NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Study finds rising plastic particles in human brain, liver
Health

Study finds rising plastic particles in human brain, liver

316 total views today

Plastic

Tiny plastic particles are accumulating in human tissues at increasingly higher levels, a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine showed.

The study, led by Matthew Campen of the University of New Mexico, shows that there are significantly higher levels of plastic nano and micro particles in the liver and brain.

The research was carried out from deceased people in 2024 compared to those studied in 2016.

According to the study released on Tuesday, the contamination is particularly high in the brain, with levels up to 30 times higher than in other organs such as the liver or kidneys,.

It said that while micro plastics have previously been detected in organs like the lungs, intestines and even the placenta, conventional microscopy typically only identifies particles larger than five micrometers.

The authors of the study said this excluded smaller nano particles that may be present.

Campen’s team employed advanced infrared and electron microscopy, which has allowed them to detect these smaller particles with greater accuracy.

The researchers analysed tissue samples from 24 deceased individuals in 2024 and compared them with 28 samples from 2016.

While the levels of plastic nano and micro particles in the kidneys remained largely unchanged, the liver and brain showed increase, particularly high levels in people with dementia.

The study also identified alarming levels of micro plastics in the brains of people diagnosed with dementia.

Twelve (12) brain samples were collected between 2019 and 2024, contained between 12,000 and 48,000 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue.

However, the researchers said that these findings are associative and do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

The team also analysed the types of plastic found, with polyethylene, the plastic commonly used in bottles and packaging found to be the most prevalent.

It accounted for 40 to 65per cent of the plastic detected in the liver and kidneys, and up to 75 per cent in the brain.

The researchers cautioned that some of the differences observed in brain tissue could be attributed to geographic factors, as the samples were collected from New Mexico and the U.S. East Coast.

They stressed the need for larger-scale; longer-term studies to further explore the effects of micro and nano plastic accumulation, particularly on neurological health.
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

Civil disputes: I-G warns against misuse of police authorities
Defence/Security

Civil disputes: I-G warns against misuse of police authorities

448 total views today

Authorities

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly, matters of land ownership.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Egbetokun said police officers had no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there was an underlying criminal element involved.

According to him, even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the Commissioners of Police in charge of the state, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.

The I-G also raised concerns over the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases, and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals.

Egbetokun said the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force, would no longer be tolerated.

He said transparency, professionalism and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.

“In line with this, all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, should handle cases with diligence and integrity.

“Any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” he said.

He said the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.

Egbetokun  said such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved and waste resources.

“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he added.

Egbetokun condemned the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation and vowed to address the issue.

According to him, moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

He said the petition must clearly state that the complaint had not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency.

The police boss said that if it had, it must have been withdrawn before involving the police.

“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” he said.

Egbetokun urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the I-G’s office.

He said except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.

The I-G cautioned the public against framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joseph Edeh

NLC suspends nationwide rally over proposed telecom tariff hike
Metro

NLC suspends nationwide rally over proposed telecom tariff hike

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Suspension

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned  nationwide rally over proposed 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike.

Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the NLC disclosed this in a statement addressed to all its state councils and affiliates on Tuesday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) had declared a one-day mass rally at all Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC) offices nationwide in response to the tariff hike.

“Following our resolution, the Federal Government invited us to a meeting, where an agreement was reached to establish a 10-member committee to address key concerns raised by Congress.

“As a result, our protest has already achieved success, as the government has conceded to some of our demands without the need for an actual demonstration.

“In light of this development, we will now pursue other decisions of Congress on this matter,” he said.

