General News
NHIS Accuses Banks, CEOs of Hiding N720Bn
Professor Usman Yusuf, executive secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has indicted banks, former executive secretaries of NHIS, select management staff and interest groups in a fresh misappropriation scandal, in which N720 billion NHIS funds is alleged to be missing.
According to the NHIS executive eecretary/chief executive officer, there is no trace yet of the N720billion.
Yusuf opened the lid on the corrupt practices in NHIS in a power-point presentation to the agency’s Governing Council in response to a query by the board.
“In a memo to the Executive Secretary, the Chairman of the Governing Council of NHIS, Dr. Enyantu lfenne, asked him to “clear these concerns (trapped funds and Forensic Audit) and guide Council on the way forward.”[The memo was obtained and published by The Nation]
Professor Usman Yusuf
Yusuf’s words: “Over N720billion of NHIS funds were “invested” over 12 years. No approvals from Minister, Board or Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation(OAGF).
“There was no transparency. In the deals were the Chief Executive Officers, banks and other interest groups. Billions of Naira were lost to diversion and underpayment of interest.
“The Executive Secretaries and select management staff were all neck deep in this.”
The Executive Secretary gave insights into the rot he inherited in NHIS and the dispute over forensic audit of the finances/ investments of the agency.
He added: “When I resumed in August 1, 2016, I could not ascertain the state of the finances of the Scheme. My preliminary findings from the review of financial records were shocking to say the least.
“I was unable to ascertain how much of the Scheme’s funds was with commercial banks, for how long and at what rate of return.
“It was unclear to me how much of the Scheme’s money was still with commercial banks before TSA and how much was transferred to TSA.
“The audited accounts of the Scheme for years ended 31st December 2011 to 2016 were in arrears and had not been signed by the previous CEOs.
“In view of all these anomalies and to bring transparency in the finances of the Scheme on December 21st 2016, I engaged the services of professional accounting firm Messrs. Sofura Professional Services to carry out a forensic review of the Scheme’s accounting system and banking transactions.
“Their scope of work included reconciliation of all NHIS current and investment accounts held with commercial banks, reconciliation of NHIS TSA with the CBN.
“Upon their engagement, I called a meeting of NHIS Management made up of all heads of departments and introduced the firm and its partners and the work they have been engaged to do.
“After the meeting, the firm began its work reviewing documents and interacting with relevant staff. I was briefed regularly by the firm on the progress of the work.
“As part of the work, I wrote letters to commercial banks requesting and mandating them to give them all necessary cooperation relating to their engagement.
“Terms of their engagement were clearly spelt out in their letter of engagement; (I) An annual engagement fee of N2, 300,000.00 per annum for retainership and;
”Reimbursable expenses and fees for each specific service undertaken for the Scheme as may be agreed upon by both parties from time to time will be paid on submission of evidence for payment to the Scheme at the end of each assignment.
“I am pleased to report that this is the first time in the 13-year history of the NHIS that a forensic audit has been undertaken in the operation of the Scheme including a review of the records of the Finance & Accounts, Contribution Management, Audit and Procurement Departments.
“Following my resumption from suspension on February 6, 2018, I became aware of the engagement of Aruna Bawa & Co. by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to carry out an audit and recovery of NHIS funds held by financial institutions, Companies and individuals into the Federal Government’s treasury.
“The information on the basis of which Aruna Bawa & Co. sought to recover NHIS funds is a product of work that I, as the CEO of NHIS, commissioned by engaging Messrs Sofura Professional Services.
“It is noteworthy that Bawa the principal partner of Aruna Bawa & Co. worked for Sofura professional Services on this assignment.
“In the course of the work, I knew Mr Aruna Bawa as a member of the Sofura team. NHIS has never had any contractual agreement with Mr Bawa or his firm.
“On March 5, 2018, I wrote a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) asking him to cancel the engagement of Aruna Bawa and his firm as it was based on misrepresentation and that NHIS has no contractual agreement with him.
“I visited the NHIS Council Chairman at her home after inauguration of the board and told her about the issue and that I had written a letter to the AGF asking him to cancel Mr Bawa’s engagement.
“The Chairman suggested I should see the AGF and personally brief him which I promptly did.
“I have been receiving letters from banks asking me to confirm if Bawa is representing the Scheme.
“I have written to the AGF asking him to write to him and all the institutions he had introduced him.
”Messrs Sofura Professional Services is the only legitimate firm that the Scheme has a valid contract with and have been working since engagement.
“In fact, I authorized them to meet with the CBN team yesterday to explain their work at the request of the CBN team which they gave me an update on.
”Apparently, Bawa has been going to the Chairman’s house with bags of documents telling her that I and Messrs Sofura Professional Partners have ulterior motives in our quest to recover NHIS funds, hence the Chairman’s “query”.
