NIGERIA NEWS
Ogun responds to seven disease outbreaks in 2025 – Health Commissioner
The Ogun State Government says it has tackled seven disease outbreaks in 2025 and is strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) systems across its primary healthcare facilities to better manage future threats.
The state Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, disclosed this at the close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project, implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) with support from Resolve to Save Lives, in partnership with federal and state health agencies.
The close-out meeting was held in Lagos on 17 December.
Close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project
Mrs Coker, a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (O&G), described the intervention as an “eye opener” that has transformed how the state detects and responds to outbreaks, especially at the grassroots.
“Before COVID-19, IPC was poorly understood and weakly implemented at the PHC level. When the pandemic came, we didn’t know what to do because we lacked the skills and capacity,” she said. “Today, anything that breaks out will be caught.”
Ogun is one of the states that battles disease outbreaks almost every year, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
In 2025 alone, the state confirmed cases of Lassa fever and dealt with suspected Mpox and a recent cholera outbreak. Mrs Coker did not, however, list all seven disease outbreaks the state handled.
From weak preparedness to early detection
Mrs Coker said the gains recorded under ERPHC have transformed Ogun’s outbreak response, enabling early detection and decentralised action at the local government level.
“Today, outbreaks are detected early, sometimes immediately at the point of entry into the state,” she said. “They don’t even come to my office anymore; I just send a message that they are responding.”
The commissioner explained that the decentralised approach has reduced costs, improved response time and limited the risks health workers face when travelling long distances during emergencies.
She said Ogun now operates three public health laboratories, including an industrial-scale facility, compared with having none before the intervention.
She added that dedicated disease surveillance officers now focus solely on surveillance rather than juggling clinical duties, while essential IPC commodities have been integrated into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to ensure steady supplies to the state’s 525 primary health care centres.
Close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project
“We deliberately avoided creating parallel systems,” Mrs Coker said. “We embedded everything into existing structures so that epidemic readiness can be sustained beyond this project.”
Why IPC at PHC level matters
The ERPHC pilot was born out of gaps exposed by COVID-19, when frontline facilities were underfunded and ill-prepared despite being the first point of contact for most Nigerians.
Since its inception in 2023, AFENET, with Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), has worked with NCDC, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and health authorities in Ogun and Kano to strengthen epidemic readiness at the primary healthcare level.
The project focused on integrated IPC and Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) capacity building through training, mentorship and functional readiness assessments, while improving data use for decision-making and supporting the national IPC programme.
In his welcome remarks, AFENET Regional Director and Country Lead, Patrick Nguku, said the project’s pillars have proven effective and should be scaled nationally.
Mr Nguku urged stakeholders to advocate for more funding for PHC systems that can withstand infectious diseases, climate change, and future epidemics.
Giving an overview, AFENET’s Senior Epidemiologist, Moreen Kamateeka, said the ERPHC pilot supported 256 PHCs across Ogun and Kano, helping facilities maintain essential services while preventing, detecting, and responding to outbreaks.
She said health workers who once hesitated in the face of suspected cases can now confidently screen, triage, isolate and report, while protecting themselves and patients.
“This close-out is not the end, but the completion of a phase,” Ms Kamateeka said. “The momentum is already building for national scale-up.”
Kano building readiness at scale
While Ogun highlighted outbreak response, Kano State officials said the project has institutionalised IPC and surveillance across more than 1,300 PHCs.
The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), Habib Tijani, said COVID-19 exposed the fragility of the health system, when many secondary and tertiary facilities shut down and PHCs became the only point of care for communities.
Close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project
“Our frontline workers didn’t know how to protect themselves,” he said. “That experience showed us the need to build epidemic readiness from the grassroots.”
Mr Tijani said the ERPHC project helped institutionalise IPC, surveillance, and early response at scale, citing the detection of a monkeypox case at a primary health care facility as evidence that community-level preparedness is achievable.
To sustain the gains, he said Kano has developed an IPC strategic plan, revived its IPC Technical Working Group, and strengthened surveillance through a network of 44 Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers and assistants, who now also serve as mentors to health workers.
