The Nation Newspaper

Tag: health

  • Africa’s healthcare: Charting a transformative pathway

    Africa’s healthcare: Charting a transformative pathway

    By Sammy Ogunjimi

    SIR: Reflecting on the evolving landscape of Africa’s healthcare sector, it is evident that transformative changes are imperative for the continent to regain its manufacturing prowess and ensure reliable access to life-saving pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. We lost our manufacturing capability, and no country can be considered safe or secure unless it has an ecosystem that allows patients to have easy and reliable access to life-saving pharmaceuticals.

    We used to be a continent that was on the industrialization path, particularly in Nigeria during the 1960s and 1970s. Then, in the 1980s, with the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Policy, things began to change, enterprises began collapsing and departing Nigeria.

    We transitioned from a manufacturing nation to one that imports almost everything and developed a taste for imported items, including critical medicines. As a result, the event of COVID-19 was a wake-up call for us all. Everyone panicked, developed countries prioritized their country’s needs over everyone else’s.  Africa had to wait till everyone was sorted out before receiving diagnostic tools and vaccines. Its position was worsened by weak purchasing power and poor logistics infrastructure.

    In response to the challenges that Africa and other low and middle-income countries faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the area of accessing vital vaccines, medications, and healthcare products, the World Health Organization (WHO) took a proactive step. They set up the World Local Production Forum with the aim of formulating effective strategies and fostering collaborative partnerships. The primary goal is to catalyze local production and facilitate technology transfer, empowering these nations to build capabilities that enhance their responsiveness to future pandemics and healthcare challenges.

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    As a novel industry where there is limited expertise in the continent, partnering with global pharmaceutical companies to facilitate technology transfer from them to local manufacturers is very vital, as these technologies can be leveraged to solve neglected disease problems peculiar to Africa.

    However, despite all these measures being put in place to help with the localization of healthcare in Africa, and to ensure the preparedness and capability of the continent to tackle any future emergency healthcare challenges, there are still some significant hurdles that African healthcare entrepreneurs will have to face. One of them is funding.

    Firstly, being a continent where capital is expensive, funding to invest in healthcare projects to drive such initiatives is extremely tough to obtain due to exorbitant interest rates on credit facilities. This puts African healthcare entrepreneurs at a disadvantage when compared to peers in the Western world, where lending facilities have lower interest rates. While conversations with multilateral financial institutions to access cost-effective and flexible funding are ongoing, the success of such discussions is not guaranteed as the overall loan amount requested does not align with the lending parameters of the bank.

    Another obstacle is assuring product quality, stemming from the dearth of skilled and experienced human capital. This necessitates investment in human capacity and skillset to ensure continuity and drive sustainability of such initiatives through training of scientists and researchers to meet industry needs.

    The third and most critical challenge to resolve in achieving African healthcare self-reliance is ensuring that local production facilities adhere to the standards required by prospective buyers. This is critical because the complexity of manufacturing in Africa necessitates large-scale production to overcome these challenges. Donors are typically the greatest buyers of healthcare products from such manufacturers, but for procurement to occur, these manufacturing facilities must be WHO-prequalified, ensuring the quality of the healthcare products.

    In recognition of the difficulty of obtaining prequalification approval, a journey that typically takes several years before being granted, and specifically for drug production, the WHO has established its WHO LA, i.e. listing authorities, ensuring that upon a facility being approved by an LA, donors will be assured of the products from these facilities.

    These are all the measures being put in place to help with the localization of healthcare in Africa and to ensure the preparedness and capability of the continent to tackle any future emergency healthcare challenges. The scheme aimed at enhancing African manufacturing capacity for the production of healthcare products and reducing dependence on global supply chains provides the opportunity for the production of customized solutions for African healthcare needs.

    However, despite these daunting challenges, I believe that dedicated African healthcare entrepreneurs will capitalize on this to chart a transformative pathway in the African healthcare ecosystem.

    These are exciting times, and I am hopeful for the future of the African healthcare system.

    • Sammy Ogunjimi, Codix Pharma Ltd, Lagos.

  • Veterinarians decry exclusion of council from national health regulators

    Veterinarians decry exclusion of council from national health regulators

    The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association has expressed worry over the recent exclusion of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) by the Federal Government from the list of national health regulators.

    President of the association, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, said the move by the government would have a far- reaching and devastating effect, which poses a national public health risk to over 200 million Nigerian lives.

