Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: public health

  • FG pauses sachet-alcohol enforcement after political pushback

    FG pauses sachet-alcohol enforcement after political pushback

    Photo Credit: Punch / File
    2025-12-19 09:00:00

    Punch Newspapers reports that the Federal Government has directed a temporary pause on enforcement tied to the planned clampdown on sachet alcohol, pending a policy review.

    The suspension follows concerns around implementation timing, stakeholder impact and the need to align public-health objectives with market realities in the informal retail chain.

    Verification: Premium Times reports the OSGF intervened and suspended the proposed ban, while earlier Premium Times reporting notes NAFDAC had signalled full enforcement by December 2025.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has intervened…” Premium Times (earlier): “enforce a total ban… by December 2025.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s policy risk often shows up as hard announcements followed by soft landings. Watch for a clear phased roadmap (compliance + consumer protection) versus an indefinite pause that deepens uncertainty.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/fg-suspends-sachet-alcohol-ban-pending-review/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, NDLEA operatives uncovered a clandestine codeine syrup manufacturing operation in Abia State and reported large seizures linked to wider nationwide interdictions.

    Punch says the crackdown forms part of broader pre‑holiday operations targeting illicit opioid supply chains, including containers and large consignments intercepted at ports and along transit routes.

    The report highlights continued pressure on drug networks feeding domestic abuse and cross-border trafficking.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Beyond seizures, disruption depends on prosecutions, asset forfeiture, and sustained port/land-border controls. Watch for follow-up arrests, forensic tracing of supply chains, and joint actions with Customs and international counterparts.

    Source: Blueprint — December 15, 2025

    Blueprint https://blueprint.ng/ndlea-seizes-1187kg-skunk-uncovers-codeine-factory/ December 15, 2025

  • Polio cases drop sharply in Kano, Katsina as eradication push intensifies

    Polio cases drop sharply in Kano, Katsina as eradication push intensifies

    An illustration depicting a particle of the polio virus – New York Times
    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s polio-response managers say reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases have fallen, with Kano and Katsina recording the biggest declines, even as officials warn outbreaks can rebound if immunisation gaps persist.

    The update was presented during a National Economic Council (NEC) review, where officials linked the improvement to intensified campaigns, tighter monitoring and stronger coordination in high-risk areas.

    State House reporting on the same NEC meeting referenced a national reduction figure and stressed that progress depends on sustaining high coverage and rapid response where surveillance detects new risks.

    The Whistler also reported the NEC briefing and echoed the warning that gains will only hold if surveillance and response remain consistent across states.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Kano and Katsina are pivotal in Nigeria’s polio history—progress there is meaningful but fragile. Watch for stronger routine immunisation (not only campaigns), improved surveillance quality, and faster close-out of ‘zero-dose’ pockets that can reseed outbreaks.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/govt-warns-as-polio-drops-in-kano-katsina/)

  • Police Raid Fake Drug Factory in Lagos, Hunt Mastermind

    Police Raid Fake Drug Factory in Lagos, Hunt Mastermind

    Lagos Police Command has uncovered a fake drug factory in the Mosafejo area of Ojo where counterfeit medicines were allegedly produced. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh says suspects have been arrested and the kingpin is being hunted.

    Vanguard, 10 Dec 2025

  • Police Raid Fake Drug Factory in Lagos, Hunt Mastermind

    Lagos Police Command has uncovered a fake drug factory in the Mosafejo area of Ojo where counterfeit medicines were allegedly produced. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh says suspects have been arrested and the kingpin is being hunted.

    Vanguard

    10 Dec 2025

  • Ondo Revives Owena Water Dam With AFD/AfDB-Backed Projects

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa says the state is partnering with Agence Française de Développement and the African Development Bank to resuscitate the long-stalled Owena Water Dam and restore reliable pipe-borne water supply.

    The project is positioned as a major step toward ending prolonged water scarcity and improving public health outcomes across affected communities.

    2025-12-09

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-09

  • Ogun Arrests Alleged Fake Fertility Practitioner Over Unapproved Drugs

    Ogun authorities arrested a woman accused of posing as a fertility specialist and selling unapproved drugs. The case highlights the dangers of unregulated reproductive health services.

    Officials urged residents to verify medical providers and report suspicious clinics to reduce patient harm.

    2025-12-10

    Vanguard

    2025-12-10

  • UNICEF Flags Rising Child Stunting in Ebonyi, Delivers Nutrition Supplements

    UNICEF warned that malnutrition remains a major public health concern in Ebonyi and handed over cartons of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. The intervention was supported by a match-fund arrangement involving state co-financing.

    The agency urged efficient last-mile delivery, particularly in rural communities, to curb stunting and improve child health outcomes.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10