READ ALSO: Oba Otudeko Foundation rolls out food relief across Ogun – Official
He added that the state has embedded ERPHC activities into its Annual Operational Plan, approving a N93 million budget for implementation, with a commitment to sustain funding in 2026.
It has also remodelled 187 PHCs to IPC standards with World Bank support.
Evidence of impact
Findings from the project’s impact evaluation, presented by IPC expert and AFENET epidemiologist Aisha Faruk, showed an improvement in facility readiness and IPC practices.
Ms Faruk said facility readiness scores rose from 60 per cent at baseline to 98 per cent at endline, while IPC scores improved from 65 per cent to 96 per cent.
She attributed the gains to continuous mentorship, simulation exercises and strong government ownership, noting improved confidence among health workers and more sustainable systems for surveillance and IPC.
She noted that there was widespread access to the online clinical IDSR and IPC course with over 14,000 healthcare workers enrolled, and coordinated multi-agency supervision.
Despite challenges such as human resource gaps, delayed laboratory feedback, and shortages of IPC supplies, Ms Faruk said the intervention increased healthcare worker confidence, improved case management, and established sustainable systems for infection prevention, surveillance, and data-driven decision-making at the sub-national level.
NIGERIA NEWS
Lady Who Saved N50k Daily on Piggyvest Mentions How Much Interest She Got, Sparks Mixed Reactions
A Nigerian lady who saved N50,000 daily on Piggvest mentioned the interest she got.
Many reacted as she shared the amount currently in her account.
She also opened up about the job she does that made her save N50k daily.
Watch the video below:
Source: Legit.ng
The New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, has reelected the members of its National Working Committee, NWC, to see to the affairs of the party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party delegates unanimously voted that the National Chairman of the party, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, remains in the position along with other members of the party executives.
This was the outcome of the party’s National convention held in Abuja on Saturday, attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, national leader of the party, Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso, observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, among other party heavyweights.
The decision to reelect Ajuji-led NWC was taken at the National Executive Committee, NEC meeting held yesterday.
In his speech, the National Chairman of the party, Ajuji said the party is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for a strong, virile, united, progressive, equitable, prosperous and decent democratic nation.
“The NNPP’s flag must fly higher and higher at every nook and corner of Nigeria to reassure citizens that a new, better, greater and prosperous Nigeria is possible,” he said.
“NNPP has been repositioned, restructured and strengthened as a major stakeholder in the nation’s democratic process. All eyes are on our great party to point the way forward for sustainable democracy and development in Nigeria.
“Our country deserves a fresh start and citizens deserve a fresh new deal which only NNPP is capable to offer. In view of this, we have concluded Congresses at Ward, Local Government, State and Zonal levels where new leaders emerged.”
He urged leaders that emerged from the party’s state, zonal, local government and ward conventions to justify the confidence and trust party members reposed in them.
“NNPP is big enough to accommodate millions of fellow compatriots who desire and deserve a new Nigeria where peace and prosperity are guaranteed,” he added.
“Citizens look up to NNPP to chart the way forward for our dear nation. We must live up to their expectations.”
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has taken his dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Supreme Court.
Akpabio is seeking to overturn a ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, which struck out his brief of argument in an appeal arising from the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Sources in Abuja said the Senate President’s legal team approached the apex court after the appeal court held that his brief was fundamentally defective and incompetent.
The appellate court said the brief failed to comply with mandatory provisions of the court of appeal rules.
The court faulted the brief for procedural violations, including unauthorised font size and line spacing, exceeding the 35-page limit, and failure to seek leave to regularise the defects.
The Appeal Court ruled that the infractions were not minor technical lapses but substantive breaches that went to the competence of the appeal.
In his notice of appeal, Akpabio argued that the Court of Appeal breached his constitutional right to fair hearing.
He said the lower court erred by refusing to grant him leave to correct the defective brief or permit him to re-file within or beyond the page limit.
