Category: Nigerian Tribune

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has sought a stronger partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate the state’s post-conflict recovery and drive sustainable economic growth.

Zulum made the request when he led a high-level delegation to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he held discussions with the President of the AfDB, Dr Sidi Ould Tah.

The meeting focused on strengthening investment partnerships to accelerate Borno’s recovery and development, while deepening the longstanding relationship between the state and the development bank.

Since assuming office on September 1, 2025, Ould Tah has twice paid courtesy visits to Maiduguri, a development described as a demonstration of solidarity with the Borno State Government and its people, as well as confidence in the state’s recovery efforts.

Accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Zulum said the state was moving beyond recovery towards sustainable economic growth and resilience.

He stressed the importance of working with development partners such as the AfDB to achieve the objective.

‘Our partnership with the African Development Bank is not just about funding projects, it is about building a future where Borno can stand on its own, where our people can farm, trade and live without fear,’ Zulum said.

The discussions covered opportunities for high-impact and sustainable investments in climate-smart agriculture, agro-industrial development, livestock and modern ranching, irrigation and water infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, youth employment and enterprise development.

The meeting also explored private-sector investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with particular attention to the economic potential of the Lake Chad Basin.

The governor said the region offered significant opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, agro-processing and cross-border trade.

Such investments, he noted, could strengthen livelihoods, create employment and contribute to stability and development in communities across the region.

‘Lake Chad Basin holds enormous promise for our people, and for our neighbours across the region,’ Zulum said.

He added, ‘If we invest properly in agriculture, fisheries and clean energy there, we will not only rebuild livelihoods, we will restore hope and stability to communities that have suffered for far too long.’

The delegation also explored areas where the AfDB could assist Borno in preparing and structuring priority projects, improving their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation.

The engagement is part of efforts by the Borno State Government to attract investment, unlock the state’s economic potential, create sustainable employment and improve the wellbeing of residents.

The state government appreciated the AfDB for its continued commitment to Borno and commended Bagudu for his support in strengthening collaboration between the state, the Federal Government and international development partners.

In appreciation of the visit, Ould Tah extended an invitation to Zulum and his team to visit him in Mauritania in December 2026 to explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and support between Borno State, Nigeria and the African Development Bank.

Other members of the delegation included the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maina Yaumi; the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Umar Lawan Dalorima; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Ambassador Ezenwa Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala.

Former Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State chapter, Comrade Onu Edoka, has disclosed that Kogi State Government, on a monthly basis, releases N150 million to the Pension Commission, amounting to about N1.8 billion yearly to cater for pensioners.

Speaking in OgoriMangogo local government council in Kogi Central, Edoka, who is currently Special Adviser on Labour Matters to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, led a Workplace Security and Workers’ Welfare Campaign in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo for a second term, and hailed the administrations of Mr. President and Ododo for redefining labour relations in the state.

Addressing a large gathering of union leaders, civil servants and community stakeholders in Ogori Magongo, Comrade Edoka described the Ododo administration as a government that has placed workers and pensioners at the center of governance.

He noted that the era of salary and pension delays is over, with workers now receiving their pay promptly and pensioners getting their monthly entitlements without excuses.

The Special Adviser revealed that the government now releases N150 million every month to the Pension Commission, amounting to about N1.8 billion yearly to cater for retirees.

He further disclosed that talks are at an advanced stage for the state to access a loan or bond facility aimed at clearing all outstanding gratuities, a move he said will bring total relief to pensioners who served the state meritoriously.

Comr. Edoka said Kogi is among the first states in the country to implement the new national minimum wage, and went further to grant a two-year tax waiver on the increment.

He added that local government workers are also enjoying full salary payments, while other welfare packages such as promotion and promotion arrears, leave bonuses, hazard allowances for health workers, and health insurance coverage for both workers and pensioners have been fully activated.

The Ododo government’s commitment to labour, he continued, is also evident in the donation of three brand new buses to the NLC, TUC and JNC to ease union operations in the state.