The NHIS Executive Secretary also explained why he attended the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland from May 21 to 26.
He said the trip was not a jamboree as being insinuated in some quarters.
He said: “The World Health Assembly is an annual event by Ministers of Health from member nations.
“Nigeria’s delegation included the Minister of State for Health(HMSH) as the leader and heads of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health(FMoH).
“The theme of the Assembly this year was Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC). As a signatory to the Commitment to UHC, Nigeria’s delegation was ably represented by the
NHIS which is the lead Agency in Nigeria’s drive to UHC.
“With the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to fund the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the first time since the passing of the National Health Act, the NHIS will receive N275bn to cover vulnerable Nigerians across all geopolitical zones.
All our development partners are very excited for our government’s political will.
“The World Bank and Gates Foundation have already committed an initial $20m into the fund.
“NHIS delegation of only five was grossly inadequate considering the multiple presentations on UHC, Healthcare financing, Equity in Health care, Resource mobilization, aggregation of fragmented pools etc.”
Federal government has launched a N482.4 million investment fund to support 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups.
The initiative under the federal government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme was implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI).
The initiative in a statement said applications have been opened for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that will select the 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones, for intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access to up to $350,000 in funding.
According to Ife Adebayo, national coordinator of the Programme, growth lab was designed to support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale following the implementation of Founders Lab.
“Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.
“The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem,” he said.
He added that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme (terms and conditions apply), and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.
“Eligible startups must be at the post-MVP stage, demonstrate evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilots, partnerships, waitlists or any other demand signals, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme,” he said.
The programme will run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.
The statement said applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026.
According to him, female founders are strongly encouraged to apply. Selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.
iDICE is a $618 million federal government initiative backed by international lenders to boost the technology and creative sectors.
It provides young entrepreneurs with business skills training, mentorship, and access to capital through funds and accelerator programs like the iDICE Startup Bridge.
Nigeria and The United Kingdom held the fourth Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) Dialogue at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, recently. The dialogue, an important pillar of the bilateral Strategic Partnership, was opened by the National Security Adviser to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell.
Building on the third dialogue hosted in London in July 2025, the fourth SDP dialogue included inter alia, regional and domestic security challenges, human rights and non-kinetic solutions, defence staff talks, cyber and hybrid threats, as well as cross-government discussions on strategic trends, counter terrorism, fraud and illicit finance. Senior representatives from across the Governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom participated, reflecting the breadth and extent of the partnership.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen cooperation based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.
Defence co-operation
The United Kingdom and Nigeria’s defence partnership continues to strengthen in the support of peace and stability in the region. Following on from the successes of previous SDP dialogues, the United Kingdom renewed its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including through efforts to counter the threat from Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), via joint doctrine, training, technical advice and lessons learning, as well as exploring the development of Special Operations Forces.
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, and for strengthening Nigeria’s Maritime Domain Awareness capability. Both parties recognised the success of the hydrography partnership. The United Kingdom committed to continue supporting the National Hydrographic Agency to enhance autonomy and regional influence.
Both governments underscored their shared commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Recognising the critical importance of regional stability and secure trade routes, both governments committed to aligning efforts to combat illicit maritime activities, and transnational threats. Nigeria and the United Kingdom also agreed to explore opportunities to strengthen their defence trade relationship.
Countering hybrid threats
Nigeria and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their cooperation on countering hybrid threats, including cyber security and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Both sides welcomed progress under the existing Cyber Memorandum of Understanding [2024 to 2027] and agreed to further collaboration on threat intelligence sharing and a new phase of targeted programme partnership.
In this context, the United Kingdom and Nigeria recognised the challenged posed to open societies by hybrid threat actors and our shared assessment. Both countries committed to advancing a new structured framework for cooperation on countering hybrid threats.
This will include the advancement of concrete cyber resilience initiatives, a formalised intelligence-sharing mechanism, robust joint capability-building programmes, and cooperation on counter-hybrid threat strategies, in order to effectively counter mis/disinformation, cyber-attacks, transnational organised crime, and other hybrid threats, whilst upholding human rights and the rules-based international order. Both sides will seek to widen the conversation on hybrid threats.
Joint efforts will continue to build national capabilities, including through programme delivery and targeted support, while addressing developing risks, including from emerging technologies, and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its role in promoting regional resilience across West Africa.
Countering terrorism and violent extremism
Building on commitments agreed at the third dialogue, Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen their partnership on counter terrorism and countering violent extremism. Both sides identified shared priority areas, including strengthening multi-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence and information exchange, as well as reinforcing crisis preparedness and protective security.
Both sides appreciated their continued collaboration on aviation security. The United Kingdom reinforced its support for capacity development efforts at Lagos and Abuja airports to build on progress made to date. Both sides agreed to continue working together in support of Nigeria’s efforts to roll-out the Multi-Agency Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell at the State level.
