Today’s Headlines: Ebola: FG Seeking Preventive Measures —Tinubu; Shettima Presides Over NEC Meeting

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the Federal Government was seeking preventive measures to contain Ebola and other infectious diseases following the confirmation of Nigeria’s first case in Abuja. Speaking after receiving a fellowship from the West African College of Physicians at the State House, Abuja, he urged medical experts to develop practical solutions to the migration of skilled health workers from West Africa, which has placed additional pressure on healthcare systems.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, affordability and efficiency, while commending the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, for his work on health sector reforms. The college’s leadership said the fellowship recognised Tinubu’s contributions to healthcare delivery, infrastructure and primary healthcare development, adding that its 50th anniversary celebration and annual scientific meeting would hold in Abuja from October 26 to 28.

Vice President Kashim Shettima chaired the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where members endorsed a 90-day economic action plan to reduce living costs, improve food affordability, attract investment and accelerate development projects. The council also approved a monitoring system to track projects and the use of funds saved from petrol subsidy removal.

The council further proposed a joint funding framework between the Federal Government and state governments to expand compressed natural gas and electric vehicle transport to help reduce transport fares. It also reviewed Ebola preparedness, with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, urging states to strengthen their response plans, while members called for intensified polio eradication efforts and improved livestock development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they held a private meeting. The Presidency had not released an official statement explaining the purpose of the visit or the issues discussed at the time of the report.

After the meeting, the Sultan called on politicians to ensure peaceful campaigns ahead of the forthcoming elections, stressing the importance of national peace and stability. He said, “We need peaceful campaigns; and we pray to the Almighty Allah to grant us peace and stability in the country as we go into the election.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately publish the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that its absence from the commission’s online portal undermines public confidence in the electoral process. In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned why the register was unavailable during the announced October 9–15 inspection period despite INEC’s claim that Nigeria had more than 103 million registered voters.

Atiku also demanded clarification over conflicting statements about the display of the register and called for safeguards to prevent the use of counterfeit ballot papers. He argued that voters must be allowed to verify their details, challenge false entries and correct omissions before election day. He urged INEC to publish the register by local government, area council and ward, explain the discrepancies in the announced dates, and respond to concerns over contracts for sensitive election materials. He also called on international partners and election observers to press the commission to ensure transparency ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Federal Government has ordered strict enforcement of guidelines barring defaulting contractors, consultants and service providers from public procurement for between three and five years. The directive, issued through a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, requires accounting officers in ministries, departments and agencies to comply with the National Guideline on Debarment of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) said the measure aims to curb fraud, corruption and persistent failure to fulfil contractual obligations.

Under the guidelines, contractors accused of violations must be notified and given 10 working days to respond before a decision is made. Those sanctioned will be prohibited from bidding for or receiving Federal Government contracts, and their names will be published in the BPP database and other official platforms. Grounds for debarment include bribery, document falsification, contract-related fraud and deliberate failure to meet obligations. BPP Director-General, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, warned that accounting officers and procuring entities that bypass the registry or violate procurement laws could face administrative and legal sanctions.

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