All Posts in "Month: November 2025"

Afreximbank targets $40bn to deepen African trade

AFREXIMBANKAfreximbank has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up intra-African trade, industrialisation, and value-chain development under the African Continental Free Trade Area, pledging stronger trade-financing instruments and deeper policy support to ensure that no African country is left behind in the rollout of the single continental market.

The assurances were given in Abuja on Monday by the Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, during his address at the AfCFTA Public Sector, Private Sector, and Press Summit.

Zanamwe, in his address made available to our correspondent, said Afreximbank has deliberately designed a suite of innovative financing tools to unlock new levels of trade and investment flows across the continent.

“Afreximbank designed a range of financing and trade facilitation instruments to support intra-African trade and the AfCFTA,” he said. “We disbursed $20n between 2017 and 2021 in support of intra-African trade and investment, and we are on course to double this to $40bn by 2026.”

He highlighted two flagship interventions—the Global Facility for Intra-African Trade Champions and the Engineer, Procure and Contract Initiative—which he described as catalytic vehicles for building homegrown industrial champions and expanding Africa’s productive capacity.

Under INTRA-CHAMPS, Afreximbank provides financing, risk guarantees, advisory services, twinning, and ecosystem-building support to companies with the capacity to scale across borders. Zanamwe said the programme is already transforming Africa’s industrial landscape. “Today, INTRA-CHAMPS has helped catalyse the pan-African expansion of several major industrial players,” he noted.

He cited the Egyptian-born multinational ElSewedy Electric, which leveraged Afreximbank’s support to spread operations across more than 15 African countries, delivering power and infrastructure projects essential to continental trade. He also referenced the Dangote Group, one of Afreximbank’s longest-standing beneficiaries, which he described as “Africa’s most iconic industrial conglomerate,” with cement, fertiliser, and refinery operations now anchoring value chains across the continent.

According to him, these success stories show that African companies, when equipped with the right tools, can lead Africa’s industrial revolution. “We are not just financing trade,” Zanamwe said. “We are laying the foundation for industrialisation, competitiveness and sustainable prosperity.”

He emphasised that Afreximbank’s strong presence at the P3 Summit is an expression of its unwavering commitment to ensuring that the AfCFTA becomes fully operational.

“Our presence at this gathering—the P3 Summit—is a clear testament that Afreximbank is fully committed to making the single market under the AfCFTA a reality,” he declared. “We are committed to taking the AfCFTA from a mere legal instrument and using it to catalyse industrialisation and the development of regional value chains.”

He added that the bank will continue to deploy its trade finance and facilitation instruments to accelerate the implementation of the continental market. “Our mandate is to promote and facilitate African trade, and the AfCFTA provides the framework for doing exactly that,” he said.

Zanamwe admitted that the transition to a liberalised trade regime may present challenges, especially for countries adjusting to new tariff structures. To address this, he explained that Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat jointly established the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, backed by a $1bn commitment.

Of this amount, $100m has been allocated to the Credit Fund for commercial projects, while $10m has been placed in the Base Fund to support policy reforms.

“The Credit Fund is fully operational, with $10m already disbursed,” he said. “Fundraising has been underway since April 2025, and the Base Fund is positioned to provide grants to eligible countries and compensate for temporary losses in tariff revenue. This ensures that no country is left behind and that the agreement can be implemented by all.”

The Afreximbank director also touched on trade standards, quality assurance, and export competitiveness—factors he said are essential to the success of the AfCFTA. He noted that the bank supported the development of the Africa Quality Policy and also participated in the review of the Nigeria Quality Policy, which seeks to improve the quality infrastructure and market readiness of Nigerian products.

However, he stressed that Nigeria must now strengthen its legislative and regulatory framework to unlock the full benefits. “For the ecosystem for food safety to work well, Nigeria needs to ensure that the National Quality and Food Safety Bill is passed and implemented,” he said.

