Former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, on Wednesday, declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent security interventions are already yielding visible results across the country.
Ndume made the assertion in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, praising the President’s “decisive and coordinated actions” against terrorists and bandits.
His comments came weeks after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on insecurity following a surge in kidnappings, including the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, pupils of St Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri, Niger State; and worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
Ndume said the President’s directive to the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy already-trained forest guards has strengthened counterterrorism operations.
According to him, the deployment has boosted the morale and operational efficiency of security forces battling criminal groups hiding in remote forests.
“The directive to engage forest guards, coupled with their training, has gone a long way to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Army, and they are happy with that too,” Ndume said.
He also commended the federal government’s recent improvements in the welfare of security personnel, especially the Nigerian Army.
While acknowledging that salaries have been doubled, Ndume argued that the remuneration still falls short when compared with other armed forces in the sub-region.
“I can see visible improvements in terms of cooperation between the Armed Forces and other security agencies. That is very commendable,” he added.
The Borno South lawmaker highlighted progress in military equipment and logistics, noting upgrades in uniforms, protective gear, and weaponry. But he insisted that more investment is needed in frontline assets.
“Government must do more by giving priority to arms and ammunition needed at the theatre of operations. They need to procure more attack helicopters, add more Armoured Personnel Carriers and gun trucks,” he said.
Ndume also applauded Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for what he described as unwavering commitment to defeating insurgency in the North East.
He said Zulum has invested over N100 billion to support the Nigerian Army, Civilian JTF, Police, and other security agencies, efforts he believes have significantly boosted military operations.
“That has complemented the work of the Nigerian Army. That’s very commendable. I urge other governors in the North to emulate him,” Ndume said.
The Borno South lawmaker maintained that while the security improvements are encouraging, sustained funding, political will, and regional cooperation remain crucial to ending terrorism and restoring peace across the North.
Nigeria’s anti-graft watchdog has begun tracking road contracts worth ₦36 trillion across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, in what the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) described as the largest project-monitoring exercise in the country’s history.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), raised the alarm in that the scale of procurement corruption uncovered in recent years shows that Nigeria’s development will remain stagnant unless transparency becomes the foundation of public contracting.
Aliyu, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Sir Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, spoke at a one-day Special Engagement for Directors and Heads of Procurement in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Anchoring his warning on the staggering value of ongoing road contracts now under ICPC scrutiny, Aliyu said corruption in procurement remains the single biggest obstacle to Nigeria’s progress.
“Public procurement consumes between 10 and 25 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP. It is the point where budgets become real projects, or disappear into private pockets,” he said.
The ICPC boss disclosed that the Commission, working with the Federal Ministry of Works, is currently tracking road projects nationwide with cumulative contract sums totalling ₦36 trillion, noting that early findings show gaps that enable inflation, substandard execution and abandonment.
He said the scale of the ongoing review underscores the government’s determination to tackle procurement fraud beyond isolated cases.
According to him, contract splitting, over-invoicing by up to 300 per cent, phantom projects, round-tripping of identical contracts, and collusion between officials and contractors remain rampant despite existing regulations.
“Project abandonment has become a national crisis. Mobilisation funds vanish; projects sited on private properties; vehicles and equipment are converted to personal use. These are not anomalies, they are patterns,” he added.
Aliyu highlighted the Commission’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), launched in 2019, which physically monitors projects across communities.
He said CEPTI had compelled hundreds of contractors to return to sites, restored schools, ensured functioning health centres and water facilities, and illuminated rural communities with solar streetlights.
But more importantly, he said, CEPTI exposed structural corruption often concealed under official paperwork, making the current nationwide road-tracking exercise even more urgent.
Aliyu insisted that transparency remains the only viable antidote to procurement fraud.
He listed key disclosure mechanisms that MDAs must adopt, including: publication of annual procurement plans, bidding criteria, list of all bidders, contract award details, progress reports with evidence, and final handover certificates.
“Transparency is not optional. It is essential to national development,” he said.
