The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has listed Nigeria and nine other countries as countries to be affected as it will cut 20% of its staff due to a shortfall of $58 million.

The U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher revealed this as he briefed staff after OCHA’s largest donor – the United States – cut funding.

“OCHA currently has a workforce of around 2,600 staff in over 60 countries. The funding shortfall means we are looking to regroup to an organization of around 2,100 staff in fewer locations,” Fletcher wrote in a note to staff on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.

OCHA works to mobilise aid, share information, support aid efforts, and advocate for those in need during a crisis. It relies heavily on voluntary contributions.

“The U.S. alone has been the largest humanitarian donor for decades, and the biggest contributor to OCHA’s programme budget,” Fletcher said, noting that its annual contribution of $63 million would have accounted for 20% of OCHA’s extrabudgetary resources in 2025.

Since returning to office in January for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has slashed billions of dollars in foreign assistance in a review that aimed to ensure programs align with his “America First” foreign policy.

Fletcher said OCHA would “focus more of our resources in the countries where we work,” but would work in fewer places.

“OCHA will scale back our presence and operations in Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Gaziantep (in Turkey) and Zimbabwe,” Fletcher said.

“As we all know, these exercises are driven by funding cuts announced by Member States and not by a reduction of needs,” he said. “Humanitarian needs are on the rise and have perhaps never been higher, driven by conflicts, climate crises, disease, and the lack of respect of international humanitarian law.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month announced a new initiative to improve efficiency and cut costs as the world body turns 80 this year amid a cash crisis.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state, in what is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the Agency.

A statement by its Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in Abuja on Saturday, said the destruction of the illicit substances was witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others.

It said the activity was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state, on Saturday, 12th April 2025.

Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilograms of cocaine; 46.8 kilograms of heroin; 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis; 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol; 1,544 kilograms of skuchies; and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others, the statement added.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country.

“The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence”, he stated.

He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria.

In his words, “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.

The NDLEA boss, who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.

“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution”, he stated.

He said the event represented a significant milestone in the history of the Agency because “It is the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command”, adding that “while this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”

While commending the unwavering dedication of our officers, “who are working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking”, Marwa thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success of the work of the Agency.

“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others—who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts. I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society”, he added.

In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, and consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets.

“Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated”, he stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.

While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said, “We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

Having met a dilapidated, unfunded and uncompleted structures harboring general hospitals in some area councils of Gwagwalada , Kuje, Bwari, AMAC, Kwali and Abaji and the desire for urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction of some departments of the hospitals , the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike commenced the process through mass action in the FCT general hospitals, clinics and Primary Health Care Centers.

This included reconstruction and upgrade as well as rehabilitation of the General Hospitals among others to meeting the desire and needs of FCT residents in the area of provision of adequate and quality health care.

In this regard, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has engaged over 34 new Medical Doctors through employment, as plans are underway to employ more Doctors, Nurses and medical personnel along with other health workers, with a view to providing adequate health workers for FCT hospitals .

In the last one year , FCT has enrolled 198,810 under Federal Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) and 10,065 free pregnant women, as the free enrollment included vulnerable persons which allow them free access to Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) and to all services covered Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).

The Wike led administration in the FCT surpassed the annual target of enrollment of 25,000 by enrollment of extra 17,000 and 25,000 per annum.

This is with a view to keeping the residents of the FCT healthy, fit and capable of addressing the growing congestion and medical problems of people in the nation’s city.

The expansion, reconstruction and rehabilitation as well as engagement of more medical personnel among other innovations was to also guarantee healthy living for diverse people.

Recently , the Minister inaugurated VIP ward in Maitama Hospital named after him Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (BNW) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)

“Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, explained during the event in Abuja, that the initiative was designed to provide comfortable space to access quality health care services in the FCT.”

“Fasawe explained that the ward was named after the FCT Minister, Wike, for his commitment to improve access to quality healthcare in a serene environment and curb medical tourism.”

“She explained that the ward was transformed from a three-bedroom ward to a five-bedroom amenity ward with support from kind-hearted individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations as corporate social responsibility.”

*According to her, the establishment and upgrading of physical health infrastructure is very crucial to the Wike-led FCT Administration.”

“Beyond being a VIP ward, it will equally serve as an amenity ward because every person is important.

“She described the BNW as “strategic intervention” to ensure that residents going to private hospitals to see doctors because of the conducive environment and facilities could access similar services in public hospitals.”

“According to her, the move will ensure that patients, do not stay in the comfort of the homes and practice self-medication, but visit the hospitals to see a doctor in a very comfortable space.”

“We want our patient to be comfortable.

“As we unveil the BNW VIP Ward today, let me reaffirm Wike’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve patients’ care.

“This initiative will serve as a beacon of hope and progress in our continued poise to elevate the standard of healthcare in our dear nation.”

“She disclosed that considering the contributions of health workers in healthcare services, doctors and nurses within the HSES system would access the ward’s services free.”

“The mandate secretary added that while the ward would be open to every resident that could afford to pay, those with health insurance cover would access the BNW ward’s services at subsidised rate.”

“She said that so far, the ward had been booked till the end of June.”

“Fasawe also announced that the FCT minister had made provisions for the rehabilitation and upgrade of 14 general hospitals in the FCT in the 2025 budget, including doctors’ call-rooms.”

“Earlier, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Rita Idemudia, explained that the BNW VIP ward was initiated by Fasawe, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

“The WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walta Mulombo congratulated the FCTA HSES for the initiative.”

“According to him, the BNW VIP ward will provide space for Nigerians and those living in the country to access services in a very good environment.”

“He, however, advised that the ward should not be exclusive to only VIPs but accessible to all Nigerians.”

“This is why we are supporting the development of the National Health Insurance so that the scheme can take charge of the expenses for all Nigerians to be admitted in the VIP ward.”

“Mr Jama Medan, Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, described the provision of a good healthcare environment as “crucial” to the delivery of quality healthcare services to FCT residents.”

“Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Emeka Ayogu, commended Wike and Fasawe for the initiative, saying “it will curb medical tourism abroad”.

“Ayogu added that the plan to rehabilitate and upgrade FCT general hospitals would equally curb brain drain in health facilities in the territory.”

Wike’s determination was to provide similar facilities across the FCT hospitals with a view to providing quality and adequate health care to the people.

This also included other provisions with healthcare services and facilities at the front burner of the Wike led FCT administration.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.