Adebola Akin-Bright: NMA, Private Medical Practitioners, Others Hail Lagos Assembly
– Health commissioner, others affirm ‘infraction’ in surgery done by private hospital
– More revelations unearthed
Stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector on Thursday hailed the Lagos State House of Assembly over its investigation into the case of ‘missing intestines’ involving late Adebola Akin-Bright.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, officials of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPNP), Lagos State Chapter and other medical practitioners spoke at a public hearing over the case which led to the death of Master Akin-Bright.
In attendance also were the parents of the late Master Akin-Bright and Dr. Abayomi Baiyewu of Obitoks Hospital where two initial surgeries were carried out on the boy before his referral to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
While commending the House and its ad-hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Noheem Adams, for what they described as diligent investigation, they also agreed that there were infractions from the surgery as earlier reported by the House.
It would be recalled that ANPNP had issued a statement saying the committee carried out its investigation without having a medical doctor in the panel. The body had also accused the lawmakers of engaging in a witch-hunt by reducing the investigations to a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ session for Dr. Baiyewu.
However, a video documenting the investigation carried out by the committee which was watched by participants showed that Dr. Baiyewu was given enough time to defend himself.
In the video, he admitted to taking out three parts from Master Akin-Bright during surgery and agreed that the parts were ‘mistakenly discarded’ instead of taking them for histology.
It was also discovered from the video recording and evidence that Obitoks Hospital used only auxiliary nurses during the surgery.
Dr. Baiyewu also confirmed that the video played was a true reflection of what happened during the investigation.
Speaking after the video was played, Dr. Abayomi, who said the House carried out a thorough investigation, added that the Ministry of Health, through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had temporarily suspended the operation of the theatre of Obitoks Hospital, which, he said, lacked standard medical procedures.
He said when Master Akin-Bright was brought to LASUTH, he was very unwell and needed to be stabilised before he would be operated upon.
He said that at the time of the surgery at LASUTH, the doctors found something unusual about the stomach, adding that a major part of the small intestine was discovered to be missing.
“They (LASUTH doctors) found a chaotic environment in the stomach. They found the upper part and the lower part of the digestive tracks open. It is very unusual to operate on a human being and find that he did not have small intestines. It is not logical.
“What we observed is that Dr. Baiyewu had two surgeries on the boy, the second one more detailed. He removed a certain part of Akin-Bright’s small intestine,” he added.
According to Prof. Abayomi, the most likely medical explanation could be that the private hospital “may have inadvertently injured the blood supply to the small intestine and when this happens, the organ would start to die and the body would start to absorb the organ.”
He said the findings by the State Ministry of Health had been forwarded to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for further investigation and sanction if needed.
“At LASUTH, we removed what was needed to be removed and sent it for histology. I admit that you carried out a detailed investigation,” he told the committee.
While commending the House, the NMA described the investigation as fantastic but urged that the MDCN be allowed investigate the case.
Dr. Kayode Akinlade, a former NMA chairman in Lagos, thanked the House for diligently probing the case adding that the private practitioners were only particular about public perceptions concerning their practice.
Another participant, Dr. Tunji Akintade, said the incident is a lesson for medical practitioners and the government.
“We need to have an adaptive referral system. What we have now is monologue. When we refer patients to a secondary facility, there should be feedback, a kind of communication,” he said.
In his remark, Hon. Adam, who serves as the Majority Leader of the House, thanked the participants and said the report of the public hearing would be presented to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the whole House for further action.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Media Assistant to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Dollar Scarcity: FG Begins talks with World Bank, solution underway – Wale Edun
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has assured Nigerians that a solution to the Dollar scarcity crisis in the country is underway.
He made this disclosure yesterday following a meeting with World Bank officials on how to address liquidity in the foreign exchange market.
Speaking in Abuja at the Business Lunch hosted in his honour and three other Ministers, Edun revealed the Federal Government’s plans to tackle the economic challenges facing the country.
“I have just risen from a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee as stipulated by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make sure that there is collaboration, coordination and cooperation. And, as you can imagine, full communication in terms of the economic management of our dear country.
