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  • Borno govt allocates N1.6 billion for rehabilitation of 33 hit by floods

    Borno govt allocates N1.6 billion for rehabilitation of 33 hit by floods

    The Borno State Government has approved N1.6 billion for the rehabilitation of 33 educational institutions affected by the recent floods in the state.

    The funding is aimed at restoring critical educational infrastructure and providing safe, conducive learning environments for students in the flood-impacted areas.

    Alhaji Lawan Abba-Wakilbe, the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, announced on Saturday, noting that the affected schools are spread across Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Chibok, and Damboa local government areas, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

    “Borno Government says it has approved N1.6 billion for the rehabilitation of 33 educational institutions affected by the recent floods in the state. 

    “The affected schools cut across Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Chibok, and Damboa local government areas of the state. 

    “Alhaji Lawan Abba-Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation announced this on Saturday in Maiduguri,” the NAN report read in part.  

    Abba-Wakilbe noted that the rehabilitation effort is part of a broader plan to address the damages caused by the floods, which have disrupted education for many students in the state.

    The Commissioner emphasized the government’s strong commitment to restoring learning facilities and ensuring uninterrupted education.

    He noted that the N1.6 billion will be allocated directly to the affected schools through the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), which will oversee the implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) for each institution.

    Abba-Wakilbe stressed that the committees have earned a reputation for effectively managing previous projects, and they will ensure that the rehabilitation funds are used efficiently. The amount allocated to each school will be determined based on the level of damage sustained.

    More Insights

    The Commissioner also announced that the rehabilitation initiative will extend beyond the schools to include the state’s Library Board and the Scholarship Board, further strengthening the restoration of educational resources across Borno.

    • Abba-Wakilbe stressed that the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has set up a monitoring team to ensure the proper use of the funds.
    • To enhance transparency, he revealed that plans are also underway to engage an auditor and financial consultant to oversee the process.
    • The Commissioner urged school management without operational accounts to open them promptly to facilitate the fund distribution.

    The report also noted that the announcement has received widespread support from educators and parents, with many expressing optimism that the rehabilitation efforts will help students return to a safer, more stable learning environment.

     

  • What African leaders must learn from America First – Professor Jeremy Ghez

    What African leaders must learn from America First – Professor Jeremy Ghez

    With the rise of “America First,” African nations must rethink their approach to engaging with the United States, argues Professor Jeremy Ghez.

    Ghez gave this insight during the Nairametrics Nigeria Economic Outlook 2025 Focus: Exchange Rate, Interest Rate, Economic Growth, Geopolitics, he urged African nations to adapt to America’s evolving foreign policy, which now prioritizes domestic economic benefits over traditional diplomatic compromises.

    Ghez outlined how the U.S. has transitioned from compromise-driven diplomacy to a power-centric, transactional model.

    Referencing Donald Trump’s, The Art of the Deal, Ghez describes a negotiation style that thrives on arm wrestling rather than consensus-building.

    He emphasizes that this ideology represents a broader American pivot towards prioritizing domestic economic benefits in global engagements.

    “This is about business and economic prospects,” he says, highlighting that transnationalism, not protectionism, defines the current U.S. stance.

    Ghez calls on African leaders to respond strategically. Drawing lessons from China’s dealings with Trump, he suggests African nations would benefit from unity in negotiations.

    “The key for African partners is to find a core set of shared interests to push forward as a bloc,” Ghez advises. 

    The stakes are high, he notes, as economic priorities dominate U.S. foreign policy, sidelining broader security guarantees.

    “If you want this, you must get that,” Ghez says, underscoring the importance of clarity and leverage in negotiations,” she noted.

    Ghez reflects on a changing America, one less willing to compromise and more focused on transactional outcomes.

    For African leaders, the message is clear: adapt to the rules of this new game or risk being sidelined in the global power struggle.

