreign currency in banks abroad, in financial institutions abroad. We need to provide the environment that brings those funds home, to choose to invest in the Nigerian economy rather than foreign economy.” The Chairman presidential Committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, Taiwo Oyedele said the federal government would rake into its coffers N20 trillion if the right taxes are paid. He added that the government was in the process of reviewing the incentives that has been granted over the years. According to him, the sum of N6 billion is lost by the government from incentives. He insisted that going forward, incentives would be targeted at those that need it the most saying that the country could “make more money from tax than we can do from crude oil.”