He also called for open competitive bidding as the default process, multi-stakeholder evaluation panels, capacity verification of contractors and standardised contract templates with enforceable penalties.
Aliyu described e-procurement as a transformative tool capable of eliminating face-to-face interactions, creating immutable audit trails and enabling real-time monitoring.
However, he cautioned that technology alone cannot combat corruption without political will, funding, capacity building and effective change management.
“Corruption thrives in darkness; let us flood the system with light. Millions of Nigerians waiting for roads, water, healthcare and electricity depend on our collective action,” Aliyu said.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, praised ICPC’s enforcement efforts and announced that the federal government had approved a new Debarment Policy empowering agencies to blacklist contractors who abandon or deliver substandard projects.
“This is the first time Nigeria will formally bar violators from future contracts,” he said, adding that procurement audits would be intensified in collaboration with ICPC.
Director-General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Prof. Samson Duna, commended ICPC for instilling discipline across MDAs and called for more capacity-building to complement compliance.
Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Akiolu, praised the Commission’s shift toward prevention, warning that many practices Nigerians consider “normal” are actually corrupt acts.
He said the National Assembly would support reforms, including improved testing laboratories for quality assurance in construction.
Earlier, ICPC Secretary Sir Oparaodu reminded procurement officers of their responsibility to ensure value for money, especially under new monetary thresholds.
He urged MDAs to prioritise transparency in needs assessment, bidding and project implementation.
Governor Uba Sani has vowed that criminals will not be allowed to dictate the pace of events in Kaduna State as the Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies and key stakeholders, unveiled a new joint security strategy to tackle resurging threats across the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shuaibu (SAN), Governor Sani made the declaration during a high-level security engagement convened in Kaduna by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase.
He commended the security agencies for their sustained efforts in stabilising vulnerable communities and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting coordinated operations and investing in systems that promote peace and security.
According to the Governor, “Kaduna will not bow to criminals. We are determined to restore normalcy and ensure that no threat undermines the rule of law.”
Governor Sani however urged security leaders to intensify non-kinetic approaches such as community engagement, preventive diplomacy and counter-narrative measures, noting that enduring stability rests on justice, development and inclusion.
Earlier, Major General Wase said the meeting was organised to harmonise intelligence operations, strengthen partnerships and map out a unified response framework for emerging and existing security challenges.
Major General Ward noted with emphasis that, only a collective, intelligence-driven approach could deliver long-term peace.
The GOC stressed that effective security management requires synergy among security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, business leaders and citizens, describing the forum as a call to shared responsibility.
The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Maigwari II, represented by the Chairman of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Hon. Salisu Isah, commended the deepening cooperation between traditional institutions and security agencies, saying that, the collaboration had improved dispute resolution in affected communities.
The engagement featured lectures, presentations and interactive sessions focused on improving early-warning systems, strengthening joint operations and expanding community-driven peace initiatives aimed at building a safer and more resilient Kaduna State.
Members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday engaged in a rowdy session over the procedure to adopt in considering a damning report by the House Committee on Public Accounts on the alleged non-remittance of about N16 trillion to the federal government by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
While the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, moved that the CBN Governor be invited to appear before the House at plenary, some lawmakers argued that an ad-hoc committee should be constituted to interface with him and report back.
Others insisted that the House should invoke its powers and formally summon the CBN Governor to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to address the issues raised in the report.
Another group of lawmakers maintained that, given the magnitude of the amount involved, the CBN Governor must be compelled to appear before the Committee of the Whole, rather than a single committee.
The Chief Whip, Usman Bello Kumo, and the Minority Whip struggled to calm agitated members as they moved from one lawmaker to another to restore order amid the shouting match.
The Speaker also battled to control the situation, describing the conduct as unparliamentary.
He warned that members who persist in such behaviour risk being referred to the Ethics Committee, stressing that shouting would not secure their demands.
Ahmed Jaha eventually moved a motion that the CBN Governor and other relevant stakeholders be summoned to appear before the Public Accounts Committee, failing which sanctions would apply. The motion passed through a voice vote.