According to him, passing the bill will give Nigerian producers access to safer and higher-quality inputs, help local manufacturers meet domestic and export market requirements, and strengthen Nigeria’s foothold in regional value chains. He added that the measure will also ensure that the African Quality Assurance Centres operating in Nigeria are viable and sustainable, enabling them to deliver greater value to exporters.

Throughout his address, Zanamwe repeatedly stressed that the AfCFTA represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa to industrialise, scale up production, and build regional prosperity. He urged governments, regulators, and private-sector players to maintain the momentum.

“The AfCFTA is Africa’s pathway to economic transformation,” he said. “But it will take collective commitment, bold reforms, and strategic investments to unlock its full promise.”

Ending on an optimistic note, he added: “The future of African trade is continental, integrated and industrialised—and the time to act is now.”

Dan Poster by — November 25, 2025 in Business 0
NNPC revenue hits N45tn, profits jump 64%

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo OjulariThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has declared a profit after tax of N5.4tn for the financial year ended 2024, marking one of its strongest performances since its transition into a limited liability company.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, announced the financial results during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja. The latest figures represent a sharp improvement from the 2023 financial year, when the company posted a Profit After Tax of N3.297tn.

The 2024 profit reflects a 64 per cent year-on-year increase, signalling the impact of higher production volumes, cost-cutting measures, and enhanced operational efficiency across its assets.

The PUNCH reports that NNPC Limited’s latest results extend a remarkable profitability streak that began in 2020, when the company recorded its first-ever profit of N287bn, rising to N674bn in 2021 and N2.5tn in 2022

Presenting the results, Ojulari said the state-owned energy giant also recorded N45.1tn in revenue, representing 88 per cent year-on-year growth. He said stability in the foreign exchange market, following the floating of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria, boosted the profitability of the national oil company.

However, an analysis of the group’s foreign exchange earnings showed a near halving in 2024, falling to N8.365 billion from N15.95 billion in 2023, representing a 47.6 per cent decline, according to the released financial statement.

The GCEO said the performance demonstrated the “positive momentum” of the organisation’s ongoing transformation drive, driven largely by operational discipline and market reforms.

Ojulari also attributed the surge in earnings to cost-optimisation measures, improved production volumes, and favourable market conditions across the company’s upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.

According to him, a breakdown showed that NNPCL recorded N45.1tn in revenue (88 per cent growth), N5.4tn Profit After Tax (64 per cent growth), and N27.07 earnings per share, also up by 64 per cent.

Ojulari said, “The 2024 financial results we unveiled today are more than balance sheets and performance indicators. They embody discipline, progress, and the dedication of our teams nationwide. Yet, we recognise that figures alone cannot speak. They require context, clarity, and accessible interpretation, and that is where you play a vital role.

“To provide that context, let me underscore what these results signify. In 2024, NNPC Limited achieved a Profit After Tax of N5.4tn, supported by N45.1tn in revenue.

“This outcome was propelled by several critical drivers: enhanced operational efficiency across our assets, the positive impact of downstream market reforms, and our unwavering commitment to cost discipline. Financially, we have never been stronger or better positioned for tomorrow.”

Ojulari also announced a long-term strategic roadmap aimed at sustaining growth and advancing Nigeria’s energy transition through 2030. The plan focuses on boosting oil and gas production and mobilising major investments across the value chain.

Under the targets released, NNPC Ltd aims to raise crude oil output to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030.

The GCEO also plans to expand natural gas production to 10 billion standard cubic feet per day in 2027 and 12 billion scf/d in 2030, alongside completing key infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System, and the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben pipeline.

The company is further seeking to attract $60bn in investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments by the end of the decade.

“NNPC Limited is accelerating investments across upstream operations, gas infrastructure, and clean energy to extend growth into the next decade. Key strategic targets include mobilising $60bn in investments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors by 2030.

“Our transformation is anchored on transparency, innovation, and disciplined growth,” Ojulari added. “We are positioning NNPC Limited as a globally competitive energy company capable of delivering sustainable returns while powering the future of Nigeria and Africa.”

