Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • NAFDAC urges public to report adverse drug reactions

    NAFDAC urges public to report adverse drug reactions

     

     

    Minna (Flowerbud News):   The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged members of the public to report adverse reactions of drugs on their health using the Med Safety App.

    Mr Kenneth Azikwe, Director of NAFDAC, North Central Zone, made the call during an engaged with stakeholders in Minna on Monday.

    He said by reporting adverse reactions, stakeholders would be helping NAFDAC to identify and remove harmful products from the market, thereby protecting public health.

    “Don’t keep quiet when you take a drug and you get a negative reaction to your body; report such products using your phone through the app.

    “Once you complain, we have officers watching the app and an investigation will be launched immediately to withdraw the drug if it is not good,” he said.

    Azikwe said the agency had always emphasised on pharmacovigilance to ensure safety of consumers and promote responsible use of pharmaceutical products.

    He noted that the agency believed in feedbacks hence stakeholders’s engagement to enhance regulatory activities and improve services rendered to the public.

    He called on the stakeholders to embrace the NAFDAC Automated Product and Monitoring System (NAPMS), which enabled products registration online without physical presence

    (NAFDAC Operatives in action)

    According to him, NAFDAC as a regulatory authority, has grown with the signs of time, urging companies to use NAPMAS to register their products as it is easier and cheaper.

    The director also encouraged stakeholders to participate in the Micro Small Medium Enterprises Registration Scheme, which allowed the registration of low-risk food products using minimal facilities to guarantee the safety of the products.

    He appealed to stakeholders to embrace the Green Book, a database of registered products.

    He encouraged stakeholders to download the app into their phone, which could be used to search the name of a drug to know if such a drug was registered or not.

    He appealed stakeholders to come forward as a group or association, particularly in the agrochemical and chemical sectors, to obtain the necessary licences and certifications to enable the agency control what people were doing with chemicals.

    Mr James Kigbu, state Coordinator of NAFDAC in Niger, said the stakeholders’ engagement was crucial for fostering open dialogue and collaboration to ensure regulatory compliance, safety and responsible business practices.

    “Your feedback today will help us in decision-making, improve processes and help us to manage your expectations,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders at the engagement include the Agro Chemical Association, Industrial Pharmacy of Nigeria and Supermarket Owners Association.

    Others are the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, Islamic Medicine and Prophetic Medicine Association, and National Association of Environmental Health Officers of Nigeria.

     

  • NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps to boost food security

    NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps to boost food security

    Flowerbud News/ National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NASENI solar irrigation pump, produced to replace the petrol-powered pumps, were aimed at reinforcing the nation’s food security strategy.
    They are also expected to increase agricultural productivity, lower operational cost, higher incomes and improve livelihoods.
    At its 152nd meeting held on Thursday at Presidential Villa, Abuja, NEC endorsed the use of the solar irrigation pumps and resolved to adequately notify President Bola Tinubu for his approval.
    The council also mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, to work out the modalities of funding to enable NASENI to mass produce the solar irrigation pumps.
    In his remark, the Chairman of the council, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps were an indication that Nigerians can compete at the global level with their creativity.
    “We must also face the challenge of innovation in agriculture. NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season.
    ”  These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households.
    “Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.
    Shettima said the innovation by NASENI would not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities” for farmers across the country.
    He hinted at other efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure food security, saying, “recently, 250,000 farmers had been insured across eight states.”
    Shettima further said that the 30 per cent Value Addition Bill was advancing, and the N250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility was being activated to reach smallholders.
    He said, ” the Green Imperative Project with Brazil is being repositioned for financing, while the World Bank-backed AGROW programme is mapping priority value chains for roll-out.
    “The Harvesting Hope Caravan has reached half a million citizens in eight states, building trust and grassroots mobilisation.
    “These are lifelines to farmers and proof that NEC’s decisions resonate beyond these chambers.”
    NAN
  • FG commits to Ajaokuta Steel Coy revival amid concerns from Dangote

    FG commits to Ajaokuta Steel Coy revival amid concerns from Dangote

    Flowerbud News/ Federal Government has restated its commitment to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) amid doubts recently expressed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

    Prince Shuaibu Abubaker, the Minister of Steel Development, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by Salamatu Jibaniya, the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote, at a recent event, affirmed that no nation can grow without a steel industry, noting that Ajaokuta would not work due to changes in technology.

