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FG begins 2025 audit, skills gap analysis for civil servants

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FG begins 2025 audit, skills gap analysis for civil servants

The Federal Government has launched the 2025 Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis, also known as the PASGA Project, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The initiative aims to provide a detailed workforce profile to support decisions on recruitment, training, deployment, and career progression within the civil service.

The project focuses on identifying skills gaps in critical areas such as ICT, project management, public finance, and data analysis. It is also expected to strengthen training programmes and ensure targeted capacity development across government institutions. By using the Human Resource Management Information System, the initiative seeks to improve human resource management through digitalisation.

According to the government, the project will promote efficiency, reduce financial leakages, eliminate redundancies, and enable the strategic redeployment of resources across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The implementation is being led by a Steering Committee chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, and a Project Implementation Committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Dr Danjuma Kalba.

Speaking at a sensitisation programme for the project on Thursday, Walson-Jack said the PASGA initiative represents a significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025. She explained that the strategy is anchored on innovation, talent optimisation, and institutional excellence.

“Data remains the backbone of effective planning, deployment, and decision-making,” she said. “Over the years, the Service had grappled with fragmented and outdated personnel records, leading to inefficiencies and misalignments. Through PASGA, we are setting a new standard — one that is transparent, data-based, and performance-oriented. This reform will deliver accurate personnel records, identify existing skills gaps, and support targeted training and redeployment aligned with the evolving needs of government.”

The Head of Service commended the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, and the Project Implementation Committee for their coordination and preparatory work, describing their efforts as exemplary of the teamwork and shared vision driving the ongoing transformation of the civil service. She also called on Knewrow Consulting, the OHCSF Cluster Consultant, to carry out the assignment with professionalism, integrity, and technical precision, assuring them of full management support throughout the implementation process.

Walson-Jack urged Permanent Secretaries, Directors, union leaders, and staff across MDAs to fully cooperate with the PASGA Project. She emphasised that it is not just an audit, but a reform tool to shape the future of Nigeria’s workforce.

“This exercise is a bold statement of our readiness to build a civil service that is data-driven, merit-based, and future-ready. Together, we can make the Nigerian civil service a model of efficiency, accountability, and innovation in public administration,” she said.

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Katsina KASEDA releases list of 126 new BOI loan beneficiaries

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Katsina KASEDA releases list of 126 new BOI loan beneficiaries

Katsina State Government, through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), has released the list of beneficiaries of the third tranche of the Bank of Industry (BOI)–managed loan initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-scale enterprises.

A total of 126 entrepreneurs and business operators from different parts of the state have been selected to benefit from this initiative under the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON. The programme is designed to boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen the local economy through financial inclusion and enterprise development.

According to KASEDA, the selected business owners are directed to visit the Katsina Branch of the Bank of Industry to collect their loan offer documents and finalize the disbursement process. Beneficiaries are also advised to complete all necessary procedures with the Bank of Industry promptly to ensure smooth access to their funds.

For further clarification and support, beneficiaries have been encouraged to contact KASEDA through its official communication channels or visit its headquarters at MD Yusuf Complex, NYSC Secretariat, along Mani Road, Katsina.

With this new disbursement, the number of business owners and operators who have benefited from the KASEDA–BOI loan programme has now surpassed 800 since its commencement. This milestone reflects the state government’s continued effort to empower local entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, congratulated the new beneficiaries on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to business growth. “This initiative is part of Governor Radda’s vision to support small businesses, promote job creation, and drive inclusive economic development across Katsina State,” she said.

She further expressed optimism that the loans will have a meaningful impact on business expansion, innovation, and wealth creation. “We believe these funds will help entrepreneurs improve their operations, create employment, and contribute to the overall progress of the state,” she added.

Attached below is the full list of the 126 beneficiaries under the third tranche of the KASEDA–BOI Loan Programme.

NASENI calls for research papers in science and engineering journal

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NASENI calls for research papers in science and engineering journal

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced a call for papers for the Nigerian Journal of Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NJSEI). The journal, which publishes all articles in full open access, welcomes original and novel research submissions across various scientific and engineering fields. According to NASENI, “There is no article processing charge (APC) for submissions,” making it accessible to researchers and professionals worldwide.

