News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria, Brazil sign air service deal for direct flights

Nigeria, Brazil sign air service deal for direct flights

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Nigeria has signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the Brazil, paving the way for direct flights between both countries.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in Abuja.

The agreement was signed in Brazil by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Mr Silvio Costa Filho.

The event was witnessed by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil.

According to the statement, the BASA establishes a framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchange.

The agreement is also expected to promote stronger economic integration, enhance cultural relations, and deepen diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

“This agreement is a strategic milestone that underscores President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and creating an enabling environment for commerce and mobility,” the statement said.

President Tinubu began a two-day state visit to Brazil on Monday, during which the BASA was signed.

He was warmly received in Brasília by President Lula da Silva, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the largest economies in Africa and South America.

In his remarks, President Lula lauded the agreement and expressed Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in aviation, agriculture, infrastructure development, and other key areas.

During the visit, President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The working visit will feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, highlighting both nations’ commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.

President Tinubu was accompanied by senior cabinet members, including Mr Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Amb, Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Others in the delegation include Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Mr Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; as well as other top government officials.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Abiemwense Moru

Agri-expo to boost Nigeria’s business potential– Coordinator

Agri-expo to boost Nigeria’s business potential– Coordinator

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By Angela Atabo

Mr Abiodun Olaniyi, Project Coordinator of the Nigeria International Agriculture Expo (NIAEXPO 2025), says the upcoming expo will enhance Nigeria’s agribusiness potential and reinforce its standing in the global agricultural market.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the 7th edition of the event, Olaniyi said the expo, themed “Showcasing Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential on a Global Stage,” would serve as a marketplace for innovation.

He added that it would also promote trade and investment in the agricultural sector.

He noted that the event would project Nigeria as a leading agribusiness hub in Africa.

He explained that NIAEXPO 2025 would focus on promoting local innovations, empowering women in agribusiness, and connecting farmers to international markets, with the goal of contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

“The expo will also address critical issues such as post-harvest losses, poor access to finance, and inefficiencies in logistics and supply chains.

“Countries that participated in previous editions include Russia, India, the U.S., Estonia, and China.

“For 2025, we’ll have representatives from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and other African countries.

“The expo will build capacity on topics like agro-logistics, digital agriculture, and women’s participation in agribusiness,” Olaniyi said.

He added that crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and moringa would be spotlighted for their underutilised potential.

According to him, a forum on organic and agroecology education will also be held.

Olaniyi emphasised that crops such as cashew, cocoa, sugarcane, and mushrooms offered huge economic opportunities, but required better policies and stakeholder synergy to fully harness their value.

Also speaking, Mr Adekunle Adamson, Regional Project Lead for NIAEXPO, said the 2025 edition would feature Farmers’ Day and a Women Entrepreneurship Hub to promote inclusivity.

“Farmers’ Day is designed to celebrate and empower farmers through training and exposure to new techniques.

“We’re also spotlighting women and youth in agribusiness, offering support from product registration to packaging and marketing.

“The Women Entrepreneurship Hub will provide a platform for aspiring and established female agripreneurs to gain practical knowledge, improve product visibility, and scale their businesses,” Adamson said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria spends bn annually on food imports – FG

Nigeria spends $10bn annually on food imports – FG

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Food exports

By Mercy Omoike
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, says Nigeria spends 10 billion dollars annually on agro-imports, including wheat and fish.

Kyari disclosed this at the First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., 2025 Agric and Export Expo, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The minister who decried the rising rate of agro-imports stressed the need for more financing of agro activities to boost local exports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was represented at the event by his Special Adviser, Mr Ibrahim Alkali.

Kyari harped on the importance of increasing financing for the nation’a agriculture sector to boost food export revenue generation.

“Nigeria spends over 10 billion dollars annually importing food such as wheat, rice, sugar, fish and even tomato paste.

“Agriculture already contributes 35 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product and employs 35 per cent of our workforce.

“We sit on 85 million hectares of urban land with a youth population of over 70 per cent under the age of 30, yet Nigeria accounts for less than 0.5 per cent of global exports.

“However, Nigeria earns less than $400 million from agro exports, to build a non-oil export economy, we must rethink how we finance agriculture,” he said.

He reiterated the Tinubu’s administration’s stance on ensuring food sovereignty of the country, while insisting on increased financing of agriculture.

“President Tinubu’s administration has made it clear that food sovereignty is the goal. Nigeria must not only feed itself, but to do on its own terms, free from excessive dependency on imports.