Continued cooperation will support the operationalisation of Nigeria’s counter terrorism architecture, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre, alongside efforts to build capabilities in investigations, forensics and strategic communications. Both sides agreed to renew their support to Nigeria Police Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit with a technical needs assessment planned for late 2026.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have renewed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through non-kinetic approaches including Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to building sustainable peace under Nigeria’s national security framework. They welcomed the development of a national policy framework on DDR, and the United Kingdom committed to continuing support to implement the framework at national and state levels following formal sign-off.
Recognising the importance of justice in effective responses to terrorism, the United Kingdom welcomed the commitment and concrete actions by Nigeria to expedite terrorism cases through remote court proceedings, alongside other latest efforts to counter terrorism.
This includes the ongoing phases of mass trials at the Federal High Court, demonstrating Nigeria’s determination to deliver timely, effective, and human rights-compliant investigations and prosecutions of terrorism crimes. Both countries also committed to work together on human rights compliance and recognised the importance of transparency, accountability and respect for human rights as integral to effective counter terrorism cooperation.
Human rights and non-kinetic solutions
Nigeria and the United Kingdom reaffirmed the central role of human rights and non‑kinetic approaches in achieving sustainable security outcomes. Both sides welcomed progress since the third SDP dialogue and agreed to deepen cooperation on civilian protection, accountability, conflict prevention, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
Both sides reviewed ongoing efforts, including Nigerian Armed Forces’ civilian harm mitigation measures, and underscored the importance of strengthening practices, ensuring transparent investigation of incidents, and embedding lessons learned to reduce harm and maintain public confidence. On accountability, both sides emphasised the need for robust mechanisms to investigate violations by both state and non-state actors.
The United Kingdom welcomed the involvement of the National Human Rights Commission with the Nigerian Air Force’s investigations into recent air strikes. The United Kingdom offered support to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission’s capacity to document and investigate abuses by non-state actors.
Recognising the importance of Nigeria’s upcoming national elections, both sides noted the importance of effective election security before, during and after polls, including efforts to protect voters and institutions, public order management in line with international standards, and reducing the risk of violence.
On preventing conflicts and violent extremism, both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening early warning and early response systems, improving coordination, and strengthening ability of peacebuilding agencies to ensure timely preventive action. On WPS, both sides welcomed progress on Nigeria’s third National Action Plan and committed to advancing participation, protection, and prevention, with the United Kingdom’s continued support for implementation. The United Kingdom offered continued technical assistance in support of Nigeria’s relevant national and state-level strategies in these areas.
Both sides agreed to explore a National Counter Terrorism Centre led quarterly working-level mechanism, with the National Human Rights Commission, to track progress on session agreements and reaffirmed their shared commitment to accountability, transparency, and civilian protection.
Fraud and illicit finance
Building on commitments agreed at the third Security and Defence Partnership dialogue and the State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to London thereafter, the United Kingdom and Nigeria reiterated their shared ambition to tackle fraud and illicit finance.
Both sides welcomed progress on strengthening cooperation, including efforts to enhance public–private partnerships, increase capabilities to jointly tackle fraud, improve asset recovery processes and oversight of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies, as well as recognised the growing relationship between illicit financial networks and hybrid threats.
Further collaboration will focus on enhancing mechanisms to support informal bilateral and international cooperation, including timely operational engagements on relevant requests, while addressing evolving fraud threats through strengthened intelligence exchange, joint analysis and coordinated enforcement action. A joint action plan will advance delivery against shared priorities.
Both countries also committed to continued capacity building to support investigation, prosecution and judicial responses, reinforcing a coordinated approach to protect the members of the public in Nigeria and the United Kingdom from serious and organised fraud and financial crimes. Nigeria and the United Kingdom committed to continuing efforts to embody regional and global leadership on the issue of fraud.
Regional security co-operation
Nigeria and the United Kingdom exchanged views on the evolving regional and domestic security environment, noting the deteriorating situation in the Sahel and its impact across West Africa. Both sides reaffirmed Nigeria’s prominence and role as a key factor in promoting peace and stability across Africa over the years.
To this end, both sides agreed upon the importance of Nigeria leveraging its regional relationships and its participation in significant regional platform including through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and emphasised the importance of continued outreach and collaboration with countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The United Kingdom and Nigeria welcomed the analytical exchange on security and hybrid threats held in advance of the Forth SDP and committed to continuing these as part of future dialogues. Against this backdrop, both countries reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation on regional security.
The United Kingdom welcomed the efforts of Nigeria on progress made towards transitioning the National Counter Terrorism Centre to a Regional Centre of Excellence. The United Kingdom expressed its continued support to Nigeria’s regional counter terrorism efforts and welcomed Nigeria’s decision to join the International CT Academy in Ivory Coast (AILCT) to share its expertise across West Africa and the Sahel. The importance of strengthening coordination, information sharing and burden-sharing between regional initiatives were recognised.
