•Disability Commission canvasses for 10-15 percent placement in civil service
With a projected population of between 35-38million, persons with disabilities in Nigeria have been expressing their grievances over the five percent employment quota allocated to them in the Federal Civil Service. They are clamouring for improved quota, wondering what the government expects to become the fate of the millions who are perpetually left out. Franca Ochigbo in Abuja writes.
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are canvassing for 10-15 percent of employment into the federal civil service as against the current recommended 5 percent by the federal government. The question they are asking is, what happens to the other very qualified people, if they are being limited to just 5 per cent? They noted that inclusion is not an act of charity or magnanimity, but a right of persons with disabilities, emphasising that, what they need is appropriate provision.
They argued that the 5% specifically mentioned for the public sector is not enough, insisting that the disability community is really large – more than the population of some countries. “We are talking about 35-38 million people,” they echo. What about the private sector, the community of development partners and other non-governmental organisations, NGOs?
The bill on the prohibition of discrimination against persons with disabilities is due for amendment; so they are pushing that the 5 percent allocated to persons with disabilities be looked into with the hope of a review. The increase should be between 10-15 percent for some form of balancing, they are clamouring.
In a bid to ensure inclusiveness of disabled people, the National Commission for Persons with disabilities was set up in 2018, with structures in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Although the commission has not been able to bring all disabled persons in the country under the commission for lack of data, there is the rough estimate of persons with disabilities in the country ranging from 35-38 million.
In Nigeria today, there are disabled persons everywhere; most of them not aware of the existence of the commission, especially the unschooled ones. Only some privileged ones among them, who know people who know certain people, are aware that the commission exists and benefit from it.
“Look around us, our markets, our streets, corners, ghettos are filled with the disabled; try asking them if they know of the National Commission for People with Disabilities, and they are as surprised, just like most Nigerians. The answer is who, where, how?
Many of these people have no education at all, they are out there begging for alms; others do menial jobs to survive, they speak English only to communicate while others speak their dialect – Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa, so they can buy and sell. Due to limitations, these people cannot go to lots of places like the government office. They are limited; they cannot climb staircases; and even with a wheelchair, they still cannot move around due lack of electricity, which makes it impossible for them to use lifts in these organisations and some homes.
Take the case of the blind amongst them; how do they move without assistance, or the deaf without an interpreter? In other countries, disabled persons are government’s number one priority; reasons are that the disabled commits 100% to their jobs more than normal persons. They hardly get distracted. To ensure inclusivity, these governments make sure that any organisation that does not include the disabled in its employment list is taxed higher than others, so organisations in these countries prefer to employ the disabled to avoid these high taxes.
Speaking with a disable man, Jibril Manwuta, who crawls due to his inability to stand on his feet, but remains very active in Dutse market of Bwari area council, Abuja, he said, “I have never entered Abuja township for anything; the government is not allowing us to roam around freely the way we operate in satellite towns. In the market here, I am not just a beggar; I ensure the surrounding is clean. See my broom, I sweep and I get favour from people; and I pray that God continues to provide for them so they can have to give me.”
When asked if he was aware of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, he said he has never heard of it, and asked if they would allow him and his people enter there.
Another disabled person, Murjanatu Lawal appealed to the government to create an enabling environment for them, where they will operate in a cluster and people can come to give them alms. Asked if she had any form of education, she said only Islamimyya, adding that she had been on the street since childhood and now that she is a mother, her children are out with her in the streets begging too.
This reporter’s next stop was with Onyekachi Chukwuluba, a disabled shoemaker, who uses one hand to repair shoes and bags in the Kubwa market of Abuja. His right hand is well and functional, but his left hand is short and almost not there. Highly impressed with his work, The Nation approached him for a brief interview. He was not born like that, he revealed. His mother had taken him took him to the farm as an infant, he recalled; because the weather was very cold she decided to make a fire close by to keep him warm whilst she went to work. Unfortunately, the fire in no time got to where his mother kept him and began to burn his hand.
Even when he was crying out of pain, he said his mother thought it was just the normal baby cry, and tarried until the hand got seriously burnt. By the time she came by, the damage had been done. She rushed him to the hospital, but the best they could do was to amputate the damaged part. Chukwuluba said he, however, resolved while growing up that he would never be on the street begging; that he must learn a trade and earn a living. That decision saw him enrolling to learn shoemaking, a skill he now uses to fend for himself and family. Talk of ability in disability.
The big question is what will the government do with the many disable people on the streets? They are all over the place. The ones lucky to gain employment are very small compared to the many on the streets. The ones on the streets are not even captured in any budget. There is no state in Nigeria that you will not find beggars; and it is not peculiar to the big cities alone. This is telling the government that there is work to be done in this area.
The educated disabled people are more privileged because they can communicate their needs, and in one way or the other, the government can reach out to help them. But even with that, how many are under government’s employment? How many are benefitting in any form from international organisations and Non-Governmental organisations NGOs? The government has to go extra miles to ensure inclusiveness of the disabled, and also recommend them for international jobs as long as they have the requirements.
Best gift to persons with disabilities
Speaking with the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, a polio survivor, he said, “The commission exists to implement the discrimination against persons with disabilities Act of 2018. The disability community regards this Act passed by the parliament and signed by the President as the best gift the government of Nigeria has given to persons with disabilities.
“Everything disability is built on this Act. As a polio survivor before I became the ES, I had wished that there would be a Bill that will take care of persons with disabilities. The passing of the Bill was a great relief to persons with disabilities. The Bill is the best persons with disabilities have received from the federal government. The Bill is the foundation everything disability is being built on. It is an elaborate Bill, it provides for the general wellbeing of persons with disabilities. The government is deeply involved with all that concerns persons with disabilities.
“We do not have data of persons with disability nationwide presently but it is estimated that persons with disability in Nigeria range from 35 to 38million people across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT. 38 million is a huge number. It is more than the population of many countries in Africa. The commission’s budget is very paltry. If we are to make a budget, it will be a budget for 38million people. Research has confirmed that one out of ten persons with disabilities needs one form of assessable device or the other. You can imagine how much will go into the purchase of these devices”.
He added that these devices are not made in Nigeria. “Is it the wheelchair, the electronic wheel Chair, crutches, magnifying glasses, the cognair implant, hearing aids for people with hearing challenges? Whatever device? None is made in Nigeria. Apart from the local stick you cut from the farm and lean upon, all others are imported. The devices are not made in Nigeria and are very expensive.
“For the year 2025, the commission has a budget of N2.3billion. By the time you remove staff wages and all others which is about N90000 million you would be left with below one billion naira for 38million Nigerians who need one form of assistive device to function very well. Budgeting for the commission is a huge disaster; we are not adequately budgeted for and it hinders our ability to respond to the needs of the people. The Bill provides for five percent of persons with disabilities of all employment opportunities in the health sector, which is reserved for qualified persons with disability.
Inclusion not charity
The question is what percentage of Nigeria constitutes persons with disabilities?
If persons with disabilities are 10-15percent, why recommend only 5percent for them? What happens to the other group of persons? Inclusion is not an act of charity or magnanimity; it is the right of persons with disabilities. What we need to do is appropriate provision.
Persons with disabilities in Nigeria are about 38million but only 2% are gainfully employed. The implication of this is that many persons with disabilities are off the employment basket, which is a big disaster, Gufwan said.
“As a commission we work for the whole country. It is a national commission for persons with disabilities in Nigeria, so all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory FCT is covered. Whatever services rendered is spread across the 36 states of the federation. The goal of the commission is ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Of the 36 states, 24 states have domesticated the act, meaning that the House of Assembly in these states have passed these Bill and the state governors have gone ahead to establish this Bill exclusively for the disabled persons in their state. This is in spite of the fact that most of the establishments for the disabled are grossly under-funded.