Speaking to leaders of NULGE, NUT, Medical and Health Workers Union, ASUSS and NUP present at the Ogori Magongo LGA engagement, Comrade Edoka urged workers to stay vigilant and security-conscious in their respective workplaces.

He emphasised that Governor Ododo values the grassroots workforce and prefers to work with them rather than impose additional burdens, noting that the administration understands the sacrifices of workers at the local level.

He explained that the Workplace Security Campaign is not just about safety, but also about protecting the progress recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

With retirements increasing and the pension bill rising, he said the state government is already planning massive recruitment to reinvigorate the civil service and sustain service delivery.

Comrade Edoka charged workers to make wise political decisions ahead of 2027, stressing that continuity is key to safeguarding the gains in wages, pensions, health insurance and industrial peace that the state is currently enjoying.

The Ogori Magongo LGA meeting marks another significant step in the statewide mobilisation, as the campaign continues to take the message of security, welfare and continuity to workers across all local government areas of Kogi.

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Friday said the support of Nigerians for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government security measures is critical to the nation’s economic growth.

He maintained that various reforms being implemented by the government to reposition the economy, which are already yielding results, could only have more impact on the citizenry with effective security of the country.

A statement by Igboho’s media office quoted the Yoruba nation agitator to have made this disclosure during the launch of Iru Ekun Security Network in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti.

He underscored the need for all regardless of political, religious and ethnic colouration to support security agencies through credible information to dislodge criminal elements in any part of Nigeria, most especially in the South West.

Speaking at the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Igboho said ‘the current infrastructural facelift in South West and other regions, most especially roads network and economic reforms which are ingredients for overall development can only be explored for the betterment of Nigerians by restoration of effective security and safety of all communities.

The statement reads further, ‘Therefore, our conventional security agencies currently being supported by local security initiatives like Iru Ekun should be encouraged and motivated to further tackle criminality in the society.

‘We are committed to eradicating banditry, kidnappers, and other hoodlums constituting a threat to peace, safety, and tranquility of Yorubaland. The era of bandits killing Yoruba Obas is over. We would not tolerate the abduction or killing of our people in the South West.

‘Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ends his second term, Nigeria’s security would have been watertight to speed up the socioeconomic growth of our nation.

‘We don’t want to see any bandits or hoodlums in whatever guise in our farms and forest reserve. That was our plea to Yoruba traditional rulers, and they have made our position known to Mr President. This informed the approval granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of Iru Ekun Security Network.

‘If there are reports of attack or security breach in our farms and villages, our revered traditional rulers should contact Iru Ekun for necessary action. We will not tolerate any ambush of our people again.

‘We want to go back to peace and security of the olden days when our father could decide to travel to anywhere in Yorubaland without any fear of attack or threat. It is possible and we are going to restore such hope and confidence in a safer environment for all.’

Recalling past incidents of abduction in some parts of Oyo State, Igboho explained that ‘there was a case of one elderly man we recently rescued in Okeho, Oyo State. The man, who is a farmer, had only N8,000 on him when he was kidnapped, and he was eating wara, a local snack, when they seized him. The hoodlums demanded N10 million ransom.

‘There was another case of a woman and child abducted in Iwere Ile, where her kidnappers demanded N200 million ransom. Her husband had been a victim of kidnapping before the incident, and he paid N60 million before he was released. While rescuing the woman, one of our Iru Ekun personnel was killed.

‘This time around we squaring up with bandits and kidnappers. We won’t take it easy with criminals until we conquer them. We believe that with the prayers of our traditional rulers, we will win these battles, ‘he was quoted to have stated.

In her remark, the Regent of Iworoko Ekiti, Princess Bolanle Adenike Ogundola, appealed to all Yoruba indigenes to support Iru Ekun Security Network for our own protection and peace, stressing that ‘as a race, Yoruba should exhibit love and develop more interest in the progress of our tribe.

Millions of Nigerians living with glaucoma are at risk of losing their sight as the soaring cost of diagnosis, medication, and surgery continues to put treatment beyond the reach of many patients, a new study has revealed.