    Arokoyo, who made this known in a statement in Abuja said, If the Federal government allows non-regulation in the veterinary space, this will weaken the animal health sector further, especially at this time when it should be strengthened to ensure adequate food security.

    He added that the decision will negate efforts of the veterinary community in the fight against fake drug usage in animals without regard for withdrawal time.

    Speaking further, he said the last outbreak of Anthrax should not be forgotten in a hurry, as the early detection and prompt response from Veterinary Council-certified Veterinarians was largely responsible for mitigation of spread of the deadly zoonotic disease.

    While noting that the world is a global village and one-health is the global approach to public health, he stated that  Nigeria cannot exempt itself from the one-health approach.

    Arokoyo added that  the combined effort of medical professionals and veterinarians is a more assured approach to safeguard the health and lives of Nigerians.

    He said: ” It is no longer news that 75 percent of emerging and re-emerging human diseases are of animal origin hence zoonoses have become a global focal point. Preventive medicine is no longer complete nor comprehensive without inclusion or proper placement of veterinarians in Public health.

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    ”It also means increased consumption of meat laden with drug residues by the human population, leading to increased incidence of cancer cases, as well as antimicrobial resistance and ultimately increased deaths.

     ”It is estimated that over 10 million lives could be lost annually to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by 2050. How do we prevent and control these, in addition to the resurgence of zoonotic diseases without government support?

    ”The COVID-19 pandemic left a sour taste in all of our mouths as the livestock industry went comatose, and till date the multi-trillion naira poultry industry which employs an estimated 5 million Nigerians directly and 25 million indirectly is yet to recover from the cumulative effect of this, high cost of raw materials, Avian Influenza et al.

    ”The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association strongly believes in Mr. President’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ but fears that this move may not be in tandem with it and in the spirit of One- Health, we strongly advocate that the Veterinary Council of Nigeria be included among the national health regulators to be considered for funding to safeguard public health.”

  • Firm partners Turkiye health group on service delivery

    Firm partners Turkiye health group on service delivery

    • Firm set to build world-class medical city in Enugu

    One of Turkiye’s largest private hospital group, Lokman Hekim Health Group, has promised to give Nigerians a seamless transfer of patients from Nigeria to Turkiye.

    The Chairman of FIT Healthcare Limited, Dr. Mike Ileka, made the promise while addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos.

    He said the hospital was collaborating with the Turkish largest private hospital group and one of the only two quoted in the country’s stock market to boost service delivery in the nation’s health sector.

    Ileka said the partnership with the Turkish health group would enable the Nigerian counterpart gain a wealth of knowledge and expertise involving many vital roles in creating an ecosystem that prioritises patient care, innovation, and community wellness in shared vision of the state-of-the-art medical tourism facility.

    For this purpose, he said FIT Group of Companies, the parent company of FIT Healthcare Limited, was building the first medical city in Enugu with Lokman Hekim Health Group as the technical partner and operator.

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    Ileka said the proposed world-class hospital with 250 beds multi-specialty hospital would feature a 150-bed Hilton Hotel and other facilities amid 1,000 residences, all located in 1.2 million square metres of land on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, about eight kilometres from Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

    He said: “The project is ongoing with the support of several financial institutions including the African Export-Import Bank (Afrieximbank).

    “As we await the proposed project completion in 2027, FIT Healthcare Limited and Lokman Hekim are currently making treatment easily accessible and affordable by referring patients to receive first-class care at Lokman Hekim Health Group in Turkey.

    “The patient transfer service is very important as this will enable the partners to build an understanding of the values, culture, and hospital-seeking behaviour of Nigerians which will be helpful when our hospital opens up business in Nigeria.

    “Our patient’s transfer services with Lokman Hekim Health Group are affordable and we are hoping to make seamless arrangements from visa processes to travel experience,” he said.

  • PAN urges urgent action for child health, national well-being

    PAN urges urgent action for child health, national well-being

    The President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Professor Olufemi Ogunrinde, has underscored the critical importance of prioritising the health and rights of Nigerian children, labelling them as the nation’s most valuable assets and the key to its future. He said this during a press conference in Lagos to address critical issues affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria. “Our children represent our nation’s most valuable assets, holding the key to our collective future. As we grapple with poor health indices, including high new-born, infant, and under-5 mortality rates, the urgency to act cannot be overstated. With the looming target of 2030 to significantly reduce child deaths, the current figures of 102 for under-5 mortality and 34 for new-born mortality demand immediate attention. It’s an uphill task, but not insurmountable.”

