Posts

Tobacco Act Amendment Bill Is Damaging To Nigeria, Africa Centre Warns NASS

Image
ATIM Director Prof Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf The Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) has urged the National Assembly to urgently reconsider the proposed amendments to Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act 2015, warning that provisions on “Tobacco Harm Reduction” could undermine the country’s tobacco-control gains. In a statement seen by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), on Sunday, August 9, 2026, ATIM backed the rejection of the proposed amendments by Nigeria’s tobacco-control community, saying the changes could weaken the existing regulatory framework and create loopholes for tobacco and nicotine companies to expand the use of emerging products, particularly among young people. The organisation said the development was concerning given Nigeria’s progress in reducing smoking prevalence and its obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). “Nigeria should be strengthening...

Tobacco Control Groups Reject Amendment Bill, Demand Immediate Recall

Image
Nigeria’s tobacco-control community has rejected the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as a dangerous reversal of public-health protections and a threat to young people. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, 13 tobacco-control, health and civil society organisations called on the relevant committees of the National Assembly to immediately withdraw the bill and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold assent if it is presented for executive approval. The statement was signed by Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation in Africa (CAPPA), Gatefield Impact, Youth Coalition Against Cancer, Nigerian Cancer Society, Call Off Cancer Initiative, Association of Resident Doctors, Abuja, A New Thing International Foundation, Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria, Development Initiative for Society Health, Centre for Youth Inclusion and Development, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and Trailblazers In...

AIG Akpanudom Warns FCID Officers Against Illegal Arrests, Rights Abuse

Image
AIG Simeon Akpanudom The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, has warned officers against unlawful arrests, prolonged detention of suspects, extortion and other acts of misconduct, declaring that violators will face sanctions. The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCID Annex, ASP Mayegun Aminat, following the Formation's Lecture Parade held at the FCID Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos. According to the statement, the AIG directed detectives to carry out investigations professionally, fairly and in strict compliance with the law, stressing that investigators are fact-finders and not judges.  He cautioned officers against indiscriminate transfer of case files, the criminalisation of civil disputes and any action capable of violating the fundamental rights of citizens. Akpanudom also reiterated the Inspector-General of Police's vision of...

Police Link Alleged Killing of Emmanuel Nwanneniya to Land Dispute in Anambra, Reveal Use of Restricted Sedative

Image
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspects over the alleged murder of Emmanuel Nwanneniya, former Chairman and land agent of Ikem Nando Community in Anambra State, following investigations that uncovered the alleged use of a restricted veterinary sedative in the crime. The breakthrough was announced by the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) after weeks of intelligence gathering, digital surveillance and coordinated operations.  Police said investigations revealed that the killing may have been connected to a prolonged dispute over the management of proceeds from community land sales. According to investigators, the dispute began after proceeds from the sale of community land were shared among the three clans that make up Ikem Nando Community.  They said one of the clans reportedly received about N39 million, with community members agreeing that the money should be invested in a community hall and other development projects.  Police said ...

2027: When Religion is no longer the Issue

Image
By Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC Chieftain As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gradually begins, political actors have started testing narratives they believe could shape the electoral conversation. Among these is the perennial attempt to reduce Nigeria’s democratic choices to the prism of religion. It is a temptation that has surfaced repeatedly in our political history, yet it has consistently failed to answer the real questions confronting the Nigerian electorate. The truth is simple: in 2027, religion should remain a non-issue. This is not because religion is unimportant. Far from it. Religion remains one of the strongest moral and social institutions in our society. It shapes our values, strengthens our communities and inspires millions of Nigerians to serve humanity with compassion and integrity. However, governance is measured not by religious affiliation but by competence, vision, courage, capacity and measurable outcomes. The Nigerian voter is becoming increasingly sophis...

The Disu Effect: Repositioning the Nigeria Police Force Through Reform, Professionalism and Community Partnership

Image
Since assuming office as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu has pursued an ambitious agenda aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force as a more accountable, professional, and community-oriented institution. Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the police chief has quickly distinguished himself through a leadership style that combines operational decisiveness with institutional reform, earning commendation from both within the Force and across the wider public. At the heart of his vision is a policing philosophy that places citizens at the centre of security. Rather than viewing law enforcement solely through the lens of authority, IGP Disu has consistently promoted collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, insisting that effective policing can only be achieved when communities and the police work as partners. His oft-repeated message that “security is everyone’s business” reflects a broader strategy of building public trust while encour...

CP Tijani Fatai, Lagos Health Service Commission Strengthen Inter-Agency Collaboration

Image
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has reaffirmed the Command's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Health Service Commission to enhance security and improve public service delivery across the state. CP Fatai gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Oguntimehin Olukayode, and members of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. The delegation included Dr. Ogboye Olusegun Abayomi, Dr. Odunuga Omolaja Olushola, Dr. (Pharm.) Mrs. Adejumo Moyosore Wuraola, and Dr. Mrs. Ololade Fadipe.  Discussions centred on deepening cooperation between the Commission and the Lagos State Police Command, particularly in providing security for healthcare facilities and improving service delivery. The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for the visit and stressed that effective inter-agency partnership remains vital to enhancing public safety, protecting critical health ...