The study, published in the journal International Ophthalmology, found that the financial burden of glaucoma care falls heaviest on poor and uninsured Nigerians, leaving many unable to access timely diagnosis or remain on lifelong treatment for the disease-the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness.

The study’s authors included Chidera Stanley Anthony, Ikponmwosa Jude Ogieuhi, and Victor Oluwatomiwa Ajekiigbe, other researchers at the Imperial Academy of Researchers.

These experts estimated that between 1.1 million and 1.4 million Nigerians are living with glaucoma, with many unaware they have the disease until permanent vision loss has already occurred.

The review, titled ‘The Patient-Based Socioeconomic Burden of Glaucoma Care in Nigeria: A Scoping Review’, analysed evidence from studies conducted across Nigeria and concluded that poverty, limited health insurance coverage, and poor access to specialist eye care remain major obstacles to effective treatment.

According to the researchers, many patients are forced to delay hospital visits, skip medications, or forgo surgery because of the high cost of care, increasing their risk of irreversible blindness.

The review found that glaucoma places a significant financial burden on patients through the cost of consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, surgery, transportation, and lost income, particularly among low-income households.

The researchers called on the Federal Government to expand health insurance coverage for glaucoma care, subsidise the cost of screening and treatment, and strengthen access to affordable eye care services nationwide, warning that Nigeria could face a growing burden of preventable blindness if urgent action is not taken.

They also urged increased public awareness and routine eye screening, stressing that glaucoma often develops silently and can permanently damage vision before symptoms become noticeable.

The researchers explained that comprehensive policy reforms are urgently needed to make glaucoma care affordable, improve treatment adherence, and protect millions of Nigerians from avoidable blindness.

The Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other stakeholders have intensified efforts to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled digital extension services across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.

The stakeholders made the commitment at a workshop on ‘Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Digital Extension Across Agricultural Value Chains in Nigeria’, held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The initiative, organised under the UN Joint Programme on Agri-Food System Transformation and Innovation in Nigeria (AFTI), seeks to use digital technologies to improve farmers’ access to timely and relevant agricultural advisory services.

IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, said AI-enabled digital extension was strategically important to Nigeria’s agrifood systems transformation because it could translate national agricultural policies into practical services for farmers.

Ekoue said the technology could improve the timeliness and relevance of advisory messages by tailoring information to farmers’ locations, crops, seasons, weather conditions, pest and disease risks, market opportunities and individual profiles.

‘AI-enabled digital extension is strategically important for accelerating Nigeria’s agrifood systems transformation.

‘It offers a practical pathway for transforming national policy priorities into farmer-level advisory services, stronger value chain performance, improved food security and nutrition, climate resilience and inclusive agro-industrialisation,’ she said.

National Project Coordinator of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, Dr Kabir Yusuf, said the adoption of AI had become necessary given the severe shortage of agricultural extension workers in Nigeria.

Yusuf said the country’s extension worker-to-farmer ratio ranged between one agent to 5,000 farmers and one to 10,000 farmers, far above the commonly referenced benchmark of one extension worker to between 800 and 1,000 farmers.

He said farmers continued to lose yields, quality and income because of problems that could have been prevented through timely agricultural advice.

‘The question before us is not whether artificial intelligence belongs in agricultural extension. It is how we make it work for the farmer who needs it most,’ Yusuf said.

He disclosed that the SAPZ programme, working with Digital Green, had deployed the FarmerChat AI advisory platform in Kano and Ogun States for farmer registration, verification and monitoring.

According to him, the platform provides weather updates, planting advice and pest and disease guidance in Hausa and English through text, voice and images.

Yusuf said the project targeted 24,000 farmers and had onboarded 20,899, representing about 87 per cent of the target, with 14,895 farmers in Kano and 6,004 in Ogun.

He added that women accounted for 7,665 beneficiaries, representing roughly 37 per cent of farmers, while 233 extension agents, farmer champions and programme personnel were trained against the initial target of 220.

He said the experience demonstrated that AI should complement rather than replace extension agents.

‘Our assessment is that about 30 per cent of this work is technology; the other 70 per cent is human facilitation,’ he said.