    He said that the competitive industrial landscape required the company to be optimal in its production, which he doubted was possible.

    The minister said that while the concerns expressed were noted, the Federal Government remained committed to the development of Nigeria’s steel sector including the resuscitation of ASCL.

    “A comprehensive technical and financial audit of the plant is presently underway to ensure that any decision taken is transparent, data-driven and in the best interest of Nigeria.

    “The overall assessment of the previous technical audit report dated 2018, maintained that the general status of the Steel Plant is in robust condition,” he said.

    He, however, noted the deterioration of replaceable parts and recommended automation of manual control systems for improved efficiency.

    Audu said that the ministry was confident that the updated audit would provide a sound basis for decisive action that advances Nigeria’s industrial aspirations.

    He assured that the Federal Government was determined to build a competitive and modern steel industry aimed at  supporting national industrialisation and infrastructure growth.

    Meanwhile, the Managing Director of ASCL, Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam, at the recent Second International Railway Conference and Exhibition, said that the foundry and engineering unit of the company had begun operations.

    Also, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), at the conference said it would engage Ajaokuta to produce rail materials and other products for its operations.

    NAN

  • Customs seize N5.1bn worth of drugs at MMA

    Customs seize N5.1bn worth of drugs at MMA

    FlowerbudNews/ The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a major breakthrough, intercepting illicit drugs worth N5.1 billion from India and Canada.

    According to the command, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized drugs stood at N3.778 billion, marking one of the largest seizures in recent times.

    The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Awe, disclosed the seizure during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.

    He explained that the interception was the result of coordinated intelligence and sustained surveillance carried out by officers of the command in partnership with other agencies.

    Awe revealed that no suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures, but the command had already transferred the items to relevant regulatory authorities.

    He confirmed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will investigate further.

    The seized substances included 121 packs of Canadian cannabis, with a Duty Paid Value estimated at N1.188 billion, which were smuggled under the guise of household items.

    Also intercepted were 294,000 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (225mg), worth N1.389 billion, a drug often abused for its dangerous stimulant and addictive properties.

    Pregabalin tablets (300mg), valued at N1.188 billion, were also seized. Officials described the drug as a controlled medication often used to treat nerve pain and epilepsy.

    Customs officers further uncovered Norflex tablets (50mg) worth N800 million, as well as Sardalud tablets (2mg) valued at N495 million.

    On July 30, officials evacuated a consignment with airway bill 235-63882254/2 from the NAHCO import shed to the government warehouse for careful examination.

    The consignment, disguised as containing duvets, was later confirmed to conceal 121 packs of Canadian cannabis sativa, highlighting the smugglers’ deceptive strategies.

    Similarly, on Sept. 2, another consignment, airway bill 071-58012706/6, was evacuated from SAHCO import shed. It contained 294,000 Tramadol tablets with DPV of N1.188 billion.

    On Sept. 17, two separate consignments, airway bills 071-58231670 and 071-58234433, were also seized at the NAHCO import shed before being moved to the warehouse.

    Upon examination, the consignments were found to contain Pregabalin, Sardalud and Norflex tablets imported without mandatory health certification. Their estimated street value exceeded N1.2 billion.

    Awe stressed that the disturbing aspect was the rebranding of the illicit drugs as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium, creating a dangerous health risk for unsuspecting buyers.

    He warned that such deceptive labelling could lead to serious health complications, urging Nigerians to purchase medicines only from reputable and verified pharmaceutical outlets.

    The customs boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to frustrate drug cartels and smugglers, noting that collaboration with sister agencies remained crucial to the success of operations.