“And so we went through things like the economic management framework, which would include a lot of consultations, step-by-step with other stakeholders, including the private sector that will serve as one of the key ad hoc committees that we put together and the updated and expanded national development plan.
“Even earlier, we were meeting with the World Bank. As we know, this is a time of very tight foreign exchange liquidity. So, it must be sought and found wherever.
“And one of those cheap and viable ways is foreign exchange funding, which virtually comes free. A lot of it has zero interest from the World Bank, a multilateral development institution set up to help developing countries such as ours.
“And of course, you have to be able to tell them, this is the economic plan. You all know the measures that Mr. President has taken. We have briefly dealt with the issue of subsidy that was draining government revenues. He has briefly dealt with the foreign exchange situation and multiple windows, which was deterring investors.
“But as we know, there is much to be done. So, this morning’s session (Thursdays) was a way of explaining our plan to attract the cheapest or most available of those funds.
“So that’s just to spend the time I have with you, explaining myself, communicating and there’s much more of that to be done,” Edun said.
More Insights
Speaking further, Mr. Wale Edun appealed to the public, emphasizing that the Federal Government is racing against time to proffer solutions to the nation’s economic problems.
He said
“President Tinubu is ultimately encouraging investments that will increase productivity that will grow the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty.
“All these will certainly be put on the right trajectory which will yield results in the not-too-distant future.”
What You Should Know
Nigeria’s foreign exchange market has maintained a steady decline as the naira continues to fall freely against the dollar, hitting the threshold of N1,000 to 1$ at the parallel market.
According to Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, this incessant decline is due to the overdue backlog payment of $6.8 billion, resulting in a shortage in the supply of dollars at the CBN.
The Federal Government, however, has said that at the top of the administration’s priority is stabilizing the currency.
The President has recently appointed new CBN leadership to oversee the monetary policies of the apex bank and drive the net inflow of dollars into the country.
Sex Scandal: DSS Arrested UNICAL Suspended Dean of Law
The suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, UNICAL, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, has been arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS.
His arrest, it was gathered, was at the instance of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, following his alleged refusal to turn himself in for questioning, despite several invitations.
It was gathered that the ICPC had sought the collaboration of the DSS on the UNICAL Sex Scandal matter involving the erstwhile Dean of Faculty of Law of the Institution.
The Commission had complained that Ndifon refused to honour its several invitations and thereafter sought the assistance of the DSS to get him to answer to the allegations of sex leveled against him.
The Spokesman for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, confirmed in a statement yesterday that Ndifon was eventually arrested in Calabar, Cross River State by its operatives on Wednesday based on a Court Order.
“However, the Service, following the ICPC’s request and in the spirit of interagency cooperation, supported it for a successful operation,” Afunanya explained.
“This is to guide public understanding of the latest developments on the matter,” the statement added.
Recall that following outcry by female UNICA law students over alleged Ndifon’s sex exploits against them, the University suspended him and raised a panel to probe the allegations against him.
The panel, which submitted its report earlier in the week, recommended that Ndifon be sanctioned for various offences, including extortion of funds.
Over-Bloated Payroll: Reps Task FG on Workers’ Forensic Audit
The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to carry out forensic audit of its staff to address the problem of ghost workers, with a view to saving money and reducing increasing wage bill.
It also urged the government to embark on cost-cutting measures to reduce other non-debt recurrent expenditures and mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
This followed the adoption of a motion on ‘Need to Investigate the Nation’s Galloping Non-Debt Recurrent Expenditure’, moved by Ademorin Kuye from Lagos, at plenary, yesterday.
Moving the motion, Kuye noted that the federal government personnel expenses, pensions and other non-debt recurrent expenditures increased by 241 per cent in 13 years from N2.4trillion in 2011 to N8,27trillion in 2023.
He also noted that the total non-debt expenditure from 2011 to 2023 was N51.97trillion, while N42.24trillion expended from 2015 till date represented 81.8 per cent of the total expenditures of the period under review.