Yusuf also stressed the need for agricultural advisory content generated through AI to be validated by Nigerian institutions, including the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services and relevant research institutes, to ensure that recommendations reflect local agro-ecological realities.

He identified smartphone ownership, internet connectivity, high data costs, unreliable electricity, low digital literacy and language barriers as major challenges limiting wider adoption.

He said deliberate mobilisation had also proved important for inclusion, noting that women represented nearly half of beneficiaries in Ogun, compared with about 32 per cent in Kano.

Yusuf commended the Federal Government’s National Electronic Extension Platform and National Digital Farmers Registry, saying their integration with AI advisory services, validated agricultural content and responsible data governance would support the objectives of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala agenda.

The Sokoto State Government has appealed to political parties and other stakeholders to put aside partisan differences and work together to tackle the growing security challenges confronting communities across the state.

The government made the call on Thursday in reaction to concerns raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, over alleged threats to residents of Kebbe Local Government Area.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters said the government was aware of the reported threat and had directed relevant authorities to take the matter seriously.

‘The reported threat to Kebbe is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. Relevant security agencies are working with the state government, traditional institutions and local communities to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent any attack,’ he said.

He appealed to residents of Kebbe and other communities considered vulnerable to remain alert and promptly share information on suspicious activities with security agencies.

The development comes against the backdrop of persistent attacks and threats by suspected bandits and other criminal elements in parts of Sokoto, particularly communities in Kebbe and other areas in the southern and eastern parts of the state.

The adviser said the security situation was a longstanding challenge which predated the present administration, adding that the government had taken steps to improve the capacity of security agencies to respond to emerging threats.

He said Dan’iya, having served as Deputy Governor in the immediate past administration, was familiar with the security situation and should be able to assess the measures being taken by the current government.

‘Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya served as Deputy Governor during the previous administration and, therefore, is in a good position to appreciate the difference in approach between the two administrations, particularly in terms of government support to security agencies and the response to emerging security threats,’ he said.

According to him, the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu had increased funding and logistical support for security agencies operating in the state.

‘We did not only restore the monthly allowances of security personnel which had been discontinued by the previous administration; we also reviewed and increased those allowances,’ he said.

He listed the provision of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, patrol vehicles and other security equipment among measures taken to strengthen security operations.

‘These investments demonstrate clearly that the government is not merely making statements about security; it is taking concrete steps and committing significant resources towards addressing the challenge,’ he said.

The adviser stressed, however, that government efforts could only succeed with the active participation of communities and other stakeholders.

‘Security should therefore not be turned into a political contest. Political differences are normal in a democracy, but the safety and security of citizens should remain above partisan interests,’ he said.

He warned that political disagreements over insecurity could create unnecessary tension and undermine efforts to protect residents.

‘Criminal elements do not distinguish between APC, ADC, PDP or any other political party when attacking communities. Their victims are citizens, regardless of their political affiliation,’ he said.

He consequently urged political actors to support security agencies with credible intelligence rather than engage in blame games.

‘What our people need is cooperation, intelligence sharing and practical solutions, not statements that could heighten fear or create unnecessary political tension,’ he said.

The adviser assured residents that the state government would continue to work with security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent attacks.

‘Security is a collective responsibility. It should unite us, not divide us. At this moment, Sokoto needs all hands on deck, irrespective of political affiliation, to defeat the criminal elements threatening the peace and livelihood of our people,’ he said.

Kwara State Government has digitised a total number of 19,591 land records since Monday, October 20, 2025 when it commenced reforms on land.

Speaking at a one-day Ease of Doing Business Council EoDB investment summit in Ilorin on Thursday, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), ESV. Sulyman Babatunde Abdulkareem, said that the digitisation was carried out to improve accessibility and records management.

‘KWGIS was established following the 2020 GIS law, bringing together key functions relating to lands, surveying, physical planning and urban and regional planning within a more integrated institutional framework’.

Abdulkareem, who said that the land reforms have reduced administrative bottlenecks, added that, ‘Before the reforms, the process of securing land documentation could involve several stages, physical movement of files, manual searches and administrative delays.