    Awe emphasised that the seizure sends a clear message to traffickers that Nigeria’s airports will no longer provide a safe route for illicit trade.

    He assured the public that intelligence-driven operations will continue to expose smuggling networks attempting to exploit the nation’s trade channels.

    NAFDAC’s Assistant Director, Kelechi Nwude, described the seizure as mind-blowing, praising Customs’ vigilance and promising continued collaboration with security and regulatory partners.

    Nwude stressed that there would be no hiding place for criminal networks involved in the importation of illicit and dangerous drugs through Nigeria’s busiest airport.

    She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s resolve to intensify surveillance and tighten pharmaceutical regulations to ensure that only approved medicines reach Nigerian pharmacies and hospitals.

    Nwude added that drug cartels must realise that every attempt to exploit trade loopholes would only result in further exposure and dismantling of their operations

    She warned traffickers that the combined forces of Customs, NAFDAC and NDLEA would continue to bring them to their knees.

    NAN

  • Nigeria ready to host Africa’s first Commonwealth games in 2030 – Tinubu

    Nigeria ready to host Africa’s first Commonwealth games in 2030 – Tinubu

    News Investigators/ President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host a world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games, aiming to become the first African nation to achieve this historic milestone.

    ‎Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday during a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    ‎The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.

    ‎Gbajabiamila held strategic meeting with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, and member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission.

    ‎Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.

    ‎The games have never been hosted in Africa since inception in 1930, making Nigeria’s bid historic and overdue.

    ‎”You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality which we are known for, Mr President also asked me personally to convey his regards, he’s fully in support of this bid.”

    ‎”As I said the President has written a Letter of guarantee to you, he’s full weight is behind this bid.”

    ‎”What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this. It’s been 100 years… The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.”

    ‎”The element of inclusivity is what Commonwealth is, and we hope that to our benefit.”

    ‎”You know, this administration has set some bold reforms to reposition sports. We see sports as a strategic driver of national development.”

    ‎”The President intentionally scrapped the Ministry of Sports and created a National Sports Commission to drive sports development,”

    ‎President Tinubu assured the delegation that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.

    ‎He stressed that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but leaving a legacy for youth and national development.

    ‎Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria as the giant of Africa deserves the honor.

    ‎”One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation.”

    ‎Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport, Nigeria, said the country is ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games.

    ‎Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, presented Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting key plans and innovations.

    ‎He revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.

    ‎Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.

    ‎“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavors, including sports.”

    ‎He said the Commonwealth, now comprising 74 nations, is aiming for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.

    ‎Top government officials attended the meeting, including Ministers of Information, Aviation, Culture, Police Affairs, and Housing.

    ‎The delegation who are on a four-day visit will meet will key stakeholders and inspect key facilities.

    ‎Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad as their proposed host cities.

    ‎The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025, after thorough evaluation of both bids.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC burst illegal cosmetics factory inside military mammy market

    NAFDAC burst illegal cosmetics factory inside military mammy market

    Flowerbud News/ National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says the agency has discovered an illegal cosmetics manufacturing base at a Mammy Market located inside a military barrack in Lagos.

    NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, who disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday said the agency acted on a credible tip-off in collaboration with the military.

    Iluyomade said several counterfeited cosmetics products were being processed in large volume when the team bursted the location, which name was withheld due to ongoing investigation.

    He added that equipments, mixed chemicals, raw materials and imported packaging materials used to deceive consumers were discovered at the location.

    The director said five different illegal production centres were also discovered, while over five trucks of fake products worth over N500 million were evacuated from the base.

    Iluyomade said one of the main suspect was apprehended during the raid while investigation was ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the illicit act.

    He said: “These counterfeiters operate inside the mammy market within the barrack where this raid was carried out and had been hiding under the cover of security without being noticed to perpetrate this evil act.

    “We must give credit to the military for partnering with NAFDAC during this operation that led to the discovery of five other factory where products are being counterfeited.

    “What we discovered during the raid was massive, our team are still on ground at the location to evacuate more fake items.

