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Author: Val Kosi

  • NAFDAC, PCN vow to end open drug markets in Nigeria

    NAFDAC, PCN vow to end open drug markets in Nigeria

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) have reaffirmed their determination to eliminate open drug markets across the country.

    Speaking at a joint media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described open drug markets as a persistent problem for regulatory agencies.

    Adeyeye said that the relocation of the open drugs market in Kano to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), has set a standard that should be followed by others
    “The chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria and open drug markets have been a sore point to drug regulatory agencies, especially to NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said.

    She pointed out that the disorderly chain of movement of medicine from the manufacturer to the final consumer is inimical to the efficacy of pharmaceutical products and is the primary cause of substandard and falsified medicines being in circulation.

    “The consequence of this is treatment failure or even death. Therefore, to make Nigerians healthier and reduce mortality, NAFDAC and our sister agency, PCN, must continue to fight against it,” she added.

    A decade-long fight to sanitize drug distribution
    Adeyeye noted that the fight to sanitize the drug distribution system started over a decade ago when the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR), constituted in 2003, developed strategies toward the sanitization of drug distribution.

    “The PCPSR recommended the development of National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) as a key strategy to coordinate the drug distribution sub-sector and all operators in the open drug markets in Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba,” she said.

    The open drug markets in these states were initially given a December 2018 deadline by the then Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, to relocate to the Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC).
    Adeyeye explained that the CWCs, designed as controlled environments for proper monitoring of drug distribution, are an outcome of the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR).
    She further noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, who played a key role in conceptualizing the CWC model, remains a strong advocate for its implementation.
    “The National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) provide a clear mandate to NAFDAC and PCN to ensure full compliance and implementation by all relevant stakeholders,” Adeyeye stated.

    She added that NAFDAC and its sister agency would continue to intensify efforts to ensure the establishment of CWC in other states.

    Progress and challenges in Kano
    Also, speaking the registrar of the PCN, Ibrahim Babashehu-Ahmed, highlighted that the CWC in Kano was the first of its kind, established to enhance the regulation of drug distribution and sales in Nigeria.

    Babashehu-Ahmed explained that the PCN is charged with the responsibility of regulating pharmacy practice sites, the practitioners, and the patent and proprietary medicine vendors that use the open drug markets to sell medicines.
    He noted that all efforts to relocate the open drugs market in Kano were resisted, noting that the dealers filed a lawsuit in a bid to stop their relocation.
    Babashehu-Ahmed revealed that a landmark judgment by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Kano Federal High Court on February 16, 2024, mandated the relocation of open drug marketers in Kano to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC).
    He described the ruling as a significant step toward improving drug distribution control and curbing the prevalence of substandard medicines.

    “This judgment is monumental because the control of drug distribution will be better regulated and prevalence of substandard medicines will be mitigated significantly,” he stated.

    Collaborative efforts to achieve global standards
    Reflecting on his tenure since 2017, Babashehu-Ahmed emphasized that the drive to mitigate Substandard and falsified drugs is one of the pillars of my administration.

    These efforts contributed to NAFDAC achieving Maturity Level 3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT).

    “NAFDAC attained seven modules, while PCN achieved one module (Site License) under the GBT. Both agencies are now collaborating to sustain Maturity Level 3 and work toward achieving Level 4,” he added.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • N21.83tn Budget: Buhari Tasks MDAs, GOEs on Revenue Collection Targets

    N21.83tn Budget: Buhari Tasks MDAs, GOEs on Revenue Collection Targets

    President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to intensify their revenue mobilisation efforts and ensure that all taxable organisations and individuals pay taxes in order to achieve revenue targets for the 2023 budget.

    The President made the charge after signing into law, the 2023 Appropriation Bill; the last budget of his administration totalling N21.83 trillion, which is an increase of N1.32 trillion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N20.51 trillion.

    According to him, to achieve the laudable objectives of the 2023 Budget, relevant Agencies must sustain current efforts towards the realisation of crude oil production and export targets.

