The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, has disclosed that more than 100,000 residents have so far registered in the state’s health insurance scheme.

Speaking during an engagement in Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government, organised by the agency in collaboration with the European Union (EU-SARAH Initiative), Dr Jetawo-Winter said the beneficiaries include students, people in the informal sector, persons with disabilities, and private organisations.

“Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health (insurance) in the state, starting from students in our tertiary institutions, the informal sector, private organizations, with all civil servants and their families joining it very soon,” she said.

She explained that Kwara State continues to benefit from donor support under Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, owing to the administration’s heavy investments in healthcare.

“In the last few years, Kwara has continued to witness unprecedented donor support in our health sector to serve different population segments such as under-5 children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, those living with different diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and many more. One of such support is the EU-SARAH initiative, being powered by the European Union with technical assistance from UNICEF and UNFPA,” she said.

Dr Jetawo-Winter added that 15,000 residents from target populations, supported through the EU-SARAH Initiative, would have free access to quality healthcare services at nearby facilities for the next few years. She stressed that the aim was to reduce infant, neonatal, and maternal deaths.

She commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to health sector development, saying: “From primary healthcare centres to tertiary hospitals, our Governor is intentional about the health and safety of the citizens.”

Last week, the agency’s team sensitised communities in Afon, Reke, and Aboto-oja in Asa Local Government on the importance of enrolling in the scheme.

The event in Ijomu Oro was attended by dignitaries including Kwara House of Assembly member representing Irepodun Constituency, Hon Shola Odetundun; Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Barrister Teju Oguntoye; Hon. Olabode Adekanye; Prince Samuel Alebiosu; APC Chairperson in Irepodun, Hajia Rasheedat Kareem; General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Mr Yomi Adeboye; and President of Kwara South Youth Organisation, Abolarin Dan-Sarafa.

Traditional rulers were also represented, with the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye ll, represented by the Eesa of Oro, High Chief Samuel Taiye. Baale Ijomu Oro, High Chief Matthew Taiye Ademola, and High Chief Samuel Oguniyi were also in attendance.

Hon Odetundun and Barrister Oguntoye praised the turnout of community members at the sensitisation exercise and encouraged them to embrace the health insurance scheme.

The Oloro of Oro, Oba Titiloye, also appealed to residents to take advantage of the programme, noting its affordability and benefits. He commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s drive for development, especially in the health sector.

Oloriewe Raheem highlighted the government’s achievements across sectors, stressing that the EU-SARAH partnership with the agency was proof of Kwara’s growing recognition in healthcare investment.

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has announced steady progress under its Next Gen RESCO Program, which is focused on developing young talent for the country’s clean energy sector.

Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REAN, said the initiative is already making an impact on employment and technical knowledge. “We are advancing with the intensive classroom and technical training under the Next Gen RESCO Program, which is catalysing employment for 131 young, bright individuals who are gaining the knowledge, skills, and tools to shape the future of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector,” he stated.

According to REAN, the participants have expressed satisfaction with the quality of learning and exposure. Many described the sessions as “insightful and refreshing,” noting that they have moved from basic understanding to a deeper grasp of the technical aspects of renewable energy. Some of the cohorts said the programme has given them the right direction to thrive in the renewable energy sector.

Aliyu explained that the progress reflects the value of partnerships. “This progress underscores what is possible when the public and private sectors work together. Together, we, the REA, NAPTIN, and EIEI, are delivering a well-rounded program that not only trains but also prepares participants for deployment to RESCOs for hands-on, field-based experience with the aim of building Nigeria’s next generation of clean energy leaders,” he said.

He added that the programme is designed to create opportunities while ensuring sustainability. “Through this pipeline, we are harnessing talent, creating opportunity, and ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem. The Next Gen RESCO Program is not just about building skills; it is about building the future of energy in Nigeria. I implore you to hear from the cohorts themselves.”