“The state budgets are disastrously poor. In one of the states, the disability commission got a budget of N70million; what this means is that for the whole calendar year, they were able to access only N25million. Painfully, they only got the N25million when they needed to celebrate the international day of persons with disabilities. This is a far cry from what the persons with disabilities community desires.”
Gufwan argued that the idea behind the creation of the state disability board is to make them functional. “It is by so doing that the government can truly impact the lives of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. We encourage the legislative arms of the state government to pass the appropriate legislation that would touch the lives of persons with disabilities across the 774 local governments. Nigerians believe there is disability in ability.
“One of my biggest shock was that as soon as I was posted to this commission, a couple of directors proceeded on retirement; and to get their replacement, most of the directors posted to the commission confirmed that they never knew the commission existed. They had never heard of it. So even on the streets of the country, so many Nigerians are not aware of the existence of this commission, the commission needs all the publicity it can get,” he said.
• How weak laws, porous borders and desperate profiteers endanger lives selling fake medicines
Fake medicines have become a deadly symbol of Nigeria’s regulatory failure. Weak enforcement of drug distribution laws has allowed profit-hungry traders, untrained professionals, to control the medicine market, putting millions of lives at risk. From Lagos to Kano, fake and substandard medicines move freely through porous borders and poorly regulated supply chains, causing organ failures, resistance and avoidable deaths. Despite the efforts of regulators, poor political will and weak laws continue to enhance the trade. In this report, CHINYERE OKOROAFOR examines how fake drugs enter Nigeria, who profits, and why decisive government action remains absent.
When this reporter first reached Mr. Sunday Afolabi by phone, his delayed response hinted at a man worn down by retelling a painful story. When he spoke, his voice was calm but heavy with grief.
He said the events began on an ordinary April morning in Ibadan. As usual, he left home early to buy medication for his wife, Kemi, who had lived with hypertension for years.
The condition was stable, controlled with regular drugs she never missed. Kemi, 52, was meticulous about following her doctor’s instructions.
For years, the monthly medication cost about ₦8,000, an expense the family planned around. But in March, drug prices surged. The same medicine rose to nearly ₦15,000, far beyond what they could afford.
A neighbour directed Sunday to a chemist in the Challenge area of Ibadan, where the drugs were cheaper and appeared identical to what his wife had always used. The packaging raised no suspicion. He bought them.
For two weeks, Kemi took the tablets. She noticed a slight difference in taste but dismissed it as a change by the manufacturer.
On a Sunday morning, while preparing for church, she complained of chest heaviness and a racing heart. Sunday rushed her to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Despite medical intervention, her condition deteriorated rapidly.
Doctors later confirmed that the drugs were counterfeit. They contained harmful substances that worsened her hypertension. By evening, Kemi was dead.
Since then, Sunday has changed how he purchases medicines, using only licensed pharmacies, keeping receipts, and verifying batch numbers. But the precautions came too late.
Kemi’s death reflects a wider crisis. Fake and substandard medicines remain widespread in Nigeria, cutting across antibiotics, antimalarials, hypertension and diabetes drugs, and even maternal health medicines. Some circulate through outlets that appear legitimate.
Public figures have also raised the alarm. Social media personality Leo Da Silva recently shared how he discovered drugs he bought, Gestid and cod liver oil, were fake after scanning their barcodes.
Nigeria’s history with counterfeit medicines is grim. In 2009, 84 children died after consuming contaminated teething syrup.
Today, banned and controlled drugs, including Analgin and high-dose Tramadol, are still common in open drug markets.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has estimated that in some markets, fake drugs may account for up to 80 per cent of products.
The World Health Organisation estimates that one in ten medical products in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or falsified, with higher rates reported in parts of Africa. These drugs may contain wrong or toxic ingredients, leading to treatment failure, drug resistance, worsening illness, or death.
For families like the Afolabis, the consequences are irreversible, personal tragedies rooted in a systemic failure that continues to put lives at risk.
For the World Health Organisation (WHO), a falsified medicine is a product that is deliberately and fraudulently misrepresented in its identity, composition, or source, while a substandard medicine is a genuine product that fails to meet required quality standards due to manufacturing defects or improper storage.
But a Nigerian pharmaceutical expert based in the Georgia area of the United States of America, Mr. Chris Ike, offered a clear explanation of what qualifies as a fake drug, describing it as any medication whose active molecules are substandard or ineffective for human use.
Using an example, he noted that a product labelled Augmentin 228 contains Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid but the trade name is Augementin 228, those are the drug molecules. According to him, once the active ingredients are either replaced, diluted or completely absent, the medicine becomes incapable of treating any condition.
“When the molecules inside a drug are substandard beyond human consumption, it will not work,” he said. “For a layman’s understanding, the molecule becomes nothing more than chalk.”
In the bustling Onitsha Medicine Market, one of West Africa’s biggest open drug hubs, thousands of cartons change hands daily, supplying chemists, hospitals, patent medicine stores and street vendors across Nigeria. A visit to the market reveals that there are several medicine lines including Tablet Line, Anyawu Line, Udoka Line among others, where different medicines are sold in wholesale and retail capacities. But behind the chaotic commerce lies a pharmaceutical pipeline riddled with manipulation, shortcuts and dangerous practices that undermine public health.
At the Tablet Line, This reporter asked an apprentice, a young boy in his early twenties for a hypertension drug. He said they had it, along with several alternatives from different manufacturers. When I insisted on the specific brand, he went to a “second shop” to fetch it.
When he returned, I began reading the labels while he watched closely. The drug was priced at N2,500. When asked if he was a trained pharmacist, he admitted he was not, explaining that he had only been apprenticing for six months. His role, he said, was simply to learn the drug names and sell them.
A licensed pharmacist who works closely within the system, and who spoke on condition of anonymity, gave this reporter an extensive insight into how substandard medicines are manufactured; how expired products are recycled into circulation, and why regulatory gaps continue to expose Nigerians to avoidable harm.
His account, corroborated by industry patterns, reveals a complex ecosystem where businessmen, not trained pharmacists, control the majority of drug movement and where profit motives consistently override safety.
According to the pharmacist, the most counterfeited drugs in Nigeria are those in high demand and fast turnover. These include antibiotics, antimalarials, analgesics, anti-diabetic drugs, children’s medicines, and even infant milk.
“As long as a drug is selling very well, someone will produce a fake version,” he said.
“In fact, some fake drugs are more expensive than the original. They work on psychology; people assume the higher the price, the better the product.”
How substandard drugs are manufactured for profit
The pharmacist explained that many substandard drugs originate from factories in Asia where Nigerian businessmen negotiate cheaper formulations.
“Our people go to China or India, and they don’t put the complete active ingredients,” he said. “For example, if a Panadol tablet is supposed to contain 95% of a particular active ingredient, they reduce it to 70% to maximise profit.”
He added that this dilution is often the reason some common drugs appear “weak” or ineffective.
“If I want a headache medicine, I go for GSK Panadol because I know they follow standards. But many products in the market do not contain what the label claims.”
This deliberate manipulation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) creates a vast supply of medicines that fail to treat illnesses, contributing to antibiotic resistance, prolonged sickness and, in some cases, death.
The pharmacist also shed light on one of the industry’s most alarming practices: the repackaging of expired drugs for resale.
Every drug has a “shelf life;” the period during which its active ingredients remain potent. Once past this window, medicines gradually lose effectiveness and, in some cases, become toxic.
He explained that a drug expiring in October may retain some potency in November or December, but once it passes five or six months beyond its expiry date, it becomes dangerous.