“Sovereignty means ensuring that no Nigerian goes hungry because of shocks in global food supply chain, allowing every community to stand on the strength of our land, our people and our productivity.

“Boosting domestic production and building supports for exports are not separate agenda. They are two sides of the same coin.

“We have the land, the labour, and the markets, but we lack the system of financing, value addition and infrastructure that convert potential into prosperity.

“The fundamentals compel that we pilot from dependence on oil rigs to resilience in food and export earnings from rural commodity exports to value added agribusiness.

“From fragmented farmer credit to structured financial systems that attract significant capital and from stereotyped perceptions to improved participation of youth in the agricultural sector,” Kyari said.

He also stressed the need for improved mechanism and critical thinking to boost food security.

“Nigeria can do better if we begin to think critically and improve mechanism such as revenue sharing, finance, agricultural goals with performance triggers, factoring forward contracts Pay-as-Harvest, and the rest.

“These are not abstract theories. They are working in real economies,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

AU, Nigeria partner to revitalise agriculture, boost food production

AU, Nigeria partner to revitalise agriculture, boost food production

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Partnership

By Doris Esa

The African Union (AU) and Nigeria are collaborating to transform, revitalise agriculture and boost food production across the continent through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative.

CAADP,  a road-map for the continent’s agricultural sector, was adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in 2003 as a continental framework to stimulate accelerated growth and transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector.

Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated this on Monday at the validation workshop of the 2022 – 2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Report and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan 2025 – 2027 in Abuja.

He said that the major focus of the validation was to evaluate the performance of Nigeria in achieving the parameters of the African Union.

Ogunbiyi said that CAADP is a transformative initiative aimed at revitalising agriculture across the African continent.

He said that the African Union Commission (AUC) had established a standard process to periodically review CAADP.

” The primary focus of the CAADP is to transform African agriculture to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth with a commitment of six per cent growth rate and 10 per cent budget allocation to agriculture from the national budget.

“The essence is to boost agricultural productivity, increase public investment in agriculture, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector,” he said.

Ogunbiyi urged stakeholders to embrace CAADP as a blueprint for action and one that empowers farmers, enhances food security, and drives economic growth.

” Together, we can transform agriculture in Africa, making it a pillar of resilience and prosperity,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said that Nigeria had committed substantial investments in the agricultural sector through various initiatives.

”  This is ranging from the launch of the Special Agro-Processing Zones in some states of the federation, namely Kaduna, Cross Rivers and Oyo State.

” These initiatives were designed to increase production and productivity, enhance the commodity value chain,  create jobs, improve livelihood, and reduce post-harvest losses.

” The initiatives also aimed to promote inclusivity and resilient agriculture to foster economic growth and food security in the country,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu, Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, said the workshop aimed to chart a path forward for Nigeria’s Agri-Food System

” As you are aware, agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a critical element in achieving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development.

 ”Together, we can identify actionable solutions that will strengthen our agricultural frameworks and improve the livelihood of farmers and communities across the African continent,” Tanimu said.

In a Goodwill message, Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, ActionAid Nigeria, states that the validation workshop is a critical step in strengthening ownership, accountability, and joint action.

She reaffirms ActionAid’s commitment to supporting inclusive agricultural development and ensuring that policies and investment frameworks truly respond to the needs of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

Akhile said the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan is a tool for transforming Nigeria’s agrifood system, in line with the AU Malabo commitments ending in 2025 and the Kampala declaration that would commence in 2026.

“The joint sector review report is key in assessing our progress and to inform future interventions in achieving inclusive food systems transformation in Nigeria.

“We commend the Ministry and partners for driving this process and assure you of our continued collaboration towards building a resilient and sustainable food system for Nigeria,” she said. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Tinubu’s State Visit: Nigeria, Brazil to sign MoU on direct flight

Tinubu’s State Visit: Nigeria, Brazil to sign MoU on direct flight

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is set to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federative Republic of Brazil on Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to unlock direct flight.

Mr Obafemi Bajomo, Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investments to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Bajomo said that the final documents and instruments in the BASA are ready for exchange and execution with the Brazilian authorities during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Brazil.

NAN reports that Tinubu left Abuja on Aug. 15, for a two-nation working visit to Japan and Brazil.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, Tinubu will participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) holding in Yokohama from Aug. 20 to Aug 22.