Dan Poster by — November 25, 2025 in Business 0
MARAN appoints caretaker committee to run affairs, as Exco steps aside 

…Invites Stakeholders to upcoming book launch

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has appointed a three-man Caretaker Committee to run its affairs, following a major reorganization in which the Godfrey Bivbere-led executive was asked to step aside.The action was a fallout of the November 20, 2025, general meeting of the Association, which was held at its Secretariat/International Maritime Press Center, in Apapa, Lagos.
The meeting, which was attended by over two-thirds of the Association’s membership, with all nine erstwhile executives in attendance, unanimously agreed that the reorganization exercise had become necessary in order to reposition the Association to meet its aspirations.
The newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee is as follows
* Mr Tunde Ayodele – CHAIRMAN.
* Mrs. Ruth Sunday Umunna – TREASURER.
* Mr. JOHN OBOT – GENERAL SECRETARY.
A statement signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman and Secretary stated as follows: MARAN wishes to inform all stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector, ministries, government departments, and agencies, to henceforth direct all inquiries and dealings to the Chairman of the Committee.
The Association wishes to state categorically that the action is for the good of the Association, the industry, and the nation in general, and should therefore not be misconstrued.
We wish to use this medium, to invite our highly esteemed Stakeholders to our Association’s forthcoming launch of the book, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”, coming up on the 4th of December, at the Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, is a foremost body of highly cerebral, credible, erudite, and professional Journalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and has been covering the activities of the maritime industry for nearly four decades.
The Association had made its indelible mark in the maritime sector through unbiased, insightful, and impactful reportages of the sector over the years.
It is the first and the longest Maritime Association in the Industry and has evolved with more than forty members from the print, electronic , and Online platforms.

Picture: Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele

DFC Management by — November 24, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0
Nigeria’s Port Community System to ignite digital revolution, reset port efficiency

 