“Expired drugs can still be used, depending on how long they have expired and the company that produced them,” he said.
“For instance, I can take a Pfizer drug that expired by two months. But many businesspeople don’t apply scientific knowledge. They simply clean the date, backdate it and push it into the market.”
In the Onitsha market, chemicals are often used to erase expiry dates from packaging, after which printers replace them with new, falsified dates. This practice is particularly common among businessmen importing medicines without NAFDAC registration numbers, who seek to avoid inspection hurdles.
The pharmacist described a methodical, almost industrial approach to producing and selling fake drugs, as business model built on observation, imitation, and exploitation.
It begins with a legitimate, fast-selling drug. A businessman imports it, watches as demand grows, and notes how quickly shelves empty. Not long after, competitors move in. They replicate the popular medication, but with a crucial difference: the active ingredients are reduced, substituted, or omitted entirely. The result is a substandard product, far cheaper to produce, yet packaged to appear identical to the original.
“These replicas are mixed into the market alongside genuine stock,” the pharmacist explained. “What they are selling is fake. But in this market, presentation matters more than quality. Most buyers cannot tell the difference.”
The system thrives on anonymity. Many manufacturers of substandard medicines omit real addresses, omit valid logos, and sometimes falsify batch numbers. Some go a step further, adding elaborate security seals that mimic the codes used by authentic pharmaceutical companies. To the unsuspecting consumer, the products look real, reassuring, and legitimate. But the illusion is deadly.
“The deception is sophisticated; it’s not just about making money, it’s about creating trust where none exists; then exploiting it,” he stated.
How to spot fake drugs: labels, codes, hidden clues
According to the pharmacist, identifying fake drugs often starts with careful observation and attention to detail.
“Most people overlook the labels, but a trained eye can spot inconsistencies immediately,” he explained. “Spelling mistakes, poorly printed logos, or misaligned text are all red flags.”
Beyond visual cues, many legitimate pharmaceutical companies embed authentication codes on their products. These codes, when verified through the company’s system, often via SMS, apps, or websites, confirm the drug’s authenticity.
“If the code is genuine, you get feedback. If it’s fake, there’s no response,” he said.
But counterfeiters are adapting. Increasingly, fake drugs come with codes that mimic authentic verification systems. Some even replicate cartons, blister packs, and holograms with alarming precision, making visual inspection alone insufficient.
“The deception is becoming highly sophisticated,” he warned. “Even experienced buyers can be fooled if they rely only on what the packaging looks like. Verification is the only reliable way to confirm authenticity.”
He recounted a common tactic involving controlled substances. “Some businessmen buy Tramadol of 50mg, change the packaging to 100mg, and sell it as 100mg,” he said. “That means a patient expecting 100mg is only getting half of what the label claims.”
Such practices, he emphasised, are not mere technicalities. Patients relying on precise dosages – whether managing chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or undergoing treatment for substance withdrawal, are left vulnerable. The medicine they trust may be ineffective, prolonging suffering or worsening conditions.
More alarming, however, is the manipulation of immunosuppressant drugs, essential for organ transplant patients. The pharmacist cited Mycophenolate as a stark example. Before a regulatory raid by NAFDAC, the drug sold for N14,000. After the seizure of unregistered versions in September, the price surged to N40,000.
“The drugs seized were not necessarily fake,” he explained. “They did not have NAFDAC numbers. The businessmen importing them wanted to avoid high registration fees. But when NAFDAC raids, everything without proper registration is labeled fake and seized.”
The stakes in such cases are life and death. Expired or improperly manufactured immunosuppressants can trigger organ failure in transplant patients. “If a patient takes an expired drug of this kind, the organ can shut down,” the pharmacist said.
These manipulations reveal a dark undercurrent in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain: profit-driven practices not only erode trust in medicines but directly threaten the lives of the most vulnerable patients.
According to the pharmacist, only a small fraction of the sellers are licensed professionals.
“Most of the people selling drugs there are businessmen,” he explained. “They don’t understand the dangers of what they are doing. They are not trained. All they care about is: ‘Come and buy.’”
This lack of professional oversight allows harmful practices, from selling substandard or expired medicines to manipulating dosages, to continue unchecked. For many consumers, there is no reliable way to know whether the product in their hands is genuine or dangerous.
The government has proposed a restructuring plan for the market aimed at putting licensed pharmacists in supervisory roles over the businessmen. Under this system, a single pharmacist could be assigned to monitor multiple shops, inspecting stock and verifying quality on a weekly or monthly basis.
“A pharmacist might be responsible for five shops,” he said. “It’s not perfect, but it would introduce some measure of control.”
Even so, challenges remain. With thousands of transactions occurring daily, enforcement depends on discipline, diligence, and the willingness of both the authorities and the licensed pharmacists to confront entrenched practices. Until then, much of the market remains a grey zone, a place where profit, not patient safety, drives the trade.
How NAFDAC registration raises drug prices
The high cost of medicines in Nigeria is often blamed on NAFDAC, the regulatory body responsible for drug approval and oversight. But the pharmacist offered a more nuanced explanation, revealing a complex interplay between regulation, supply chains, and market practices.
He explained that drugs registered with NAFDAC are typically more expensive, because manufacturers must absorb high registration fees, which are then passed on to consumers. In contrast, unregistered drugs bypass these costs, allowing sellers to price them lower and restock more quickly.
“When NAFDAC discovers unregistered drugs, they raid and seize them,” he said. “But some of these drugs are not fake; they just don’t have NAFDAC numbers.”
Such enforcement actions, while intended to protect public health, often have unintended consequences. When unregistered stock is confiscated, the supply of certain medicines shrinks drastically, creating scarcity and driving prices up.
He cited the example of Mycophenolate, a critical immunosuppressant for transplant patients. Before a NAFDAC raid, the drug sold for N14,000. After unregistered stock was seized in September, the price skyrocketed to N40,000.
“Patients who rely on these medicines suffer,” he added. “The raids are necessary, but the system penalizes consumers as much as sellers.”
In effect, NAFDAC registration, while essential for ensuring drug safety, indirectly contributes to higher drug prices, particularly when enforcement measures disrupt the market without parallel strategies to maintain availability.
Kano’s medicine business hub
At dawn in Sabon Gari Market, Kano, pharmaceutical trading was already in full swing. Vans and pick-up trucks offloaded cartons of medicines commonly found in clinics and chemist shops across northern Nigeria, as traders opened shops and prepared for the day’s business.
Sabon Gari serves as a major pharmaceutical distribution hub for the North. Drugs purchased in the market are redistributed to states such as Bauchi and Borno, and in some cases, across borders into Niger Republic and other West African countries. Retailers arrive daily to restock patent medicine stores or buy in bulk for onward sales.
Traders explained that the market deals in prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and so-called “order drugs” products designed to imitate genuine medicines. These “order drugs,” some traders admitted, are often fake or substandard and remain a major concern.
While the market has long been associated with counterfeit drugs, some traders insist they deal only in locally manufactured and registered products. Others described the business as profitable but cautious, shaped by economic pressures and regulatory scrutiny.
According to the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), Kano State, Alhaji Musbahu Khalid, pharmaceutical trading in the state extends beyond Sabon Gari to other markets across the city.
He said past crackdowns on drug abuse disrupted the market, but confidence is gradually returning through collaboration between traders, regulators and security agencies.
Khalid estimated that hundreds of millions of naira worth of drugs are traded daily in Kano’s pharmaceutical markets.
He said NAPMED runs a local taskforce that conducts inspections and sanctions offenders, while plans are underway for a government-backed wholesale pharmaceutical centre to improve regulation.
Despite ongoing reforms, trading in Sabon Gari continues at scale, underscoring Kano’s central role in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain, and the persistent challenges of regulation and drug safety.