According to him, the country’s revenue within the period received massive hits from debt servicing obligations.
Consequently, he said the government had little or nothing left for the recurrent expenditures and had resorted to borrowing.
“The debt servicing obligations gulped 97 per cent of the total revenue of the N3.42 trillion generated in 2011, Nigeria expended N3.34 trillion on debt servicing, meaning all federal government’s salaries, overhead and capital expenditure was financed with loans and Central Bank of Nigerian’s support.
“The country’s revenues of N3.42trillion in 2020, N4.39trillion in 2021 and N7trillion in 2022 could hardly fund the wage bill of N5.7trillion, N5.76trillion and N7.1 trillion in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively,” the lawmaker argued.
He expressed worry the federal government’s wage bill, pension obligations and other non-debt recurrent expenditures continued to grow significantly, despite the marginal increases in revenues and apparent increases in debt servicing pressure;
Kuye lamented that the sharp difference in the wage bill from N2.4 trillion in 2011 to N8.7 trillion in 2023 in a country of 113 million people living in multidimensional poverty was alarming and unjustifiable.
Leave Me out of your Fight with Tinubu Peter Obi Replies Atiku
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has in response to an appeal by his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, to join in the legal battle challenging President Tinubu’s credentials said he was focused on reclaiming his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court.
This was made known by the leadership of the Labour Party who asked the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to leave out its candidate, Peter Obi, from his feud with President Bola Tinubu, saying the former Anambra governor is solely focused on reclaiming his ‘stolen mandate’ at the apex court.
The party however said it will welcome any interest that amplifies its quest for a nation where true justice shall reign.
The response was a reaction to the call by the PDP candidate for Obi and the presidential flag bearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join his crusade in exposing the alleged dirty secrets of the president.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, the party appealed that they would appreciate if their candidate is allowed to concentrate on his case at the apex court.
He said the LP standard bearer is currently in the “Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that.”
Ifoh further said, “He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves the leadership it truly deserves.
“Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation.
“We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign.“ the statement read.
N1Million Bounty: Mohbad Friend Primeboy Surrenders to Police
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Owodunni Ibrahim Oluwatosin aka Primeboy, who was declared wanted on Wednesday over Mohbad death investigation, has turned himself in.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a post on his X handle.
It was reported that the command had declared Primeboy wanted following his failure to honour the police invitation successfully sent to him since the commencement of the investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The state command also added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, would give a sum of N1 million to anyone with useful information leading to his arrest.
Hundeyin stated, “Following his being declared wanted, Owodunni Ibrahim Oluwatosin aka Primeboy has turned himself in. He has, immediately, been taken into custody for interrogation and other necessary actions.”
The spokesman also assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring a diligent investigation.
“The Command equally assures that all persons found culpable in the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad will definitely be brought to justice,” he concluded.
The Federal Government has said it would convert 10 million Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the next 36 months.
In a statement on Wednesday, Spokesperson for the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Louis Ibah, said the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this while on a panel tagged “Energy Talk” at the ongoing ADIPEC 2023 conference and exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to the Minister, the initiative was in partnership with the private sector.
“Our ministry is working with the organised private sector to roll out over two million CNG conversions kits for free within the next nine months to push the utilisation of CNG as main fuel for vehicles nationwide. This initiative is aimed at converting 10million vehicles from PMS to CNG in the next 36 months,” he said.
Ekpo said key benefits of the initiative include, creating over 100,000 jobs for Nigerians, increasing government savings from reduced subsidy payout for the importation of PMS, reducing carbon emission following the utilization of clean gas to drive internal combustion engines.
He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government in creating an enabling operational and fiscal environment to support investments in the upstream, midstream and downstream gas sectors.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to promote business around Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.
“This is evident in the actions of Mr. President when he split the Ministry of Petroleum Resources into Oil & Gas respectively. This singular action is a testament to President Tinubu’s resolve to promote gas commercialization in Nigeria for export and domestic utilisation,” Ekpo said.