     Addressing the pressing issue of poor health indices, including high new-born, infant, and under-5 mortality rates, Prof. Ogunrinde stressed the urgency to act promptly to halt the dangerous trend of high mortality rates in the country. With the target year 2030 approaching, the global goal is to substantially reduce under-5 mortality to 25 child deaths per 1000 live births and neonatal mortality to 12 new-born deaths per 1000 live births. The current numbers stand at 102 for under-5 mortality and 34 for new-born mortality, indicating a challenging but surmountable task ahead.

     Expressing discomfort about the continued plea for the adoption and domestication of the Child’s Right Act (2003), Prof. Ogunrinde implored all states, particularly Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, and Zamfara, to adopt and domesticate the Act without delay. While acknowledging the positive response from 31 states, he urged them to implement the Act’s provisions diligently, emphasizing the protection of children’s rights in Nigeria. “We urgently appeal to all states to adopt and domesticate the Child’s Right Act (2003). While 31 states have already embraced it, we implore Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, and Zamfara to follow suit promptly. Implementing the Act’s provisions is crucial in safeguarding the rights of every Nigerian child. It’s disheartening that we’re still pleading about this critical matter.”

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    Drawing attention to the detrimental impact of brain drain on the healthcare system, Prof. Ogunrinde called on national leaders to urgently devise pragmatic solutions. He emphasized the need for a conducive national environment that fosters growth, development, and productivity, asserting that viable solutions exist and require political will for decisive action. Highlighting the alarming issue of 6.2 million unvaccinated children in Nigeria, leading to outbreaks like diphtheria, Prof. Ogunrinde emphasised the imperative of reaching every child in the country with vaccination and healthcare services. He called for concerted efforts to catch up with vaccination programs, raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination, and combat misinformation hindering children from receiving essential vaccines. The PAN President urged the collective involvement of traditional and religious leaders, community mobiliers, social influencers, and security personnel in this crucial initiative. “We have an alarming 6.2 million unvaccinated children in Nigeria, contributing to outbreaks like diphtheria. Comprehensive vaccination programs, awareness campaigns, and countering misinformation are imperative. Engaging traditional and religious leaders, community mobilizers, influencers, and security personnel is essential. PAN is committed to encouraging our colleagues to promote the health of every Nigerian child.”

     PAN said it is committed to leveraging its influence to encourage colleagues to actively contribute to promoting the health and well-being of Nigerian children, with Prof. Ogunrinde making an impassioned plea to serve as a rallying call for immediate and sustained action to secure a healthier future for the nation’s youth. “As we address these pressing issues, the time for action is now. The future of our nation depends on the well-being of our children, and we must act decisively to secure it.”

  • Population commission holds health survey

    Population commission holds health survey

    National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

    At a news conference yesterday, Federal Commissioner-designate for Lagos State, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, urged residents to cooperate with the commission on the survey.

    A statement by Chairman of NPC, Nasir Isa-Kwarra, read by State Director, Bamidele Sadiku, noted that NDHS is instrumental in providing insight that inform evidence-based policies, enhance public health interventions and contribute to the broader development agenda of our nation.

    The statement reads: “Together, we have elevated this survey from a research initiative to a cornerstone of dependable demographic and health metrics for Nigerians. The data that will be collected will not merely be numerical values, but will represent the health, aspirations and challenges of our communities. “This survey, which is part of a worldwide program, is a reliable instrument that will be used to measure most Nigerian’s health indicators and SDGs. Its impact transcends statistics; it extends to the lives of every individual, family and community in Nigeria. As such, we all have a critical role to play in ensuring the success of this survey.”

    Sadiku added: “The NDHS will ensure policy makers are aware of health indicators – health, education, migration, nutrition, among others, so they can formulate policies towards achieving great results. It will particularly help towards attaining the THEMES+ agenda of the Lagos State government.”

    State Coordinator of NDHS, Mrs. Samiat Lawal, noted the programme started in December and will end this April. She described it as germane to the formulation of policies.

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    NDHS is a global survey to provide information on the demographic and health status of the population. It provides detailed information on levels and trends of fertility, family planning, maternal and child health, and other health indicators.

    The programme started in Nigeria in 1999. It is held every five years, making the 2023/2024 edition the sixth.

