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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday, led members of the party’s National Working Committee to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
The visit took place hours after the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, led the opposition delegation on a Sallah homage to the former president.
The delegation includied former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai; former governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; former governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam; former governor of Adamawa, Jibrilla Bindow; former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting, El-Rufai said the visit to the former president was not political and asked “adversaries” not to lose sleep.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory added that the visit was for “unity and brotherhood”.
While the outcome of the APC NWC’s visit remains unknown, there have been growing concerns about the possible departure of the Congress for Progressive Change faction from the APC following the defection of some party members to the Social Democratic Party.
The CPC was one of the four political parties that merged in 2013 to create the APC, with Buhari being a member of the CPC faction.
Despite the speculations, Buhari has affirmed that he would never abandon the APC.
See the photos below:
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to construct 100 housing units in each of the 774 local government areas of the country, amounting to a total of 77,400 units.
Naija News reports that the construction is expected to be completed within one year from the launch date.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made this known while receiving a delegation from Creative Sphere Limited at the Ministry’s headquarters, in Mabushi, on Wednesday.
The Minister said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to decent housing.
Dangiwa explained that the programme would be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).
“Each estate will be equipped with auxiliary facilities such as recreational areas, a primary school, a police outpost, a clinic, and a shopping mall,” he said.
Regarding the allocation of the houses, the Minister explained that 80% of the houses would be sold to Nigerians living in the local government areas who earn a living wage, adding that interested individuals would be required to contribute one-third of their monthly income.
“Anyone earning as low as N30,000 per month will be able to purchase a house, as they will only need to pay N10,000 monthly, which is one-third of their earnings. Similarly, someone earning N90,000 will pay N30,000,” he explained.
He further revealed that the remaining 20% of the housing units would be allocated free of charge to citizens with low or no income, such as widows, orphans, and others identified as vulnerable in society.
Women in Rivers State on Friday staged a protest against the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The irate women described the emergency rule as a politically motivated move aimed at undermining democracy.
The women, led by Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, opposed the emergency rule, arguing that the situation in the state did not pose any genuine threat to national security.
The women are demanding the immediate restoration of all democratic institutions in Rivers State, including the reinstatement of the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The protesters condemned what they described as an unconstitutional imposition of military rule disguised as a state of emergency, calling it unjustified and unacceptable.
The group also appealed to respected Nigerians, including former presidents and diplomats, to intervene and urge President Bola Tinubu to reverse what they termed a grave injustice.
The women reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful resistance, vowing to continue their stand in defense of freedom, justice and self-determination.
[DailyPost]
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence.
Atiku was accompanied by top political figures including former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami; former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam; and former governor of Adamawa State, Jibrilla Bindow.
A video of the visit was shared on social media by Atiku himself.
Reflecting on the visit, Atiku noted that the former president was in high spirits and entertained the delegation with his trademark sense of humour.
“As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in my Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations. I held forth for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa) in some of the activities of the Sallah celebrations,” Atiku wrote.
“Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015-2023. It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour.”
[Vanguard]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Enugu to Host The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference](/media/k2/items/cache/e20a28c601f31c87eafb5253b8c52e53_M.jpg)
The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference.
Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.
The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time. We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.
The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.
Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.
The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance. We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.
We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President
Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara
General Secretary.
Emeka Obegolu, SAN
Chair, AGCPC
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AfDB Reaffirms $2.2 Billion Pledge As VP Shettima Commissions 2nd SAPZ In Cross River
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AfDB Reaffirms $2.2 Billion Pledge As VP Shettima Commissions 2nd SAPZ In Cross River](/media/k2/items/cache/6e838780db4d33502a7436f11c483cf4_M.jpg)
...says agro-industrial processing zones will empower farmers, attract investors, diversify Nigeria's economy
The federal government has commenced construction of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of a nationwide drive to transform the agricultural sector and stimulate inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
This is the second of such a facility initiated within 72 hours after Vice President Kashim Shettima had on Tuesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Kaduna State SAPZ in the Chikun local government area of the state.
Already, the AfDB has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising an additional $2.2 billion to execute the second phase of the SAPZ project across 28 states in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday when he performed the groundbreaking ceremony of SAPZ in Calabar, the Vice President described the project as “a game changer” that aligns with the President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at diversifying the nation's economy, addressing food security, tackling rural unemployment, as well as empowering farmers and the youth population.
