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FG denies claims of suspending new tax laws

Nigeria Startup News
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FG denies claims of suspending new tax laws

The federal government, through the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), has denied claims circulating in sections of the media that the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws, which took effect from 1 January 2026, has been suspended.

In a clarification on Sunday, the Board stated that the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 were duly passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on 26 June 2025. According to the JRB, both laws have fully come into force and remain operational.

The Board stressed that all provisions contained in the Acts are currently in effect, adding that relevant institutions at both the federal and sub-national levels are already proceeding with implementation in line with the law. It urged Nigerians to disregard the reports suggesting a suspension, describing them as false and misleading.

The JRB further called on individuals and businesses to continue complying with existing tax obligations, noting that compliance is critical to Nigeria’s collective socio-economic sustainability. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration with stakeholders, and timely clarification to ensure public confidence in the ongoing tax reform process. Nigerians were also advised to rely only on official government communication for accurate information.

The clarification by the JRB aligns with an earlier position taken by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. Oyedele had also publicly rejected reports claiming that the federal government had paused the issuance of guidelines for implementing the new tax laws.

According to him, the reports were based on confusion surrounding the availability of officially authenticated copies of the laws, but he emphasised that the laws themselves were never suspended. He described the claims as “fake news” and marked such reports as false on his verified social media account.

Oyedele explained that uncertainty arose because printed copies recognised under the Acts Authentication Act were not widely available at the time, as lawmakers had taken custody of them pending review. He noted that this situation did not amount to a halt in enforcement or implementation.

He warned that misinformation around tax reforms could unsettle stakeholders and have negative economic consequences, stressing the need for clear and accurate communication to sustain confidence in the reform process.

Read Also: FG Launches National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy

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Apply: Federal Medical Centre, Keffi Internship

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Apply: Federal Medical Centre, Keffi Internship

The Management of Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following intern vacancies. This opportunity is open to young professionals who have completed their academic training and obtained the required provisional licenses from their respective professional bodies.

Category Of Interns and Requirements

1. Intern Pharmacists: CONHESS 08
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)

2. Intern Medical Laboratory Scientists: CONHESS 06
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)

3. Intern Nurses: CONHESS 08
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) degree from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN)

4. Intern Radiographers: CONHESS 06
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Radiography from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN)

5. Intern Dental Therapists: CONHESS 07
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • HND or its equivalent from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN)

6. Intern Dental Technologists: CONHESS 07
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • Bachelor of Technology degree or HND or its equivalent from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN)

7. Intern Optometrists: CONHESS 08
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • Doctor of Optometry degree from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license with the Optometrists and Dispensing Registration Board of Nigeria (ODDRBN)

8. Physiotherapy: CONHESS 08
Interested applicants must possess the following requirements:

  • BSc Physiotherapy and its equivalent from a recognized institution
  • Provisional registration or license from the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board (MRTB) of Nigeria

Salaries & Allowances

Salary and allowances will be in accordance with the Public Health Service Salary Structure applicable to each category of officers. This structure ensures uniform remuneration and benefits for interns across federal health institutions, based on their respective CONHESS levels and approved guidelines.

Successful applicants will undergo structured internship training in line with public health service standards and professional regulations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are to submit the following:

  • Fifteen (15) copies of a formal application letter
  • Fifteen (15) copies of a detailed curriculum vitae
  • Photocopies of all academic and professional credentials
  • Other relevant documents, including oath or induction certificates where applicable

All application materials should be properly arranged and submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to:

  • The Medical Director/Chief Executive
  • Federal Medical Centre
  • P.M.B 1004
  • Keffi
  • Nasarawa State

Interested candidates can also apply by visiting the Centre’s official website at www.fmckeffi.gov.ng. Applicants are advised to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete before submission. Submission of application closes six (6) weeks from the date of this publication.

Read Also: FG Releases Full List of 774 National Health Fellows for Cohort 2

FG Releases Full List of 774 National Health Fellows for Cohort 2

Nigeria Startup News
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FG Releases Full List of 774 National Health Fellows for Cohort 2

The federal government has released the full list of 774 National Health Fellows selected from across the Federation, marking a major step in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health system through young professionals.