    The survey will sample 1,400 clusters (42,000 households) across the 36 states and FCT. Of this number, 51 clusters (45 households, totalling 2,295 households) will be sampled across the 57 local government areas in Lagos State.

    A nine-member team – two supervisors, three female and two male interviewers, and two biomarker technicians will visit these households and solicit information on fertility awareness and preferences, family planning methods, child immunisation routine, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS awareness and behavioural tendencies, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), tuberculosis, domestic violence, among other health issues.

    The target population is women (15-49 years) and men (15-59 years).

    It is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Global Fund.

  • WaterAid rolls out $250, 000 project to improve public health in Bwari

    WaterAid rolls out $250, 000 project to improve public health in Bwari

    An international non-governmental organisation, WaterAid Nigeria has rolled out a $250, 000 to provide water, sanitation and hygiene services in the Bwari area council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The project, which is supported by The Church of Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), is expected to reach over 1,500 people with basic services.

    Speaking during the launch of the project in Abuja, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere said the project would be implemented within the next 12 months.

    Mere, who was represented by the Head, Policy, Advocacy and Communications, Kolawole Banwo, said WaterAid, in collaboration with the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Bwari Area Council and the government intends to achieve this through systems strengthening to create the enabling environment that ensures sustainability, the construction, rehabilitation and upgrade of gender inclusive water and sanitation facilities in one PHC.

    She said: “WaterAid Nigeria with funding support of $250,000 from The Church of Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC) is launching a project targeted at improving public health in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

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    “The project will be implemented through the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services as well as education on infection, prevention and control for improved health services in primary healthcare centres. The project is expected to reach over 1,500 people with these basic services.”

    “The 2021 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Survey (WASHNORMS) reveal that only 9% of healthcare facilities in Abuja have access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    “While findings from a 2022 WASH Situation Assessment in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) conducted in the six area councils of the FCT by WaterAid Nigeria revealed that, more than 67% of the PHCs assessed (including Bwari area council) did not meet the WASH requirements outlined in the National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s (NPHCDA) Technical Guide for WASH services in public health facilities.”

  • Health institutions shut down over death of medical workers

    Health institutions shut down over death of medical workers

    Some health institutions, including cottage hospitals and primary health care centres, have been shut down in Akwa Ibom State due to scarcity of health workers.

    State Chairman Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Godwin Archibong, lamented that the situation had adversely affected health care delivery.

    Speaking at the weekend during the inauguration of the union’s modern secretariat office complex in Uyo, Archibong said more than 10 health facilities had been closed down in some local governments.

    “If you check in some local governments you will notice that some health institutions are no longer operating because of lack of manpower.

    “The situation has affected health care delivery in these areas, especially during the COVID-19 period; we didn’t have enough health workers.”

    Archibong bemoaned the deplorable standard of facilities at the School of Health Technology, Etinan, which he described as a ‘glorified secondary school’.

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    He said: “This is the only institution empowered to train and retrain middle manpower as it concerns primary and secondary health care delivery services.

    “Regrettably, this institution can be described as a ‘glorified secondary school. It will interest you to note that it is only this institution in Nigeria that their graduates cannot participate in the one year National Youth Service Corps because almost all their courses are not accredited.”

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, said the government would address the concerns raised by the health and medical workers union.

    Umoh, who represented Governor Umo Eno, said government was committed to employing more health workers and improving the standard of the School of Health Technology, Etinan.

  • Nursing Council moves to strengthen rural health care delivery

    Nursing Council moves to strengthen rural health care delivery

    Registrar Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Faruk Abubakar, has said that the body has strengthened primary healthcare delivery through improved training of Licensed Community Nurses and Midwives (LCNs and LCMS) as well as Registered Public Health Nurses (RPHNS).

    Abubakar said the body had embarked on reforms in Nursing education to achieve improvement in the quality of healthcare services,

    The  NMCN Registrar spoke while delivering the 13th convocation lecture of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.

    He said the council carried out critical reforms so that more skilled healthcare personnel would be available in rural areas across the country.

    Speaking on the topic, “Education as a tool for social change and justice in Nigeria,” Abubakar said all sectors of the economy need to initiate reforms in education in various endeavors to achieve social change and justice in the country.

    Abubakar said educational policies and initiatives must promote equity, inclusivity, social justice and address Nigeria’s diverse society’s unique challenges and opportunities.