The minister, who is the head of the Nigerian delegation to the event, listed several initiatives relating to government’s action to promote and support gas based industrialisation and decarbonisation agenda with the corporation and support of the organized private sector.
Top amongst these initiatives are: Decade of Gas (Upstream, Midstream and Downstream); getting cooking gas to every home and CNG for vehicles; gas flare commercialisation programme and gas to petrochemicals.
The minister informed the audience about specific policy changes targeted at gas pricing regime, non-associated gas acreage development, and review of the terms of the production sharing contracts.
“These are all aimed at attracting investments of more than $20 billion into the country for NAG offshore and deep water acreage development,” he said.
He added that the ministry is working closely with her respective parastatals to get these reforms across to the upper legislative chamber for approval and subsequently for President’s endorsement.
Travel News: 7 Holiday Destinations that Offers Nigerians Visa on Arrival
Nigerians are generally fun loving and recently research shows that and average hardworking young Nigerian has started creating chances for vacation and would rather want a situation where there will be less hassles with regards to the planning and securing the necessary document to facilitate an hitch-free vacation.
Findings shows that many country have started making traveling routine and laws that are holiday seekers friendly, the introduction of visa on arrival is a plan to open doors by many countries for those who are looking for bureaucracy free vacation. We will be listing some countries that are tourist destination that offers Nigerians easy to process visa on arrival policy.
Cambodia
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Requirements
Nigerians looking to visit Cambodia for not more than 30 days can obtain a visa on arrival.
A valid passport is required for entry.
Passports are expected to be valid for six months, at least.
Passports should carry blank pages for stamps and ease of entry.
Visitors are expected to have enough funds for the intended duration of their visit.
Entry is possible with a one-way ticket.
Visitors are also expected to have onward/return tickets and other documents necessary for visitor’s next destination.
A visitor’s luggage should be cleared at the Phnom Penh, Pochentong International Airport.
Because there are currently no direct flights from Lagos to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, visitors are advised to make arrangements for a transit visa.
Comoros
Stay Duration: 45 days
Entry Requirements
Nigeria nationals visiting Comoros can stay for a duration of 45 days without a visa.
Visitors from Nigeria can obtain a visa on arrival at any airport and land borders upon entry into Comoros.
The visa on arrival cost about $33.
Tourists must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Comoros. The passport should have at least one blank page for visa stamping.
Visitors below 18 years hoping to travel to Comoros must possess travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
Citizens of Nigeria travelling with pets must have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination.
Visitors are required to have a return or onward ticket as well as proof of enough funds to spend during their stay in Comoros.
Confirmation of accommodation during their stay in Comoros is needed which can be a hotel reservation or a letter from the host in the country.
Although a proof yellow fever vaccination is not required, tourists are advised to be vaccinated against common illnesses.
There are no direct flights options available from Nigeria to Comoros, therefore there will be a couple of stopovers.
Intending visitors can get to Moroni, Comoros from any international airport in Nigeria. There are international airports in Lagos and Abuja.
Kenya Airways, Air Madagascar and EgyptAir are some of the carriers that fly from Nigeria to Comoros.
The estimated flight duration from Lagos to Moroni, Comoros is 9 hours, 45 minutes and 17 hours, 5 minutes from Abuja.
Comoros is home to diverse religious demography, however, Islam is currently the most practised religion in Comoros with about 99% of the entire population.
Comoros makes use of East Africa Time ( GMT+3), which puts Comoros 3 hours ahead of Nigeria.
Getting around in Comoros is possible with the various public means of transportation available, this includes shared taxis, car rentals, buses, boats and domestic flights.
Type C and E are the power and socket plug types used in Comoros. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Comoros has a tropical climate, with a hot and rainy season running from December to April, and a relatively cool and dry season from May to November.
The best time to visit Comoros is during the dry season months of May to September when the weather is cooler and pleasant enough to relax in the beaches.
Langouste a la Vanille (lobster boiled in a rich vanilla sauce), Mkatra foutra (fried unleavened bread made with coconut water) and Pilaou (highly-spiced meat and rice dish) are some of the delicacies tourist can try out while in Comoros.