    Concerns loom over AGOA renewal amid changing U.S. policies 

    • As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its 2025 expiration, Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council, also expressed concerns over potential renegotiations under evolving U.S. policies.
    • Speaking on Nigeria’s trade opportunities, Olele stressed that AGOA remains a lifeline for many African nations, including Nigeria, in maintaining export relationships with the U.S.

    “The fear of higher tariffs or reduced trade benefits under an ‘America First’ policy is palpable,” Olele said. “The current administration’s anti-China stance, however, may still create opportunities for U.S. private sector-driven projects in Nigeria.” 

    Since its inception during the Trump administration, AGOA has facilitated 152 deals worth $86 billion in exports to Africa.

    Olele called on Nigeria to strengthen its economic fundamentals to remain competitive in future U.S. trade policies.

  • Lagos govt seals 9 businesses in Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo for noise, environmental violation

    Lagos govt seals 9 businesses in Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo for noise, environmental violation

    The Lagos State Government has sealed nine establishments across Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo for violating noise and environmental regulations, including a bakery, a hotel, a church, a conference center and a spa, among others.

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) carried out the enforcement action as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce noise pollution, uphold environmental standards, and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

    The disclosure was made in a statement posted on Monday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.

     

    It emphasized that despite prior notices from LASEPA, the affected businesses were shut down for failing to meet required environmental standards.

    “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) @LasepaOfficial  during the week sealed several establishments across the state. The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

    It added, “These establishments were shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards, despite prior notices from the agency,” the statement read in part.

    The establishments sealed include:

    • Daily Bakery
    • Redeemed Christian Church of God
    • Gak Universal Allied Limited
    • Ideal Standard
    • Franjane Royal Suites
    • Golden Haven Resort & Suites
    • Festival Hotel Conference Center & SPA
    • FS Service Centre
    • Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall

    The statement highlighted that the closure of the defaulting establishments reinforces LASEPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and safeguarding the well-being of Lagosians, with the agency assuring the public of its ongoing efforts to create a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable Lagos.

    What you should know  

    The Lagos State government continues to enforce regulations addressing noise pollution and environmental violations across the state. Recently, several establishments in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi were shut down for such violations.

    • Notably, Ile Iyan restaurant in Ikeja GRA was sealed for exceeding noise levels and failing to meet environmental standards. Donald Fast Food in Lekki Phase 1 was closed two months ago for operating as a nightclub in a residential area but reopened after committing to noise limits.
      • In October 2023, Carizma Hotel in Abule Egba was sealed following repeated noise complaints from residents. Other closures include Silk Club in Ikoyi and Quilox Club in Victoria Island for excessive noise. These actions align with NESREA guidelines, which set noise limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 at night in residential areas.
      • Additionally, establishments in Ikorodu, including bakeries, hotels, bars, and churches, were sealed for environmental violations. Markets like Mile 12, Ladipo, and Oyingbo were temporarily closed earlier this year but resumed after meeting environmental standards.

      Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has repeatedly emphasized that these actions are vital to public health and a sustainable environment for Lagosians.

    • Caleb Obiowo has a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo. With over three years of experience writing about a range of topics, Caleb is dedicated to educating his audience through useful content. He is currently an analyst at Nairametrics focused on exploring the Nigerian transportion, construction, and real estate sectors, among others.

    Daily Bakery enviromental violation lasepa RCCG Tokunbo Wahab

  • No official date for upcoming census in Nigeria – NPC

    No official date for upcoming census in Nigeria – NPC

    The National Population Commission (NPC) has issued a clarification in response to misleading reports circulating online that falsely suggest the Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, announced the next Population and Housing Census in Nigeria would take place in 2025.

    In a statement released today by the NPC, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, the Acting Director of Public Affairs, the NPC clarified that no official date for the upcoming census has been set.

    The commission noted that the Chairman’s remarks had been misinterpreted, saying that the misreporting stems from comments made during a media interaction at the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja.