By Foster Obi

After nearly two decades of trials, committees, abandoned timelines, and fragmented automation efforts, Nigeria’s long-awaited Port Community System (PCS) is obviously taking shape. With the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) committing to a Q1 2026 deployment, and the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry making it a national priority, stakeholders say the digital platform could become the single most transformative reform in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
A Turning Point After Years of Delay
The PCS, the digital ecosystem that connects every port stakeholder into one integrated data flow, has long been recognized as the “missing backbone” of Nigerian port operations.
At the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), declared publicly that the PCS would go live in Q1 2026, calling it “a collaborative platform that will finally harmonize port processes in a way the industry has waited for since the early 2000s.”
“Our digital platforms are already reducing paper-based interactions,” Dantsoho said. “The PCS will take this to the next level by connecting Customs, terminals, shipping lines, and transporters in real time.”
High-Level Policy Support
Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, describes the PCS as central to Nigeria’s global competitiveness, aligning with the IMO’s FAL Convention on trade facilitation.
“We cannot compete with Morocco, Dubai, or Kenya without a synchronized digital system,” Oyetola has repeatedly insisted in public speeches. “PCS is a presidential KPI, it must happen.”
Expert Analysis: The Governance Factor
Maritime Affairs analyst and Strategist, Dr Alban Igwe said that PCS is an innovative way of integrating the port system and dismantling silos.
“In a way, it is a form of a Port system single window. The concept is cool, but we should be more interested in the smartness and simplicity of the system.
“Smart systems are normally digitalized thereby eliminating much human interference. Simplicity addresses ease of use or user friendliness,” he noted.
Public Affairs analyst and stakeholder, Dr. Mike Olanrewaju argues that the PCS’s success will depend more on leadership than on technology.
“PCS is not simply software,” he explains. “It is a governance overhaul. Once data becomes visible to all stakeholders, the culture of bottlenecks and discretionary charges begins to collapse.”
Where Transparency Meets Resistance
Former NPA MD Mohammed Bello-Koko earlier described the PCS as “the game changer Nigeria needs,” adding that it would “eliminate human interface and the delays that undermine port competitiveness.”
Maritime logistics strategist, Engr. Obinna Chukwu notes that resistance is inevitable.
“Any technology that closes loopholes will attract pushback,” he says. “Some actors benefit from opacity. PCS will disrupt those comfort zones.”
Environmental and Efficiency Gains
Dantsoho has also linked the PCS to greener port operations, from improved intermodal cargo evacuation to the new shore-to-ship emissions initiative, which is set to begin at Lekki Port.
Environmental sustainability player Amaka Ezenwanne adds: “Digital ports are green ports. Better planning reduces truck idling, fuel waste, and carbon output. PCS is a climate milestone as much as an efficiency reform.”
With strong political commitment, agency alignment, and mounting industry expectations, Nigeria’s PCS finally appears set for delivery. If successfully implemented, it could cut costs, reduce corruption, shorten cargo dwell times, and anchor broader reforms like the National Single Window.
But its real test will lie in execution, cooperation, and staying the course where previous administrations faltered.
Expected collaboration for effectiveness
In an ideal port community system, the functions of the NPA and the Nigerian will obviously overlap, but will lead to efficiency. Their roles could be broken as below:
Mandate, NPA…Port infrastructure, terminals, operational efficiency, NSC regulatory, shippers’ advocacy, and fair play.
Both work toward a functional PCS; NSC regulates stakeholders while NPA manages port operations.
Focus: NSC… Shippers, freight forwarders, importers/exporters.
NPA …Terminals, vessel scheduling, cargo handling. Both ensure PCS covers compliance and operational processes.
Key Responsibilities: NSC- Stakeholder registration (PERCOMS portal), Enforcement of compliance with NPPM, ICTN implementation Port performance dashboards, Dispute resolution and anti-fraud measures
NPA…Terminal operations digitization, Vessel scheduling and berth allocation, Data integration of port processes, Single window for cargo flow management.
NSC sets rules and ensures compliance; NPA executes operational workflow digitally
PCS Ownership Claim: NSC regulatory coordination; shippers’ engagement. NPA…Operational and technical execution.
True PCS requires both: NSC governs and NPA operates
Stakeholder Interaction: NSC…Shippers, freight forwarders, cargo owners.
NPA: Terminal operators, shipping lines, Customs, NPA staff.
Integration of all stakeholders is necessary for functional PCS.
Goal..NSC..Transparency, efficiency, compliance, and cost reduction for shippers.
NPA..Reduced port congestion, operational efficiency, and real-time cargo management. The two agencies work together while aimi
ng for a fully functional, integrated Port Community System.

Picture: Cargo movement inside Nigeria Port

DFC Management by — November 24, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0
North-Central APC forum accuses Yilwatda of blocking Gov Mutfwang’s defection

The North-Central APC Forum has accused the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, of obstructing Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang from joining the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement on Sunday, the forum said Yilwatda had failed to unite the North-Central region and was prioritising personal political interests over party growth. The group alleged that the chairman, who lost the 2023 Plateau governorship election to Mutfwang, is blocking the governor’s defection to protect his 2027 political ambitions.

The forum also criticised Yilwatda for a recent church appearance where he claimed to represent Christians in the North-Central, calling the remarks divisive and contrary to the party’s principles.

Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the forum’s chairman, said Yilwatda lacked political exposure, having never held an elected office, and accused him of deepening divisions within Plateau State and the wider region. The forum urged the APC leadership to consider appointing a more competent national chairman at the party’s planned December convention.

Despite the criticisms, the group reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu and pledged to deliver votes from the North-Central region in the 2027 elections.

Dan Poster by — November 24, 2025 in Politics 0
Kwara PDP welcomes release of Eruku abductees, demands arrest of perpetrators

The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed relief at the news of the release of the 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku.

A statement by the party’s spokesman, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, in Ilorin on Sunday, said: “We join the families, the Eruku community, and all well-meaning Kwarans in thanking God for their safe return from the clutches of their captors.

“We also thank God Almighty for the good news and commend the courage and tireless efforts of the security agencies, particularly the local vigilantes who worked relentlessly to secure this success.”