The disclosure was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, who said the selection followed a clear nationwide structure.

“Each Fellow was chosen from a specific Local Government Area, a deliberate commitment to identify, nurture, and return sons and daughters of the soil to their communities of origin,” Pate said.

He explained that the approach draws young and emerging professionals from their local contexts and sends them back to learn, serve, and support transformation where health outcomes are shaped.

According to Pate, selection into the National Health Fellows programme is not an accolade alone but an assignment. Fellows are expected to engage with health system challenges, improve coordination, strengthen processes, and support service delivery while learning the discipline of impact.

He added that the Fellows are placed in environments that allow them to grow under supervision, guidance, and accountability, helping them build confidence, competence, and integrity over time.

The nationwide distribution of one Fellow in each Local Government Area reflects a reform philosophy that excellence is spread across the country and that sustainable reform is strongest when rooted in local ownership.

By investing in individuals who belong to the communities they serve, the programme aims to strengthen trust and continuity within local health systems.

“As these Fellows assume their responsibilities, they do so with the understanding that public trust must be earned through service, humility, and results,” Pate said. “On behalf of the leadership of the health sector and the implementing team, I congratulate all the cohort 2 fellows, their families, and communities.”

About Programme

The National Health Fellows programme was established on the belief that leadership potential exists across Nigeria’s health system, even where opportunity has been uneven. By embedding capable individuals within federal, state, and local health environments, the programme seeks to unlock that potential through structured learning and service within existing institutions. The initiative operates nationwide across Nigeria.

Below is the full list of National Health Fellows, Cohort 2 for all States.

Read Also: Sokoto DSMP-MSME Shortlist for Digital Skilling Mentorship Programme

Sokoto DSMP-MSME Shortlist for Digital Skilling Mentorship Programme

Paulinus Sunday
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Sokoto DSMP-MSME Shortlist for Digital Skilling Mentorship Programme

The Sokoto State Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has released the shortlist for the Digital Skilling Mentorship Programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (DSMP-MSME).

Notification emails have been sent to successful nominees who applied for the programme.

The DSMP-MSME programme is designed to empower registered business owners in Sokoto State with practical digital skills to help them sell more effectively using online tools. The initiative focuses on hands-on digital marketing training, mentorship, and capacity building for MSMEs, with the goal of improving business visibility, sales growth, and long-term sustainability in the digital economy.

Only applicants who received official notification emails have been shortlisted at this stage. Successful nominees are expected to complete all required confirmations before the deadline to secure their participation in the programme. Failure to respond before the deadline may result in forfeiture of the slot.

How to Check

The shortlisted candidates are to check their email inboxes, including spam or promotions folders, and respond accordingly before the deadline.

Congratulations to all successful applicants!

Read also: Lagos announces digital marketing training

MAX raises $24m to scale electric mobility and expand across Africa

Nigeria Startup News
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MAX raises $24m to scale electric mobility and expand across Africa

Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), a Nigerian mobility financing startup, has raised $24 million in a combined equity and debt funding round, marking a major step in its shift toward cleaner mobility solutions across Africa.

According to a Tech Cabal report, the company disclosed that the funding involved equity participation from Equitane DMCC, Novastar, Endeavor Catalyst, and Endeavor Catalyst, alongside asset-backed debt from the Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (EEGF) and other development finance partners.

The fresh funding comes as MAX reshapes its offerings to focus more on electric vehicles and clean energy-powered transport systems. The company said the new capital will enable it to scale its electric vehicle fleet, expand battery-swapping and clean energy infrastructure, strengthen its proprietary fleet management and IoT systems, and support regional expansion across West and Central Africa.

According to MAX, the funding will also help it pursue its target of supporting 250,000 drivers by 2027 while exceeding $150 million in annual recurring revenue. The company sees these goals as achievable as demand grows for cost-effective and cleaner transport options across major African cities.

Speaking on the funding raise, MAX chief executive officer, Adetayo Bamiduro, said the capital will help the company move faster and deepen its clean energy footprint on the continent.

“This capital allows us to scale faster, deepen clean energy infrastructure, and build a truly pan-African mobility platform that expands access, lowers costs, and delivers durable impact,” Bamiduro said.