Akpabio also contended that the court failed to treat parties equally, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s brief was allowed despite non-compliance with formatting rules.
The Senate President said the refusal to grant leave resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
The legal battle has fuelled speculation about political undertones, with some observers describing the dispute as a struggle for authority and control within the Senate.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team said it is confident in the judiciary and described the Supreme Court appeal as a last-ditch effort.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has reacted to widespread reports claiming that a fire broke out at its headquarters in Abuja.
The apex bank made it clear that no such incident occurred at its Head Office.
According to the CBN, the claims making the rounds on social media are false and misleading. The bank described the reports as baseless and capable of causing unnecessary panic among the public if left unchecked.
In a clarification, the Central Bank stated that its Abuja headquarters remains safe and fully operational. It stressed that there was no fire outbreak in any part of the building, contrary to the rumours being circulated online.
The bank further warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that false reports about critical national institutions could undermine public confidence and disrupt normal activities.
It advised Nigerians to always confirm sensitive information through official and verified communication channels.
CBN also reminded members of the public and media practitioners of the importance of responsible information sharing, especially in an era where unconfirmed reports can spread rapidly across digital platforms.
The apex bank reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and assured Nigerians that it would promptly communicate any major development concerning its operations through its recognised platforms.
Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have recorded the first decline in 25 weeks, falling by $263.151 million (equivalent of N381.569 billion) to $45.21 billion as of December 17, 2025, according to new data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The drop, which followed three consecutive days of outflows between December 15 and 17, marks a reversal of a long-running accumulation trend that pushed reserves to their highest level in six years.
The contraction ended a sustained build-up that had peaked at $45.472 billion on December 12.
By December 17, reserves had slipped to $45.209 billion, signalling renewed pressures on Nigeria’s external position.
What the data show
The decline comes despite strong growth earlier in the year. CBN data shows that Nigeria’s gross official reserves rose by $1.5 billion month-on-month to $44.7 billion at end-November 2025.
Over the 11 months to November, reserves gained $3.8 billion, and by $7.5 billion since June, when they were at their year-to-date lows. A key driver was the $2.4 billion Eurobond issuance in November, part of which refinanced a $1.2 billion Eurobond maturity.
Nigeria’s reserves remained robust before the December decline, providing 13.9 months of merchandise import cover and 9.4 months when services were included, according to the balance of payments to March 2025.
Drivers: Slowing inflows, high demand, and heavy repayments
FX inflows plunged by 67% month-on-month to $2.0 billion in November, the lowest since July 2024. Foreign portfolio inflows fell sharply to $593 million from $3.5 billion, while FDI collapsed to $10.4 million from $221 million, heightening pressure on the naira. Analysts blamed the reversals on the controversial Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
In addition, the CBN also settled multiple obligations between Dec. 15–18, including primary market repayments of:
- N9.103 billion
- N22.327 billion
- N70.857 billion in; and
- N537.750 billion in matured OMO repayments on Dec. 16, totaling N640.037 billion in debt repayments, possibly drawn from the buffers.
At the same time, the CBN conducted fresh OMO sales of N408 billion and N916.200 billion on December 11, totalling N1.324 trillion, which could have offset the debt repayments.
Seasonal Dollar Demand
As in previous years, holiday travel, import settlements, and retail stockpiling intensified FX demand. Despite stronger reserves in November, the naira still weakened modestly as these pressures built.
Nevertheless, Nigeria’s reserve buffers remain significantly higher than the $40.19 billion recorded at end-2024 and $33.22 billion in 2023. Yet the timing of the decline underscores lingering fragility, especially as FX demand rises and global financial conditions tighten.
The reserves continue to provide strong import cover, but analysts warn that any prolonged period of subdued inflows or heavier repayments could weaken the naira stability profile.
Outlook: Festive pressures, remittance cushion ahead
FBNQuest expects further festive season pressures on the naira, alongside potential upticks in inflation driven by import-led consumer spending. With the naira trading around N1,455/$ in late 2025, analysts say year-end demand could worsen short-term volatility.