From Japan, the President will proceed to Brasilia on Aug. 24 for a two-day state visit on the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva.

Bajomo told NAN that, Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development , will join President Tinubu on the high-profile State visit to Brasilia for the signing of the agreement.

According to him, the BASA is expected to pave way for four to five weekly direct flights, likely operated by Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Caverton, marking a new chapter in South Atlantic aviation.

“At the heart of this visit lies a long-anticipated breakthrough, signing of BASA, a milestone that promises to redefine air connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange between the two largest economies in Africa and South America.

“This journey began in May 2025, when the Minister led a Nigerian delegation to Brazil to open formal bilateral talks with his counterpart, Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.

“ Those discussions, held in Brasília went beyond ceremonial pleasantries, they birthed a technical working group tasked with harmonising the BASA for imminent signature, “ he said.

According to him, both nations committed to bypassing bureaucratic bottlenecks, pushing the agreement from discussion to execution in record time.

“Today, that vision stands on the cusp of reality, with all statutory processes and ministerial vetting.

“Also, legal clearance by the Federal Ministry of Justice, and Federal Executive Council approval—already completed.

“The direct flights by the BASA will reduce travel time, cut logistics costs, and open new trade corridors for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services.

“For Nigerian exporters, Brazilian markets will become more accessible than ever before.

“With deep-rooted Yoruba heritage woven into Brazil’s history, this agreement reactivates centuries-old cultural bonds, opening opportunities for tourism, festivals, and people-to-people exchanges, “ he said.

Beyond air routes, Bajomo added that both ministers had mapped out plans for technical cooperation including pilot training and airport infrastructure upgrades among others to position Nigeria as a stronger player in global aviation.

“If signed as planned, the BASA will be a bridge of opportunity. It will connect two continents through commerce, tourism, and share aspirations, strengthening not only economic resilience but also cultural understanding.

“As Nigeria and Brazil prepare to ink this historic deal, they are not just signing an agreement—they are writing a new chapter in transcontinental partnership, one that could resonate for generations, “ he said.

Bajomo quoted Keyamo as describing Nigeria and Brazil as twins separated at birth, now reunited, signaling cultural and economic depth of the relationship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Nigeria, EU chart path for sustainable cocoa trade

Nigeria, EU chart path for sustainable cocoa trade

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry have pledged to accelerate efforts to meet the European Union’s December 2025 deadline for compliance with its deforestation-free regulation (EUDR).

This, according to them, is with a view to safeguard the nation’s cocoa exports and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the pledge at a Roundtable on EUDR Compliance, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential villa, in Abuja.

The roundtable was convened by the Office of the Vice-President in partnership with EU representatives, cocoa-producing states, and private sector stakeholders.

It explored financing options, institutional coordination, and technology-driven solutions to ensure that Nigeria’s cocoa remains competitive in global markets and to protect the nation’s forests.

Speaking at the event, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described cocoa as a strategic lever in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

He revealed that cocoa exports surged by 606 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, rising from N171 billion in the previous year to N1.2 trillion, accounting for 29 per cent of agricultural exports and 5.6 per cent of total non-oil exports.

“Cocoa is no longer just a commodity. It is a vital contributor to our economic transformation and a driver of our green economy agenda,” Uzoma said.

He said that the EUDR compliance, which requires proof of deforestation-free supply chains, aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and opens opportunities for traceability innovations, climate-smart farming, and local processing.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria has the capacity to meet the EU’s standards since many exporters are already compliant.

Represented by Deputy Director of Cocoa, Ajayi Olutobaba, the minister emphasised the need for a harmonised national traceability and sustainability system managed by a government agency to ensure data sovereignty and ease of verification.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the compliance push was both a challenge and a transformative opportunity for Africa’s fourth-largest cocoa exporter.

With the EU accounting for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, she stressed that meeting EUDR requirements is an economic, environmental, and developmental imperative.

“Compliance is not optional. It is about Nigeria first, ensuring our land is used sustainably, supporting our farmers and investors, and hitting our one trillion dollar economy target under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Zissimos Vergos, emphasised the need for the repositioning of Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.

“The conclusion of this meeting is that the National Cocoa Board should go out there to bring a trophy to Nigeria from repositioning Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.”

Also, Dr Taiwo Osho, Sustainability Manager at Tulip Cocoa Processes L.td., called for urgent action to clearly demarcate protected areas to prevent farming in restricted zones.