    What NPC is saying

    “We wish to clarify that no official announcement regarding the date of the upcoming census has been made. The Chairman’s remarks have been taken out of context by individuals seeking to mislead the public and drive traffic to their sites rather than provide accurate information. 

    “To put the record straight, during a media interaction at the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja, the NPC Chairman addressed the pressing issue of significant data gaps in Nigeria that impede the tailoring of reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups. He expressed hope that President Tinubu would proclaim the census date in the coming year,” the statement read. 

    NPC’s constitutional role  

    • The NPC, in its statement, emphasized that while it is constitutionally mandated to conduct censuses, the commission does not have the authority to set the date for the census.
    • The power to determine the census date rests solely with the President of Nigeria, who must issue the proclamation.
    • Following the postponement of the census by the previous administration, the NPC has been engaged in discussions with the presidency to determine the new census date. The commission remains in the preparatory stages for the upcoming census, with ongoing consultations about the timeline.
    • The NPC reassured the public that while the census date has not been set, preparations for the event are actively underway. The Commission is working diligently in collaboration with the presidency to establish an official date.

    Oloruntoba urged the public to rely on verified information from official NPC channels instead of unsubstantiated reports from unofficial sources.

    “We urge the public to seek verified information from official NPC channels rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims,” stated Oloruntoba. 

    The NPC called on both the public and the media to exercise caution when disseminating information. The Commission urged all stakeholders to verify the accuracy of reports before publication and to rely on official sources for updates.

     

  • Nigerian box office hits N8.76 billion towards blockbuster December

    Nigerian box office hits N8.76 billion towards blockbuster December

    The Nigerian cinema industry has achieved significant growth in 2024, with box office revenue reaching N8.76 billion year-to-date, reflecting a 59% increase compared to the same period last year.

    While ticket admissions have declined by 0.5%, higher revenue indicates increased average ticket prices and strong performance from high-grossing films.

    One of the standout contributors to this surge is new comer Disney’s Moana 2, which is on track for an opening weekend surpassing N100 million.

    If achieved, this would set a new record for animated films in Nigeria, overtaking the N28.4 million debut of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in 2023.

    The film’s strong performance highlights the continued appeal of family-oriented international titles.

    Nigerian productions continue to dominate the market, accounting for over half of 2024’s total box office revenue. Local films have maintained impressive momentum, with at least one title crossing N100 million in earnings each month.

    Funke Akindele’s upcoming Everybody Loves Jenifa, set for release on December 13, is one of the most anticipated titles this year. Akindele’s films have been major contributors to the industry’s growth, with her releases in 2023 alone grossing over N1 billion. Other December releases include Toyin Abraham’s Alakada: Bad and Boujee, Seven Doors, Thin Line, and Christmas in Lagos.

    December has become a key month for Nigerian cinema, a trend established by the success of The Wedding Party in 2016. That film held the record for the highest-grossing Nigerian film until it was surpassed by Omo Ghetto: The Saga in 2020. The tradition of releasing star-studded blockbusters during the holiday season has continued to drive audience engagement and boost revenues

    Despite a slight dip in admissions compared to the previous year, the Nigerian film industry has leveraged its ability to produce consistent hits, both domestically and internationally. With major titles scheduled for release in December, the industry is poised for a record-breaking conclusion to an already remarkable year.

    Backstory  

    According to a presentation given by Moses Babatope, CEO of NILEgroup, the possibilities for a major turnaround for the industry.

    Babatope alluded to 2004, when there was only one cinema in Nigeria; now, we have about 90 cinemas and 325 screens across Nigeria and Ghana. While this is modest growth, it’s still far from matching our population or output as a content-creating industry,” he explained.

    Despite challenges such as foreign exchange pressures and rising costs, Babatope remains optimistic. “We hope to see attendance growth of 10-15% by year’s end. The resilience of cinemas in times of economic uncertainty is a clear indicator that there’s something fundamental about the Nigerian audience’s connection to the big screen.