Jaha argued that referring the matter to the Committee of the Whole could undermine the confidence of the Public Accounts Committee and others handling similar reports, adding that the House must not encourage government officials to disregard its invitations.
Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) said the President must pay special attention to the revelations contained in the motion as it was coming from a constitutional committee headed by the opposition.
The Police Command in Anambra has arrested a robbery suspect allegedly linked to the murder of the late Anambra House of Assembly member, Justice Azuka of the Labour Party (LP).
The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azuka who represented Onitsha 1 North Constituency was kidnapped along Ugwunaobakpa Road, Inland Town Onitsha on Dec. 24, 2024, on his way home for Christmas.
His corpse was later discovered on Feb. 6, in the bush of Second Niger bridge in the state.
He said that the command, through operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested the suspect who was heavily injured during a major offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state on Dec. 8.
“The suspect, a 26-year-old male, is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent offences.
“He was apprehended in Iyowa Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA, after a fierce confrontation with the Police Operatives,” he said.
Ikenga said that during the operation, one locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live ammunition rounds were recovered.
He explained that the suspect, known for his violent criminal activities, was found to have a large tattoo on his body with the inscriptions “No Forgiveness” and “No Mercy.”
According to Ikenga, the tattoo is a disturbing reminder of the hardened nature of his criminal mindset.
The spokesman said that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the leader of several criminal gangs operating across the state and neighboring states.
“He revealed his involvement in the abduction and subsequent murder of Azuka, a distinguished member of the Anambra House of Assembly, on Dec. 24.
“The murder of Hon. Justice Azuka shocked the state and drew widespread condemnation,” he said.
Ikenga said that the arrest of the suspect represents a significant breakthrough in the war against violent crime in the state.
He also said that the measure would assist in further investigations to dismantle criminal syndicates operating within the state.
The command urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the continued fight against crime.
It encouraged the public to report information regarding criminal activities confidentially to the police through the following contacts: the Control Room at 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer at 08039334002.
As more Nordic players use foreign betting websites, regulators in the region are reviewing their rules and tools faster than before. Sweden has taken the lead by expanding its Gambling Act and making enforcement stronger against sites that target Swedish players without a licence. Recent reports show that although the licensed market is still large, more players are now visiting unlicensed sites.
Authorities are checking if the current rules can keep up with how quickly online gambling is changing, especially as sports content on many offshore platforms continues to draw significant interest from Nordic users. Governments across the Nordic region admit that old methods are no longer enough in an online world with no borders.
The growth of offshore gambling platforms is pushing regulators to update their systems and better protect players. Industry groups also say it is unfair for licensed operators to follow strict rules while unlicensed sites face fewer restrictions. All of this has made the issue a major priority for policymakers throughout the Nordic countries.
What the data shows
Recent official and industry data illuminate the scale of the challenge. Sweden reported regulated market revenues of SEK 27.8 billion in 2024 with commercial online gambling as the largest contributor, and online casinos and betting produced most of the growth. Spelinspektionen’s 2024 channelisation assessment estimated that about 85 percent of gambling activity goes to licensed operators while the remaining share still flows to unlicensed or offshore sites, showing a small but meaningful decline from previous years.
Traffic analysis by the Swedish regulator also revealed that third country jurisdictions generated about 45 percent of visits to sites not licensed in Sweden and that Curaçao alone accounted for nearly 38 percent of this traffic, a pattern that strengthens the case for more focused enforcement tools. Taken together these figures show a strong regulated market but also a stable unlicensed segment with a clear presence among Nordic players.
Investigators have noted that certain offshore websites use rapid domain changes combined with international web hosting which complicates attempts to track and block their operations. Technical reviews also show that some unlicensed operators rely on content delivery networks to distribute their platforms across multiple global servers which makes it harder for regulators to identify the primary source of the service.
Why the surge matters for Nordic markets
The rise of offshore betting sites matters because it undermines consumer protections and reduces tax and fee revenues for licensed operators and public coffers. Offshore sites often operate from jurisdictions with light supervision yet advertise and accept players in Nordic countries. Regulators worry about advertising aimed at local players; credit-based payments and the lack of mandatory player protections that licensed platforms must provide.