He said confusion over boundaries, low productivity, and access to farmland remained a pressing challenge in spite of the renewed interest in cocoa production (www.nannews.ng) (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NSA, CDS reel out achievements in addressing insecurity

NSA, CDS reel out achievements in addressing insecurity

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The National Security Adviser to the President, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, have narrated the laudable achievements recorded by the Federal Government in addressing insecurity under President Bola Tinubu.
They gave the explanation during the plenary session at the two-day Interactive Session on Government-citizens’ Engagement on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Ribadu said that Nigeria has been battling with insecurity over 20 years ago, adding that
there were Niger Delta agitation, Boko Haram, banditry, IPOB, other separatist groups and security challenges.
The national security adviser gave an overview of Nigeria’s security challenges before May 29, 2023.
“Before we came in, bandits were in control in North-Central and other parts of the North, killing innocent people on a weekly basis, burning villages and communities.
“We have traced, identified and dealt with them. Before May 29, 2023, there were high profile attacks and mass casualties across the country. When we came in, we believed that Nigeria had to be secured first.
“When we took over, we had some security challenges, which included Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, separatists, Niger Delta, herder-farmer and communal clashes, among others.”
According to Ribadu, the Niger-Delta issue had been fixed, with crude oil production now over 1.9 million barrel per day from one million.
He said, “We have stopped those that wanted to divide the country. Tinubu instructed the security agencies to work together as one and we are working together, even with the Governors.
“Kaduna now is about 80 per cent free, no more bandits. We are carrying out operations in Kwara and other states.
“All security apparatus in the country work as a team. Today communities that were gripped with armed banditry now have relief.”
He also said that those bandits that were willing to repent and turn a new leaf were welcome.
The NSA further explained that the Armed Forces recently neutralised many bandits and criminal elements, adding that those bandits once in charge of territories in Kaduna had been taken out.
”Kaduna and other parts of the North are now free. We have achieved a lot. However, it is not yet over, but it’s a matter of time.
“There are so many enemies of the state that are in custody, and others are going through serious investigation.
“The recent reports of achievements from the Army are remarkable; roads are now safe; Kandawa, Dubali, Sabon Gali and many other areas have now been liberated.
“You can drive in any part of Kaduna State freely unlike two years ago.
“President Tinubu has mandated us to collaborate and work. We will work to bring stability to the country, restore order and give our people their lives back. We need your support,” Ribadu said.
Also speaking, Musa expressed the commitment of the armed forces to continue to work and ensure that the Northern region was free and Nigeria was fully secured.
“We will go after any enemy of the state and continue to do that until there is tranquility and peace in Nigeria.
“Our ways of working are based on collaboration, professionalism and collective actions and because we cannot be everywhere, we carry the communities along; security is also about relationships.
“There is also the need to engage our youths fully in activities that will distract them from participating in banditry or terrorism. We have also engage in public awareness.
“The  Nigerian Air Force is on top of their game and so also other security agencies.
“However, our borders are porous, but we want the border communities to also assist in reporting criminal elements that cross into our borders,” Musa said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Nigeria, China partnership key to industrialisation- NCSP

Nigeria, China partnership key to industrialisation- NCSP

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and China as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth.

 

NCSP Director-General Joseph Tegbe made this known in a statement issued in Abuja after a media interactive session.

 

He underscored NCSP’s role as a critical enabler, fostering productive partnerships between Nigerian stakeholders and Chinese business leaders.

 

Tegbe also highlighted the NCSP’s ongoing commitment to coordinating investments, facilitating stakeholder engagements, and ensuring due diligence to guarantee that Nigeria and China collaborations yield tangible, long-term benefits.

 

He reiterated NCSP’s mandate to steer the implementation of projects under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, while also pursuing additional partnerships beyond the formal agreements.

 

“Our focus is to ensure that Nigeria not only implements Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) — a platform for strengthening political and economic ties between China and African nations established in 2000.

 

“We are paving the way for Nigerian products to gain access to Chinese and broader Asian markets while accelerating the execution of strategic, game-changing national development projects later this year.

 

“Following the elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the establishment of the NCSP, Nigeria has recorded significant milestones in key sectors,” he said.

 

According to Tegbe, recent engagements have secured more than 20 billion dollars in investment commitments, focusing on critical sectors such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing, mining, steel production, and energy.

 

He said these investments were set to boost food security, create jobs, and drive a new wave of industrial development in the country.

 

He also said that the NCSP’s activities aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fast-tracking national development and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s industrial powerhouse.