Comorian, French and Arabic are the official languages in Comoros. Comorian is by far the most spoken language in the country. There are other minor languages spoken by small groups of people throughout the country.
Comorian Franc is the currency used in Comoros. Tourists can exchange their foreign currencies at banks and other exchange outlets in the country.
Visitors are to avoid demonstrations, large gatherings and any political rallies while in the country. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Lesotho
Stay Duration: 14 days
Entry Requirements
Nigerians looking to visit Lesotho for no longer than 14 days can do so on an e-visa.
Intending visitors must carry a valid passport.
Passports are expected to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
Passports must carry blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Visitors must have enough money to cover their expenses during their visit.
Visitors must also have an onward/return ticket or any other documents necessary for their next destination.
There are no restrictions on the import of local currency and foreign currencies.
Visitors must have proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Maldives
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Requirements
Nigerians looking to visit the Maldives for no more than 30 days can do so by applying for a visa on arrival.
Nigerians visiting Maldives must have valid passport for entry into the country.
Passports which must be valid for six months at least should also carry blank pages for stamps.
Visitors must have their onward/return tickets and other documents necessary for their next destination outside of the Maldives, ready and valid.
Nigerians visiting Maldives must have sufficient funds to cover for the expenses during their intended period of visit.
Visitors can also carry evidence of accommodation arrangements in the Maldives i.e hotel reservations, etc.
Nigerians visiting Maldives must check for yellow fever vaccination.
There are currently no direct flights options available from Abidjan to the Maldives and visitors would have to make arrangements for a transit visa.
Flights from Lagos to Maldives with one stopover typically lasts for about 15 hours and 35 minutes.
Nigerians visiting Maldives with pets must have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and a proof of rabies vaccination.
While Maldives is home to a diverse religious demography, Islam is currently the religion practiced by a vast majority of Maldives’ population.
The exchange rate between the Nigerian Naira and the Maldivian Rufiyaa is currently at 1 NGN = 0.043 MVR.
Because the time zone currently in use in Maldives is the Maldives Time ( GMT+5 ), Maldives is 4 hours ahead of Nigeria.
Getting around in Maldives is possible with the various public means of transportation available, this includes taxis, ( A trip usually costs around 20 rufiyaas (about $1.30) with a 10 rufiyaa (about 65 cents) fee for bags), speedboats, seaplanes, and ferries.
Maldives uses a type D and G adapter for visitors travelling with chargeable devices.
Maldives has a year-round hot tropical climate, with the wet season which runs from May to October and the dry season from November to April.
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April,visitors can enjoy the warm, tropical 80s, and rainfall is infrequent during these months too.
While Dhivehi and English is Maldives’ official language, visitors should have very little difficulty with communication when relating with the people.
Visitors might want to pick up some basic Dhivehi phrases to help them navigate communications in rural spaces.
Palau
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Requirements
The visa policy in Palau permits Nigeria citizens can get a visa upon their arrival at any international airport in Palau.
This visa on arrival allows Nigerians to visit Palau for a duration of 30 days.
Tourists who wish to stay beyond the 30-day validity are to apply for an extension at the immigration department in Palau.
Prospective visitors are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Palau. The passport should have at least one blank page for stamping.
Tourists below the age of 18 must show travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
Nationals of Nigeria travelling to Palau must provide proof of a confirmed means of accommodation for their entire stay in Palau. This could be in the form of a hotel reservation or a sponsor letter from a host living in Palau.
Visitors are required to pay a $20 departure tax and a $30 green fee ($50 total) per person when leaving Palau.
Tourists are required to provide proof of enough funds to spend during their stay in the country.
On entry and exit, Visitors with amounts of over 10,000 USD must declare it.
Intending visitors can get to Palau from any international airport in Nigeria. There are international airports in Lagos and Abuja.
Philippine Airlines, Finnair, Asiana, and Ethiopian Airways are some of the carriers that fly from Nigeria to Palau.