Ugboaja commended NLC members for their support and encouraged them to keep their fingers crossed as they continue to engage with the federal government.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Noise pollution: NESERA urges prompt report of environmental violations
Health

Noise pollution: NESERA urges prompt report of environmental violations

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Pollution
By Doris Esa
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has called on Nigerians to promptly report environmental violations to the agency.
Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General, NESREA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Barikor spoke through Mr Elijah Udofia, Director, Environmental Quality Control (EQC), NESREA.
The director-general also urged Nigerians to respect environmental laws and regulations in the country.
He said that the agency would not fail to take action against individuals or facilities that violated those laws.
Barikor said that the agency had received and responded to several complaints on noise pollution.
He said the complaints were mostly from faith-based organisations (Churches and Mosques), night clubs, social gardens, power generating sets, musical shops, among others, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states of the federation.
“These complaints received were investigated and resolved.’’
He said that the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009 prescribed the maximum permissible noise levels a facility or activity to which a person might be exposed to.
He said that the regulations equally addressed noise from other forms like in the place of worship, market places, sales, promotion with the use of public address system, among others.
Barikor said that facilities that were guilty of non-compliance had been sanctioned as provided in the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 after being served several notifications to abate noise pollution.
He said that, to effectively carry out her mandate, the agency was enforcing the provisions of 35 National Environmental Regulations on various environmental issues.
He said in pursuit of the implementation of National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009, the agency embarked on sensitisation of the general public on the provisions of the regulations.
The NESERA boss said the regulations stressed on the sources and dangers of noise and ways of ameliorating the menace.
Barikor said that the sensitisation campaigns on noise pollution by the agency were carried out through print and broadcast media, social media, posters, flyers, stickers, among others.
He said that the agency was currently working on carrying out enforcement exercises against some facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State for violating the provisions of the regulations.
“Recently, Cyvillian Garden, a popular relaxation spot in Mararaba , Nasarawa State, was shut down by NESREA over complaints on noise pollution by residents,’’ he said.
Barikor reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a healthier environment for all Nigerians.
More so, an environmental consultant, Mr Lanre Eyinfunjowo, told NAN that noise pollution was a critical issue that needed to be addressed in Nigeria environmental space.
Eyinfunjowo, who is the President, Association of Accredited Environmental Consultants of Nigeria, said that many people were not aware that noise was a type of pollution.
He urged NESREA and other relevant agencies to continue to address the menace of noise pollution through public advocacy and sensitisation of Nigerians on the impact of noise to the environment. (NAN)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak, says NCDC
Health

Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak, says NCDC

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Ebola
By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
Dr Jide Idris, the Director‐General, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
NAN reports that EVD is a rare but severe illness caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus.
First identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has led to multiple outbreaks across Africa.
Ebola spreads to humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines.
Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or materials like bedding and clothing.
Healthcare workers and family members are particularly at risk when caring for infected patients without proper protective measures.
Idris said that although the country has no reported cases of Ebola, the agency, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has activated heightened surveillance measures to prevent importation of the virus into the country.
He said that the outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, was confirmed by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on January 30, 2025, with one reported case and one death in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.
The Director General of NCDC assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate any risk of an outbreak.
He urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures:” Practice good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers.
“Avoid contact with persons showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
“Refrain from consuming bushmeat, especially bats and primates.
“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after travelling to an affected country.”
Additionally, he advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases immediately.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, he advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
Beyond Ebola, he said that the country is currently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax.
“Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates from the NCDC through its hotline (6232), social media platforms (@NCDCgov), and official website,” he added.
NAN recalls that the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.
As the disease progresses, individuals may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies, are currently being evaluated. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FG lauds Chibok girls’ performance at AUN
Education

FG lauds Chibok girls’ performance at AUN

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Empowerment

By Ibrahim Kado

The Federal Government has reassured its commitment to supporting the Chibok girls, currently studying at America University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola.

Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a visit to the girls at AUN on Friday in Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chibok girls were part of those kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno in 2014.

According to the minister, the visit is on assessment for recovery and success of the girls in partnership with the AUN.

The minister said government would empower and provide the girls with the opportunities to contribute to national development after their graduation.

“I am proud of the support they were getting and they are progressing very well.

“Some of them are in final year and some have three years to graduate, while some are placed on economic empowerment programmes.

“The welfare and the well-being of every citizen is a serious business for this administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“Mr president did not take it for granted. It is a priority, this girls will be well empowered to be able to support the country in this era of nation building,” she said.