 

He said his desire is to continue to bridge policy and execution by coordinating efforts across government agencies, the private sector, and diplomatic entities.

 

This, Tegbe said, was to ensure Nigeria maximises its trade and investment relations with China for sustainable economic advancement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

When will Nigeria fully embrace Alternative Medicine?

When will Nigeria fully embrace Alternative Medicine?

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By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Many Nigerians have turned to alternative medicine to meet their health needs, driven by various factors such as perceived effectiveness, cultural beliefs, affordability, and accessibility.

 

For instance, Mrs Anne Aliyu, a mother of four, said her family resorted to alternative medicine after her husband lost his job.

 

According to her, the hospital they used to attend denied them treatment when they could no longer afford the bills.

 

“Our neighbour, who is a medical personnel, used to treat us and the children on loan. With the loss of my husband’s job in 2014, we couldn’t foot the bills again. The use of herbs and diets became an alternative,” she said.

 

She explained that her family now uses moringa and mango leaves, along with a variety of vegetables and spices in their meals, which she believes has helped reduce the frequency of seasonal illnesses.

 

Similarly, Malam Aliyu Madaki, a civil servant, shared his experience with alternative medicine when conventional treatments failed to improve his health condition.

 

“I attended a conventional hospital in Abuja for more than four years. From one prescription to the other, yet I was not healed. It was a friend who advised me to try alternative medicine.

 

“Now, with the use of medicinal products like Arabian black seed, olive oil, garlic, ginger and others, I am regaining strength and getting better by the day,” he said.

 

Albeit the growing popularity of traditional and alternative therapies, Nigeria’s broader healthcare financing remains a challenge.

 

The Abuja Declaration, signed in 2001, urged African Union (AU) member states to allocate at least 15 per cent of their national budgets to the health sector.

 

However, this target remains largely unmet by most countries.

 

An AU report revealed that many African governments are falling short of their health financing commitments, including the Abuja Declaration benchmark.

 

“While some countries like Rwanda, Botswana, and Cabo Verde have consistently met or exceeded the 15 per cent target, many others allocate significantly less, some as low as 5 to 7 per cent,” the report noted.

 

It further warned that chronic underfunding, combined with high out-of-pocket health expenditures by citizens, continues to hinder progress towards universal health coverage and effective healthcare delivery.

 

In addition, a UN Trade and Development report indicates that over 70 per cent of Africa’s medicines are imported, while most AU member countries lack domestic pharmaceutical production capacity.

 

“Pharmaceutical demand is rising rapidly across Africa, driven by population growth and evolving health needs.

 

Some countries, such as Kenya and Ethiopia, are already attracting investment.

 

“Yet Africa captures only about 5 per cent of global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

 

“The potential is clear. A study found that tablets, capsules and creams produced in Ethiopia and Nigeria could be 15 per cent cheaper than the same products imported from India”.

 

Alternative medicine, which involves treatments not typically part of standard medical care, offers a holistic approach to health.

 

It is often considered more affordable and culturally familiar, with fewer side effects and a focus on personalised care.

 

Moreover, it aligns with traditional beliefs and allows individuals to take a more active role in managing their well-being.

 

Stakeholders believe the future of alternative medicine in Nigeria holds great promise, especially with increasing recognition, integration efforts, and research into traditional and complementary therapies.

 

The country already has regulatory bodies in place to ensure quality control and efficient service delivery in the health sector.

 

For instance, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) is responsible for developing drugs, conducting quality assurance tests, and advancing research on locally made medicines.

 

Similarly, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regulates and monitors products that affect public health, while the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) oversees pharmacy practice and enforces professional standards.

 

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) supervises the training, licensing, and professional conduct of doctors and dentists to maintain quality in clinical care.

 

Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), established in 2022, aims to expand universal health coverage through sustainable insurance models, reduce out-of-pocket health spending, and provide financial protection for Nigerians.

 

In the same vein, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) plays a key role in strengthening grassroots health delivery and promoting preventive care and community-based services.

 

Analysts argue that if these agencies can overcome challenges related to regulation, standardisation, and scientific validation, Nigeria could become a major player in both local and alternative pharmaceutical markets.

 

At the 2023 African Traditional Medicine Day, the then Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, revealed that a significant percentage of Nigerians already rely on traditional medicine.

 

“Studies have shown that traditional medicine use in Nigeria is as high as 81.6 per cent, and this is not expected to decline, especially given the predicted rise in the global burden of diseases,” he said.