The estimated flight time from Lagos to Ngerulmud, Palau is 1 day, 3 hours and from Abuja, it is 1 day, 4 hours.
Christianity is the most prominent religion in Palau, particularly Roman Catholicism, with about 46% of the entire population. Christian denominations like Seventh-day Adventist and Jehovah’s witness are also present in Palau. Other religions like Buddhism, Baha’i faith and Hinduism make up the minority religion.
The United States Dollar is the official currency in Palau. Visitors are advised to exchange their foreign currencies at banks and other exchange outlets.
Palauan and English are the official languages in Palau. Majority of the population speaks both languages fluently. Tagalog and Japanese are also well-spoken languages in the country.
Palau has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. The dry season is from December to April, and the rainy season is from April to December. The best time to visit Palau is from February to April since it has the least rainfall and sunny period of the year.
Some special delicacies tourists can try in Palau are broiled fish (Palauan style), tinola and ulkoy.
Visitors can move around in Palau with minibuses, taxis, tour buses and car rentals.
Palau uses the Palau time (GMT+9), which puts Palau is 8 hours ahead of Nigeria.
Some tourist destination tourists can visit while in Palau include Rock island, Koror and Peleliu.
The power and socket plug used in Palau are of Type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Visitors are advised to be careful as they go about their tourist-related activities.
Rwanda
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Requirements
The visa policy in Rwanda permits Nigerians to visit the country for a period of 30 days by applying for an e-visa.
Tourists can also obtain a visa on arrival at any airport or land border in Rwanda.
Prospective visitors are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival into Rwanda. The passport should have at least a blank page for visa stamping.
Citizens of Nigeria travelling to Rwanda must provide proof of a confirmed means of accommodation for their entire stay in Rwanda. This could be in the form of a hotel reservation or a sponsor letter from a host living in the country.
The import and export of local currency are limited to RWF5000. Although the import and export of foreign currency are unlimited, it must be declared upon arrival and exchanged within 8 days.
Tourists are required to provide proof of enough funds to cater for their needs during their stay in Rwanda.
Travellers under the age of 18 must show travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
Intending visitors can get to Rwanda from any international airport in Nigeria. There are international airports in Lagos and Abuja.
Ethiopian Airways and Kenya Airways are some of the carriers that fly from Nigeria to Rwanda.
The estimated flight time from Lagos to Kigali, Rwanda is 4 hours, 30 minutes and from Abuja, it is 7 hours, 35 minutes.
The Rwandan Franc is the official currency used in Rwanda. However, the US Dollar can also be used for transaction purposes. Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various bank and exchange outlets in the country.
Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda, with Roman Catholics, Protestants and Seventh-day Adventist being the leading denominations. About 5% of the population are Sunni Muslims and 2% practice indigenous religions.
Tourists can transport themselves in Rwanda through buses, taxis and car rentals.
Kinyarwanda is the national and the spoken language in Rwanda. It is also one of the country’s official language alongside French, English, and Swahili.
Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate. From June to mid-September is the long dry season, which is generally the best time to visit, from October to November is the rainy season and the short dry season from December to February.
Brochettes, Mandazi and Ugali are some foods tourists can try during their stay in Rwanda.
Tourists in Rwanda can budget about $43 to spend on daily expenses.
The power and socket plug used in Rwanda are of Type C and J. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Rwanda uses Central Africa Time (GMT +2), which puts Nigeria one hour ahead in time.
Visitors are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.
Tuvalu
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Requirements
Nationals of Nigeria can get a visa upon their arrival at any international airport in Tuvalu and at all land border crossings in the country.
This visa allows citizens of Nigeria to stay in Tuvalu for a duration of 30 days.
Tourists who wish to stay beyond the 30-day validity should apply for an extension at the Chief Immigration Officer in Tuvalu.
Prospective visitors are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Tuvalu. The passport should have at least one blank page for visa stamping.