MAX also confirmed that it has reached profitability in Nigeria, a market where only a small number of mobility and asset-financing companies have reported strong revenues and improving unit economics.

“Profitability in Nigeria proves that electric mobility in Africa is not a future concept. It is viable, scalable, and investable today,” Bamiduro added.

This milestone places MAX among African mobility-focused companies that have demonstrated sustainable business models in difficult operating environments.

Before this latest round, MAX raised $31 million in a Series B funding round in 2021. The round was led by global private equity firm Lightrock and UAE-based Global Ventures, and supported expansion across Africa and the development of electric vehicle infrastructure, including vehicle financing credit to more than 100,000 drivers.

The company also raised institutional debt for driver financing before the Series B, totaling more than $40 million, and used bonds and earlier venture funding to expand operations.

The latest funding round reflects growing investor confidence in MAX’s transition from a conventional vehicle financing company into an integrated electric mobility platform. This shift aligns with broader developments in Africa’s electric vehicle ecosystem, where volatile fuel prices are making electric two- and three-wheelers more commercially attractive.

About MAX

MAX was founded in 2015 by Adetayo Bamiduro and Chinedu Azodoh to offer integrated and collateral-free vehicle subscription packages that include low- to zero-emission vehicles, healthcare, insurance, maintenance services, and eHailing subscriptions.

About a year ago, the company pivoted fully to electric vehicle financing and reduced its workforce by roughly 150 employees, representing about 30% of its staff at the time, as part of a broader business reset.

As part of this reset, MAX introduced cost-saving measures such as reduced energy and generator usage at its offices and exited less profitable business verticals to improve efficiency and capital discipline.

The company now operates an assembly facility in Ibadan with the capacity to produce up to 3,600 vehicles per month, covering both two- and three-wheel electric vehicles.

Read also: NEC: Non-oil sector now drives 96% of Nigeria’s GDP

FG to Release Full List of National Health Fellows Cohort 2

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FG to Release Full List of National Health Fellows Cohort 2

The federal government has welcomed another cohort of National Health Fellows as the list of selected Fellows was released on Saturday, January 18, 2026.

The disclosure was made by the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office, which confirmed that the full list would be published from midnight on Sunday. According to the office, the names will appear across official social media platforms and in The Nation Newspaper with nationwide circulation.

Nigerians were invited to celebrate Cohort 2, described as young professionals ready to learn, serve, and strengthen the country’s health system. The announcement has generated interest among stakeholders.

Read Also: Apply: PTDF fully funded Overseas MSc and PhD scholarship for Nigerians in 2026

Kwara launches RHWDP to reach 193,000 ward beneficiaries

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Kwara launches RHWDP to reach 193,000 ward beneficiaries

Kwara State has launched the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) to benefit a total of 193,000 residents across the 193 wards in the state, marking a major grassroots-focused intervention aimed at reducing poverty and driving inclusive growth.

The RHWDP initiative, described as a non-partisan socio-economic programme of President Bola Tinubu, was officially launched by the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said it was designed to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty through targeted support at the ward level.

The Governor said the programme reflects the President’s concern for the less privileged and his administration’s commitment to building a $1 trillion dollar economy by 2030. He made the remarks in Ilorin through his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, who represented him at the event.

“This is the most innovative grassroots social programme rolled out to address poverty irrespective of religious difference, political persuasion, tribal or gender difference or place of birth,” the Governor said. “This is a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s love for the grassroots and the poorest of the poor. This is the most data-driven FG special intervention towards ensuring a $1 trillion dollar economy by 2030.”

AbdulRazaq commended the Tinubu administration for implementing economic recovery programmes targeted at supporting vulnerable Nigerians. He said the RHWDP aligns with Kwara State’s social investment initiatives, which were introduced to empower the aged, the downtrodden and small-scale business owners across the state.

The Governor also thanked the President for his consistent support to Kwara State and for entrusting him with the responsibility of chairing the National Steering Committee for the programme. He called on residents of the state to support the initiative to ensure it delivers maximum impact.

“I call on all people of the state to support this innovative programme rolled out by the President to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty,” he said.