    Deborah Dan-Awoh is a seasoned lifestyle analyst with a knack for storytelling. The focus of her work covers people, money and culture as it relates with business and economy. When she’s not keeping tabs on the latest trends in lifestyle and finance- Deborah enjoys networking with industry experts to gain insight into major markets as it affects the populace

    blockbuster December Nigerian Box OfficeNigerian cinema industry

  • EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

     

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate 

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    Rosalia Ozibo by Rosalia Ozibo
     11 hours ago
    in Business News
    Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

    RelatedStories

     

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    Abuja Estate EFCCEFCC historic asset recovery Ola Olukoyede

  • NITDA, BPP, and FRSC emerge worst agencies for customer complaints resolution in November 2024

    NITDA, BPP, and FRSC emerge worst agencies for customer complaints resolution in November 2024

    The ReportGov.Ng, Nigeria’s Official Public Service Complaint website, has listed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the worst-performing government agencies in terms of customer complaints resolution for November 2024.

    This is revealed in the report detailing how government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) fared in responding to complaints in the period.

    According to the report, NITDA received two complaints in the period under review and resolved none.

    BPP received one complaint and could not resolve it, while the FRSC received eight complaints and was unable to resolve any.

    Top 3 agencies

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) emerged as the top three agencies government agencies responsive to public complaints in November.

    According to the Reportgov data, the FAAN received four complaints within the period under review, and all of them were resolved.

    The NPA and the NCS, which received one complaint each were able to resolve them within the period.

    Why it matters

    The Report.Gov platform was conceived by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)) established by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2016 as part of moves to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    • The website is to facilitate the escalation and resolution of issues encountered with Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) towards ensuring a more business-friendly environment.
    • This presupposes that every MDA of the government must be responsive to complaints and issues that the people may have during their engagements with them to remove delays and restrictions that come with doing business in Nigeria.
    • Meanwhile, in a 2020 World Bank report, Nigeria’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business report improved from 146 to 131, representing its second-highest annual progress in a decade. Nigeria’s highest scores were in the areas of starting a business, dealing with construction permits, and getting credit. However, the country’s performance was low in other areas, such as registering properties, trading across borders, and resolving insolvencies.

    Most recently, PEBEC’s 2023 EoDB report showed that at the country-wide level, there was a marginal increase in Nigeria’s overall EoDB satisfaction score to 5.69 on a 10-point scale from 5.45 recorded in the inaugural report. While acknowledging this improvement, PEBEC said there is a lot more to be done to improve the business environment.

  • Lagos govt seals Mega Plaza in Lagos Island for discharging untreated washwater into public drain

    Lagos govt seals Mega Plaza in Lagos Island for discharging untreated washwater into public drain

    The Lagos State Government has sealed Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island, for discharging untreated wastewater into public drains.  

    The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) enforced the closure after monitoring the property at night and obtaining photographic evidence of violations.  

    In a statement published on the official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the government revealed that the facility used a pumping machine at night to discharge untreated wastewater into public drains, polluting the environment and exposing citizens to communicable diseases.

    “The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has continued to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring credible and sustainable wastewater management in the State by once again clamping down on the Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island for discharging untreated wastewater into the public drains, through the use of a pumping machine,” the statement read in part.  

    The statement further noted that the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi reiterated the State’s zero tolerance for environmental pollution and degradation.  

    Afolabi stressed that the agency remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the benefit of public health.  

    He emphasized that properties and facilities violating environmental laws would face strict sanctions by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. 

    What you should know 

    The Lagos State Government, through various agencies, has intensified efforts to ensure strict compliance with sanitation, hygiene, and environmental pollution regulations across the state.  

    A key focus of these initiatives is the monitoring and enforcement against the discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains, a practice that pollutes the environment and exposes citizens to communicable diseases. 

    In September 2024, for instance, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed Cravings & More, a fast food outlet along Egbeda-Idimu Road, for discharging waste into public drains.  