The PDP added: “While this development brings relief to the victims’ families and all of us in Kwara State, it is important to state clearly that the safe return of abducted citizens does not erase the persistent security failures that allowed this heinous attack to occur in the first place if none of the perpetrators of this heinous crime have been arrested and publicly paraded.

“As a party, we believe the state government’s silence on the crucial details of this release is unacceptable.”

The party further demanded to know: “Were any of the terrorists who carried out the attack arrested or neutralised during the operation? A government that celebrates the release of hostages without the arrest of their captors is merely negotiating a temporary ceasefire with criminals.”

The opposition party also asked whether a ransom was paid, and if so, whether it was from public funds, adding that the government owes the people full transparency on the matter.

It also inquired about the condition of the victims, the comprehensive support the government is providing for their recovery and reintegration, and what concrete measures have been put in place by the state government to prevent another attack of this nature.

The party argued: “Security is not measured by how many abductees are released, but by how many criminals are arrested, prosecuted, and prevented from striking again.

“Until the masterminds of the attack are apprehended and their networks dismantled, Kwara communities remain vulnerable.

“The Kwara PDP maintains that the return of the Eruku 38, while bringing relief, is not a victory for governance. A true victory would be the arrest and prosecution of the criminals and the implementation of a robust, proactive security strategy that prevents such abductions altogether.”

Dan Poster by — November 24, 2025 in Politics 0
Power blackout: Disco debunks Imo govt’s sabotage allegation as row deepens

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has reacted to the announcement issued by the Imo State Government, accusing it of planned sabotage of power supply in the state.

Imo government made the allegation in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba.

The announcement alleged that “EEDC plans massive electricity outage in Imo to sabotage the State Government’s electricity project.”

DAILY POST recalls that days ago, armed security operatives, alleged to be working under the instruction of the Imo State government, had invaded the Transmission Company of Nigeria office in the state and forced staff on duty to shut down power.

As the row continues, the government is now claiming the EEDC was planning to sabotage power supply in the state.

However, in a reaction, the EEDC in a statement on Sunday by its Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, stated categorically that the allegation was baseless, unfounded, and completely devoid of truth.

“We advise our esteemed customers in Imo State and the general public to disregard the claim in its entirety, as EEDC has no intention whatsoever to carry out any ‘major power outages’ in the state.

“It is unfortunate that the Imo State Government has chosen the path of propaganda as a means of diverting public attention and masking its longstanding hostility toward EEDC and its operations within the state.

“EEDC remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of electricity consumers. However, we urge the Imo State Government to provide an enabling environment for licensed operators to function effectively, rather than frustrating their operations through the use of state machinery.

“It is on record that on Saturday, 15th November 2025, armed policemen, allegedly acting on the instructions of the Imo State Government, stormed the Egbu Station of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and forced the operator on duty, at gunpoint, to shut down all feeders. This action plunged customers into total darkness. What greater act of sabotage could there be?” EEDC queried.

It added that for the avoidance of doubt, “There is no plan whatsoever by EEDC to carry out any major outage in Imo State.

“EEDC is committed to serving its customers and continues to make significant investments aimed at improving supply reliability and overall service quality across the state.

“However, we urge all our customers in Imo State to note that if any power outage occurs from this moment onward, the responsible party is clear. The state government, having raised false alarms and made unfounded, unverified, and baseless accusations against EEDC, should be held accountable.

“EEDC remains dedicated to its mandate and will continue working diligently to ensure sustainable and improved electricity distribution to customers in Imo State.”

Dan Poster by — November 24, 2025 in General News 0
Nigeria’s 8,587 diphtheria cases, 884 deaths highest in Africa – WHO

Nigeria is leading Africa in reported diphtheria cases, with 8,587 confirmed infections and 884 deaths between January 1 and November 2, 2025,

This is according to the latest data obtained exclusively by our correspondent from the World Health Organisation on Sunday.

The WHO report showed that Nigeria continues to account for the highest number of diphtheria cases in the African region.

Last Friday, Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, announced that it has been scaling up its diphtheria emergency response in collaboration with several state Ministries of Health since August, due to a significant increase in diphtheria cases in Borno, Kano, and Bauchi.