Idumota, Lagos drug market
Checks at a pharmacy in the Idumota drug market, Lagos Island, revealed conditions more fitting for a poorly run tuck shop than a medicine outlet. At the entrance, meat and bread sellers, alongside local herb vendors, displayed their wares and called out to passersby.
Inside, sales boys stacked drugs carelessly, as if they were cartons of biscuits. Traders urged them to work faster as more trailers loaded with medicines arrived that Monday morning. A quick count showed about 30 wholesale drug stores operating in similar deplorable conditions, confirming the area as one of Lagos’ open drug markets.
Idumota is widely known as a hub for substandard, counterfeit and expired medicines. Sensitive drugs, including antibiotics, analgesics, insulin and other injectable meant to save lives, were displayed in dirty and unhygienic environments.
Yet, many chemists, retail pharmacies and hospitals across Oyo, Osun, Ogun and other South-West states source their drugs from this market.
When asked about gentamicin injectable, a trader, Jude, said he had several cartons and asked how many were needed. The conversation was cut short when a warning spread that officials from the Lagos State Government and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria were approaching. Traders hurriedly hid cartons of unapproved drugs, shut their shops and dispersed.
Two weeks later, the man freely sold tramadol, insulin and other prescription-only drugs without requesting any prescription.
His concern was payment, not the identity or safety of the buyer.
How fake drugs enter Nigeria
Checks show that fake and expired medicines enter Nigeria through both land and sea routes, taking advantage of weak border controls and desperate smuggling networks.
A retired comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that while many illegal drugs are smuggled through Nigeria’s porous land borders, a large volume also comes in through the seaports. According to him, containers loaded with substandard and expired medicines are routinely shipped into the country, often disguised among other goods.
He recalled his experience at the Tin Can Island Port in Apapa, Lagos, where he personally examined a 40-foot container found to be filled with expired drugs. Despite appeals from those linked to the shipment, the container was seized. He said similar seizures were made by his colleagues at the Onne Seaport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. One such case involved an even larger container of expired medicines intercepted around the time the biggest vessel ever to dock in Nigeria arrived at Onne.
The former customs officer explained that officers often have prior intelligence on shipments from known source countries associated with counterfeit drugs. “From the country a container is coming from, we already know if it is a source country, and that tells us we must carry out serious physical examination,” he said.
Beyond the ports, he described smugglers as extremely determined individuals who exploit countless illegal routes along Nigeria’s land borders. During his postings to border areas, he encountered smugglers using unapproved paths to evade security checks. In some cases, they adopted strange tactics and disguises to avoid detection, including carrying voodoo.
These accounts highlight the complex and determined networks behind the inflow of fake drugs into Nigeria, and the constant struggle of enforcement officers to stop them.
An ECOWAS-backed 2023 report has warned that fake and illegal medicines from China and India are flooding Nigeria and other West African countries, putting millions of lives at risk.
The report, titled Bad Pharma: Trafficking Illicit Medical Products in West Africa, said these drugs are common in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Guinea and Burkina Faso. Many of the fake medicines are shipped from Guangzhou in China and enter the region through major ports such as Apapa in Nigeria, Tema in Ghana, Cotonou in Benin and Conakry in Guinea. Middlemen are often used to hide the real source.
According to the study, West Africa has become a major hub for fake medicines. In Burkina Faso and Guinea, illegal drugs make up as much as 80 per cent of medicines in circulation. Across the region, fake and smuggled drugs account for between 20 and 60 per cent of the formal market.
The report said Nigeria and Ghana are the biggest producers of both legal and illegal medicines in the region. Out of 172 pharmaceutical manufacturers in ECOWAS countries, 120 are in Nigeria and 37 in Ghana. These operate alongside illegal laboratories, some of which have recently been shut down in Niger and Guinea.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that fake medicines kill nearly 500,000 people every year in sub-Saharan Africa. Many deaths are linked to fake malaria drugs and antibiotics used for children.
The report noted that weak regulation, porous borders, poverty and poor access to affordable healthcare have helped the illegal drug trade to grow.
It called on ECOWAS, governments and civil society groups to strengthen border control, improve drug regulation, raise public awareness and make genuine medicines more affordable and accessible.
The Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said China, India and Pakistan are the main sources of illegal drugs coming into Nigeria.
He said many of the opioids seized in Nigeria can be traced to these countries. To stop this, the NDLEA recently signed an agreement with India’s Narcotics Control Bureau to share real-time information and block drug trafficking.
Babafemi added that the agency is also working to revive old agreements with China and Pakistan, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said these partnerships will help Nigeria work closely with other countries to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs, especially opioids.
He added that the NDLEA is also working with local and international partners to reduce drug trafficking into Nigeria.
How colonial-era licence allowed untrained sellers to handle medicines
A concerned Nigerian, who identified himself as Nwako, traced the problems in Nigeria’s drug distribution system to the colonial era, saying the foundation of today’s crisis was laid long ago.
He explained that the Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor Licence (PPMVL) was introduced during colonial rule to allow non-professionals sell basic medicines. Over time, this temporary system remained in place and became widely abused, even though healthcare needs and drug use have become more complex.
According to Nwako, the licence now allows people who are not trained pharmacists to sell over-the-counter medicines, a practice that goes against global best standards.
He said this has weakened the pharmacy profession and reduced medicines to ordinary trade items rather than powerful substances that require expert handling.
He noted that because of this colonial-era system, unqualified individuals, including school dropouts and illiterates, now handle and sell drugs across the country.
He warned that this poses a serious danger to public health, as it increases the risk of wrong prescriptions, drug misuse and abuse.
Nwako explained that in many parts of the world, only trained pharmacists are allowed to handle medicines. These professionals undergo strict education and training, including earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completing specialised postgraduate studies.
He stressed that Nigeria urgently needs to reform its drug distribution system, move away from outdated colonial structures and ensure that only trained professionals handle medicines to reduce fake drugs, drug abuse and preventable deaths.
Nigeria’s vulnerability
Nigeria is highly exposed to fake and substandard drugs due to heavy dependence on imports, weak regulation, and porous markets. About 70% of medicines are imported, mainly from China and India, creating complex supply chains that are hard to monitor.
NAFDAC, the country’s main drug regulator, remains understaffed and under-resourced, struggling to police borders and informal markets. A 2022 NAFDAC report estimated that nearly 30% of medicines in open markets are fake or substandard, often sold through street vendors, roadside stalls, and unlicensed pharmacies.
Past incidents, such as rumours of expired or substandard COVID-19 vaccines in 2020, highlight the risks of this vulnerability.
What NAFDAC is doing to fight fake drugs beyond raiding
NAFDAC has intensified efforts to curb fake and substandard medicines in Nigeria, extending its approach beyond market raids to include regulation, technology, public awareness, partnerships, and surveillance.
The agency has introduced several tools to track medicines throughout the supply chain. Its Traceability Project uses legal and technological methods to monitor products from importation to retail, helping to detect counterfeit drugs before they reach consumers. NAFDAC’s GreenBook, an online database, allows the public to verify the authenticity of medicines by checking their names and registration numbers.
Another key initiative, the Pediatric Regulation 2024, ensures that medicines for children meet safety and quality standards.
Public education is also a major focus. NAFDAC regularly runs campaigns on television, radio, and in communities to warn Nigerians about the dangers of fake drugs and how to identify them. The agency works with schools to teach students about safe medicine use and publishes lists of counterfeit products in newspapers, urging the public to report suspicious items.
On the regulatory side, NAFDAC has strengthened drug registration and inspection processes to ensure only quality medicines enter the market. This includes pre-shipment testing of imported drugs and requiring documentation proving that active ingredients meet international standards. Local producers are also monitored for compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to prevent the production of substandard medicines.