Sweden’s ongoing policy work increasingly focuses on establishing a clear ban on casinos without Swedish license by 1st January 2027 and designing enforcement methods that ensure such a ban is effective in practice. Authorities have observed that some offshore platforms rely on mirror domains and alternative payment processors to stay accessible, which complicates enforcement from a technical standpoint. Analysts also note that traffic routing methods such as virtual private networks can mask player locations and allow unlicensed sites to continue reaching Nordic users, underscoring the need for stronger technical and legal measures to support the planned ban.
Regulatory responses in Sweden
Nordic regulators are taking a mix of legislative, administrative and technical steps. Sweden has undertaken a multipronged approach. Beyond traditional enforcement such as prohibition orders against specific offshore operators, authorities are reviewing the Gambling Act and exploring measures that address cross border reach of unlicensed platforms. Proposals under discussion include stronger obligations on payment intermediaries, tighter rules on advertising, and technical measures such as DNS blocking or transaction blocking to reduce access to illegal sites.
Officials and industry stakeholders have publicly debated both the scale and legal basis of these tools. Recent consultations have cited case studies where payment blocks reduced the volume of unlicensed transactions by double digit percentages in comparable European markets, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of these mechanisms. Analysts also point to technical evidence from network level interventions in countries like Denmark which show how DNS blocking, when paired with financial restrictions, can meaningfully reduce user traffic to illegal gambling domains without disrupting broader internet services.
Norway continues to assess whether changes to its monopoly style model could be warranted after years of online migration to foreign sites. Commentators and analysts note that many Norwegian players already use foreign platforms that offer larger game libraries and attractive bonus terms. This has prompted renewed study of introducing licensing elements or tightening technical restrictions.
Recent discussions have referenced examples from neighbouring markets where partial licensing schemes helped reduce offshore traffic by improving channelisation rates and offering regulated alternatives with competitive product depth. Technical assessments from Norway’s telecommunications authority also highlight how enhanced payment blocking and domain level interventions could lower access to unlicensed platforms, based on traffic pattern modelling and prior enforcement data.
Denmark and Finland operate licensing or limited licensing models and remain vigilant about unlicensed traffic. Both countries have in recent years strengthened advertising rules and collaborated at information sharing level. Cross border cooperation within the EU and with other Nordic agencies is becoming more routine. Academic and policy research into advertising effects and player harm is also informing decisions.
Recent case studies from Denmark’s internet service provider blocking program show that coordinated legal orders combined with rapid technical execution can reduce traffic to specific offshore domains by double digit percentages. Finland has likewise examined behavioural data from its payment blocking regime which indicates measurable declines in outbound gambling payments after enforcement waves, supporting the effectiveness of targeted financial and network level interventions.
Enforcement measures
Regulators have several levers to limit player access to foreign sites and each lever has trade-offs and legal constraints. The effectiveness of these tools depends heavily on coordination between regulators, financial institutions, internet infrastructure providers and international partners. One of the most commonly discussed approaches is payment control and blocking or penalising payments to unlicensed operators reduces their commercial viability and deters marketing. These measures can incorporate merchant category code analysis and network level anomaly detection to flag high risk payment patterns, though payment blocks require cooperation from banks, card networks and fintech firms and operators can shift to alternative payment rails that are harder to block.
Another enforcement lever is technical access restriction. DNS blocking and IP based blocking prevent users from resolving and connecting to unlicensed domains, but their effectiveness varies depending on resolver propagation and domain rotation. DNS blocking can be circumvented with VPNs or alternate DNS resolvers and raises questions about proportionality and freedom of access.
Marketing controls also play a role. Prohibiting local language advertising or promotions aimed at residents reduces the ability of offshore operators to attract new players and Sweden already restricts advertising practices for licensed operators. Enforcement can rely on platform level brand safety tools, although online advertising via global platforms can be difficult to police.