The launch ceremony was attended by top government officials, local government chairmen, party executives led by the state chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, leaders of artisans’ congresses and market women associations, as well as representatives of community-based organisations.

AbdulRazaq also commended the APC leadership across the federation, noting that the party has continued to grow stronger through programmes focused on the welfare of citizens.

“There have been several programmes tailored towards the betterment of Nigerians. This is the latest child of the government. The Renewed Hope Wards Development Programme is not the beginning of benefits that have been going to the grassroots, but this should be the largest yet,” he said.

State Coordinator for RHWDP, Mubarak Salau Bello, said the scheme was designed to take development and economic growth directly to the grassroots and ensure that national growth is felt by citizens at the ward level. He explained that stakeholders’ engagement was organised to support effective enumeration, identify gaps, gather feedback and promote inclusion during the enrolment process.

Bello praised President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for impacting lives through poverty alleviation programmes, inclusive governance and sustainable grassroots development.

Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, said the programme is not partisan but focused on addressing the needs of people at the grassroots. He said the APC-led government has demonstrated commitment to pro-masses projects at both federal and state levels.

Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, highlighted the Governor’s support for sports and youth development, citing the revival of sports facilities across the state.

Speaking for community-based organisations, Kadir Rasheed Ajao pledged support to ensure the programme benefits the right people, while State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mallam Ali Nasim-Yusuf, said Kwara youths have strong reasons to support the President and Governor due to youth-friendly programmes.

Read also: Benue Set to Create 20,000 Jobs With $250m National Food City

Apply: PTDF fully funded Overseas MSc and PhD scholarship for Nigerians in 2026

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Apply: PTDF fully funded Overseas MSc and PhD scholarship for Nigerians in 2026

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has invited applications from suitably qualified Nigerian candidates for the Overseas MSc and PhD scholarships under its PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme for the 2026/2027 academic session. The programme targets candidates seeking advanced education in disciplines aligned with the oil and gas sector and related energy fields.

The PTDF Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity. It covers tuition, accommodation, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses for selected candidates who will study in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The scheme is designed to remove financial barriers and allow beneficiaries to focus fully on academic and research excellence.

PTDF Overseas Scholarship Summary

  • Host: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)
  • Countries: UK | France | Germany | Malaysia | Nigeria
  • Study Abroad: Study in UK | Study in Europe | Study in Asia
  • Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
  • Eligible Country: Nigeria
  • Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | Accommodation | Airfare Ticket

About PTDF Scholarship

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund is a Federal Government agency with the mandate of developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology to meet the needs of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Through this mandate, PTDF continues to invest in education and research as tools for sustainable national development.

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme was developed to provide candidates with access to a diversified pool of knowledge, advanced research facilities, and exposure to global academic standards offered by world-class institutions. Scholars are expected to return with skills and expertise that can be applied directly to Nigeria’s energy sector.

The scheme has been strategically restructured to further promote the domestication of capacity development within Nigeria. This approach ensures that while scholars benefit from international exposure, local institutions also gain from strengthened research collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship Details

Scholarship offerings for MSc and PhD programmes under the restructured scheme include the following:

  • Fully funded MSc scholarships in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia
  • Fully funded PhD scholarships in Germany, France, and Malaysia
  • Fully funded PhD scholarships for the United Kingdom offered strictly as a Split-Site Programme

The UK PhD Split-Site Programme is hosted at the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK). It is delivered in collaboration with three partner universities in the United Kingdom:

  • Robert Gordon University
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Portsmouth

This structure allows candidates to complete part of their studies in Nigeria while benefiting from academic supervision and research exposure abroad.

Benefits of PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2026

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund PTDF Overseas Scholarship includes the provision of the following benefits:

  • Flight tickets
  • Payment of health insurance
  • Payment of tuition and bench fees where applicable
  • Provision of allowances to cover accommodation and living expenses

These benefits are structured to support scholars throughout the duration of their programmes.

Requirements for PTDF Scholarship

To be considered for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund PTDF Scholarship, applicants must meet specific requirements based on their chosen level of study.