NAFDAC collaborates with national agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service to intercept fake drugs at borders and airports. International partnerships with organisations like the World Health Organization and the United States Pharmacopeia further enhance technical capacity and surveillance.
In 2025, the Federal Government launched a national task force led by NAFDAC and other agencies to identify illegal drug networks, prosecute offenders, and strengthen nationwide monitoring of counterfeit products.
Experts say these measures show that NAFDAC’s fight against fake medicines is evolving. By combining technology, public education, stronger regulation, and coordinated partnerships, the agency aims to protect Nigerians from harmful and counterfeit products and reduce the public health risks associated with unsafe drugs.
NAFDAC raid in 2025
In 2025, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) stepped up its fight against fake, substandard, and unregistered medicines, seizing and destroying massive quantities and shutting down illegal outlets.
In September, one of the biggest enforcement actions saw fake antimalarial drugs worth over ₦1.2 billion seized from a warehouse in the Ilasa‑Oshodi area of Lagos State. NAFDAC officers found 277 cartons of counterfeit Malamal Forte malaria drugs, said to have been imported in a 40‑foot container from China.
Earlier in 2025, over 3,000 drug shops in Lagos were sealed, and truckloads of fake drugs were confiscated in Abia and Anambra states. In Onitsha’s Bridge Head and other markets, NAFDAC temporarily closed markets to enforce compliance, reopening them under stricter oversight.
Major market raids in April saw fake and banned medicines worth over ₦100 billion destroyed at Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku markets. In Awka, Anambra State, another large stock of illegal drugs, including paediatric, maternal medicines, and vaccines stored in unsafe conditions, was destroyed.
NAFDAC said these products were dangerous and unfit for use, posing serious public health risks. Experts note that these seizures represent not just financial loss but lives saved and families protected.
Awareness, consumer vigilance
NAFDAC says public awareness is key to fighting fake drugs. Nigerians are urged to check that medicines come from trusted shops and have valid NAFDAC registration numbers. Products sold far below normal prices are likely counterfeit, experts warn.
A policy analyst, Pharm. Igwe Uche says local drug production is essential to stop fake medicines. “We must invest in making our own drugs under strict standards. This is the only way to cut off counterfeiters and protect our health,” he said.
Despite government rules under the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, many open drug markets still operate. Deadlines for shutting them down and setting up State and Mega Drug Distribution Centres, for safe storage and sale, have been missed.
Nigeria’s National Drug Policy, revised in 2021, aims for self-sufficiency in drug production. But progress is slow due to power shortages, lack of raw materials, and poor financing.
Experts warn that until these problems are fixed, and regulators are properly funded and trained, the exit of major companies like GSK could become a serious public health risk.
Experts’ concerns
Health experts agree that Nigeria’s weak and poorly regulated drug distribution system is costing lives. They blame chaotic drug markets, weak border control and the slow implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG).
The Chairman of the Lagos State Medicines Association, Innocent Ezennaya, said fake drugs enter Nigeria easily through borders, airports and seaports due to poor checks and compromised officials.
He warned that without strict control at entry points, efforts to stop fake medicines will fail.
Pharmacists say street drug hawking by untrained sellers remains common, even though medicines can be harmful if wrongly handled or stored. They warned that heat, sunlight and poor storage reduce drug safety and effectiveness.
The Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Ezeh Ambrose, said current penalties for fake drug crimes are too weak and called for much higher fines and longer jail terms.
Pharmaceutical industry players said the fake drug crisis is mainly due to the government’s failure to enforce the NDDG and the National Drug Policy.
The Chairman of the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria, Abiola Paul-Ozieh, said open drug markets must be shut down, stressing that medicines are not ordinary goods.
She added that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported drugs and weak local production make the problem worse.
ACPN Lagos Chairman, Ajayi Tolulope, said agencies like NAFDAC lack enough funding, staff and political support. He called for regulated wholesale centres in every state to control drug distribution.
The Lagos State Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Babayemi Oyekunle, warned that fake drugs increase deaths from malaria, hypertension, asthma and other illnesses.
The anonymous pharmacist in Onitsha said reform is possible only if rules are applied consistently.
He stressed that pharmacists must be involved at every stage, from importation to retail at the Ontisha drug market.
He said stronger borders, licensed pharmacists supervising drug shops, affordable NAFDAC registration fees and public education on checking genuine drugs would help stop fake medicines.
Experts warned that without urgent reforms and strong political will, fake drugs will continue to endanger lives in Nigeria.
*This work was produced with support of a grant provided by the Wits Centre for Journalism’s African Investigative Journalism Conference.*
•How innocuous remark has stirred controversy among Nigeria’s curches
A single sentence has set Nigeria’s religious community ablaze.
During a recent sermon at the 12 Days of Glory programme hosted by the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) in Abuja, the Presiding Pastor of The Master’s Place International Church, Pastor Korede Komaiya declared, “I will never follow a poor pastor.” The remark, delivered with conviction, quickly went viral, stirring fierce debate across social media, church circles, and public forums.
Supporters praised the statement as a bold acknowledgement of the practical realities of modern ministry, while critics accused Pastor Komaiya of promoting materialism, elitism, and a distorted version of the gospel. At the heart of the controversy lies a tension that has long divided Nigerian Christianity: the intersection of faith, influence, wealth, and spiritual leadership.
As reactions continue to pour in, voices from across the Church—including Rev Isaac Omolehin, Apostle Michael Orokpo, Kesiena Esiri, and Prophet Joel Ogebe—have joined the conversation, offering perspectives that seek to balance kingdom purpose with financial responsibility, while warning against extremes on both sides.
The debate, it seems, is not just about the wealth of pastors—but about what defines true spiritual authority, and how the Church nurtures a generation that will follow Christ wisely.
Korede’s speech that stirred controversy
In the now-viral clip, Pastor Korede linked affluence with influence, arguing that financial capacity is essential for effective ministry in today’s world.
He said, “I will never follow a poor pastor.” Now, whether you agree with him or not, I am asking that we approach this with grace and wisdom. We are not tearing anyone down. We are here to learn, to grow, and to understand what the Bible really says about this.
He cited the scriptures in Proverb 19: 4 saying “wealth makes many friends. Poverty drives them away”. They will run away from you. I will never follow a poor pastor. Never. Nothing will make me do it. Criticise me till tomorrow.”
He cited international crusades, logistics, and the high cost of evangelistic outreaches as proof that wealth is a necessary tool for global impact.
“We went to Botswana, all the way from Warri to go to Botswana with our team for the crusade, about over hundreds of Thousands was spent on flight ticket and you are telling me that affluence is not needed. Should we tell you how much each service costs? How much per service cost? We went to Manchester for the crusade. Should we bring the budget to the public?
“Where affluence stops is where influence ends,” he declared, insisting that the scale of modern ministry demands resources.
But while the statement resonated with some, it deeply unsettled others who believe it contradicts the foundational principles of Christianity—humility, sacrifice, and dependence on God rather than material possessions.
A counter voice: The call for holiness over wealth
One of the strongest responses came from Reverend Isaac Omolehin, whose sermon excerpts also began circulating online shortly after Pastor Korede’s statement gained traction.
Rather than focusing on wealth, Omolehin shifted the conversation to moral integrity, spiritual discipline, and personal holiness. He warned that the church risks losing its soul if it prioritises affluence over character.
“How will we address power if we have not addressed the things God is not happy with?” he asked, narrating biblical examples where spiritual authority was withheld because of compromised character.
Drawing from the story of Gehazi, Elisha’s servant who inherited leprosy instead of prophetic power, Omolehin cautioned against commercialising divine gifts.