    According to him, “education and social change are interconnected, a powerful tool for social change and justice in Nigeria; and all stakeholders should collaborate to ensure quality education for all the country’s citizens.

    “There is a connection between education and social change. Education comes first before social change, and effective social change can only occur with sound education.

    “To effectively address the issues of social change and justice in Nigeria, the government, civil society organizations, international development partners, and the active participation of Nigeria citizens must work together in a comprehensive and ongoing effort.

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    “To build a more fair and equitable society that benefits all Nigerians, the government and policy makers must do the following; empower individuals, foster understanding and tolerance, encourage gender parity, deal with injustice and corruption, encourage civic engagement and active participation, economic development, and enhance well-being and health.

    “However, education policies and initiatives must be designed and implemented to promote equity, inclusivity, and social justice and address the unique challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s diverse society.

    “However, it’s important to acknowledge that education alone might not solve all societal issues. It needs to be complemented by efforts to address systematic barriers, promote inclusivity, and ensure that the education provided is relevant, equitable, and empowering for all individuals.

    “Effective social change and justice often require a multifaceted approach involving education, policy reforms, community engagement, and collective action to create a more equitable and just society,” he said

  • Health is a right that must be protected, say activists

    Health is a right that must be protected, say activists

    Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged the Federal Government to treat health as a right that must be protected.

    They called for an end to vaccine apartheid – the inequitable distribution of vaccines leading to lower vaccination rates.

    According to them, ramping up vaccine production capacity requires implementing transformative actions by the Federal Government.

    They made the call in a statement by the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), the People’s Vaccine Alliance (PVA) and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

    It was issued by NNNGO’s Communications Lead, Oyindamola Aramide.

    They urged the Federal Government to commit to strengthening local and regional capacities for the manufacturing, regulation, and procurement of needed tools for equitable and effective access to vaccines.

    The government, they said, must provide the political, adequate funding and technical support to the Nigerian Vaccine Hub under the World Health Organisation (WHO) Spoke arrangements to maximise production and supply for all.

    The civil society organisations (CSOs) further called for the implementation of transparency and accountability mechanisms to enable public scrutiny of funding decisions and implementation of programmes.

    They stressed the need to adequately finance the health system, including primary health care and health workers.

    The statement reads: “These actions should be the priority of the Tinubu Administration as they are capable of fixing the structural problems in our national health system that have held back the response to COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

    “It is time to improve our pandemic preparedness and response.

    “Never again should Nigerians wait for vaccine handouts from other countries. Never again will the lives of people in wealthy countries be prioritised over the lives of people in the Global South. Never again!”

    The NNNGO had a high-level meeting to discuss the state of vaccine production in the country.

    It identified emerging contextual issues for future learning and the need to enhance partnership between the Nigeria Spoke, civil society organisations, citizens, relevant government ministries and stakeholders.   

    The statement adds: “Recent outbreaks of diseases like malaria, diphtheria, cholera, measles, and meningitis in the country have clearly shown that the protection of people’s health must be a top priority for governments and institutions at all levels-federal, state and local.

    “Health is a right that must be protected as it is a cornerstone for national security and economic growth.

    “Public health services across the country continue to suffer from underfunding and weak infrastructure, further increasing inequality.

    “If our national health security is to be guaranteed, we must prepare for the next pandemic as our best chance of ending the current COVID-19 pandemic is to be ready by ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments.

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    “But the lack of prioritisation and funding for vaccine production could leave Nigeria unprepared and yet again looking up to others for vaccines.  

    “In February 2022, Nigeria was announced by the WHO as one of the first six countries that will receive the technology needed to produce mRNA vaccines on the African continent.

    “The global mRNA technology transfer hub was established in 2021 to support manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries to produce their own vaccines, ensuring that they have all the necessary operating procedures and know-how to manufacture mRNA vaccines at scale and according to international standards.

    “Primarily set up to address the COVID-19 emergency, the hub has the potential to expand manufacturing capacity for other products as well, putting countries in the driver’s seat when it comes to the kinds of vaccines and other products they need to address their health priorities.

    “Over a year after the announcement, where are we in our journey to vaccine production in Nigeria?

    “The Nigeria Network of NGOs sees that achieving national vaccine production cannot be achieved by keeping the current pace of lack of political will, inadequate funding, weak accountability and transparency in the allocation and use of resources.