The NJSEI invites papers in areas such as manufacturing and production, materials science and engineering, renewable and conventional energy, engineering design and fabrication, natural and physical sciences, electronics, and ICT, including cyber security, computer vision, data mining, big data, and machine learning. Other focus areas include solid minerals, medical and life sciences, agriculture, and ecology.

Researchers can register and submit their articles online via thie Link. The journal’s ISSN numbers are 3092-9466 (Print) and 3092-9490 (Online).

Sokoto Gov’s wife commends Customs, COWA for empowering widows

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Sokoto Gov’s wife commends Customs, COWA for empowering widows

The Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, has praised the Nigeria Customs Service and the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) for their commitment to empowering vulnerable groups and protecting the environment.

She gave the commendation on Monday in Sokoto during a triple event that included the empowerment of widows, a tree planting exercise, and the commissioning of a new COWA office at the Customs Headquarters.

Dr. Fatima described the event as symbolic, representing “hope, resilience, growth, and community service.” She explained that the empowerment program for widows was a vital intervention, stressing that many widows face serious emotional, social, and economic challenges.

“When you empower a woman, you empower a community,” she said. “Through this empowerment program, we are not just giving support; we are restoring confidence and opening doors of opportunity. It is a clear message that these women are not forgotten.”

She urged the beneficiaries to use the support wisely and become self-reliant, adding that their success could inspire others in their communities. The Governor’s wife also highlighted the Sokoto State Government’s ongoing initiatives such as the ‘Ahmadu Cares’ program and other skills acquisition schemes which have trained thousands of youths and women across the state.

Speaking on the tree planting exercise, Dr. Fatima emphasized its importance in addressing climate change and desertification. “Trees symbolize life, continuity, and sustainability,” she said. “In the face of climate change and environmental degradation, this step contributes not only to greening our environment but also to safeguarding the future for our children.”

She revealed that the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has distributed thousands of tree seedlings across the state this year to fight desert encroachment and promote environmental sustainability.

During the ceremony, Dr. Fatima also commissioned the newly built COWA office, describing it as a major achievement that would enhance the association’s ability to serve its members and the wider community. “An office is more than just a building; it is a hub of planning, collaboration, and service. I am confident that from this center, many more impactful programs will emerge,” she stated.

She called on other wives of security agency personnel to emulate COWA by initiating similar programs that promote women empowerment, social inclusion, and community development.

Dr. Fatima reassured citizens of the state government’s continuous commitment to improving security and peace. “The State government under the leadership of my husband is working in synergy with security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the State. We therefore seek for support and prayers from all well-meaning citizens in this direction,” she said.

Senator Aliyu empowers women and youth farmers in Abuja

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Senator Aliyu empowers women and youth farmers in Abuja

Senator Dr. Sabi Aliyu, CON, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, led a high-level field visit to junior farmers’ clubs in schools and women farmers’ groups across Abuja in celebration of World Food Day 2025. The visit was part of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food systems and promote inclusive participation in agricultural development across Nigeria.

During the visit, Senator Aliyu distributed essential farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools to support smallholder farmers and enhance local production capacity. The distribution of inputs, he said, reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering communities, particularly rural women and young farmers, who play a vital role in driving productivity and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Addressing the farmers and students, Senator Aliyu praised their dedication to food production and highlighted agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path for young Nigerians. He encouraged students in the junior farmers’ clubs to “take pride in agriculture and see it as a key driver of national growth, food security, and job creation.”

The Minister also emphasized the crucial role of women in achieving the nation’s food security goals, describing them as “the backbone of rural agricultural communities.” He added, “When we invest in our women and youth, we invest in the future of Nigeria’s food systems.”

The visit further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global call for “Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life,” which are the four pillars of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s #4Betters initiative.

Through initiatives like this, the Ministry aims to strengthen collaboration with development partners and local stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind in building a resilient and sustainable food system in Nigeria.

She Code Africa opens HP laptop scholarship for girls in tech

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She Code Africa opens HP laptop scholarship for girls in tech

The She Code Africa Laptop Scholarship, sponsored by HP, has been announced in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2025. The initiative aims to support African women and girls who are pursuing careers or learning paths in technology but lack access to a personal laptop.

