Nigeria requires 4.55 billion naira to recruit 122,696 primary healthcare workers
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Nigerian Federal Government estimates it needs 4.55 billion naira over three years to recruit 122,696 primary healthcare workers to fill vacant positions across 26 states. This information was disclosed by Zaiyanatu Umar, Human Resource for Health and Project Management Lead at the Sector-Wide Approach Coordination Office, during the 15th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting. The estimate is based on an analysis of baseline data from 26 verified states, which reported staffing levels against Primary Health Care Minimum Staffing Standards under the SWAp recruitment assessment. Assessments showed that out of 220,755 required Primary Health Care positions, only 98,059 are occupied, leaving 122,696 vacancies. Participating states average 7.5 Primary Health Care workers per 10,000 population, with 55.6 percent of required staffing positions vacant. The South East has the most severe shortage with a 73 percent workforce gap, followed by the North West with 70.9 percent, and the South West with a 59.3 percent deficit. The North Central recorded a 49.5 percent gap, the South South 46.8 percent, and the North East 33.9 percent. The staffing gap calculations excluded 13 states. Meanwhile, Dr. Emuren Doubra, National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee Coordinator, stated that 2.41 billion naira has been disbursed for emergency treatment interventions since 2023, benefiting over 130,000 patients. Dr. Ibrahim Tajudeen, Executive Director of the Country Coordinating Mech
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
United States President Donald Trump revealed a new commemorative US passport design, which includes his portrait, to mark America's 250th anniversary. The design, shared on his Truth Social platform, features Trump seated behind the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence text in the background and his signature. The opposite page displays John Trumbull's painting, "The Declaration of Independence." This new design appears to be based on Trump's portrait in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The White House also shared this rendering on its official X account. The limited-edition passport was initially announced in April as part of the 250th-anniversary celebrations and was described as having custom artwork and enhanced images. A State Department official previously indicated that this commemorative passport would be the default version for in-person renewals at the Washington Passport Agency, while other applications would receive the existing design. The current US passport features Percy Moran's painting of Francis Scott Key.
The Nigeria Police Force in Ogun and Lagos states launched "Operation Kosaye," a joint security initiative aimed at addressing insecurity. The operation, initiated by the Inspector-General of Police with support from both state governments, has resulted in the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the killing of four suspected kidnappers, and the arrest of 88 criminal suspects. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, and his Lagos State counterpart, Fatai Tijani, stated that "Kosaye," meaning "there is no hiding place for criminals" in Yoruba, is designed to clear forests, criminal hideouts, and border communities used by kidnappers. Recovered items include AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, and communication equipment. The operation has dismantled several criminal camps and cleared forest corridors, and authorities assure residents that the increased security presence is part of an ongoing offensive against criminal elements. Both commissioners praised the support from Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu and expressed confidence that this collaborative security model could be replicated elsewhere to tackle cross-border crimes.
Must ReadUnited States President Donald Trump stated on Friday in Washington that the US military has ended the killing of Christians in Nigeria. He claimed that American intervention played a significant role in stopping attacks against Christian communities, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and extremist activities. President Trump described the situation before the alleged intervention as severe, with thousands of innocent people, including women, children, and the elderly, reportedly killed in brutal attacks. He added that the military action significantly weakened those responsible for the attacks, stating that their leaders were eliminated.