However, stronger reserves, diaspora remittances, and recent Eurobond inflows are expected to cushion the currency and help the CBN manage liquidity.
Market sentiment may remain cautious, with possible short-term selloffs across equities and a tighter financial environment as FX demand peaks in early 2026.
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The United States government has expanded its travel restrictions on Nigerians, now suspending legal immigration applications, including green cards, naturalisation, and other permanent residency pathways.
This means that Nigerians are no longer able to submit new applications for these programs, nor will any pending applications be processed for the time being.
According to CBS News, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is enforcing the suspension under a recent proclamation by President Donald Trump.
The proclamation had earlier imposed partial travel restrictions on several developing countries, including Nigeria, affecting Nigerians applying for B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
The new suspension goes further, blocking immigration and citizenship pathways entirely.
Aside from Nigeria, the policy also affects Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Nationals from these countries will no longer be eligible to apply for US citizenship or permanent residency. US authorities cite national security concerns as the reason for the decision.
They highlighted a “general lack of stability and government control” in the affected countries, which limits the ability to properly vet applicants or assess security risks.
USCIS added that it is “conducting a comprehensive review of anyone from anywhere who poses a threat to the U.S., including those identified in the President’s latest proclamation.”
As of now, the Nigerian government has not issued an official response to the expanded restrictions.
However, in previous engagements, Nigeria has expressed willingness to work with US authorities to address concerns around immigration processes and security cooperation.
Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy sent the crowd into a frenzy on Friday night after making an unannounced appearance during Shallipopi’s headline performance at the Iconiq Fest in Lagos.
The surprise moment unfolded at the Landmark Event Centre, where Burna Boy joined Shallipopi on stage during the closing segment of the rapper’s set.
Dressed casually, the global star instantly lifted the energy at the venue, turning the performance into what has since become the most talked-about moment of the festival’s three-day debut.
The WHOLESOME MOMENT shallipopi surprised the crowd with Burna boy
ODG really fvcks with Pluto presido fr.. from uk to France to Manchester to Lagoshttps://t.co/kvh9ZE9AgP pic.twitter.com/ZLbJ2g77Ff
— My Godfather! (@mygodfather0) December 21, 2025
The duo thrilled fans with a live rendition of “Laho II (Remix)”, after which Burna Boy went on to perform his hit single “Dem Dey.” At one point, Shallipopi hailed Burna Boy as “ODG, the highest,” a remark that drew thunderous cheers from the packed audience.
Burna Boy made a Surprise Appearance at Shallipopis Lagos Headline show
pic.twitter.com/ybrXDENgxx
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) December 21, 2025
Iconiq Fest ran from December 18 to 20, with Chike, BNXN and Shallipopi headlining across the three days. Other acts on the lineup included Famous Pluto and Zerry DL, as the festival carved out a strong place for itself in Lagos’ ever-growing “Detty December” calendar.
Organisers recorded a strong turnout throughout the event, with no major disruptions reported. Burna Boy’s unexpected appearance, however, stood out as the defining highlight, instantly dominating conversations on social media and among concertgoers.
In a December already filled with high-profile shows and musical comebacks, the unplanned collaboration served as a reminder that the most electric moments in live music are often the ones no one sees coming.
The post Burna Boy surprises Shallipopi at Lagos concert appeared first on Vanguard News.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has assured the people of the state that his personnel will do everything under the law to ensure peace and safety during the Yuletide season.
CP Kankarofi, who stated this in a message signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP William Ovye Aya, solicited the cooperation of citizens to ease the police’s work in their respective communities.
“As we approach the joyous Christmas season and the New Year celebrations, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, urges the good people of Kogi State to partner with the Police and other security agencies in making this season a safe festive period for everyone.
“He further advised citizens to be wary of strangers loitering around their homes, businesses, and public places, saying that the people should report anyone acting suspiciously to the nearest police station or via the control room numbers,” the PPRO said.
The CP also warned citizens not to engage in or tolerate illegal gatherings, cult activities, or reckless behaviour, noting that the festive mood is no excuse for compromising the peace and security of the people.