    Buhari directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to work towards the early release of the 2023 capital votes to enable MDAs commence the implementation of their capital projects in good time to support efforts to deliver key projects and public services as well as improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

    ”To augment available fiscal resources, MDAs are to accelerate the implementation of Public Private Partnership initiatives, especially those designed to fast-track the pace of our infrastructural development”, he said.

    The President further explained that the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act would enable the administration to respond to the havoc caused by the recent nationwide floods in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

    He added that the Minister of Finance will subsequently provide more details of the approved budget and the supporting 2022 Finance Act.

    ”We have examined the changes made by the National Assembly to the 2023 Executive Budget proposal. The amended fiscal framework for 2023 as approved by the National Assembly shows additional revenues of N765.79 billion and an unfunded deficit of N553.46 billion.

    ”It is clear that the National Assembly and the executive need to capture some of the proposed additional revenue sources in the fiscal framework. This must be rectified.

    “I have also noted that the National Assembly introduced new projects into the 2023 budget proposal for which it has appropriated N770.72 billion. The National Assembly also increased the provisions made by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by N58.55 billion”.

    Detailing his decision to sign the 2023 Appropriation Bill into law as passed by the National Assembly, Buhari claimed it was to enable its implementation to commence without delay, considering the imminent transition process to another democratically elected government.

    The President, however, directed the Minister of Finance to engage with the Legislature to revisit some of the changes made to the Executive budget proposal, expressing the hope that the National Assembly will cooperate with the Executive arm of Government in this regard.

    He also urged the National Assembly to reconsider its position on his proposal to securitise the Federal Government’s outstanding Ways and Means of balance at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    ”As I stated, the balance has accumulated over several years and represents funding provided by the CBN as lender of last resort to the government to enable it to meet obligations to lenders, as well as cover budgetary shortfalls in projected revenues and/or borrowings,” he said.

    ”I have no intention to fetter the right of the National Assembly to interrogate the composition of this balance, which can still be done even after granting the requested approval.”

    ”Failure to grant the securitization approval will however cost the government about N1.8 trillion in additional interest in 2023 given the differential between the applicable interest rates which is currently MPR plus 3% and the negotiated interest rate of 9% and a 40year repayment period on the securitised debt of the Ways and Means”, he said.

    Reiterating that the 2023 Budget was developed to promote fiscal sustainability, and macroeconomic stability and ensure a smooth transition to the incoming Administration, the President said that it was also designed to promote social inclusion and strengthen the resilience of the economy.

    “As this Administration draws to a close, we will accelerate the implementation of critical measures aimed at further improving the Nigerian business environment, enhancing the welfare of our people and ensuring sustainable economic growth over the medium- to long-term”, he said.

    Buhari also revealed that adequate provisions have been made in the Budget for the successful conduct of the forthcoming general elections and the transition programme.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

  • Nollywood’s piracy issue indicates a distribution problem – Barr. Isioma Idigbe

    Nollywood’s piracy issue indicates a distribution problem – Barr. Isioma Idigbe

    Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, stands as a pillar of African storytelling, culture, and economic potential, capable of delivering over 200% returns with the right investments.

    However, its growth is hindered by piracy, which highlights a deeper issue: the lack of robust distribution infrastructure necessary to fully monetize its demand.

    At the recent African Film Finance Forum (AFFF) in Lagos, industry experts highlighted how piracy—often seen solely as a threat—actually points to a supply-side issue that requires immediate attention.

    “Piracy proves there is demand; the issue lies in supply,” explained Barrister Isioma Idigbe, Partner at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors. “Without strong distribution channels, we’re failing to fully monetize the market’s appetite for Nollywood content.” he noted.

    Moses Babatope, CEO of NILE Group, shared that while streaming platforms created excitement around Nollywood in recent years, their recent pullback serves as a reminder of the industry’s reliance on traditional distribution models like cinemas.