Regulators increasingly use data driven monitoring. Traffic analytics help identify large unlicensed operators and support targeted action such as prohibition orders, although identifying true targeting versus incidental access remains complex and must meet evidentiary standards that withstand legal scrutiny.
Cross border cooperation has become essential. Engaging with other national regulators and international bodies helps close enforcement gaps and enable wider measures, yet differences in national law and EU law constraints can limit direct enforcement across borders and require careful balancing of sovereignty and harmonisation.
Economic Stakes, Public Debate and Policy Pathways
The regulated market in Sweden is large and contributes significant tax and fee revenue, and losing channelisation to offshore platforms undermines public finances and creates unequal conditions for operators that follow Swedish rules. From a consumer perspective licensed online casinos and betting platforms must implement player safety tools such as mandatory self-exclusion, deposit limits and responsible gaming messaging, while offshore platforms may not offer comparable safeguards.
These concerns drive a regulatory push that balances market health and player protection and have also shaped the public debate, especially as discussions increasingly focus on the role of Swedish casinos in maintaining a secure and transparent gambling environment. Notable regulators and industry figures have weighed in, including Maria Vinberg of the Swedish Gambling Authority who has highlighted the need for comparable Nordic data and joint studies, and Anna Johnson chief executive officer of Svenska Spel who has supported tougher technical measures such as DNS blocking to restrict unlicensed operators.
Their positions reflect a growing alignment between parts of the regulator community and major national operators on the need for stronger tools and clearer legal authority. Policymakers now face a choice between incremental enforcement and broader legal reform, with short term actions expected to focus on prohibition orders and stricter advertising controls. Over the medium term more structural developments are likely, including clearer obligations for payment intermediaries, deeper cross border cooperation and evidence driven interventions supported by ongoing Pan Nordic studies.
If Sweden and neighbouring countries expand liability on intermediaries or extend licensing coverage, the balance could shift toward licensed suppliers and reduce the reach of unlicensed offerings.
The surge in foreign betting websites accessible to Nordic players is prompting regulators to rethink licensing systems and enforcement tools. Sweden is already pursuing a mix of legislative review and technical enforcement while neighbouring Nordic countries follow with their own studies and policy assessments. Effective responses will likely combine targeted technical measures with international cooperation and continued investment in understanding player behaviour.
As authorities tighten rules and enforcement the goal is to preserve a well-regulated market that protects players and sustains legitimate operators. Additional analysis suggests that monitoring tools which integrate traffic fingerprinting and payment pattern detection can help regulators identify high risk offshore operators more quickly. Some countries are also evaluating whether centralised data hubs could support real time compliance checks and reduce the lag between suspected violations and enforcement action.
Aviation experts have described the maiden Nigeria International AirShow as a major milestone for the country’s aviation sector, positioning Nigeria for stronger global relevance and long-term industry growth.
The three-day event, held from October 2 to 4 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, brought together global aviation leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals to showcase Nigeria’s potential as an emerging aviation hub.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the AirShow represents a “bold first step toward global leadership” in the sector. “We are taking baby steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose,” he noted.
Keyamo said the event is expected to catalyse international partnerships and drive growth in the aviation industry.
He disclosed that Nigeria has signed cooperation agreements with global manufacturers, including COMAC and Boeing, to strengthen the country’s aviation capabilities.
He added that the federal government has continued to invest in infrastructure, with upgrades completed across six major airports and ongoing rehabilitation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Nigeria’s aviation sector is projected to grow by 8% annually over the next decade, with passenger traffic expected to reach 25.7 million by 2029.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the AirShow places Nigeria “firmly on the global aviation map.” Akume reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure, including agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish advanced Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the AirShow as clear evidence of Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the future of aviation, aerospace engineering, and next-generation mobility.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said the inaugural event has created a platform for Nigeria to emerge as a key player in global aviation.
Hon. Prince Kevin Timothy, National President of the Tinubu Young Generation Forum and CEO of Kev-Crave Global Ltd, commended Keyamo for the successful hosting of what he called a “remarkable milestone” for the aviation sector. He also praised FAAN, the Nigeria International AirShow team, and the Nigerian Air Force for their contributions.