Travellers under the age of 18 must show travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
Tourists travelling to Tuvalu must provide proof of a confirmed means of accommodation for their entire stay in Tuvalu. This could be in the form of a hotel reservation or a sponsor letter from a host living in Tuvalu.
An airport tax of AUD 30 must be paid on departure from Tuvalu.
Tourists travelling with pets (cats or dogs) must be accompanied by a veterinarian good health certificate and rabies inoculation certificate issued from Nigeria.
Tourists with amounts above AUD $3000 will be required to declare it on arrival and departure.
Tourists are required to provide proof of enough funds to spend during their stay in the country.
Prospective visitors can get to Tuvalu from any international airport in Nigeria. There are international airports in Lagos and Abuja.
British Airways, Fiji Airways, Air France and Air New Zealand are some of the carriers that fly from Nigeria to Tuvalu.
The estimated flight time from Lagos to Funafuti, Tuvalu is 1 day, 13 hours and from Abuja, it is 1 day, 17 hours.
English and Tuvaluan are the official languages in Tuvalu, however, Tuvaluan is the most common language spoken in the country.
The Tuvaluan Dollar is an official national currency and used only in Tuvalu. However, the Australian Dollar is widely accepted all through the country. Visitors are advised to exchange their foreign currencies at banks and other exchange outlets.
Tuvalu has a hot and humid tropical climate. The dry season from March to October tends to be a bit cooler and more pleasant than the wet season (rainy season) running from November to February.
Almost all the citizens of Tuvalu are Christians, of different denominations. Traditional belief constitutes minority religion.
Pulaka and coconut crab are some of the dishes tourists can try in Tuvalu.
Visitors can move around in Tuvalu with minibuses, car rentals and taxis.
Tuvalu uses Tuvalu Time (GMT+12), which puts Nigeria 11 hours behind in time.
Marine Conservation Park, Funafuti, Nanumanga and WWII Plane Wreckage Sites are some of the tourist sites in Tuvalu.
The power and socket plug used in Tuvalu are of Type I. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Tourists are advised to exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded areas and while travelling on public transportation in Tuvalu.
British International Investment partners with Access Bank Plc to extend US$60 million trade finance facility across five African countries
Loan facility will help to ensure availability of key commodities across import-dependent economies and critical inputs for manufacturing goods, medicine, commodities, construction, food and agriculture.
Programme aims to stimulate African trade volumes by US$90 million and will contribute to SDGs 8 and 9.
BII’s second commitment to one of Nigeria’s leading multinational banks.
British International Investment (BII), the UK’s Development Finance Institution (DFI) and impact investor, has announced a $60 million trade finance facility for Access Bank Plc in Nigeria and five of its pan-African subsidiaries. This will strengthen import and export capabilities amongst local businesses and plug the foreign currency supply gap. The programme supports Access Bank’s strategy to enable continental trade and deepens BII’s commitment to bolstering financing environments in fragile economies. BII estimates the loan programme will stimulate African trade volumes by US$90 million.
The agreement reinforces BII’s ongoing relationship with Nigeria’s largest commercial bank by assets and facilitates the provision of systemic liquidity during a period characterised by a challenging macroeconomic environment. Higher inflation and rising cost of capital have placed downward pressure on currency performance, both domestically and in the programme’s target markets of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. Intervention at this critical juncture underlines the key role of BII, and development finance institutions in general, in extending countercyclical support to build economic resilience.
Between 80% and 90% of world trade is estimated to rely on the availability of trade credit, according to the World Trade Organization. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, that financing gap stood at US$82 billion in Africa, and it is increasing. Recognising the positive ripple effects of robust trade flows on economies and livelihoods, Access Bank is aiming to provide 15% of trade finance across Africa, by growing the trade books of its subsidiaries.
Currency instability in Nigeria can hinder the wider proliferation of dollar denominated trade loans across African markets, constraining countries’ ability to capitalise on opportunities opening up under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. By specifically targeting import dependent economies – many of which will mark the first engagement with BII’s Trade programme – the improved availability of US dollar denominated trade loans will ensure availability of key commodities and manufacturing inputs for the production and export of goods. The key outcome will be improving livelihoods and preserving jobs for the employees of importers and exporters with limited access to foreign exchange trade loans.