    • This action followed multiple public complaints about the illegal disposal of fats and oils into the drainage system, which caused clogged drains, a proliferation of maggots and houseflies, and foul odors. 
    • Similarly, in February 2024, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed a Jumia outlet located on Herbert Macaulay Way in Yaba. The enforcement was due to the facility’s unauthorized disposal of sewage into the surrounding area, posing significant health and environmental risks.  

    These actions highlight the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and maintaining a clean, habitable environment for all Lagos residents. 

     

     

  • NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a counterfeit alcohol production site on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island, following a public complaint.

    The site, a shop converted into a fake alcohol manufacturing hub, was raided on Monday.

    Assorted counterfeit beverages were destroyed on-site, while packaging materials, empty bottles, and repackaged drinks were seized.

    NAFDAC revealed in a statement shared via its official X handle, that the estimated value of the destroyed and confiscated items exceeds N30 million.

    The agency announced that it has initiated further investigations and advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from reputable vendors.

    It also urged the public to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    Nairametrics recently reported that NAFDAC dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State.

    • During the raid, over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials for fake alcoholic beverages, valued at approximately N2 billion, were confiscated.”
    • Also, the agency has also shut down another counterfeit alcoholic factory in Abuja and Kaduna.
    • While intensifying its campaign against counterfeit alcohol, NAFDAC dismantled an illicit production operation in Lugbe, Abuja about a few weeks ago.
    • The raid uncovered large quantities of fake alcoholic beverages and expired ingredients with altered dates, underscoring NAFDAC commitments to clamping down on dangerous, substandard goods.
    • In the operation led by Shaba Mohammed, director, of NAFDAC’s Federal Task Force and its enforcement teams, the agency seized the counterfeit alcoholic beverages and equipment used in repackaging these products in reused bottles.
    • “This operation is part of a broader effort to target hotspots for counterfeit goods,” said Mohammed. “Lugbe has become a focal point for producing and distributing these fake alcoholic products, with bottles labelled to mimic popular brands and expiration dates altered to deceive consumers. 

      The confiscated products have been packed in residential settings, where counterfeiters relied on imitation packaging materials to produce fraudulent versions of popular alcoholic drinks. Tamanuwa Andrew, deputy director of investigation and enforcement for NAFDAC in Kaduna, reported similar findings in Wuse Market and Mararaba, a community bordering the FCT and Nasarawa.

      “We’ve seen an increase in unregistered herbal remedies and pharmaceutical products alongside counterfeit alcohol,” said Andrew.” Our surveillance is ongoing, with the aim of clearing these products from the markets and protecting public health ”

    • Anthonia Obokoh is journalist with years experience in the media industry, focusing on health reporting. Known for her expertise as a health writer and analyst, she brings depth to topics from public health policies to healthcare advancements. Her work has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in Nigeria’s health journalism field

     

  • FCCPC probes GTBank, MTN and Air Peace over alleged customer rights violations

    FCCPC probes GTBank, MTN and Air Peace over alleged customer rights violations

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it has launched a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors comprising GTBank, MTN, and Air Peace. 

    The Commission disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of  Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, issued on Sunday. 

    According to the statement, the inquisitions, which will begin on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations. 

    Allegations against the companies 

    FCCPC said  Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) is being investigated over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications. 

    “In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care. 

    “Similarly, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for bookings on certain domestic routes,” the Commission stated. 

    Legal backing 

    FCCPC said the inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the Commission to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition. 

    • It added that the engagement with these companies would provide a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.  
    • The companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly. 

    “This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace, and ensuring accountability across all sectors. 

    “We urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels,” the Commission stated. 

    What you should know  

    The allegations of network failure against GTB may not be unconnected with the bank’s recent transition to a new core banking application, which disrupted its services for weeks. 

    Last week, the bank issued an apology to all its customers, with explanations that it faced difficulties in the process of transitioning to a new core banking system, Finacle Suite of Core Banking Application.