    “We must break up bureaucracies and monopolies in government, improve access to timely funding, improve national research capacities and support innovations that ramp up quick production of lifesaving vaccines that Nigerians desperately need.”

    The People’s Vaccine Alliance is a coalition of over 100 organisations, supported by Nobel laureates, health experts, economists, heads of state, faith leaders and activists, working together for a people’s vaccine, available free of charge to everyone, everywhere.

    The alliance grew organically out of the open letter calling for a people’s vaccine, organised in May 2020, working together to end vaccine apartheid.

    GCAP is a network of over 11,000 CSOs organised in 58 national coalitions and constituency groups of women, youth and socially excluded people, among others.

    GCAP supports people in their struggles for justice and brings individuals and organisations together to challenge the institutions and processes that perpetuate poverty and inequalities.

    NNNGO is the first generic membership body for CSOs in Nigeria that facilitates effective advocacy on issues of poverty and other developmental issues.

    Since 1992, it has worked to give non-profits in the country the needed support to keep their doors open and to serve millions of communities, families, individuals and a variety of causes that critically need their intervention.

  • ‘We prioritise health, safety of our host communities’

    ‘We prioritise health, safety of our host communities’

    Lafarge’s Head, Corporate Communications, Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, sheds light on multinational’s CSR initiatives in Ewekoro. Writes Olatunji OLOLADE, Associate Editor

    Lafarge Africa recently claimed to have installed a new bag filter at its 3.9Mt/yr Ewekoro cement plant in Ogun State, stressing that the equipment has successfully reduced the plant’s dust emissions to below 50mg/Nm3. It also claimed to have introduced air quality measurement systems across a 10km radius of the plant, would you say these measures have truly resolved the pollution problem in Ewekoro?

    We recognize the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of our people and host communities and reducing the environmental impact of our operations to the barest minimum.

    Our sustainability strategy is centered on four pillars including climate and energy, circular economy, nature and people. 

    We are committed to conducting our business with zero harm to people while minimizing our environmental footprint. This investment in a new bag filter underscores this commitment.

    Our stack emission measurement is done by government accredited agencies on a quarterly basis and the report is shared with both the State and Federal ministry of Environment. In addition, Air quality measurement (Total Suspended Particulate) conducted across the plant fence lines shows all measured values are below the national standard of 250 µg/m3. However, measurement was also carried out simultaneously on 3rd party (Lagos/Abeokuta express road) influence and the result showed dust (Total Suspended Particulate) value of more than 250 µg/m3. Mitigation measures are to plant trees along our perimeter fence in order to prevent impact of dust from the third party. We also carry out palliative repairs regularly on bad portions of the road to reduce fugitive dust generation.

    How would you rate Lafarge’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for its host communities?

    The CSR programme we have designed for our host communities is comprehensive and addresses key areas such as education, health and safety, empowerment and infrastructure development. To ensure that our interventions have a positive and lasting impact on the communities we operate in, we continuously assess and improve our initiatives.

    To contribute to the improvement of the living standard of our host communities, we provide basic business & vocational skills, start-up kits, education grants, community projects, agricultural funds, healthcare and educational facilities and opportunities, among others, on a yearly basis. Our goal is to foster sustainable development and improve the overall well-being of our communities.

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    Our CSR interventions are governed by the Community Development Agreement (CDA) in compliance with applicable laws governing the extractive industry in Nigeria as well as voluntary MOUs signed with host communities pan-Nigeria.

    These documents guide our CSR programs. Compliance with the provisions of the CDA is supervised by relevant ministries and agencies of government to ensure transparency and accountability in everything that we do.

    Despite Lafarge’s claims otherwise, residents of Ewekoro and some other host communities allege that the reality of having the organisation as their neighbour is starkly different and contradicts its claims, how would you react to this?

    We take the wellbeing of our communities very seriously and engage in proactive community relations to ensure we operate in an open, transparent and responsible way. We are in constant dialogue with our communities through our Community Relations Committees (CRCs) – a forum where communities’ needs and concerns are discussed and attended to. We also have a channel for the resolution of conflicts.

    Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is a core value at Lafarge Africa. We have set high standards for HSE, a commitment affirmed by various reports from the host communities in Ewekoro. Our overarching objective is to conduct operations with zero harm to individuals while minimizing environmental impact. This dedication is centered on strict compliance with Nigerian Regulatory Standards and aligns with our sustainability strategy. We have systematically mapped out our stakeholders and we engage them on a regular basis.