    “The counterfeiters have stepped up their game, they are now producing this fake products in the country with imported packaging material, making it difficult for consumers to identify the original from the fake.”

    He reaffirmed NAFDAC Director-General (D-G), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye’s commitment to safeguard the health of the nation.

    He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the agency to rid the country of fake and unwholesome products.

    “NAFDAC D-G is intensifying effort with support from the Presidency to go after individuals who are undermining the health and wellbeing of Nigerians through the importation and production of fake and substandard products.

    “NAFDAC’s mantra of safeguarding the health of the nation is still high priority and we will continue to make sure that this criminals have no hiding place in the country,” he said.

    NAN

  • Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC, Declares House of Reps Ambition in Ajeromi-Ifelodun

    Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC, Declares House of Reps Ambition in Ajeromi-Ifelodun

    Flowerbud News/ The political landscape of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency has taken a new turn with the formal defection of Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The event, which drew a large crowd of party faithful, community leaders, and supporters, was held in Ajeromi-Ifelodun on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

    The ceremony was graced by prominent national figures, including the National Secretary of the ADC, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola, and Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate.

    Their presence underscored the significance of OmoBarca’s entry into the party and the party’s broader ambition to expand its influence in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

     

    Speaking at the event, OmoBarca declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency.

    He emphasized that his political aspiration is driven by a deep commitment to empowering the people of his constituency, improving grassroots development, and ensuring that federal representation translates into tangible benefits for 8his constituents.

    “I am stepping into this race with the sole aim of empowering my people in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” he stated.

    “I want to see a constituency where youths have access to jobs and skills, women are supported in business, and children have better access to education. That is the kind of representation I intend to bring to Abuja.” he said.

    In a candid remark, OmoBarca also appealed to political opponents to allow the will of the people to prevail at the polls, rather than resorting to post-election litigations. He stressed that his ambition is rooted in service and urged for fair competition.

    “I want to win this election on the strength of the people’s support. I don’t want any contestant to drag me to court if I emerge victorious. Let us respect the mandate of the electorate and focus on building our communities together,” he said.

    Hon. Rauf Aregbesola, while welcoming OmoBarca into the ADC family, described him as a grassroots politician with proven philanthropy and a track record of community service.

    Aregbesola assured party members that OmoBarca’s entry would strengthen the ADC’s chances in Lagos State, particularly in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, which has long been a political stronghold of other major parties.

    On his part, Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour praised OmoBarca’s courage and consistency in advocating for community empowerment.

    Rhodes-Vivour urged residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun to rally behind the ADC candidate, adding that credible representation at the National Assembly is crucial for grassroots development.

    The event also witnessed the formal inauguration of OmoBarca’s campaign team, with hundreds of supporters pledging loyalty to his candidacy.

    The Party members described his move as a “game-changer” that could redefine electoral outcomes in the constituency.

    As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political analysts suggest that OmoBarca’s entry into the ADC could introduce a fresh dimension to the political dynamics of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, where competition for the House of Representatives seat has traditionally been fierce.

    With his popularity at the grassroots, combined with the backing of national party leaders, OmoBarca’s declaration sets the stage for an intriguing contest in one of Lagos State’s most politically vibrant constituencies.

  • WAEC Certificate Forgery: Petitioner Decries Silence Over Former Rep Member Rita Orji’s Case

    WAEC Certificate Forgery: Petitioner Decries Silence Over Former Rep Member Rita Orji’s Case

    Flowerbud News/  The lingering controversy surrounding the alleged forgery of a West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rita Odichinma Orji, has resurfaced following concerns raised by the petitioner, Mr. Uche David Esomonu, over the slow progress of investigations.

    Hon. Orji, who represented Ajeromi–Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State between 2015 and 2019 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was arrested by the Nigeria Police on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Her arrest stemmed from allegations that she presented a forged WAEC certificate during her tenure in the Green Chamber. After making an initial statement, little has been heard of the matter, leading to speculation that the case may have been deliberately stalled.

