Month: April 2025
Diphtheria Outbreaks and Government’s Negligence
In this Special Report Juliet Jacob delves into the nation’s public health underbelly to unearth some scandals around the spread of a silent killer called Diphtheria. A Public Health Scandal in Plain Sight Despite surging diphtheria infections and fatalities, the Nigerian government’s response has been sluggish at best. Poor vaccine logistics, underfunded health centres,…
Vaccination Drive: Nigeria, Stakeholders Target Zero-dose Children
Korede Abdullah in Lagos As Nigeria strives to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a critical challenge lies in reaching the “zero-dose” children—those who have not received any routine vaccinations. In a unified national effort, the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and UNICEF marked African Vaccination Week in Abuja, emphasizing…
FG Moves to Upgrade 17,600 PHCs by 2029, 20m Nigerians Access Service Quarterly
In a renewed push to enhance Nigeria’s primary healthcare delivery system, the federal government has announced ambitious targets and significant achievements in revitalising Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country, as part of a broader effort to ensure equitable access to quality care at the grassroots. Speaking at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s…
NEMA, NCC Deepen Collaboration to Boost Emergency Communication
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have reaffirmed their commitment to improving disaster response through enhanced emergency communication systems. According to a statement released on Tuesday on NEMA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the agency’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman…
Cost of Cooking Jollof Rice Soars Amid Deepening Food Insecurity in Nigeria – Report
A new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed that the rising cost of preparing a basic pot of jollof rice is highlighting the intensifying food insecurity crisis gripping West and Central Africa, with Nigeria emerging as a key flashpoint. According to the report, over 40 million people across the region struggled to access food during…
Vatican: 9-Step Processes for Electing a Pope
Hussaini Kafi in Kano The election of a new Pope is one of the most sacred and meticulously followed traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, combining centuries-old rituals with deep spiritual significance. Held in the Vatican City, the process — known as a papal conclave — begins when a sitting Pope dies or resigns, and…
Nigeria Customs Surpasses Q1 Revenue Target with N1.75trn, Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth N7.7bn — Adeniyi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has collected over ₦1.75 trillion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025—exceeding its quarterly target by more than ₦106 billion and marking a nearly 30% year-on-year increase. This was disclosed on Monday by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing at the Service’s…
Executive Order: Niger State Governor Declares Crackdown on Thuggery in Minna
Hussaini Kafi in Kano In a bold move to curb rising criminal activities and restore law and order within Minna, the capital of Niger State, Governor Umar Mohammed Bago has issued a sweeping executive order targeting thuggery, drug-related offenses, and street violence. The executive order, released on Tuesday, outlines a series of strict measures, including…
JUST IN: Niger State Imposes 6am to 6pm Vehicle Movement Restriction in Mina over Insecurity
Hussaini Kafi in Kano The Niger State Government has announced new restrictions on vehicular movement within the state capital, limiting movement from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as part of efforts to address rising insecurity in the region. Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago made the announcement during a security stakeholders’ meeting attended by traditional rulers and…