With the loans channelled into companies in construction, manufacturing and FMCG, the programme will directly contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure).
Simultaneously, the facility will improve inclusion. Qualifying under the 2X Challenge, aimed at strengthening female participation and leadership in business, Access Bank will ensure the allocation of loans is designed deliberately to advance its gender commitments. In addition, the facility will contribute to BII’s BOLD programme, dedicated to enhancing the availability of finance at more affordable rates to Black, African-owned businesses.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, remarked: “Access Bank is on a purposeful mission to scale intra-African trade and position the continent as a viable market for global trade. Hence, we are thrilled about the tremendous potential that this trade finance facility with the BII affords us across our pan-African subsidiaries. This strategic collaboration not only strengthens our import and export capabilities but also expands our resources to support local industries – especially women-owned businesses – and ultimately drive economic growth. By stimulating trade volumes, we will be playing a key role in fostering long-term economic resilience for the continent, while increasing its attractiveness for increased foreign investments.”
Admir Imami, Director and Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance at BII, noted: “Access Bank is a long-standing partner of BII’s and our new partnership is a significant step closer to narrowing the trade finance gap in Africa, particularly in countries such as the DRC and Rwanda.
Access to finance in fragile states is hugely constrained, often these countries are buffeted by macroeconomic events far beyond their control. BII and Access Bank share a conviction that building the resilience of these businesses by ensuring affordable access to foreign exchange is vital to keep intra-African trade moving and support the growth of inclusive economies.”
Benson Adenuga, Head of Office & Coverage Director for Nigeria, BII said: “Our latest commitment to Access Bank reiterates our assurance to this leading multinational institution and to Nigeria. It comes at a time when Nigeria’s fragile economic situation needs additional funding, particularly from counter cyclical investors like development finance institutions. Our funding will help bolster the economy and ensure the availability of staple goods, medicines and food across Africa.”
CSW: Ecobank Celebrates Customers, Reiterates Excellent Service Delivery
Ecobank Nigeria has felicitated its customers in commemoration of this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW). The Customer Service Week is an international celebration of the importance of customer service and of the people who serve and support customers daily. It is celebrated annually during the first full week of October. This year’s celebration with the theme ‘Team Service’ holds from October 2nd to 6th.
Speaking during the commencement of events, Adetola Oshomah, Head of Customer Experience at Ecobank Nigeria, said the week is not just a celebration of the bank’s commitment to service excellence, but a celebration of customers for choosing Ecobank as their preferred financial partner and their contributions to the bank’s successes. She thanked the customers for trusting the bank and also for their continual use of the bank’s products and services across all touchpoints.
“ You are the reason we are constantly investing in our technology and equipping our staff with the requisite skills and resources to provide you with the relevant solutions you need. For us at Ecobank, customer service is a lifestyle centered around exceptional experiences. Our aim is to create unforgettable and positive moments for our customers. We are renewing our commitment to becoming the best in the business and we are cultivating the passion of delivering exceptional experiences. In this ever-changing world, we understand that customers’ needs evolve, that’s why we continuously endeavor to improve and innovate, listening attentively to customer insights which have helped us to develop innovative products and services that cater to your goals.” She stated.
Only recently Ecobank Nigeria commenced the remodeling of its branches across the country, this effort has seen the bank turning its existing banking halls into modern smart banking arenas designed to offer a cozy experience to customers and other stakeholders of the bank who visit the branches. This was a deliberate and strategic decision by the bank to ensure that customers transact seamlessly in an environment where they are happy to come to everyday whilst providing the best banking experience for them. The remodeled branches are equipped with fully functional digital service points, new ATMs, solar power for uninterrupted 24/7 electricity and other facilities for an enhanced customer experience.
Ecobank Nigeria Limited is an affiliate of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services and solutions to its Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking clients at over 200 branches and 60,000 Xpress Point agency locations in Nigeria.
