Nigeria Morning Recap: Tinubu Reverses Osun Account Freeze Amid EFCC Criticism; Presidency Cleared in Fake Agency Probe; Lagos Faces Doctor Shortage

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately unfreeze an Osun State Government account, reversing a controversial move that drew public backlash and calls for the EFCC chairman's resignation. The directive came just weeks before the state's governorship election, with the President citing the inappropriate timing of the freeze, which was related to an investigation into alleged fund diversion.

The EFCC's action had prompted criticism from opposition figures, a lawsuit from the Osun State Government seeking damages, and a defense of the commission's statutory powers. The reversal underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the EFCC's operations, particularly in the lead-up to elections.

In a separate development, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cleared the Presidency of any wrongdoing in the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council saga. An interim report found that the agency's promoter was never appointed by the Federal Government and that key documents were forged. The ICPC recommended the promoter's prosecution and sanctions for negligent public officers.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, stating the state needs approximately 40,000 more doctors and an equal number of nurses. He noted that the health sector requires an additional N100 billion beyond current budgets to adequately serve the population. The governor outlined plans for aggressive recruitment, improved welfare, and the establishment of a University of Medicine and Health Sciences to address these gaps.