NAN reports that the minister also presented materials and cash gifts to the girls during the visit.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abdullahi Mohammed

Group trains educators to become religious, belief freedom advocates
Religious

Group trains educators to become religious, belief freedom advocates

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Advocates

By Angela Atabo/Justina Auta

Empower Women Media, a multi-faith network, on Thursday, in Abuja trained educators with the necessary skills to become advocates and promoters of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FoRB’s leadership training has as its theme: “Educators as Advocates for Peaceful Coexistence “.

The training which was attended by over 50 educators and advocates from across the country was organised under the auspices of the “Live What You Believe Project” of the group.

Mr Felix Samari, Country Coordinator, Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, explained that FoRB does not protect any specific religion, but rather protects people because it is a fundamental human right.

Samari said that every individual has the right to believe in whatever they choose or not believe at all as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reinforced by Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.

He, however, said that there were gaps in FoRB awareness in Nigeria as some politicians and religious leaders continue to fan the flames of hate and intolerance, causing deep divisions and undermining national unity and progress.

Samari said that the training was crucial because teachers, whether at the primary, secondary or university level, are the bedrock of any society.

Samari said that Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, strongly believed that educational institutions could be a great asset in promoting FoRB by providing objective and expert insights through deliberate and robust research.

More importantly, he said, by working with students to understand and apply the principles of religious freedom in daily life, a more tolerant society would be created.

The event’s Keynote Speaker, Alkasim Mohammad, who spoke on “The Role of Teachers in Providing Stability on Matters of Religion in Nigeria, urged teachers to instil in students the values of respect, love, and coexistence.

Muhammad urged teachers to ensure that classrooms remained safe spaces for learning and interaction across religious lines.

The keynote speaker also urged teachers to discourage extremism through critical thinking to prevent the spread of religious misinformation and extremist ideologies.

He encouraged teachers to foster moral and ethical values, encourage interfaith dialogue, counter religious misinformation and provide emotional and psychological support.

Dr Longji Dambok ,a FoRB Trainer, called for the need to accept and inculcate FoRB into the society and urged religious leaders to teach tolerance for a unified and peaceful society.
A participant, Rahinatu Tukur, the Amira of FOMWAN, Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State, commended Empower Women Media for the training.

She added that educators have been better equipped with the requisite knowledge on how to inculcate FoRB in students for national unity.

Another participant, Prof. Emem Olutoke of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, said that religious tolerance held the key to national unity, peace and development.

Olutoke urged that participants should not rest on their oars but continue to imbibe in students and the society the need for FoRB for a better society.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

FG reiterates commitment to Gas-to-power initiative
Oil & Gas

FG reiterates commitment to Gas-to-power initiative

547 total views today

CNG

By Thompson Yamput

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the gas to power initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thr initiative, which was launched in 2021, aims to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030 through a series of policy reforms, infrastructure development, and investment attraction strategies.

Mr  Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL, said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi.

Kyari said the projects play a critical role in promoting economic growth and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating opportunities for gas commercialisation and supporting the Federal Government’s flare down initiatives.

He said that the Mini LNG facilities would ensure the efficient transportation of gas over long distances, providing a cleaner and cheaper source of energy to households,mobility, industries, and businesses.

“This is particularly important for regions that currently lack access to gas pipeline infrastructure.

“The company’s strides in the upstream and gas infrastructure projects were sequel to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in utilising gas resources to fuel industrialisation, achieve energy security and foster economic growth and development.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, thanked the federal government for locating the five Mini-LNG plants in the state.

Ododo described the decision as a step in the right direction in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security and economic growth.

“I wish to commend our President, Mr Bola Tinubu, NNPC Ltd and its partners,for finding Ajaokuta and Kogi state worthy of gas investments.

“It is our belief that the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teaming population, hence our total support, ” Ododo said. (NAN)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector
Health

FG reiterates commitment to confront quackery in health sector

392 total views today

Quackery

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to confront quackery in the health sector in order to address misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this known in Abuja during the presentation of accreditation certificates to deserving medical laboratories.