‘Today, our target is fundamentally different. KWGIS now provides digital access to land-related services, including online applications, downloadable forms, C of O processes, recertification, land registration, subsequent transactions and other services. That is Ease of Doing Business in practical terms’, he said.

Speaking on the reduction in the average processing time for Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), he said that, ‘before now, application processing time for CofO was about 180 days; however, application processing has been streamlined, with the current processing time reduced to 35 days’.

On the number of land applications processed, he said that about 14,840 applications were processed before the reform, while 2,538 applications have been processed after the reform.

Also speaking on the theme, ‘From Reforms to Results: Positioning Kwara as Nigeria’s Investment Destination’, the chairman of the Kwara State EoDB council and Finance commissioner, Dr. Hauwa Nuhu, said that the summit was organized to bring together government, investors, development partners and the private sector-‘not merely to discuss opportunities, but to build partnerships and turn opportunities into investments’

Dr Nuhu, who said that the government can only create an environment to thrive, added that it is private investment that creates industries, generates jobs, drives innovation and builds sustainable prosperity.

The EoDB council chairman said that Kwara is open for business, adding that, ‘more importantly- Kwara is ready for partnership’.

‘We understand that investors need more than invitations. They need credible institutions, transparent processes, policy consistency, infrastructure and a government that treats the private sector as a partner.

‘This is the commitment of the Kwara State Government. We do not claim that our journey is complete. But we are clear about our direction, committed to continuous improvement and determined to remove the barriers that stand between investment and opportunity.

‘Our responsibility as the Ease of Doing Business Council is to ensure that reforms do not remain policies on paper. They must be felt by businesses. They must reduce delays. They must simplify processes. And ultimately, they must produce results’, she said.

‘That is why the Ease of Doing Business agenda is not merely about improving government procedures. It is about creating confidence. Confidence to invest.

Confidence to expand. And confidence to succeed. Through institutional reforms, investment facilitation, public-private partnerships, digitalisation and improvements in the business environment, Kwara is steadily building a stronger foundation for enterprise’.

Nuhu said that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has worked to create a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly business environment, adding that the state is moving from ambition to action.

‘Kwara’s greatest advantage is not just what we have. It is where we are. Situated strategically at the crossroads of Northern and Southern Nigeria, Kwara provides investors with access to major national markets and emerging regional opportunities.

‘For manufacturers, agribusinesses, logistics companies and service providers, Kwara offers something increasingly valuable: A strategic location from which businesses can produce, process, distribute and grow. But location alone does not create prosperity.

‘That is why our administration is investing in the foundations that investors need-roads, industrial infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and a more efficient public sector.

‘Across agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, solid minerals, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare, education, hospitality, real estate, technology and the creative economy, Kwara offers opportunities for investors seeking long-term growth and sustainable returns’.

The Jigawa State Government has announced the death of the Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Dr Ahmad Muhammad, at the age of 84.

The first-class traditional ruler reportedly died in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, after spending 46 years on the throne.

Announcing the death, the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, expressed grief over the passing of the monarch.

In a statement, Ibrahim said, ‘With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the state government announces the passing away of the Emir of Gumel, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Sani, at the age of 84.’

He described the late emir’s 46-year reign as remarkable, noting that it witnessed significant development in Gumel Emirate and Jigawa State.

According to him, the late traditional ruler would be remembered for his dedication, simplicity, humility and commitment to the development and wellbeing of his subjects.

The SSG said the monarch made significant contributions to the promotion of education and school enrolment, effective public healthcare delivery, and peace and stability in the emirate.

He also commended the late emir for fostering peaceful relations with communities along the border with the Republic of Niger.

Ibrahim said the late monarch’s contributions to the development of his people would remain in the annals of history.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdausi.

The SSG added that details of the funeral prayer arrangements would be announced to the public by the Gumel Emirate.

As part of efforts to strengthen good governance and advance developmental priorities across the Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, 33 legacy projects have been inaugurated under the leadership of Hon Abraham Ogunsola.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Zonal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ajarat Omikunle, obtained by the Nigerian Tribune.