He welcomed the announcement that the AirShow will now be held every two years, describing it as a “progressive step” for the industry.
NAN reports that the event convened global industry stakeholders to explore partnerships, investments, and innovations capable of accelerating Nigeria’s aviation growth.
There was jubilation on Wednesday as Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged the Accord Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke, who was the sole aspirant, secured 145 out of 150 delegate votes to clinch the party’s ticket.
In a bold move to expand Nigeria’s hospitality industry, Appiah Simeon, who recently left a well-paid job in the United States, has returned to the country to launch Rush Hour Lounge and Fitness Centre in the high-brow area of Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking with confidence at the official launch and end-of-year appreciation event, Appiah declared that her services are purely exquisite and that she is in the country to deliver what has never been done before in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
“This has been on my mind for years, and I am elated to finally bring it to life,” she said.
The premium facility combines a sophisticated lounge with a modern fitness centre, strategically located to serve banks, embassies, multinational organisations, and high-net-worth individuals within Asokoro and its environs.
Since commencing operations in September 2025, Rush Hour has enjoyed rapid acceptance and strong patronage.
Appiah noted that the encouragement from the community has been overwhelming, motivating her team to continually raise the standard of service to satisfy customers.
“What we are offering is a complete lifestyle experience — world-class relaxation and fitness in one place,” she explained, adding that the feedback from members and guests has been exceptionally positive in the short time since opening.
With the launch behind her, Appiah says the vision is only just beginning, expressing optimism that Rush Hour will set a new benchmark for hospitality and wellness in Abuja and beyond.
The Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) has renewed its call on the federal government to fully implement the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) to curb the rising tide of falsified and substandard medicines in the country.
The association made the appeal in Lagos as Nigeria joined the global community to mark the 2025 Fight the Fakes Week, an international campaign against fake and substandard medical products.
The chairman of PWDAN and Managing Director of the firm, Pharm. Ogeneochuko Omaruaye, described the spread of fake medicines as a national health emergency.
He warned that porous and poorly regulated drug distribution channels continue to fuel treatment failures, antimicrobial resistance and avoidable deaths, insisting that without a structured national supply chain, the crisis would deepen.
Omaruaye said PWDAN, established in 2018, was created to restore professionalism and integrity to pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution in Nigeria, noting that the body has introduced technology-driven checks to ensure members source medicines only from regulated outlets.
He, however, stressed that technology at association level could not replace a nationally coordinated system, adding that only full implementation of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) track-and-trace initiative would provide an effective end-to-end solution.
He commended NAFDAC for the programme and urged industry operators to key into it.
On the rising cost of medicines, Omaruaye said wholesalers do not fix drug prices, explaining that production and importation costs determined by manufacturers and importers largely drive pricing.
He added that wholesalers operate on margins of between 5 and 7.5 per cent to cover logistics and storage, expressing hope that prices would stabilise with increased local production.
The PWDAN Secretary, Pharm. Olaide Soetan, said the association’s members currently account for only 10 to 20 per cent of medicines in circulation, while unlicensed and untrained individuals control about 80 per cent of the market. She warned that this imbalance remains a major entry point for fake and substandard products.
National Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Gafar Madehin, described the NDDG as Nigeria’s most sustainable solution to the fake drug menace, urging renewed political will to enforce the guidelines fully after years of slow implementation.
Madehin clarified that generic medicines were not inferior, provided they met regulatory standards, noting that both branded and generic drugs become dangerous when sourced from unregulated channels. He advised Nigerians to buy medicines only from registered pharmacies.
Pharm. Rosemary Nikoro called for greater public vigilance, while Pharm. Olufunke Awopegba of Funket Nigeria Limited advocated continuous community-level sensitisation to complement enforcement efforts.
Fight the Fakes Week is a global advocacy campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of falsified and substandard medicines, which health experts say claims hundreds of thousands of preventable lives annually, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
PWDAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with NAFDAC, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health to secure Nigeria’s drug supply chain and guarantee access to safe and quality-assured medicines for Nigerians.