“There is no intervention more practical in our dream of a nation where the potential of agriculture is maximised than what’s brought us together today. This isn’t just a project—it’s a bold vision to transform Nigeria’s agricultural value chain,” VP Shettima said.
According to him, the SAPZ initiative, supported with counterpart funding from development partners and the private sector, is designed to address challenges that have long hindered the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, including inadequate processing infrastructure, limited access to markets, and rural unemployment.
“For far too long, our farmers have contended with poor infrastructure, lack of access to finance, and inadequate processing facilities. This zone is designed to confront those challenges head-on by creating an ecosystem where innovation, investment, and collaboration thrive,” he noted.
VP Shettima explained that the Calabar SAPZ will serve as a hub for agro-processing and storage, providing farmers and agripreneurs with critical infrastructure to scale their operations and tap into local and international markets.
“This is where farmers will meet with private investors, where ideas will turn into enterprise, and where our youth will find meaningful opportunities,” he said, disclosing that the Tinubu administration has classified SAPZ as a priority program in Nigeria's quest for food security, with plans to institutionalize it as a government agency that will facilitate agricultural industrialization across all 36 states.
"These zones will generate thousands of jobs. They will create opportunities for young people, empower them with skills and knowledge to engage in meaningful work and help them contribute positively to the economy. Cross Riverians, development has come to your doorstep. For you and for the country, SAPZ is a game changer—one that will enable Nigeria to diversify its economy with a sustainable source.," he stated.
Senator Shettima also expressed gratitude to key international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for their support and belief in Nigeria’s vision.
The Vice President commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his collaboration, describing him as "a critical foundation for the success of this intervention and a great ally in development."
Earlier, Cross River State Governor, Senator Otu, said the programme marked a watershed in the ongoing bid by his administration to establish the renewable resource base of the state through the full utilisation of agriculture and its multiple value chain.
Otu pointed out that in Cross River State, the establishment of a cluster of smallholder farmers in cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, and cocoa across the state is the right step towards the agro-industrial revolution.
He said the paradigm shift from a non-renewable to a renewable resource base also holds the key to the prosperity of many nations, hence the imperative to join the league of sub-nationals in Nigeria that have adopted agriculture as the mainstay of their economy.
"The deliverables of the envisaged projects are food security, diversification of the state economy towards export-oriented trajectory and increase in the State's GDP. When these projects are fully operational there is an expected robust collaboration with reputable agro-based processing institutes, universities and the rest, aimed at accelerating breakthroughs in many agro-industrial production."
Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme would transform the agricultural production and agro-investment landscape in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Kyari thanked Vice President Shettima for his leadership and political backing at the highest level in the implementation of the SAPZ in Nigeria, just as he also commended the Governor of Cross River State for his commitment to ensuring that the state is among the front-running states that will commence the construction of their Agro-Industrial Processing Hub.
In his remark, President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, reiterated the bank's pledge to mobilise $2.2 billion to execute the SAPZ project in 28 states across Nigeria.
Adesina observed that Cross River State has a significant role to play in Nigeria's agricultural transformation because of the vast production of cocoa, cassava, rice and banana in the state, saying Obudu Cattle Ranch alone can turn the state into a huge livestock producer.
He also acknowledged that the state is ideal for SAPZ because it has an export processing zone, ports facility, and export handling capabilities, adding that the SAPZ in Calabar can easily be linked to the seaport for the transportation of processed agricultural commodities to the export market in neighbouring countries, including Cameroon and the rest.
"The African Development Bank, as you know, is spearheading this together with our partners, which include the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and we have put together $934 million from the African Development Bank, with core financing of $938 million from these partners.
"The first phase of SAPZ in Nigeria will be in eight states of Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Imo and the Federal Capital Territory. We are delighted with our partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
"We have put together a financing package of $510 million to make this work. We expect, in the second phase of this, to mobilise $2.2 billion to be able to work for 28 states across the federation with several partners," the AfDB President said.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
Niger military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.
The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.
Most of the country’s population of about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.
During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was given approval to stay in power for five more years.
Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.
These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.
Like Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.
They’ve also pulled out of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
[Punch]
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has approved the appointment of a new chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
According to the statement, the new RSIEC Chairman, Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey, will work with six members and four professors.