 

Some of the identified forms of alternative medicine in Nigeria include traditional and herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, osteopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, spiritual healing, and other African traditional practices.

 

Health experts note that Nigeria’s large population and widespread access to these forms of medicine provide a ready market that should be fully explored.

 

A National Institutes of Health review showed that between 5 per cent and 74.8 per cent of people globally use complementary and alternative medicine, with 62.5 per cent using at least one method.

 

Experts suggest that with the right policy framework, Nigeria can effectively expand the use of alternative medicine.

 

They note that while alternative therapies may have side effects, these are often comparable to those of conventional treatments.

 

Health professionals continue to advocate for a structured approach to integrating alternative medicine into the healthcare system, noting its growing use and potential public health benefits.

 

For instance, Dr Chika Ogu, a public health specialist in Abuja, explained that traditional medicine should not be seen as a threat but rather as a complementary pathway to healthcare.

 

Nevertheless, he stressed the need for rigorous regulation, standardisation, and proper training to ensure safety and effectiveness.

 

“Without that, we risk promoting harmful practices alongside helpful ones,” he warned.

 

In the same vein, Mrs Fola Adediran, a pharmacist in Ibadan, acknowledged the growing popularity of herbal remedies and natural supplements, but raised concerns over the lack of proper oversight.

 

She further emphasised the importance of consumer education and product regulation to avoid public health risks.

 

“NAFDAC needs to invest more in product evaluation to protect Nigerians who rely on these alternatives,” she said.

 

Meanwhile, from an academic perspective, Prof. Ahmed Sule of the University of Jos noted the untapped potential of Nigeria’s rich medicinal plant resources.

 

He argued that increased funding for ethnobotanical research and scientific validation could help commercialise safe remedies and reduce the country’s dependency on imported pharmaceuticals.

 

“With the right investment, Nigeria can build a thriving herbal medicine industry that supports local health needs and economic growth,” he added.

 

Given the rising costs of healthcare and the increasing trend of medical tourism, the propagation of alternative medicine within Nigeria’s health system could offer a viable and affordable option.

 

This is similar to practices in China, India, the Middle East, South Asia, Canada, Europe, Singapore, and Latin American countries. (NANFeatures)

 

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Nigeria can handle its security challenges – Echefu

Nigeria can handle its security challenges – Echefu

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By Tolu Aiyegbusi

A security expert, Dr Bright Echefu, says through innovation and advanced technology Nigeria can handle its security challenges.

Echefu, the Chairman of the EIB Group, said this on Wednesday during a media tour of the security facilities of the company.

The company provides intelligence support for Nigeria’s security agencies though digital forensics, tracking and critical assets as well as supply of combat and surveillance drones.

It manufactures Arginin Reconnaissance Drones configured for high-performance reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The company also produces Arsenio BFLY and Xander Reconnaissance drones among other super precise attack drones that can navigate difficult environments.

“These systems are crucial in combating insurgent groups, adopting different drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.

“The primary purpose was to demonstrate the capabilities of the security apparatus deployed to fight insurgency, its potential is to enhance counter-insurgency operations and mitigate the threats posed by insurgent groups.

“The significance of this effort lies in stressing the potential of the equipment to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities,’’ he said.

Echefu said the tools would also improve force protection and reduce troop casualties by minimising reliance on manned reconnaissance missions.

“The use of commercial drones by insurgent groups presents significant challenges for security forces.

“To address this, the security apparatus is leveraging technologies like drone detection and jamming systems, improved intelligence gathering, and counter-drone systems.

“The system will generate insights from the collected data, allowing for better decision-making and improved resource allocation.

“This system will provide at-a-glance dashboards showing the status and location of monitored items, including parameters like satellite imagery and intelligence gathering capabilities to support security agencies,’’ he said.

Echefu also said with the right support and increased investment indigenous companies had the capacity to provide the needed logistics support to the military in the fight against insecurity.

While acknowledging the support from government to the indigenous security firms, he called for more policies to foster Nigerian companies’ growth, especially those in defence and security sector.

“I can tell you that I am not the only one that is into supporting the various sectors, by local activities, local productions. There is a lot going on. People are producing even tractors in Nigeria now.

“Nigeria has 100 per cent capacity right now to end this urgency with the number of local companies that are investing heavily.

“The Nigerian military strongly supports local manufacturers through research collaboration and support,” Echefu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

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