According to the organizers, this round of the scholarship is open to all African women and girls, not just members of the She Code Africa community. “If you’re passionate about tech but lack access to a personal laptop, this is your chance to apply,” the statement read.

The organization emphasized that through its Laptop Scholarship program, it believes every girl deserves a chance to succeed. “We are committed to providing equal access to technology for all. We want to help alleviate that burden and ensure that women have the opportunity to achieve their tech dream,” the statement added.

Selected beneficiaries will receive brand-new laptops fully funded by HP. The selection process will focus on demonstrated interest in technology, clarity of goals, and how access to a laptop will support personal and professional growth. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply via the official link before the deadline on October 28, 2025. Only successful candidates will be contacted via email after the review process.

She Code Africa is a pan-African nonprofit organization focused on bridging the gender gap in technology by equipping African girls and women with digital skills and fostering economic independence. Since its inception in 2016, the organization has empowered over 62,000 African women and girls with tech skills, resources, and employment opportunities.

With more than 30,000 members across 20 African countries, She Code Africa is recognized as the largest women-in-tech organization on the continent. The group continues to drive inclusivity and representation in Africa’s digital economy through community-led programs, learning opportunities, and mentorship initiatives.

FG partners ICRISAT on crop residue feed machines

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FG partners ICRISAT on crop residue feed machines

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced plans to collaborate with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) on the use of locally fabricated stover chopper machines that convert crop residues into animal feed with up to 90 percent utilization efficiency.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhta Maiha, made this known when he received a delegation from ICRISAT in his office in Abuja on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He said the initiative aims to enhance livestock productivity and promote sustainable agriculture in Nigeria through innovative feed solutions and technology-driven farming practices.

Maiha explained that the partnership will focus on crop-livestock integration, machinery accessibility, and the strengthening of extension services to support agricultural growth. “People can take the grains, the foliage, and the residue, everything can be turned into animal feed,” the Minister said. He added that agricultural challenges can be turned into opportunities through collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

The Minister encouraged ICRISAT to start by utilizing existing crop varieties before expanding into grass and pasture cultivation that can work in synergy with crop residue utilization. He further called on the Institute to intensify sensitization among farmers and rural stakeholders using local languages, emphasizing that the adoption of residue-based feed is a cost-effective and sustainable option for livestock owners.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to agricultural development, Maiha revealed that discussions are ongoing with state governors to strengthen livestock projects across the country. “We are commencing with five grazing reserves across Adamawa, Plateau, the FCT, and other selected states,” he stated.

In his remarks, Dr. Ignatius Ijantiku Angarawai, Senior Scientist for Sorghum Breeding and ICRISAT Country Representative for Nigeria, said that in collaboration with Crop Mandate NARES, the Institute has developed dual-purpose sorghum and millet varieties that can benefit farmers and feed producers.

He added that research results have shown that birds fed with Kaura sorghum recorded an 8-kilogram weight gain compared to those fed with maize, making sorghum a strong substitute in poultry feed production. Dr. Angarawai reaffirmed ICRISAT’s readiness to support the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy through extension programs and policy framework development for staffing and recruitment within the livestock sector.

NILDS invites professionals to virtual open day programme

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NILDS invites professionals to virtual open day programme

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has announced an open invitation to its upcoming virtual Open Day for the Centre for Advanced Executive Education Programme (CAEEP). The event, themed “Enhancing Your Leadership Capacity for Sustainable Development,” is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

According to NILDS, the initiative aims to create and promote a cutting-edge knowledge pathway towards sustainable development. The Centre for Advanced Executive Education Programme (CAEEP) was established as a strategic platform for technocrats, leaders, chief executives, and captains of industries to strengthen their ability to lead with vision, make evidence-based decisions, and drive transformative changes in their organizations.

Speaking on the importance of the event, Dr. Bethel Uzoma Ihugba, Coordinator of CAEEP, stated, “The NILDS-CAEEP through its Advanced Executive Education courses creates a platform for networking, strengthens the capacity of leaders and decision-makers for more effective leadership across sectors, industries, and institutions.”