Salako said that he would work with the security personnel to ensure the objective was achieved and for Nigerians to have confidence in legitimate healthcare providers.

“One of my priorities as a minister of state is to totally confront quackery in the health sector.

“To achieve this, I will need the services of the security personnel to ensure adherence,” he said.

According to him, laboratory bodies like the Medical Laboratory Service Council are essential in achieving this objective.

He charged the council to roll out all their assets and deploy technology to ensure that quackery was eliminated from the profession.

The minister congratulated the eight laboratories for their outstanding achievement and urged other laboratories in the country to emulate them by improving their infrastructure, manpower base, and processes.

“Accurate and reliable laboratory diagnostics, as we know, is the cornerstone of modern medicine.

“They enable early detection of diseases, guide appropriate treatment decisions, and contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes.

“The ISO re-accreditation of National External Quality Assessment Laboratory will undoubtedly enhance the quality and reliability of laboratory results leading to better patient care, reduced treatment errors, and improved public health outcomes,” he said

He said that the ministry would continue to prioritise medical laboratory science to ensure Nigerians have access to qualitative health care services.

In his welcome address, the Registrar of the council, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, said that the re-accreditation of the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) by the South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS) to ISO 17043 was a remarkable achievement for the council.

He said it was also a triumph for every Nigerian whose health and well-being depend on the reliability of the medical diagnostics system.

He called on the minister to make a decisive government pronouncement mandating the participation of all government and private hospitals, private laboratories, to key into MLSCN Accreditation Service and MLSCN External Quality Assurance Proficiency Test EQA/PT Scheme.

“This policy will ensure that every laboratory in Nigeria will adhere to the rigorous standards.

In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, World Health Organisation W(HO) Representative and Head of Mission, said that accredited medical laboratories are vital to the healthcare system.

Kazadi, represented by Mr Jubril Kareem, a staff in the organisation, said that they play a critical role in ensuring reliable and accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and providing data for effective disease surveillance.

He said it also signifies compliance with international standards, ensuring the highest quality of laboratory services.

According to him, the accreditation of these laboratories serves as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence.

“I encourage all laboratory professionals to remain committed to upholding the standards achieved through these accreditations and to continue contributing to the overall health and well-being of the nation,” Kazadi said.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

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U.S. waiver offers relief for HIV treatment programme, says NACA DG
Health

U.S. waiver offers relief for HIV treatment programme, says NACA DG

597 total views today

HIV

By Justina Auta

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), says the recent U.S. waiver on lifesaving medicines and medical services provides relief for global HIV treatment.

President Donald Trump previously issued an executive order halting foreign aid spending for 90 days.

Ilori, in a statement in Abuja, said the waiver would allow continuous distribution of HIV medications and medical services supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Nigeria.

She noted that the reassessment of U.S. foreign aid raised concerns among stakeholders regarding HIV/AIDS and TB technical support and funding.

Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa.

“Over two decades, global AIDS response partners have supported Nigeria in scaling up HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support.

“The U.S. government, through PEPFAR, has significantly supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, particularly in sustaining treatment for people living with HIV.

“PEPFAR-Nigeria remains the largest donor for treatment, covering approximately 90 per cent of the burden,” she said.

She added that the waiver allows the continued distribution of HIV medications and medical services under PEPFAR in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. waiver and remains mindful of potential foreign aid changes under the new administration.

“We will intensify domestic resource mobilisation to ensure ownership and sustainability of the HIV response.

“This will reduce risks from donor policy shifts while ensuring Nigeria achieves its strategic HIV response goals,” she said.

She added that through stakeholder collaboration, favourable policies, and advocacy, Nigeria can still achieve its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

“We encourage patients to continue accessing HIV treatment services nationwide.

“We urge state governors, private sector partners, National and State Assembly members, CSOs, media, and other stakeholders to remain committed to fighting HIV/AIDS.

“We appreciate the U.S. Government and international partners for their ongoing support of Nigeria’s HIV response,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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