Both sides acknowledged the increasing cross-border nature of threats, alongside the impact of hybrid challenges on regional stability, and agreed to work together to support effective regional leadership and partnership.
Implementation and accountability
Finally, Nigeria and the United Kingdom emphasised the importance of sustained delivery and structured engagement to ensure progress on agreed priorities. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, through ongoing monitoring of implementation and continued cross-government collaboration.
To support this, officials were tasked to take forward agreed actions and to review progress ahead of the next Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, to be hosted by the United Kingdom in 2027. It was agreed the Dialogue will continue to support delivery of the United Kingdom–Nigeria Strategic Partnership as well as provide a platform to strengthen cooperation across shared security and defence priorities.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has reaffirmed that the Agency’s remarkable transformation is powered by the dedication, innovation and professionalism of its workforce.
L-R: Best Staff, Manufacturing Services Dept, Engr. Odii Emmanuel; Best Staff, Audit Dept, Mr. Abbas Suleiman; Best Staff, Natural & Physical Science Dept, Mr. Usman Ahmadu (represented by Engr Yunusa Jubrin Sulieiman); Overall Staff of the Year, Barr. Hussaina Shehu; Driver of the Year, Mr. Abdullah Mohammed; Staff Choice Award Winner, EVC of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Best Staff, Accounts & Finance Dept, Mr. Salisu Mohammed; Best Staff, Technology Business Development Dept, Engr. Dr. Abayomi Okeshola; Best Staff, Planning & Policy Dept, Mrs. Ahmed Bilkisu; Best Staff, Technical Services- Engr. Mrs. Ugochi Chimaduruaku; Best Staff, EVC’s Office, Barr. Lilian O. Utaka; Best Staff, Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept, Engr. Aliyu Tahir Ahmed; Best Staff, PICTT, Mr. Umar Muhammad Bashir; Best Staff, Admin & HR, Shakir Owodunni; Best Staff, Research & Development Dept, Miss. Anita Egga during the 2025 NASENI Staff Motivation and Reward Event held in Abuja on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Speaking at the 2025 NASENI Staff Motivation and Reward Event held in Abuja, he described the ceremony as more than an award presentation, saying it was a celebration of the people whose commitment continues to drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
Halilu noted that although the event came later than scheduled, excellence remains worthy of recognition at any time. “Tonight is more than an award ceremony. It is a celebration of the people behind NASENI’s transformation.
“Behind every innovation, every partnership and every achievement are dedicated staff whose commitment has made our progress possible.”
The NASENI boss said the Agency has undergone a fundamental transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, repositioning itself as a performance-driven institution focused on Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization (3Cs).
According to him, the (3Cs) principle continue to guide NASENI’s mission of developing homegrown technologies, building strategic partnerships and commercialising innovations that improve the lives of Nigerians.
Highlighting the Agency’s achievements in 2025, Halilu disclosed that NASENI has developed more than 44 commercially viable Made-in-Nigeria products, ranging from laptops and smartphones to solar irrigation pumps and electric tricycles.
The EVC also revealed the ongoing construction of the 40-hectare NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State, which will become Africa’s largest clean energy manufacturing hub while noting that through the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative, NASENI awarded over ₦229 million in grants to female engineers to promote innovation and expand opportunities for women.
He added that the Agency’s Irrigate Nigeria Programme and Agricultural Machinery Institutes have contributed to the creation of more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the Agency’s Zero Carbon Project and electric mobility initiatives continue to support Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
He congratulated the award recipients while equally commended members of staff who were not recognised this year, assuring them that every contribution matters to the Agency’s success.
Best Staff of the year winners from each department are: Finance & Accounts, Mr. Salisu Mohammed; Technology Business Development, Engr. Dr. Abayomi Okeshola; Admin & HR, Shakir Owodunni; Information, Mr. Asake Michael; Manufacturing Services, Engr. Odii Emmanuel; Technical Services- Engr. Mrs. Ugochi Chimaduruaku; Environmental Engineering, Engr. Aliyu Tahir Ahmed; Natural & Physical Science, Mr. Usman Ahmadu; Nano Science, Dr. Mrs. Sherifat Adeleye; Research & Laboratory, Miss. Anita Egar.
The rest include: Procurement- Mr. Christopher Okpanachi; Planning & Policy, Mrs. Ahmed Bilkisu; EVC’s Office, Barr. Lilian O. Utaka; and Audit, Mr. Abbas Suleiman. Other winners include Driver of the year- Mr. Abdullah Mohammed; Overall Staff of the Year, Barr. Hussaina Shehu; and Staff Choice Award Winner, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
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