By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, personally led a high-level monitoring team on a mock accreditation exercise in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, signaling a final push to ensure seamless elections for the Area Councils scheduled for February 21.

In a crucial test of preparedness, the INEC Chairman, accompanied by National Commissioners Mallam Mohammed Haruna and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Aminu Kasimu Idris, and other senior officials, inspected polling units within the Abuja Municipal and Bwari Area Councils.

The exercise served a dual purpose: assessing the functionality of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and observing the ongoing training for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs).

Addressing SPOs at a training session, Prof. Amupitan underscored the critical need for uniformity and integrity.

“Your trainer is teaching you based on a manual that has been carefully prepared to ensure uniformity,” he stated, urging them to master the guidelines.

He positioned the officials as key pillars in the electoral process, tasked with cascading their training down to other ad-hoc staff.

Highlighting the commission’s drive to restore public trust, the Chairman framed the mock exercise as a necessary rehearsal.

“We have improved on the BVAS, and we do not want to use the main election as a testing ground,” he explained, revealing that the drill covered both accreditation and voting simulations.

Preliminary results from the test appear promising. Prof. Amupitan expressed satisfaction, noting that the revamped BVAS completed voter accreditation in under five seconds and successfully blocked multiple attempts. He also confirmed the presence of political party agents during the exercise.

On logistics, the Chairman reported that all non-sensitive materials have been deployed to the Area Councils, with training for Presiding Officers set to begin next week. He clarified INEC’s role, stating that while the commission conducts civic education, the onus of voter mobilization lies squarely with political parties.

Closing on a note of commendation, Prof. Amupitan praised the dedication of election officials. Acknowledging their modest remuneration, he described their service as a patriotic “sacrifice” for nation-building, expressing hope for future national recognition.

With the mock exercise deemed successful, INEC enters the final stretch before the February 21 polls, banking on improved technology and rigorous training to deliver a credible and stable electoral process in the FCT.

The Kano State Government has announced plans to introduce advanced technology into the operation of commercial vehicles and other transport systems, a move aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner of Transport, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, disclosed the initiative during the official launch of the Smart Transport Solution in Kano. He emphasized that the governor has a deep interest in the transport sector, which he considers central to his urban renewal program.

Since assuming office, Governor Yusuf has taken significant steps to restructure the sector. One of his first actions was to separate transport from the Ministry of Works, giving it a dedicated focus. In November, he directed the Ministry of Transport to engage private investors for the construction of the Gundutse trailer terminal. He also mandated the establishment of trailer parks at every entry point into Kano, with Dakatsalle trailer park highlighted as a key facility.

Dederi said the governor’s new transport policy, already documented, outlines the deployment of technology to monitor and regulate commercial vehicle operations.

The system will ensure that every person entering or exiting Kano is identified, thereby enhancing security and accountability. “Transportation is life,” the governor stressed, noting that the expansion of Kano requires modern systems to protect lives and property.

Governor Yusuf’s administration insists that these reforms are not driven by personal interests but by a commitment to the welfare of Kano residents. Special Adviser on Transport, Danladi Idris Karfi, reinforced this message, stating that the gathering was convened to “sanitize the Kano transport system.”

The launching of the new transport policy marks a bold stride toward modernizing Kano’s transport infrastructure, positioning technology as a safeguard for the state’s growing population and bustling commercial activities.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike, effective immediately. The decision follows successful conciliation talks with the Federal Government, culminating in a signed agreement that addresses key union demands.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Friday, JOHESU leadership directed all its members across federal and state health institutions to resume work without delay.

It said the meeting was convened to review the outcome of a Feb. 5 conciliation meeting with the federal government at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

According to the communiqué, key resolutions include the commencement of Collective Bargaining Agreement(CBA) negotiations and immediate prioritisation of outstanding issues on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS.

It added that the agreement provided for budgetary allocation for the salary adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act based on the existing technical committee template.

The communiqué said the federal fovernment further agreed to withdraw the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued against JOHESU members during the strike.

It also said January 2026 salaries of all JOHESU members would be paid immediately and that no member would be victimised, sanctioned or intimidated for participating in the industrial action.

“Following a review of the resolutions, the expanded National Executive Council unanimously approved the suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike.

“The NEC subsequently directed all JOHESU members across federal and state health institutions to resume work with immediate effect,” the communiqué said.

It noted that the strike, which began on Nov. 15, 2025, was triggered by the non-implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and other outstanding welfare issues.

According to the union, the prolonged strike adversely affected healthcare delivery, resulting in increased maternal and infant mortality across the country.

It also said the the federal government reportedly lost close to one trillion naira in revenue during the strike period.

It stated that the conciliation meeting was convened by the Ministry of Labour and Employment following a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government by the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

It added that ministers of labour, finance and health, as well as representatives of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, attended the meeting.

The union, however, commended the intervention of the National Assembly leadership, traditional rulers and professional bodies in resolving the dispute.

The union urged the federal and state governments to fully implement agreements reached to prevent future industrial actions.