The appointment was announced in a Government Special Announcement issued on Wednesday by Prof. Ibibia Worika, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
The statement, which was sent to newsmen, said the appointment takes effect from Monday, 7th of April 2025.
It reads, “The Following have also been appointed as Chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission:
“Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey, Chairman
Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira member
Prof Author Nwafor
Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha Member
Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor Member
Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce Member
Professor Chidi Halliday Member.
“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025”.
Recall that Ibas had last week suspended the heads of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state, including the RSIEC, then headed by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.)
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died after a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
[businessday.ng]
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has passed a vote of confidence on its National Working Committee (NWC).
The LP’s NWC is led by the party’s disputed National Chairperson, Julius Abure.
The party made the resolution at its NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
The National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar-Farouk, read out a communique released at the end of the meeting.
Mr Umar-Farouk said the NEC expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court decision which, it argued, had returned the power, glory and supremacy of political parties.
“The court asserted the supremacy of the party over its internal affairs and that leadership of a political party is not for any court to decide, as it is a no-go area for the court, and so the court did not sack the NWC leadership.
“Accordingly, NEC in session reaffirmed the Nnewi National Convention held on the 27th of March 2024 that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC) members, under the chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure,” he said.
Anti-party activities
In the communique, the NEC accused Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, of committing various anti-party activities.
Giving instances of the alleged anti-party activities, Mr Umar-Farouk said Mr Otti had called for “an unauthorised stakeholders’ meeting and usurping the powers of NEC.”
Mr Otti was elected governor of Abia State under the LP platform in 2023.
The party also accused the governor of backing another political party in the last local government election in Abia State.
“The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalise the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC scheduled to hold on Wednesday.
“His anti-party activities are unbecoming of a highly respected personality and this is no longer acceptable,” the communique read.
Otti, Peter Obi, others may be sanctioned
The LP NEC said that it would not hesitate to discipline Mr Otti for the alleged offence, in line with Article 19 of the party’s constitution.
It also threatened to discipline any other member who violated the party’s constitution, regardless of how big or powerful such individuals might be.
The party vowed to sanction its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if he further engages in any anti-party activity.
“NEC-in-session, in exercise of its duties, hereby cautions the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace unity and integrity of the party, as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalty if found culpable,” it said.
The NEC equally condemned the activities of the party’s House of Representatives caucus leader, Victor Ogene.
It said, as a result, Mr Ogene has now been replaced with another House of Representatives member, Ben Etanabene.
While Mr Ogene represents Anambra’s Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the lower chamber, Mr Etanabene represents Delta’s Okpe-Sapele – Uvwie Federal Constituency.
Anambra 2025: We’ll resolve our challenges
Mr Abure, at the meeting, said the LP would resolve its challenges ahead of the forth November governorship election in Anambra State and the 2027 general election.
The disputed national chairperson, however, said that the party would only field candidates who would be ready to promote its programmes.
He also said that the party was not opposed to coalition with other parties that would promote good governance.
“What the party is against is subversive activities that promote divisions in the party,” he said.
The meeting was attended by members of NWC, national officers of the party, state chairpersons and secretaries, other party leaders and co-opted NEC members.
Background
The Supreme Court, on Friday, set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which recognised Mr Abure as the national chairperson of the LP.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court unanimously held that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to have affirmed Mr Abure as chairman of the LP since the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
But the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Obiora Ifoh, later argued that Mr Abure remains the party’s national chairperson.
Mr Ifoh claimed that the Supreme Court’s position is that the matter is purely an internal affair of the party, insisting that the court did not set aside the Court of Appeal judgement of 13 November 2024, which affirmed Mr Abure as the national chairperson of the party.
Meanwhile, the LP has been battling an intense leadership crisis for a while now which has split the party into two factions.
Messrs Otti and Obi, belong to the same faction of the LP.
In September 2024, the faction appointed Nenadi Usman, a former Nigerian Minister, to manage the party’s affairs by heading its caretaker committee.
But, about a month after Mrs Usman’s appointment, a federal court recognised Mr Abure as the authentic national chairperson of the LP.
Mr Abure dismissed the convention that produced Mrs Usman and threatened to suspend Mr Otti and others from the party.
There was a mild drama in October when Mr Otti allied with an opposition party, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), ahead of the conduct of local government elections in the state, which were held on 2 November 2024.
The ZLP later won chairmanship seats in 15 of the 17 local government areas of Abia State despite the state being governed by Mr Otti, a member of the LP.