The Open Day will serve as an opportunity for participants to explore how the CAEEP programme enhances leadership capacity and promotes good governance. NILDS emphasized that the programme is designed for senior professionals and industry leaders across both private and public sectors. Eligible participants include leaders in law, accounting, financial management, health, education, natural and physical sciences, and other related fields.

Others expected to attend include legislators, political appointees, technocrats, senior bureaucrats, and political office holders, as well as heads of ministries, departments, agencies, private sector executives, and political party leaders. Civil society and NGO leaders are also encouraged to participate.

The virtual Open Day will begin at 10 AM Gambia time, 6 AM New York, 11 AM Nigeria, 12 AM South Africa, and 11 AM United Kingdom. Interested participants can register through the provided link forms.gle/BbBXQi7pcXZhyf and join via Zoom at us06web.zoom.us/j/81180628594.

Dr. Ihugba added, “The Institute recognises your efforts and desires for enduring development and would be pleased to have you participate in the Programme.”

NOA Animation Challenge 2026 application opens with N10m prize

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NOA Animation Challenge 2026 application opens with N10m prize

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in partnership with the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA), has officially announced the opening of entries for the NOA Animation Challenge 2026. The competition invites Nigerian animators to creatively interpret the theme “Who Is a Real Nigerian?” through animation that reflects national identity, culture, and values.

According to the organizers, the challenge aims to promote the Nigerian Identity Project, a national initiative designed to strengthen unity and patriotism. The project is based on the Nigerian Values Charter (NVC), which outlines seven promises of the nation and seven citizen codes that define the responsibilities of all Nigerians. The NOA stated that “this initiative reinforces the synergy between governance and creativity, empowering local talent to tell stories that reflect Nigeria’s identity, culture, and values.”

Animators are required to produce original short films lasting no longer than three minutes. Accepted formats include 2D, 3D, and stop motion animation styles. Each entry must also include the creator’s profile. Winners will share a total prize of 22.5 million naira, with ₦10 million awarded to the first-place winner, ₦7.5 million to the second, and ₦5 million to the third. In addition, all winning entries will air on national television for three months, giving participants valuable exposure in Nigeria’s growing animation industry.

Participation in the NOA Animation Challenge 2026 is open exclusively to Nigerian citizens, including individual animators and studios. “Exclusive to Nigerians only,” the agency emphasized, noting that the challenge seeks to inspire creators to embrace the Nigerian identity through digital art and storytelling.

Entries are to be submitted via FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/lifanima, following the standard LIFANIMA submission process. The deadline for submission is June 2026.

FG raises ₦3.96bn from October 2025 savings bonds

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FG raises ₦3.96bn from October 2025 savings bonds

The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised a total of ₦3.96 billion from the October 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bonds, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).

Introduced in 2017, the FGN Savings Bond programme was created to deepen the domestic bond market, promote financial inclusion, and give retail investors access to secure and low-risk government securities. The DMO stated that the October 2025 allotment was higher than the ₦3.05 billion recorded in September, showing an increase in investor participation.

For the October issuance, the government offered two tranches of savings bonds — a two-year FGN Savings Bond due October 15, 2027, and a three-year FGN Savings Bond due October 15, 2028.

The two-year FGN Savings Bond was allotted at an interest rate of 15.541% per annum, raising ₦631.762 million from 793 successful subscriptions. At an interest rate of 14.062% per annum, another two-year bond recorded 1,052 total subscriptions valued at ₦779.047 million. The bonds were issued at ₦1,000 per unit, with a minimum subscription of ₦5,000 and in multiples of ₦1,000 thereafter, up to a maximum of ₦50 million.

Meanwhile, the three-year FGN Savings Bond attracted more investor interest, raising ₦3,185.695 million with 1,435 successful subscriptions at a coupon rate of 15.062% per annum. The DMO said, “The offer period for both instruments was held between October 6 and 10, 2025, with settlement taking place on October 15, 2025.”

Coupon payments are scheduled quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 each year until maturity. The DMO also confirmed that the three-year FGN Savings Bond due September 2028 recorded an allotment of ₦2.416 billion at an interest rate of 16.541% per annum from 1,246 successful investors.

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