    “We got carried away by the streaming bubble,” he noted. “But the reality is that cinemas remain the cornerstone of sustainable film industries globally.” 

    Babatope highlighted the resilience of the Nigerian box office, which has seen significant growth despite macroeconomic challenges.

    “In 2024, we’re looking at N12 billion to N13 billion in box office revenue, with local films accounting for over 55% of this.

    “That’s a historic milestone, but it’s clear we need to bring cinema closer to underserved audiences if we’re to sustain this momentum,” he said.

    He also stressed the need for localized solutions, such as leveraging existing community centers and youth clubs to make cinema more accessible and affordable.

    More Insights

    The consensus among panelists was that Nollywood’s future depends on a balanced approach to funding, with equal emphasis on production and distribution.

    Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder of the Silverbird Group, called for increased government support.

    “The film industry isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a critical value chain like manufacturing,” he said. 

    Murray-Bruce urged financial institutions to prioritize funding for cinemas, arguing that doing so would create jobs, drive economic growth, and make Nollywood more resilient.

    “If the government can fund non-performing refineries, it can certainly invest in an industry with a return on investment potential,” he added.

    • Mary Ephraim-Egbas, convener of AFFF, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of collaboration between the entertainment and financial sectors. She also emphasized partnerships with telecom companies to expand distribution and combat piracy.

    “The African film industry generates over $20 billion annually, employing thousands of people,” Ephraim-Egbas noted. “This is the right time to bridge gaps in the value chain and unlock Nollywood’s full potential.” 

    • Idigbe concluded with a broader perspective, comparing Nigeria’s challenges to those of Brazil and South Africa, where foreign content dominates.
    • However, she showed an opportunity for Nigeria to become a hub for international production, particularly as global markets look to reduce costs.

    “We have the talent, the audience, and the demand,” Idigbe said. “What we need now is an ecosystem that supports distribution, making it easier for Nigerians to access and enjoy local content while ensuring investors see meaningful returns.” 

    • By addressing the supply-side constraints highlighted by piracy, Nollywood can move from being a rising star to a global powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
  • WHO and partners launch $2 million grant initiative to improve pathogen genomic surveillance globally

    WHO and partners launch $2 million grant initiative to improve pathogen genomic surveillance globally

    The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with its partners, has launched a new initiative to improve global capacities in pathogen genomic surveillance worldwide.

    Announced recently, the initiative will allocate nearly US$ 2 million in grants to support 10 innovative projects aimed at improving the detection and monitoring of pathogens.

    WHO announced on Tuesday in a statement that the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) has launched a catalytic grant fund to support partners in low- and middle-income countries in strengthening their pathogen genomic analysis capabilities.
    “This technology analyses the genetic code of viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing organisms to understand, providing crucial insights into how easily they spread, and how sick they can make people.”

    WHO explains that by integrating this genomic data with other information, scientists and public health teams can more effectively track and respond to infectious disease threats.

    Additionally, the data supports the development of vaccines and treatments and empowers countries to make faster decisions, more informed decisions to protect public health.

    The fund is hosted by the United Nations Foundation and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome.

    Expanding pathogen genomic surveillance
    Sara Hersey, Director of Collaborative Intelligence at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence said the IPSN catalytic grant fund has incredible potential to expand pathogen genomic surveillance for all, which we are already seeing through the first round of grantmaking.

    “We are eager to support this work, which plays a key role in pandemic and epidemic prevention worldwide.”

    Similarly, Manisha Bhinge, Vice President of the Health Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation also emphasized that the IPSN catalytic grant fund recipients will accelerate the benefits of pathogen genomic surveillance in low- and middle-income settings, as well as explore new applications for genomic surveillance, such as wastewater surveillance.

    She pointed out that pandemics and epidemics continue to be a global threat, adding it’s further amplified by climate change.

    “There is an urgent need for equitable access to these tools and capabilities to protect lives in vulnerable communities,” Bhinge said.

