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• Set to build agric mechanisation centres in 6 zones
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria has made significant strides in immunisation efforts with over 14 million girls vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and close to 30 million children receiving the new measles–rubella vaccine within less than a year, the Federal Government announced, yesterday.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, revealed these figures at the Presidential Villa, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. He emphasised that the accomplishments highlight the government’s dedication to human capital development and social welfare, as outlined in the 2024–2028 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTEF).
Dr. Salako highlighted that ongoing funding for primary healthcare and immunisation programmes under the MTEF will expand the critical initiatives next year.
He said, “More than 4,000 PHCs have been revitalised, and the plan for an additional 8,000 remains intact under Mr. President’s directive to make primary healthcare the cornerstone of our national system.”
The minister credited President Tinubu’s support for enabling the rollout of innovative immunisation programmes, including the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, aimed at cervical cancer prevention among young girls. He added that the swift uptake of the combined measles–rubella vaccine underscores Nigeria’s ability to mobilise large-scale public health efforts when prioritised.
In another key development, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced FEC’s approval for establishing agricultural mechanisation centres across all six geopolitical zones. The centres will facilitate mechanised farming support to stimulate year-round food production in rural areas. Idris described this as part of a comprehensive agricultural reform agenda, focused on reducing manual labour, boosting crop yields, and enhancing food security.
Idris added that FEC directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to meet quarterly with the Ministry of Finance, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Economic Management Team (EMT) to ensure strict prioritisation and monitoring of capital projects.
The minister further announced that FEC approved the deployment of 4,000 telecommunications towers to underserved communities across Nigeria, under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The move, he said, will boost rural connectivity, enhance commerce, and improve security surveillance in areas currently without network coverage.
“With millions of Nigerians still underserved digitally, the erection of 4,000 new towers will be a major step toward bridging the communication gap and supporting economic activity in rural communities,” Idris said.
The ministers reaffirmed that all decisions align with President Tinubu’s goal of strengthening social welfare, promoting inclusive development, and accelerating economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