MSF stated that hundreds of suspected cases identified and reported by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers over the last three months have strained health facilities, exposing critical gaps in treatment capacity and vaccine coverage.

The WHO said, “Nigeria continues to report the highest number of diphtheria cases in the African region.

From January 1 to November 2, 2025, 12,150 suspected cases have been reported, with 8,587 confirmed and 884 deaths (CFR 7.2 per cent).”

The global health body noted that confirmed cases have been detected across 240 Local Government Areas in 30 states, with most of the cases clinically diagnosed.

“Only three per cent were confirmed by laboratory testing,” it stated.

The report revealed that children and adolescents remain the most affected demographic, with low vaccination coverage fuelling transmission.

“In Nigeria, more than two million children are under-immunised, including those with zero doses, highlighting the high risk of further spread.

“Reactive campaigns have been conducted in Imo, Kaduna, and Lagos, targeting health workers and priority populations.

“The outbreak overlaps with areas targeted by the Big Catch-up initiative. Challenges include delayed laboratory confirmation, poor Infection Prevention and Control practices, limited information, education and communication materials, and vaccine shortages,” WHO highlighted.

It further said that discussions with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are ongoing to secure additional support.

“According to WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunisation Coverage in 2024, the estimates show 71 per cent coverage for the first Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis dose and 67 per cent for the third,” it added.

Algeria reported a diphtheria outbreak in Skikda province in October 2025 with 13 suspected cases, eight confirmed, and two deaths, mostly affecting unvaccinated individuals.

Despite high national vaccination rates for 2024, according to WUENIC, geopolitical instability in neighbouring countries has led to mass displacement into southern Algeria, where vaccination coverage among refugees is low.

It said that the lack of data since May 2025 and limited information sharing are key challenges to assessing the full scope of the outbreak.

From January 1 to 2 November 2, 2025, Chad recorded 4,462 suspected cases and 47 deaths, but only four were laboratory-confirmed due to diagnostic limitations.

The outbreak overlaps with a severe humanitarian crisis and multiple epidemics, prompting a request to Gavi for vaccines and operational support.

Guinea has reported 476 suspected cases and 123 deaths since June 2025, with human-to-human transmission concentrated in the Siguiri district in the Kankan region.

“The outbreak has affected four of 38 prefectures (11 per cent), with human-to-human transmission concentrated in the Kankan region, particularly in Siguiri district, which accounts for over 80 per cent of reported cases and fatalities,” WHO stated.

Mali reported 430 suspected cases and 29 deaths across seven regions, with rapid expansion from three to 30 affected districts within six weeks.

Between January and November 2025, Mauritania reported 849 suspected cases, 318 confirmed, and 33 deaths, mainly affecting children and adolescents aged five to 19 years.

Niger recorded 1,926 suspected cases and 122 deaths across 34 health districts, with most cases in Agadez, Diffa, and Zinder regions.

Ongoing humanitarian challenges and gaps in vaccine delivery persist despite a recent vaccination campaign and relatively high national immunisation estimates.

South Africa has reported 106 diphtheria cases, including 66 confirmed respiratory infections and 37 asymptomatic carriers affecting five provinces, with the Western Cape most impacted. Immunity gaps, limited antitoxin supply, and outbreaks among vulnerable groups, such as inmates, are complicating response efforts.

“In 2025, from January 1 to November 2, a total of 20,412 suspected diphtheria cases, including 1,252 deaths (an average case fatality ratio [CFR] of 6.1 per cent), have been reported across eight Member States in the WHO African Region (Algeria, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and South Africa). Of these suspected cases, 9,864 (48.3 per cent) have been confirmed through laboratory testing, epidemiological linkage, or clinical diagnosis. Laboratory confirmation was conducted for 5.7 per cent (n = 1,177) of the suspected cases.

“Women, children aged five to 18 years, and young adults under 30 years are the most affected, confirming that the immunity gap extends well beyond early childhood. The situation has further deteriorated in Mali, Mauritania, and Niger in recent weeks, with increasing case numbers and geographic spread of the outbreaks reported in these countries.