    Key projects and impact on public health
    According to WHO, one of the recipients, the American University of Beirut, will use wastewater surveillance to study how diseases spread in refugee populations, helping to ensure that people can quickly receive the care and support they need in migration settings.

    Another grantee, the Pasteur Institute of Laos, will use the funding to develop new methods to track avian flu in live-bird markets, a setting that is often overlooked but vital to millions of people worldwide.
    “If we are to protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of disease, we first need to better understand how these pathogens spread, evolve, and cause illness,” stressed Titus Divala, Interim Head of Epidemics and Epidemiology at Wellcome.

    He explained that the projects, tailored to local priorities, will generate new insights, knowledge, and evidence that will help track global pathogen trends and inform evidence-based decisions to implement effective interventions.
    The grantees were announced at the IPSN Global Partners Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 21–22 November. A second round of catalytic grant funds will be made available to IPSN members in 2025.

     

     

     

     

  • I Can Bet With Anything, Obi Will Not Win, Says Keyamo

    I Can Bet With Anything, Obi Will Not Win, Says Keyamo

    Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo has challenged anyone to bet on the chances of Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi winning the 2023 election.

    Speaking on a Channels Television live interview from the United States, Keyamo admitted that Obi’s candidature is widely embraced by some high profile endorsements but it won’t earn him victory.

    Keyamo said recent endorsements by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Elder Stateman, Chief Edwin Clark cannot give Obi victory.

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said these endorsements only spell doom for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and expands chances of All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu to win.

    While faulting Obasanjo’s endorsements, Keyamo recalled that the former president’s campaign against Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 polls didn’t stop Buhari from winning

    According to him, all the components that made up the PDP are presently disintegrating due to political differences and that Obi further divided the opposition party

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

  • Holcim to exit Nigeria sells major stake at Lafarge Africa to Huaxin Cement for $1bn

    Holcim to exit Nigeria sells major stake at Lafarge Africa to Huaxin Cement for $1bn

    Swiss building materials giant, Holcim AG has announced the sale of its Nigerian business to China’s Huaxin Cement Co. in a deal valued at $1 billion.

    This transaction involves Holcim’s 83.81% stake in Lafarge Africa PLC, and it is expected to close in 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by Holcim on Sunday.

    The company is divesting its stake in Lafarge Africa as part of its strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on core markets.

    “Holcim has signed an agreement with Huaxin Cement Ltd to sell its entire 83.81% shareholding in Lafarge Africa PLC, at an equity value of USD 1 billion on a 100% basis.  

    The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to customary and regulatory approvals,” the company stated.

    Details of the deal 

    The divestment in Nigeria aligns with Holcim’s plans to spin off and list its North American business in the US next year.

    • The company aims to capitalize on strong demand in the North American market driven by a housing shortage and regulatory pressures for sustainable construction materials.
    • The deal forms part of the company’s broader strategy to streamline its portfolio by shedding non-core assets.
    • The sale is in line with Holcim’s focus on optimizing operations and expanding in markets where demand for its products, such as roofing and energy-efficient building materials, is growing rapidly.

    Previous disposals in Africa 

    This sale is not Holcim’s first divestment on the continent. In 2021, Holcim closed the sale of its business in Zambia, representing a 75% stake in the company, to the Chinese cement group Huaxin for an enterprise value of USD 150 million for 100% of the company.

    The deal was closed following approvals from Chinese and Zambian authorities.

    Holcim’s CEO, Jan Jenisch, described the divestment as part of the company’s transformation towards becoming a leader in sustainable building solutions, enabling investments in growth opportunities, and praised Huaxin as a trusted partner suited to advancing the Zambian business.

    “This divestment is another step in our transformation to become the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions giving us the flexibility to continue investing in attractive growth opportunities. Huaxin has been a trusted partner for many years and we see the company as an ideal owner to further develop the business in Zambia.” 