“If you travel, drive safely and responsibly: inform your family of your route, avoid picking up strangers, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, obey road safety rules, and watch out for pedestrians, especially children and the elderly.
“Activate neighbourhood watch programmes by working with community leaders and PCRC members to ensure joint vigilance. Do not leave homes unattended. Install security lights, and inform neighbours if you’ll be away,” the CP advised.
He commended the people of the State for their usual resilience and compliance with the law, saying that with these simple precautions, the people can safeguard their families, friends, markets, churches, and roads.
“Let this Christmas be a season of hope, peace, and security! If you see something, contact the nearest police station immediately. Let’s collaborate: information from citizens helps us prevent crimes. We are stronger when communities and police unite. Together, let’s make Kogi a crime-free Christmas and beyond,” the CP said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered the immediate deployment of additional officers and tow trucks along the Abuja–Lokoja Road.
The deployment is to ease the persistent traffic gridlock and ensure the prompt removal of obstructions.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, issued the directive, according to a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Assistant Corps Marshal(ACM), Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Sunday in Abuja.
Mohammed said the directive was part of ongoing efforts by the Corps to improve traffic management and guarantee the safety of road users.
This, he said, was especially during the current period of increased vehicular movement.
He explained that the congestion on the corridor was largely caused by a surge in traffic volume and the presence of multiple construction points along the road.
The corps marshal said that the actions of indisciplined and impatient motorists who drove against traffic worsened the situation.
According to him, also contributing to the gridlock is lane indiscipline and impatience as drivers violate rules especially around construction areas where diversions are created for ease of movement.
“The deployment of more personnel and towing equipment is aimed at enhancing traffic control, enforcing discipline among motorists and ensuring that broken-down vehicles or other obstructions are quickly cleared to restore free flow of traffic,” he said.
Mohammed urged motorists travelling on the Abuja–Lokoja Road during the season to cooperate fully with FRSC personnel and other traffic managers on duty.
He stressed that compliance with traffic rules and lawful instructions would go a long way in reducing delays and preventing crashes.
The corps marshal reassured road users of the FRSC’s commitment to continuous monitoring of the situation and sustained intervention to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer travel on the route.
NIGERIA NEWS
Afenifere hails Aiyedatiwa over Ondo deep sea port licence revalidation – Tribune Online
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for securing the successful revalidation of the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port, describing the development as a major milestone in the state’s economic advancement.
In a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere said the revalidated licence clears all administrative hurdles and provides the legal and regulatory backing required for the full-scale development of the port.
The group noted that the achievement reflects purposeful leadership, strategic planning and institutional discipline in driving projects of national and regional importance, while also boosting investor confidence.
Afenifere highlighted the strategic advantage of the Ondo Deep Sea Port, noting that its depth will enable it to accommodate very large vessels that are unable to berth at the congested Lagos ports.
Ondo: Senator Ipinsagba lauds Aiyedatiwa over seaport certificate revalidation
According to the organisation, the facility will help decongest Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor, improve cargo handling efficiency, shorten turnaround times and significantly reduce logistics costs, positioning Ondo State as a leading hub for next-generation port infrastructure.
The group added that the economic benefits of the port will extend beyond Ondo State, stimulating industrial growth across the South-West through petrochemical development, agro-export processing, manufacturing value chains and industrial clustering.
These, it said, would translate into massive job creation, skills development, technology transfer and increased revenue for both state and federal governments.
At the regional level, Afenifere noted that the port is expected to serve as a key gateway within the ECOWAS trade framework, enhancing trans-shipment services, deepening trade integration and strengthening West Africa’s participation in global maritime commerce.
The organisation also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for aligning the project with national economic diversification objectives under the blue economy agenda.
While commending Aiyedatiwa for sustaining momentum on the transformative project, Afenifere urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure timely completion and operational efficiency, describing the Ondo Deep Sea Port as a legacy infrastructure with the potential to deliver long-term prosperity for Ondo State, the South-West and Nigeria at large.