    Speaking on Thursday, Mr. Esomonu expressed shock that, despite what he described as “overwhelming evidence” against the former lawmaker, the case appears to have been swept under the carpet. He accused the police of selective justice and called for renewed action to restore public confidence in the institution.

    “I wonder why this case has been swept aside despite clear evidence. The Nigerian Police must restore their dignity by reopening the case file and pursuing it to its logical conclusion. I will not relent until justice is served,” Esomonu stated.

    It will be recalled that a High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, had earlier ruled that Hon. Orji has a case to answer. Delivering judgment, Justice Kawu Bello held that the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally empowered to investigate petitions brought before it, in line with Section 200 of the Constitution. The court consequently dismissed Orji’s attempt to halt police investigation and ordered her to make herself available for questioning.

    The petitioner noted that, while the police had swiftly handled other cases involving certificate forgery and impersonation, the Orji matter had curiously stagnated. He cited the recent case of one Engineer Chukwubuike Azubuike, who allegedly paraded himself falsely as the “Obi of Lagos” while attempting to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of N1.5 billion under the guise of building a palace and hosting a new yam festival. Esomonu argued that if such cases could receive prompt attention, the matter against Hon. Orji should not be treated differently.

    Court records indicate that Orji, upon being petitioned, initially resisted police invitations for interrogation. Instead, she approached the High Court seeking an order to restrain the police from investigating her, citing the need to protect her fundamental human rights. However, the court dismissed her suit and directed her to cooperate with law enforcement.

    Despite these legal pronouncements, the petitioner insists that no meaningful progress has been made since her arrest. He warned that silence on the matter could encourage impunity and erode trust in Nigeria’s justice system.

    As the controversy lingers, public interest in the case remains high, particularly within Ajeromi–Ifelodun, where Hon. Orji once wielded significant political influence and even contested again in the last general elections. Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the police will revive the investigation or allow the matter to fade into obscurity.

  • NAFDAC seizes N1.2bn worth of unregistered, fake malaria drugs

    NAFDAC seizes N1.2bn worth of unregistered, fake malaria drugs

    Flowerbud News/ National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Thursday said the agency seized 277 cartoons of fake and unregistered Malamal Fort malaria drugs worth over 1.2 billion in Lagos.

    NAFDAC’s  Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, disclosed this to newsmen.

    He said the drug was discovered inside a container alleged  to contain only spare-parts at a warehouse along Ilasa-Oshodi.

    Iluyomade said the drug was concealed in a cartoon of Diclofenac Potassium enteric coated 50mg and was manufactured by Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China.

    He explained that the recent discovery by the agency was part of its ongoing nationwide efforts to rid the country of fake and unregistered drugs.

    Iluyomade said NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, with support from the Presidency and Health Ministry, was committed to reducing fake and substandard medicines to the barest minimum.

    The director, who noted that the seizure had prevented 500,000 Nigerians from taking the counterfeit anti-malaria medicine, added that the drugs would be tested to ascertain the actual content.

    “This enforcement action started before today. It’s a follow-up of enforcement operations launched early this year by NAFDAC in Lagos, Aba and Onitsha.

    “The container that concealed this unregistered drugs was trailed from Apapa, where it was declared to contain spare parts but our operation team lead by Mrs Florence Uba, a Deputy Director tracked container to a warehouse.

    “A carton of the concealed malaria drugs contain 18 packs, with 100 sachets in each of the packs.

    “Ordinarily, you will think what is inside the pack is Diclofenac, a pain killer but opening the pack, we saw something else and this raised their curiosity.

    “Imagine the number of doses we have here, and how many households would have taken these doses, thinking they are taking malaria tablets in this country,” he said.

    Iluyomade said that further investigation revealed that the person behind the importation had relocated from Onitsha to China after NAFDAC clampdown at the Onitsha drug market.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to safeguard the health and well being of Nigerians in its fight against the sale and distribution of unregistered and counterfeit medicines in the country.

    “The NAFDAC Director-General is leaving no stone unturned in uncovering the root causes and providing answers to the questions Nigerians have been asking”.

    NAN