    The sale of Holcim’s business in Zambia follows the divestment of the Indian Ocean cluster, which was closed at the end of October 2021. Since 2019 the company has achieved over USD 3.1 billion in divestments.

    What you should know 

    • Holcim AG is a Swiss-based global leader in building materials and sustainable construction solutions.
    • The company specializes in cement, concrete, aggregates, and innovative building products, with a strong focus on sustainability and recycling.
    • The company has over 70,000 employees worldwide.
  • HPV Vaccine: 380,671 girls vaccinated, 95,993 unvaccinated in Anambra – CHAI

    HPV Vaccine: 380,671 girls vaccinated, 95,993 unvaccinated in Anambra – CHAI

    Human Papilloma Virus Consultant for the Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI), Mr. Akpan Etop, revealed that 380,671 girls in Anambra State have received the HPV vaccine.

    Etop, who presented the statistics at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Awka on Tuesday, said that 95,993 girls were missed during the HPV vaccination campaign.

    The meeting was organized by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in partnership with the State Ministry of Health, CHAI, and other key stakeholders.
    He explained that the 95,993 girls were missed due to factors such as rejections, vaccine hesitancy, and parental refusal to give consent.

    “Due to the high burden of cervical cancer in the country, the Federal Government introduced the free HPV vaccination.

    “The first phase was introduced in 15 states including the federal capital in October 2023 while the second Phase was introduced in 21 states in May 2024.

    “Over 12 million girls have been vaccinated in Nigeria and we still have about five million unvaccinated girls. While in Anambra, a total of 380,671 girls were vaccinated and 95,993 were yet to be vaccinated.

    “CHAI is working alongside the government through stakeholders’ engagement and community outreaches to ensure that these missed girls are vaccinated and protected against cervical cancer,” he added.

    Routine immunisation to ensure long-term access
    Etop assured that the HPV vaccine has been integrated into the routine immunisation schedule at health facilities across the state to ensure continued accessibility.

    He called on religious and community leaders as well as parents to support and align with the concept of protecting the girls against cervical cancer.

    No major side effects were reported in Anambra
    Dr. Nnamdi Uliagbafusi, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at ASPHCDA, reassured the public that the HPV vaccine is safe, with no major side effects reported since the start of the campaign in Anambra.

    He emphasized that the vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer, economic loss, and even death. It is safe for our girls and I urge parents to encourage their girls to get vaccinated.

    “In Anambra, we have not recorded any major side effects since the vaccination campaign started. We appeal to all stakeholders especially religious leaders to support the campaign,” he said.

    Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, Anambra State Health Educator, said the meeting was to share lessons from previous HPV campaign, review progress and challenges, as well as improve vaccination coverage in the state.

     

     

     

  • I’ll Make Nigerian Ports Work Efficiently if Elected President – Peter Obi

    I’ll Make Nigerian Ports Work Efficiently if Elected President – Peter Obi

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the forthcoming general elections, Peter Obi has said that he would dismantle the confusion in the country’s ports administration and make it work if elected into office next month.

    According to him, the reason for the inefficiency in Nigerian ports is because some people are benefiting from the current system, promising to change it in order to boost the economy

    The former Anambra State Governor made this known while responding to a question on how he would improve Nigeria’s port infrastructure and service during an appearance alongside his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Baba-Ahmed on Channels TV’s ‘The People’s Townhall’ on Sunday monitored by our correspondent.

    Obi, who cited Singapore as one of the many countries earning very well from their thriving maritime sector, accused the country’s current leaders of not wanting to open up the economy in order to enable them continue stealing.

    In his words: “20 years ago, the biggest port in terms of operations and the busiest was Singapore. In 20 years Singapore has moved from number one to about number four or five today because Port of Shanghai and others have come up. Even Rotterdam that used to be the biggest have all gone. These things change as quickly as possible.