“God prefers to have power buried than to hand it over for commercial purposes,” he said.
For him, the real danger is not poor pastors, but corrupt ones.
The deeper debate: Prosperity vs. piety
At the heart of the controversy is an old but unresolved tension within Nigerian Christianity: the clash between prosperity theology and classical discipleship.
While prosperity teachings emphasise success, wealth, and material blessings as evidence of divine favour, traditional Christian theology stresses self-denial, obedience, holiness, and eternal reward.
Critics of Pastor Korede’s statement argue that Jesus Himself had no material wealth, yet remains the ultimate leader of faith. His disciples, many of whom lived in poverty, transformed the world without luxury.
“If material wealth is a prerequisite for spiritual leadership, then where does that leave Jesus, the apostles, and the early church?” asked one online commentator.
Others pointed to biblical figures like Elijah, who lived simply but wielded immense spiritual authority.
“Elijah didn’t have a palace, yet heaven recognised him,” Omolehin said in one of his widely shared sermons.
A generation watching
Beyond theology, many observers fear the cultural implications of such statements, especially on young Christians.
Omolehin warned that the church is unknowingly grooming a generation that equates ministry with celebrity culture—convoys, armed escorts, expensive brands, and unquestioned authority.
“What example are we giving the small boys who are coming behind us?” he asked. “They are watching us.”
He lamented the rise of what he called “underage apostles” and “juvenile bishops” on campuses—young leaders copying the flamboyant styles of senior pastors without the depth of character.
According to him, faith is being replaced with performance, and discipleship with branding.
The church and the weaponization of power
Another troubling dimension raised in the debate is the growing militarisation of church leadership. Critics point to the increasing presence of armed security around pastors as a symbol of misplaced priorities.
“The church is a fellowship, not a battlefield,” Omolehin said.
He questioned why pastors now require police protection, while ordinary citizens remain vulnerable.
To him, this trend reflects a shift from spiritual dependence to human security—a symptom of deeper spiritual decay.
What the Bible really says
Biblical scholars have also weighed in, noting that Scripture neither condemns wealth nor glorifies poverty. Instead, it warns against loving money, abusing power, and neglecting righteousness.
The Bible celebrates Abraham, David, and Solomon for their prosperity—but also condemns Solomon’s excesses and moral failures.
Notably, Solomon—despite his wealth—is absent from Hebrews 11, the famous “Hall of Faith.”
“God does not want you to emulate everyone successful,” Omolehin noted.
For many, this controversy is more than social media drama—it is a wake-up call.
It forces the church to confront uncomfortable questions: What defines spiritual leadership? Is influence measured in naira or in transformed lives? Has success replaced sacrifice?
While Pastor Korede has not issued a formal clarification, the debate he ignited may become one of the most defining conversations in Nigerian Christianity this year.
Kesiena Esiri counters the ‘Poor Pastor’ claim, emphasising spiritual hunger over wealth.
Apostolic evangelist, spirit-filled Bible teacher, author, and Pointman of The Remnant Christian Network (RCN), Warri, Delta State, Kesiena Esiri, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy sparked by Pastor Korede’s statement, “I will never follow a poor pastor.”
Speaking during a recent ministration, Esiri rejected the notion that material wealth should define spiritual leadership, stressing that what truly matters in the Christian journey is spiritual hunger, depth, and intimacy with God.
“When you begin to eat spiritual food, it drives you to seek meaning and purpose in God,” he said. “It pushes you beyond this realm. You begin to crave God.”
He challenged believers to examine their priorities, asking whether they desire God with the same intensity they pursue money, comfort, or worldly pleasures.
“Do you crave God the way you crave money? The way you crave pleasure? Do you yearn for Him desperately?” he asked.
Spiritual legacy over material wealth
Drawing from Christian history, Esiri referenced E.M. Bounds, a renowned author on prayer whose writings have shaped generations of believers.
“Bounds was not rich,” he noted. “Yet he left an inheritance for the Church that is still feeding souls today. His books were not even published while he was alive, but today they are classics.”
According to Esiri, spiritual impact should never be measured by material possessions.
“It is not about what you wear, the car you drive, or how much is in your bank account,” he said. “These things are not evil, but once you substitute them for spiritual food, you will start dying spiritually.”
Esiri lamented what he described as a growing crisis in contemporary Christianity—one where routines have replaced depth, and appearances have replaced genuine encounters with God.
“The church is going through a wilderness season,” he warned. “Make sure you find bread—real bread. Not the kind that perishes.”
Quoting Jesus’ words, “Labour not for the meat that perisheth,” Esiri explained that true spiritual nourishment cannot be bought with money.
“Isaiah said, ‘Come without money, come without price.’ That means hunger is the currency of the Spirit, not cash,” he declared.
A call to genuine devotion
He also urged young believers, especially singles, to build a strong spiritual foundation before marriage and life’s responsibilities overwhelm them.
“Find God before you marry,” he advised. “If you don’t have a source of life, the cravings of this world will swallow you.”
Esiri warned that many Christians today suffer from what he described as “unholy dissatisfaction”—a restlessness born of greed, competition, and comparison.
“That kind of dissatisfaction is anchored in the fallen world,” he said. “But holy dissatisfaction makes you press into God.”
Esiri further delivered a sobering warning: “Lack of spiritual hunger is a death sentence for the Christian. You will die spiritually. Hunger is what will wake you up to seek God.”
His response has resonated with many believers online, offering a counter-narrative to the growing emphasis on material success in ministry and reigniting discussions on what truly defines spiritual leadership.
Follow the contented, not the comfortable–Prophet Joel
Prophet Joel Ogebe, popularly known as The Priest of Salem and the Lead Prophet of House of Salem Global, has weighed in on the viral statement by Pastor Korede that he would “never follow a poor pastor,” describing the remark as doctrinally flawed, emotionally insensitive, and spiritually misleading.
Speaking during a recent ministration, Prophet Ogebe expressed deep concern about the impact of such statements on sincere ministers, especially those labouring quietly in rural and underprivileged communities.
“Do you know how many poor pastors will hear that and go and cry?” he asked. “Men God has walked with for 20 years—what else are they lacking? What about the pastors in villages whose only consolation is following Jesus?”
He emphasised that ministry should never be reduced to material measurements, warning that such rhetoric risks crushing faithful servants of God who have no platforms, no public visibility, and no financial backing—yet carry deep spiritual authority.
“These men wake up every morning with their wives and children, singing, ‘I am so glad that Jesus loves me,’” he said. “Then someone comes and says, if a pastor is not rich, don’t follow him. That is dangerous.”
While affirming respect for Pastor Korede’s ministry, Prophet Ogebe insisted that doctrine must always take precedence over personal opinions.
“We are not debunking this because we hate him. We thank God for his ministry. But the Word of God remains the standard. And as priests, we owe people the truth.”
He clarified that neither poverty nor wealth should be the basis for spiritual leadership.
“Don’t follow a poor pastor. Don’t follow a rich pastor. Follow a contented one—the one who labours in word and doctrine for the establishment of your soul.”
According to him, the true measure of a pastor is not material success but spiritual labour, sound doctrine, and genuine discipleship.
“He may not have cars. Nobody may know him. But he sits you down and teaches you the Word of God—that is a man worth following.”
Prophet Ogebe also addressed the misuse of scriptures, particularly Proverbs 19:4, which had been cited in defence of the controversial statement. He explained that Proverbs is a book of wisdom sayings, not commandments or promises.
“That scripture is not an instruction. It is exposing the superficial nature of human relationships. It shows that people often gather around wealth, even without genuine love.”
He reinforced this by quoting Proverbs 19:1: “Better is the poor who walks in integrity than one who is perverse in his lips.”