The Federal Government has approved three hundred dollars as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold, which is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties. The implementation is scheduled to begin on Monday, 8th September 2025.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) gave the approval during its 63rd regular meeting held on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, explained that the minister “has approved a De Minimis Threshold Value for low-value consignment imported through express shipments or by passenger baggage.”

He noted that “this decision, which takes effect on Monday, 8th September 2025, aligns with the best global practices that aim to simplify clearance processes for low-value consignments, enhance trade facilitation, and provide clarity for e-commerce stakeholders and travellers.”

Maiwada further explained that “by definition, it is essential to note that the De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by the national legislation.”

According to him, after a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the Board approved three hundred dollars as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold. He added that the exemption would apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage.

The regulation allows up to four importations per annum and is backed by Section 5(c & d), Section 158 subsections (5 & 6), and other relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as international trade agreements such as the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation Revised Kyoto Convention.

Maiwada stated that “under the new regulation, goods valued at three hundred dollars or less will be exempted from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items. Similarly, passenger merchandise in baggage not exceeding the same value shall also be exempted.”

The framework also ensures immediate release and clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation. However, it includes strict enforcement measures against those who attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations. He explained that “noncompliance penalties include forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023.”

To ensure smooth implementation, the Nigeria Customs Service will introduce multi-channel helpdesk platforms. According to the statement, “these dedicated channels are designed to serve as direct points of engagement for stakeholders, providing timely guidance on compliance requirements, addressing inquiries, and resolving complaints that may arise during implementation.”

The Customs Service said this initiative is expected to boost cross-border e-commerce, reduce clearance delays, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in trade facilitation.

The press statement also confirmed that the Board discussed disciplinary matters during its meeting. This followed viral videos on social media showing acts of misconduct by some officers. After reviewing the cases, the Board approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank and reinstated two others whose cases were favourably reconsidered.

The sanctioned officers were also directed to undergo mandatory medical re-evaluation by a medical board to determine their fitness to remain in service. The Customs Board stressed that this action is intended to serve as a deterrent to other officers.

A stern warning was issued against abuse of banned substances and unethical behaviour within the service. The statement said, “the Service remains firmly committed to accountability, discipline, and integrity in discharging its statutory mandate. Through its impactful reforms, transparent processes, and strict enforcement of ethical standards, the NCS will continue to strengthen public trust and ensure that its personnel reflect the values of service, fairness, and national responsibility.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on NG-CARES, Abubakar Kusada, has pledged the legislature’s full support for the NG-CARES programme, describing it as a lifeline for poor communities and an important tool for building resilience among vulnerable Nigerians.

He made this declaration during a stakeholder’s meeting in Abuja, according to a statement by the Information and Communications Officer of NG-CARES, Suleiman Odapu.

Mr Kusada explained that the legislature would continue to work closely with the executive to deliver on poverty alleviation, adding that oversight visits to states would be part of this partnership. He stressed that “no community should be left out” in the ongoing interventions designed to cushion households and businesses from economic shocks.

He further noted that NG-CARES is more than just a government programme but an initiative centred on dignity and recovery. “NG-CARES is more than a programme, it is a lifeline and about families regaining their dignity, businesses reopening doors of opportunity and rebuilding communities for a sustainable future,” he said. According to him, “NG-CARES stands as one of the most ambitious and people-focused initiatives, reaching households, businesses, and communities across the 36 states and the FCT.”

The World Bank representative, Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, commended the legislature’s involvement, describing it as a positive sign for the sustainability of the programme. “The legislature’s active participation gives confidence that NG-CARES will endure as a national instrument for poverty alleviation and resilience, even beyond donor support,” he stated.

The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, also used the occasion to thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for establishing the Committee on NG-CARES. He said the committee’s creation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which emphasises inclusive growth and development, particularly for poor and vulnerable citizens.

Commissioners for budget and planning from Cross River, Kebbi, Sokoto, Gombe, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Nasarawa states were present at the meeting.

The NG-CARES initiative, supported by the World Bank, is designed to expand access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants for poor and vulnerable households. It is implemented across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, leveraging existing government structures to deliver tangible results for communities most in need.