MSc Requirements

  • Minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in first degree or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
  • Completion of the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
  • Computer literacy
  • Possession of five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
  • Statement of purpose not exceeding 500 words, explaining study motivation, industry relevance, and expected national impact
  • Valid National Identity Number (NIN) with completed verification

PhD Requirements

  • Completion of the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
  • Computer literacy
  • Possession of five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
  • Minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in first degree and a good postgraduate degree
  • Research proposal of not more than five pages relevant to the oil and gas industry, covering topic, introduction, objectives, methodology, and data collection
  • Letter from Vice Chancellor confirming no other scholarship for lecturers
  • Valid National Identity Number (NIN) with completed verification

Required Documents

Applicants are advised to scan and upload copies of the following documents during application:

  • First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
  • NYSC discharge certificate
  • WAEC, GCE, SSCE, or NECO results with relevant examination details
  • Recent passport photograph
  • Local Government Identification Letter
  • Master’s Degree Certificate for PhD applicants
  • Evidence of membership in professional associations

Shortlisted candidates invited for interview will be required to present official academic transcripts. Applicants are therefore advised to make transcripts available in advance.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The closing date for applications is 27th February 2026.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants are required to complete the PTDF online application process through the official scholarship application portal, following the published guidelines and instructions provided by the Fund.

Link to Apply: APPLY HERE

Read Also: FG Launches National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy

Lagos announces digital marketing training, partners V-Care Foundation

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Lagos announces digital marketing training, partners V-Care Foundation

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has announced plans to roll out upcoming training in digital marketing as part of its broader empowerment programmes, as it hosted the V-Care Foundation on Thursday.

Welcoming the Miss Mimansa Shukla-led delegation to the Ministry, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, commended the organisation for its impact and urged it to scale up its interventions. She noted that WAPA currently operates 19 Skills Acquisition Centres spread across the five divisions of Lagos State.

Hon. Dada outlined the Ministry’s empowerment focus for the year, which targets women, young adults, men and rural communities. According to her, these efforts are delivered through initiatives such as four weeks of short-term skills training, the Micro Enterprise Support Programme (MESI), targeted support for widows, and the provision of start-up kits and equipment for graduates of the Skills Acquisition Centres.

She highlighted WAPA’s agricultural empowerment initiatives, explaining that the Ministry runs community-based training in fish farming alongside the provision of support materials. She also referenced the Ministry’s farm in Avia, Badagry, where beneficiaries are allocated temporary demonstration plots and trained in palm oil processing, garri production and vegetable farming, while being encouraged to form cooperative societies.

The commissioner further emphasised the Ministry’s support for survivors of domestic violence through economic empowerment and psychosocial interventions. She cited a recent mental health awareness and counselling programme as part of ongoing efforts to address both economic and emotional challenges faced by vulnerable women.

She disclosed plans for upcoming training in digital marketing and reaffirmed the Ministry’s openness to partnerships in Adire production, describing it as a major skill area taught under WAPA’s livelihood programmes.

Hon. Dada also noted the Ministry’s collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board in training parents of out-of-school children. She explained that the initiative is aimed at improving household income and supporting the reintegration of children into school.

While commending V-Care Foundation’s commitment, the commissioner reaffirmed WAPA’s readiness to collaborate with credible organisations whose goals align with its mandate of empowering vulnerable groups and reducing poverty across the state.

Earlier, Miss Mimansa Shukla, Head of V-Care Foundation and leader of the delegation, expressed the organisation’s interest in sustaining a long-term partnership with WAPA. She recalled previous collaboration through four Skills Acquisition Centres where students received training in entrepreneurship and business plan development.

Also speaking, Mr Muyiwa Bolarinwa, Partnership Manager at V-Care Foundation, said the organisation plans to expand its training to more Skills Acquisition Centres in 2026 and provide sector-specific support aligned with WAPA programmes. He described Lagos State as a pace-setter in skills acquisition and empowerment and expressed interest in participating in the Ministry’s upcoming digital marketing training and future empowerment programmes.

The visit was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rianat Onigbanjo, alongside Heads of Departments and Units of the Ministry.

Read Also: Lagos to empower artisans, unemployed youths with skills training

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