    “The reason we still have inefficiency is because people live on that inefficiency. We are going to remove them, Ports Authority is something I have followed. Are you aware that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is the only port authority that I know in the world that has an office outside its country of operations? They have an office in London! They even have guest house in London! Can you believe it, for running a port in Nigeria?

    “We are going to dismantle this confusion and get the country to work. It’s simple; I keep saying it is not rocket science, it’s been done. People have to do the right thing, port is not difficult. Nigeria is lucky that we have ports all over the place; all the oceans you see are ports. What is happening to Ibom? Look at the Port Harcourt Ocean Terminal that was started by Shagari, till today it is still not functioning as it should; same as Warri. There are so many places.

    “Everywhere in Nigeria is port and you just have to open it up, but people deliberately don’t want it to because if it opens up, they won’t have the confusion, and that is what is happening everywhere in Nigeria. They don’t want to open up the economy, where people’s talent and hard work will match up with opportunities because they will not have anything to steal”.

    On how he plans to turn things around, the presidential hopeful said that he would bring in the private sector to build ports and manage it in collaboration with the government, noting that it is what is happening everywhere in the world.

    Obi who has criticised the fuel subsidy regime on several occasions, reiterated that it is an organised crime that his administration will do away with when he becomes the number citizen of Nigeria.

    He wrote on his verified Twitter handle shortly after the TV appearance: “Fuel subsidy is an organised crime and I will remove it immediately, if I am elected President. Which reasonable country will spend more on subsidy than Education, Health etc”

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism

  • Expert proposes 7-point agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Expert proposes 7-point agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Dr. Richardson Ajayi, a renowned healthcare entrepreneur and investor, has advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare system to prioritize accessibility and equity.

    During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Ajayi outlined a seven-point agenda aimed at addressing the deep disparities in healthcare access across the country.

    His proposal focuses on community-driven solutions and the integration of technology to bridge gaps in care.
    Ajayi emphasized the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that every Nigerian, irrespective of their location or financial standing, can access quality healthcare services.

    Access to healthcare: A right, not a privilege
    Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet in Nigeria, numerous barriers ranging from geographic challenges to financial constraints continue to prevent many from receiving essential care.

    Ajayi highlighted these challenges, emphasizing that “Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.”

    A community-centric hub-and-spoke model
    Ajayi proposed the implementation of a “hub-and-spoke” model to address disparities in healthcare delivery. This model would connect smaller, community-based centers to larger, well-equipped facilities, this system will improve access to healthcare in rural areas that currently lack essential services.

    Technology as a game changer
    Highlighting the success of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajayi emphasized its potential to bridge geographical gaps. “With telemedicine, we can overcome the geographical limitations that leave many Nigerians without access to healthcare,” he said. Remote consultations and diagnostics could significantly improve healthcare delivery, especially in underserved regions.

    Reducing financial barriers to care
    Ajayi advocated for subsidized healthcare programs, expanded insurance schemes, and innovative financing models to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.

    He emphasized the need to address high out-of-pocket costs, which deter many Nigerians from seeking necessary care. “We need solutions that reduce this burden and make healthcare more attainable.”

    Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development
    Stressing the importance of collaboration, Ajayi called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors. Such alliances, he argued, could help expand healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery across the nation.

    Empowering community health workers and mobile clinics
    Ajayi highlighted the role of community health workers and mobile clinics in delivering preventive care and health education to underserved areas. He urged greater investment in rural healthcare to address disparities between urban and rural communities.

    Inclusive healthcare delivery through stakeholder engagement
    Ajayi called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and community leaders, to prioritize inclusivity in healthcare delivery.

    “Healthcare should not depend on where you live or your financial status,” he said. “By focusing on community-level care, leveraging technology, and forming strategic partnerships, Nigeria can make healthcare accessible to every citizen.”

    This 7-point agenda, Ajayi believes, could transform Nigeria’s healthcare system into one that ensures quality care for all, regardless of socioeconomic or geographic limitations.

