Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Targets Wider Maternal Health Coverage, Plans to Reduce Donor Dependence
Health ministry moves to expand maternal medical services for pregnant women nationwide, urges shift to sustainable local funding
Health ministry moves to expand maternal medical services for pregnant women nationwide, urges shift to sustainable local funding
The federal government has announced a new initiative aimed at expanding coverage of Maternal Medical Services (MMS) for pregnant women across Nigeria, with a renewed focus on reducing reliance on international donor funding. The policy drive was unveiled on Friday in Abuja by the Ministry of Health, as part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
According to officials from the health ministry, the expanded MMS programme seeks to increase the number of pregnant women who can access essential antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care at public health facilities. The ministry said this move is critical due to gaps in existing coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas where maternal mortality rates remain high.
The push for increased local funding comes amid concerns that excessive dependence on donor programmes exposes Nigeria’s health sector to sudden funding cuts and limits long-term sustainability. Health sector analysts have argued that while donor support has historically played a significant role in financing maternal health interventions, unpredictable external flows often leave gaps when international priorities shift.
A senior official at the Ministry of Health noted that the government is working closely with state ministries and development partners to ensure a smooth transition towards greater domestic financing. “Our goal is to ensure every pregnant woman can receive quality care regardless of her location or socioeconomic status,” he said. However, some stakeholders have expressed concern about how quickly government can mobilise adequate resources given current fiscal constraints.
The ministry stated that it will work with the National Assembly and relevant agencies to secure budgetary provisions for the expanded MMS scheme in upcoming appropriation cycles. Implementation guidelines are expected to be released later this year, with pilot programmes set to commence in select states before nationwide rollout.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Calabar Banker Left Homeless After Funding Family’s Relocation to Canada, Loses Contact With Four Children
Sowore Reveals RCCG’s Pastor Adeboye Prayed for Him in Lagos After Thanksgiving Service
Federal Government’s King’s College Concession Plan Sparks Fresh Criticism in Lagos
Portugal FA President Breaks Silence on Ronaldo’s Post-2026 World Cup Plans — Why the Legend Refused to Retire
Ndidi Admits Frustration After Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea-Bissau Leaves Fans Demanding Answers
Portuguese FA President Backs Jorge Jesus Amid Ronaldo Scandal Fallout
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Lagos Tech Professionals Earn More Than Oil Workers in 2026 as Dollar Salaries Surpass ₦220m
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
CBN Kwupụtara Nnweta Ego Ọhụrụ ₦2.09trn OMO Na ₦464.6bn NTB N’ime Ụlọ Akụ N’izu a
NDLEA Auctions Forfeited Lagos Hotel, Properties for ₦6.15bn
Ogun Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Abducted Victim and Recover ₦2.2m
Lagos Shop Sparks Debate as Silicone Breast Prostheses Sell for ₦115,000
NBS Reports CIT Drops by 31% Nationwide as VAT Revenue Climbs to ₦2.42trn
Lagos Welcomes 66 South Africa Returnees as Pastor Bolaji Donates ₦100,000 Each