“The resurgence of diphtheria across multiple countries in the WHO African Region constitutes a serious public health concern, which led to its grading as a grade two emergency under the Emergency Response Framework of WHO.

Timely case detection, coordinated response, and clinical management remain critical to limiting transmission and reducing the high fatality rates observed in recent outbreaks. However, response efforts are being hampered by a global shortage of DAT and limited laboratory diagnostic capacity,” WHO said.

The UN body emphasised that Effective diphtheria control demands a coordinated, multi-sectoral response that includes emergency management, laboratory confirmation, surveillance, clinical care with DAT and antibiotics, and strong infection prevention measures.

It added that sustained vaccination, community engagement, and stronger health systems, especially routine immunisation, are crucial to stopping transmission and preventing future outbreaks in the African Region.

Dan Poster by — November 24, 2025 in General News 0
LASBCA demolishes illegal structures on Lagos Island

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency, has pulled down some structures in the Ikate Elegushi area of the state over the lack of proper approval or authorisation.

LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, noted in a statement that the joint enforcement operation was carried out on Saturday by the Office of Urban Development and LASBCA, targeting structures that contravened building regulations and encroached on drainage setbacks.

The Lagos State Assembly House Committee Chairman on Physical Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, who also joined the operation, affirmed that the Assembly fully supported the drive to sanitise the built environment in Lagos.

According to him, compliance with building regulations is non-negotiable, noting that unregulated development endangers lives and puts pressure on critical infrastructure.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, emphasised that “illegal construction continues to pose significant challenges to environmental sustainability and urban planning within the state.”

Oki reiterated that the ministry rmained committed to supporting LASBCA in ensuring that all building developments across Lagos meet the required standards.

On her part, the Acting General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, expressed the agency’s resolve to intensify monitoring across all zones.

She explained that the structures being removed had been served multiple notices, including stop-work orders and demolition notices, but the owners refused to comply.

The enforcement team also moved to the Lekki–Ikoyi axis, where buildings erected under high-tension power lines were marked for demolition.

The move follows several demolitions that have taken place in Lagos in areas like Oworonshoki, Trade Fair, Ikota, etc. While building owners lament losses, the state government has insisted that property developers must get proper approvals.

Dan Poster by — November 24, 2025 in General News 0
Court orders FG to name culprits in N6tn NDDC scandal

NDDCThe Federal High Court in Abuja has directed President Bola Tinubu to compel the Attorney General of the Federation to publish the names of individuals indicted in the alleged misappropriation of over N6tn meant for the Niger Delta Development Commission between 2000 and 2019.

The landmark ruling, delivered on Monday, November 10, by Justice Gladys Olotu, also mandates President Bola Tinubu to make the NDDC forensic audit report, submitted to the Federal Government on September 2, 2021, publicly available.

The judgment was obtained in certified form last Friday following a Freedom of Information suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project in November 2021.

Justice Olotu ruled that the forensic audit report and the names of those indicted constitute “public records” under Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act.

She noted that the information is not exempt from disclosure under Sections 11-19 of the Act, as it pertains to the management of public funds.

“The refusal of the President and the Attorney General to publish the audit report or act on the allegations, despite formal demand by SERAP, constitutes a breach of their statutory duties under the Freedom of Information Act, Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, and Nigeria’s international obligations to promote transparency and accountability,” Justice Olotu said.

The court emphasised that every citizen has the right to access information in the custody of public officials, and that the Freedom of Information Act imposes a non-discretionary duty on public institutions to release such information.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the judgment as a “ground-breaking victory for transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds,” urging the Tinubu administration to comply immediately.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, praised the judgment, calling it “one of the most patriotic public interest litigations ever undertaken in Nigeria,” and stressed that delayed enforcement could undermine both the fight against corruption and the rule of law.

In a letter dated November 22, 2025, SERAP formally urged President Tinubu to implement the court orders without delay, stressing that compliance would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Dan Poster by — November 24, 2025 in General News 0