“The Bible calls the poor man with integrity ‘better.’ Yet people say don’t follow him because he doesn’t have money.”
Prophet Ogebe went further to challenge the notion that wealth is proof of divine approval, reminding believers that Jesus Himself lived a materially simple life.
“If we follow that logic, we would disqualify Jesus,” he said, referencing 2 Corinthians 8:9 and Matthew 8:20.
He cited Peter’s words in Acts 3:6—“Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give you”—as proof that spiritual power is not tied to financial abundance.
“The power of God is not in the thickness of your wallet but in the presence of the Holy Spirit.”
He warned that reducing ministry to material success turns the pulpit into a marketplace and the gospel into a product.
“When we say wealth validates ministry, we commercialise the Holy Spirit.”
Drawing from biblical examples, he noted that Elijah lived by a brook, John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, and yet both were mighty instruments of God.
“To dismiss a man of God because of poverty is to risk rejecting the very voice God sent.”
Prophet Ogebe concluded by reminding believers that God evaluates hearts, not appearances.
“A pastor poor in pocket but rich in the Word, compassion, and integrity is far more valuable than one rich in gold but poor in spirit.”
He urged the Church to return to eternal values rather than worldly metrics.
“If the truth is preached, the broken are healed, and Christ is revealed—that pastor is rich in everything that matters.”
Apostle Michael Orokpo calls for balance
The debate sparked by Pastor Korede’s controversial statement, “I will never follow a poor pastor,” continues to ripple through Nigeria’s Christian community, igniting passionate conversations about wealth, poverty, spirituality, and the true meaning of Kingdom service.
While some have condemned the statement as materialistic and unbiblical, others argue that it merely reflects an uncomfortable reality of modern ministry. Now, Apostle Michael Orokpo has added a fresh and nuanced perspective—one that neither glorifies poverty nor idolises wealth, but insists on a Kingdom-centred balance.
In a recent sermon on supernatural enlargement, Orokpo addressed what he described as the hypocrisy and confusion surrounding prosperity teachings in the Church. According to him, believers must stop pretending that money does not matter, especially when the work of the gospel clearly depends on it.
“Not everyone is called to suffering,” he declared. “If suffering is part of your assignment, embrace it with honour. But if it is not necessary for your calling, I beg you—don’t be poor.”
Poverty is not a virtue
Orokpo was quick to clarify that he was not preaching materialism or vanity. Instead, he challenged the idea that poverty is a sign of spirituality.
“Being poor does not make you holy,” he said. “You can love Jesus deeply and still be financially empowered.”
He warned that many believers unconsciously glorify lack while quietly depending on money for survival, transport, healthcare, and even ministry itself.
“People preach against wealth, yet they use money to buy flight tickets, rent halls, organise crusades, print materials, and run programmes,” he said. “That is hypocrisy.”
For Orokpo, the real issue is not money, but motive. He insists that wealth must never replace God, but it must also never be demonised.
Money as a tool for kingdom advancement
One of the strongest points in his message was his insistence that money is a tool, not a god.
“You need resources to advance the Kingdom,” he said. “You need resources to help humanity. Prayer alone will not buy rice for widows.”
Sharing a personal experience from a recent crusade, he recounted how thousands responded to the altar call, but many widows who gathered the next morning were not looking for sermons—they needed food.
“That one is not prayer,” he said bluntly. “That one is money.”
He pointed to Jesus Himself, noting that although Christ was holy, pure, and sinless, He still depended on financial support.
“The Bible says Joanna, Susanna, and others ministered to Him of their substance,” Orokpo said. “Jesus travelled with a treasury. He carried His bank with Him.”
The danger of extremes
As reactions to Pastor Korede’s statement continue to divide opinions, Orokpo’s message seeks to correct both extremes: the glorification of poverty and the worship of wealth.
He acknowledged that some believers are genuinely called to radical sacrifice, referencing missionaries like the Moravians and figures like Mother Teresa, who gave up everything for the gospel.
“That kind of suffering is honourable,” he said. “But don’t force it on everyone.”
He warned that rejecting resources altogether leads to wasted visions, abandoned projects, and limited impact.
“There are people with powerful anointing, deep passion, and genuine love for souls,” he said. “But the gospel is locked inside them because they don’t have the resources to carry it to nations.”
Enlargement beyond money
Interestingly, Orokpo’s teaching on enlargement went beyond finances. He spoke of God expanding believers through influence, authority, impact, fruitfulness, and intimacy.
“True enlargement is when your voice begins to shape decisions, when your life becomes a compass for others,” he said.
He referenced the biblical story of Daniel, who rose from captivity to become a leader whose words shaped an empire.
“That is Kingdom influence,” he said. “Not popularity—authority.”
He described fruitfulness as the ability to establish God’s will in a territory, transform lives, and bring divine order.
Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Otta, is set to usher worshippers into the new year with prayers for peace, restoration and divine direction as it hosts its highly anticipated Bethel Peace Day Service on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
The service will take place at Champion Peace Cathedral, along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, Temidire, Sango Otta, and is scheduled to begin promptly at 3:00 pm with church leaders describing it as a “moment of divine encounter” for individuals, families and the nation at large.
According to the church, the Bethel Peace Day Service is a prophetic gathering designed to help worshippers seek God’s face for peace, spiritual renewal, increase and all-round restoration as they step into the new year.
“This is not just another church programme; it is a call to align with God’s agenda for peace and restoration,” a statement from Rhema Christian Church said. “We believe God is set to meet His people in a special way.”
“As we wait on the Lord together, we trust that clear direction and uncommon testimonies will be released,” the church noted, emphasising the importance of corporate prayer at the start of the year.
Ministering at the Bethel Peace Day Service are Archbishop Dr. Taiwo Akinola and Bishop Mrs. Iretioluwa Akinola, both of whom are expected to deliver inspired messages and prayers focused on peace, purpose and restoration.
Speaking ahead of the programme, the church leadership urged members of the public to attend with faith and high expectations.
“When God’s people gather in unity and belief, lives are transformed,” the statement said.
Reality star and actor Pere Egbi has opened up about his ‘healing’ encounter with the founding pastor of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
Pere’s testimony comes after a video of Pastor Chris healing 10 people at once during a Healing Streams Live Healing Service went viral, sparking various reactions online.
Reacting to the video on X, Egbi recalled meeting Pastor Chris many years ago, seeking healing for his left hand, which had complications from surgery.
He recounted how Pastor Chris held his hand, looked him in the eye, and declared him healed.
According to him, his left hand has remained healed ever since, emphasising that his personal experience with the cleric is what makes him believe in Pastor Chris’s healing power.
He wrote: “I’m seeing the video of ten people getting up and walking after Pastor Chris told them to get up, and I’m also reading some strange comments about it.
“I encountered him many years ago. I remember being on a healing line, seeking healing for my left hand, which had complications from surgery. At the time, there were still issues with the procedure.
“He had not yet started the healing school then. It was a Monday, and the program was called “Faith Clinic.” The church was not nearly as large as it is now.
“He walked up to me in that line, held my left hand, looked at me without blinking, and said, “Healed.”
“Fast forward to today… years later… my left hand remains healed. I had shared this story before; those who follow me closely must’ve heard me say it. There are many reasons why I believe God heals through Pastor Chris. You cannot take that experience away from me. And he teaches the word. I do know what I know”.
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has explained why many men lack the necessary qualities to effectively lead women, referencing spiritual, emotional, mental, and moral shortcomings.
In a post on X, Okonkwo argued that removing financial provision from the equation exposes men’s inadequacies, making it challenging for them to lead.
He criticised men who cling to traditional provider roles, stating that modern leadership requires more than financial support.