The LP won nine of the chairmanship seats, and the Young Progressives Party won the remaining two.
Instructively, ZLP enjoyed the support of Mr Otti. The governor had asked his aides and allies to contest the election under the ZLP platform, not the LP.
(NAN)
More...
A female driver of a Toyota Salon car sustained varying degrees of injuries after her vehicle fell off the Otedola Bridge outward the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Lagos State on Monday morning.
It was gathered that the car with the registration number IKJ 126 BH had lost control while hitting another car in the process before it fell off the bridge and landed not far off a ditch under the bridge.
According to viral videos on social media, as at 9:02am emergency responders and security personnel were at the scene, working to determine the driver’s identity and the circumstances leading to the accident.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that emergency responders were on the ground to manage the situation and ensure the free flow of traffic in the area.
The agency noted that the driver had been rescued and taken to the nearby hospital.
According to the statement, “Report of an accident of a car that fell from Otedola Bridge. The driver has been rescued and taken to the nearby hospital.
“There is backlog from Otedola Bridge to Berger inward Secretariat, but our officers are on scene managing the situation effectively.”
“Other officers are also on ground doing the needful,” LASTMA added.
[Leadership]
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has appointed the Emir of Fufore, Muhammadu Ribadu, as the Amirul-Hajj and leader of the government delegation for the 2025 Hajj trip to Saudi Arabia.
A press statement to this effect said the appointment is based on Ribadu’s hard work, experience, and commitment to religious matters.
The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Fintiri, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, named five other members of the delegation.
The members include Muhammad Buba Jidjiwa, Ahmed Shehu, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba, and Alhaji Abubakar Murtala
The secretary of the delegation is Alhaji Mohammed Dabo.
“Governor Fintiri charged the committee to be dedicated to their assignment, ensuring a hitch-free 2025 Hajj operation,” Mr Wonosikou stated.
[DailyPost]
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Monday, announced that it has uncovered at least 585 A/Level forged certificates in 2025 alone.
This startling revelation was made by the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, during a virtual meeting with staff of the Board held on 2nd April 2025 in preparation for the 2025 Mock-UTME and UTME.
Prof Oloyede condemned the worrisome prevalence of fake A/L certificates, stating that it was to curb the menace that the Nigeria Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (NIPED) was established.
NIPED is a platform for managing and collecting data related to post-secondary education in Nigeria.
According to the Jambulletin, the Registrar noted that more worrisome and heart-rending was the upload of 13 out of these forged JMB certificates by the Professional Registration
Centres (PRCs) which are being
investigated.
He stated that out of the 13 cases being investigated by the police, four culprits have been apprehended and are currently assisting the police and relevant authorities towards apprehending the ringleaders of these examination cartels.
He, however, added that the investigation revealed that there were internal collaborators in the institutions aiding cases and abetting this gross misconduct.
The Registrar also disclosed that there were reports from some CBT Centres on extortion of candidates for services expected to be free, adding that this mind-boggling revelation were not too good for the system.
He, therefore, enjoined staff to be
committed to their duties and shunned those acts that could undermine the integrity of the Board.
[Daily Independent]
To ensure that substandard and fake medicines are denied entry into Nigeria using National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)-appointed Pre-Shipment agents, the agency has appointed a new global testing and inspection agency, Cotecna Inspection Services (CIS), as part of efforts to bolster its Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a hybrid technical meeting on mitigating substandard and counterfeit products held in Lagos. She explained that the appointment of Cotecna was in addition to existing CRIA agents operating in India and China and was aimed at ensuring that only safe, high-quality products are shipped to Nigeria.
Adeyeye said the move follows the agency’s widely praised seizure, evacuation, and destruction of over ₦1 trillion worth of substandard, expired, and banned medicines from open drug markets in Idumota, Onitsha, and Aba.
She noted that NAFDAC is strengthening the CRIA scheme to curb the influx of falsified medicines, which she described as a growing international criminal activity with serious consequences for public health and the economy.
According to the DG, the CRIA Scheme plays a key role in screening regulated products before they are exported to Nigeria. She stated that CRIA agents are responsible for physical inspection, product-specific testing, and verifying regulatory documents to ensure compliance with NAFDAC’s standards. She added that designated laboratories in both China and India are used to test randomly sampled products.
[Guardian]