     

     

     

  • Major economic agreements signed in Tinubu’s state visit to France

    Major economic agreements signed in Tinubu’s state visit to France

    President Bola Tinubu’s recent three-day state visit to France marked a significant achievement in strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and France.

    The visit saw the formal inauguration of Zenith Bank’s operations in France and the signing of key agreements aimed at fostering long-term collaboration in critical sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and solid minerals.

    France is one of Nigeria’s key European trading partners, with French companies investing in sectors such as oil, infrastructure, and telecommunications.

    The cultural exchange between the two countries is also notable, with many Nigerians studying in France and both nations actively promoting arts and education.

    Key highlights from the visit

    1) Zenith Bank formally inaugurated its operations in France.

    2) UBA Group signed an agreement to commence operations in Paris.

    3) Letter of Intent signed between the Nigerian government and the French Development Agency (AFD) on long-term support for Nigeria’s energy access and transition, sustainable agriculture, and food security.

    4) MoU signed between the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and the French government to develop joint projects focused on diversifying and promoting the critical minerals value chain in both countries

    5) Nigeria and France committed to enhancing collaboration in infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, the agricultural value chain, renewable energy, and human capital development

    UBA Group signed an agreement to commence operations in Paris

    • United Bank for Africa (UBA) signed a key agreement during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, marking a major step in its global expansion.
    • The agreement, signed by UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and French Finance Minister Antoine Armand, ensures UBA’s full banking operations in France.
    • Elumelu highlighted that this move strengthens UBA’s commitment to offering seamless banking services not only in Africa but also to French and European customers engaging with Africa.

    “Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York, and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network,” Elumelu said

    Zenith Bank formally inaugurated its operations in France

    Zenith Bank made significant strides in expanding its operations in Europe during President Tinubu’s state visit to France.

    The French market offers Zenith Bank the opportunity to deepen its international expansion, particularly in serving the growing needs of African businesses and investors in Europe.

    The bank’s inauguration of its services in France marks a notable step for the Nigerian banking giant, solidifying its footprint in one of the world’s leading financial hubs.

    Letter of Intent signed between the Nigerian and French Development Agency (AFD)

    Also on President Tinubu’s state visit to France, a Letter of Intent was signed between Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the French Development Agency (AFD) CEO, Remi Rioux.

    • The agreement focuses on long-term collaboration to support Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The partnership will facilitate funding for key areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, food security, healthcare, and human capital development, including education in STEM fields.
    • The AFD has committed to providing over €300 million in financial and technical assistance across all Nigerian regions, focusing on energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and the improvement of agro-logistic hubs.

    The agreement further emphasizes the importance of removing fiscal barriers and ensuring efficient project implementation to enhance mutual trade between the two nations.

    Nigeria and France to foster collaboration in the solid minerals sector

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Nigeria and France to foster collaboration in the solid minerals sector.

    • Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals signed for Nigeria while the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, Mr Benjamin Gallezot, signed on behalf of France.
    • This partnership will focus on the development of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are key to advancing clean energy technologies. The two countries will also collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges to promote knowledge transfer.
    • A critical component of the agreement is the commitment to sustainable mining activities, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mining. The MoU includes co-financed joint extractive projects, ensuring diversification and security of critical minerals while supporting energy transition projects.

    Additionally, the partnership aims to remediate over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, leveraging France’s expertise in sustainable mining.

    Development of critical infrastructure and long-term support for agriculture and food security

    President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron also signed two agreements in Paris focused on critical infrastructure development, including healthcare, transportation, and agricultural value chains, as well as renewable energy and human capital development.

    • The partnership, backed by over 300 million Euros in diverse financial and technical assistance programs, will span all geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
    • Both nations have committed to enhancing mutual trade, improving cross-border services, and eliminating fiscal barriers while protecting labor rights.
    • The agreements reached during President Tinubu’s visit laid the foundation for a strong and lasting Nigeria-France collaboration, with far-reaching implications for both nations’ economic growth and development.