Okonkwo stressed the need for men to adapt to changing societal expectations, stating that true leadership encompasses various aspects beyond financial provision.
He wrote: “If you remove money most men don’t have what it takes to lead a woman, thats why most men want to hold on to the idea that a man’s main role is ‘providing’.
“Outside money most men don’t have the spiritual, emotional mental, morale capacity to lead a woman in today’s world, and even the money the men don’t even have it.
“Alot of men today are carrying an outdated syllabus and archaic mindset that was developed when women weren’t educated or didnt work, being the head today is no more about paying rent and paying school fees, you must be a quality man.”
The Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Ibadan, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has stated that the country’s insecurity crisis has reached its peak, assuring that incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of violence are set to decline.
Adelakun, who also serves as the National Vice President (Southwest) of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), made the remarks during a press conference at Rehoboth Cathedral, Oluyole, Ibadan.
He addressed pressing national issues and unveiled plans for the 2026 Global Miracle Crusade.
The seventh edition of the Global Miracle Crusade is scheduled to hold from Thursday, January 29, to Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crusade Ground in Wonder City, opposite Dominion University along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway.
Speaking on the nation’s security situation, Adelakun acknowledged its severity but emphasized that the current challenges mark a climax rather than a permanent state.
Bishop Adelakun said, “I believe we have reached the climax of insecurity in Nigeria. From this point, it will only go down. It will not rise again. Anyone who wants to destroy Nigeria, God will not allow it.”
The cleric said recent violent incidents across different parts of the country have exposed what he described as long-standing denial of targeted killings and persecution, particularly against Christians.
He added that these developments are becoming increasingly evident to the international community and could lead to stronger global engagement in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Recent events have exposed the hypocrisy and false narrative that there is no genocide or persecution in Nigeria.
“These realities are making clear statements to the world and will embolden the international community, especially the United States, to become more involved in addressing insecurity, kidnapping, and killings in Nigeria,” he said.
While acknowledging the depth of the crisis, Adelakun said divine intervention often manifests when nations appear overwhelmed, stressing that hardship does not negate God’s promise of help.
“When God says, ‘I will help you,’ it presupposes that there will be challenges and situations where we are helpless, but His help covers every situation”, he added.
While speaking about the Global Miracle Crusade, Adelakun said attendance has grown steadily over the past three editions, which he described as a confirmation of the church’s expanding mandate. He added that the programme has now assumed a global dimension, with participants joining through digital platforms from multiple continents.
To ensure accessibility, the church plans to deploy free shuttle buses across all 11 local government areas in Ibadan, covering routes from Moniya, Ojoo, University of Ibadan, Mokola, Bodija, Yemetu, Bere, Molete, Ring Road, Challenge, Toll Gate, and parts of Lagelu Local Government.
Adelakun said the crusade would focus not only on spiritual renewal but also on restoring hope in a country grappling with fear and uncertainty.
He urged Nigerians to attend with expectation, stressing that salvation remains central to the programme, alongside healing, restoration, and divine direction, saying, “nothing can be given in exchange for a soul. What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?”
He also emphasised the importance of moral and spiritual engagement at a time when political and security responses appear strained, noting that public officials and policymakers are not immune to moral messages from religious platforms.
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has begun a three-day prayer session for
members of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Kaduna kidnapped by the bandits during last Sunday Service.
Over 100 members of the Church were kidnapped in Iburu District of Kajuru LGA in Kaduna State, from two branches during a raid on the community by bandits last Sunday.
Reacting to the incident, OAIC Regional President,
Elder Israel Akinadewo, FCA, PhD, deflated a three-day prayer by the bloc for their release.
Akinadewo, in a statement, directed: “Let us embark on three days prayer from today (Thursday) to Saturday, with special Altar prayer on Sunday, for God to intervene on this matter.
Our God hears prayer and it is our duty to call upon Him *[Jeremiah 33:3]*
May the Lord bless us as we stand in gap for our brethren.”
A prominent cleric and President of Christ For Souls Ministries, Prophet Odedoyin Oluwumi, has raised alarm over the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria, warning that the ongoing violence cuts across religious lines and reflects a deep spiritual crisis.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the cleric said the persistent killings are not limited to Christians alone but affect people of all faiths, which he attributed to what he described as humanity’s failure to worship God in accordance with divine instructions.
Revealing prophecies he said were recently delivered, Oluwumi blamed the bloodshed on a loss of spiritual power, knowledge and focus within society and religious institutions.
“Go and listen to the recent prophecy. It said they will kill my people because they lack power, knowledge, and focus. The majority of the church, as well as the majority of the worship centres,s have become dens of wolves. Many who you call Christians don’t even know Christ. They don’t know God. God has not appeared to them,” the cleric said.
He stressed that the violence has become indiscriminate, affecting both Christians and non-Christians alike.
“Not only arethey being killed. As they were killing Christians, other people were dying too,” he said.
According to the prophet, the killings are part of a broader spiritual crisis with global implications. He suggested that world events, including political developments beyond Nigeria, are influenced by divine authority.
“Look at the issue of the president of the United States. It was here, along with the prophecy I’m bringing. He said it will do what you like and what you don’t like, affecting everything. Killing is happening everywhere. Do you think God will not avenge His people? Innocent blood is crying out,” he stated.
Oluwumi warned that disobedience to God’s will could invite spiritual consequences, including instability and suffering.
“When you are not doing what pleases God, God can allow the devil to torment you. If you are talking about Christ, there won’t be a better government until Christ comes,” he said.
Touching on political and international matters, the cleric said he had previously issued prophecies relating to global developments, including Africa.
“I prophesied about the emergence of Zimbabwe. This will be the last prophecy I run on political matters. People are not aware of what is happening spiritually in this country,” he said.
As violence continues across parts of the country, the prophet urged individuals to return to what he described as genuine worship and reliance on God.
“You have to call on God. Once you don’t call Him, He will be looking at you. God knows about the suffering. But people don’t recognize Him. They don’t do His will,” he warned.
He concluded by drawing parallels between the present generation and biblical accounts of divine judgment.
“This generation is worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. If you follow God’s will, you will be spared. If not, you will face the consequences. During the time of Noah, the majority died, and only Noah and his family were saved,” he declared.
The cleric’s remarks serve as both a warning and a call for spiritual reflection, as insecurity and violence continue to claim lives across Nigeria.
The Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry (FARIM), Abuja Prayer Centre, has announced a three-night prophetic programme tagged “Prophecy and Solution”, scheduled to hold from January 22 to 24, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The programme, which will run daily from 9:00 p.m., is expected to take place at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B, National Stadium, Abuja, and will be ministered by the General Overseer of the ministry, Prophet Samuel Adebayo Ojo (Baba Authority).
According to the organisers, the three-night gathering is designed as a special season of intense prayer, prophecy and divine intervention, aimed at addressing spiritual, personal and societal challenges confronting individuals and families.
Speaking on the programme, church officials said the prophetic sessions will focus on providing spiritual direction, solutions to lingering issues and renewed hope through prayer and the ministration of the word.
“The Prophecy and Solution programme is a divinely inspired gathering for those seeking clarity, breakthrough and divine answers,” the ministry stated, adding that participants can expect a powerful atmosphere of worship, prophetic declarations and life-transforming encounters.
The event is expected to attract worshippers from Abuja and neighbouring states, as well as believers travelling from different parts of the country to participate in the night services.
Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry has continued to host large-scale prayer and revival programmes across Nigeria, with Prophet Samuel Adebayo Ojo widely known for prophetic and revival-focused ministrations.
Organisers have urged members of the public to attend and take advantage of what they described as “three nights of supernatural encounter and divine solutions.”