The developmental projects cut across education; health, infrastructure and sanitation sectors.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ganiyu Hazmat, at the commissioning of the projects in Ilaro, commended the council chairman for translating the aspirations of the state government into tangible achievements.

He described the completion of the projects as evidence of prudent management of public resources.

The governor described the steps taken by the council boss, as another remarkable milestone in grassroots development, while noting that the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of the local government administration had contributed significantly to the successful execution of the projects across various sectors, including education, healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, security and economic development.

The Council chairman expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for the unwavering support and cooperation extended to his administration since its assumption of office.

He acknowledged that the financial backing provided by the state government had enabled the commencement and completion of the developmental projects in Yewa South Local Government Area, which would help improve the welfare of residents.

Ogunsola described the commissioning as another milestone in the council’s determination to bring governance closer to the people and deliver projects capable of improving the quality of life of residents.

The YSLG chairman said the projects were not merely physical structures intended to showcase government activities, but strategic investments designed to address the needs of the people and contribute to the sustainable development of the local government.

The chairman added that his administration’s development agenda was largely driven by a shared commitment with the state government to improve the welfare of residents.

He, therefore, acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, members of the local government workforce, the legislative council and residents towards the achievements recorded by his administration.

He said their cooperation had been instrumental to the successful implementation of the projects.

The Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the Otun Aguro of Ilaro, Chief Ayo Dawotola, in his remarks expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for providing the necessary support for the actualisation of the developmental projects in the local government.

He noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun had demonstrated a strong commitment to the advancement of Yewaland and Ogun State.

The monarch stated that Abiodun’s support for the local government had strengthened the institution’s capacity to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the people.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request with the National Assembly, demanding comprehensive legislative records on the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following concerns by public health stakeholders that proposed changes would weaken Nigeria’s tobacco-control framework.

The request, dated August 13 and addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, comes days after the Nigeria Tobacco Control Community – a coalition of more than 100 civil society organisations, public-health advocates and tobacco-control stakeholders – rejected the proposed amendments and called for the Bill’s immediate recall.

CAPPA said it is seeking the records to establish the legislative history of the Bill, promote transparency in the lawmaking process and clarify how provisions that the tobacco-control community considers dangerous to public health came to be included in the current consolidated text.

The FOI request asks the National Assembly to provide certified copies of the Senate and House of Representatives Votes and Proceedings reflecting every stage of the Bill’s consideration, including first and second readings, committee referral, consideration of committee reports, third reading and passage.

It also requests the dates of each legislative stage, the names and constituencies of sponsors and co-sponsors, records of any divisions or recorded votes, relevant committee reports, details of public hearings and stakeholder submissions, and the Bill’s current status, including whether it has been transmitted for presidential assent.

CAPPA invoked Sections 1(1), 2(3)(f) and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and requested that the National Assembly provide the information within the statutory seven-day period. It said the records could be supplied electronically or as certified physical copies where applicable.

At a press briefing in Abuja on August 9, the Nigeria Tobacco Control Community, which includes CAPPA, warned that the consolidated Bill could weaken important safeguards under the NTCA 2015 and create regulatory openings for tobacco and nicotine companies.

Among the criticised provisions are proposed changes concerning non-combustible nicotine products, advertising and promotion, online sales, point-of-sale promotion, product sampling, packaging and penalties.

The groups also questioned the legislative history of some of these provisions, saying controversial provisions were not contained in the versions of the legislation presented at a public hearing on November 22, 2024. They consequently demanded answers about how the provisions subsequently entered the consolidated Bill.

‘This request is made in the interest of promoting public health, accountability, and transparency,’ CAPPA stated in its letter to the Clerk of the Senate, stressing that it concerns the legislative history of the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The tobacco-control community has questioned who introduced the provisions it considers concessions to tobacco and nicotine interests, and which public-health institutions reviewed them.

It argued that updating tobacco control legislation to address emerging nicotine products should strengthen, not weaken, Nigeria’s protections against tobacco-related disease and nicotine addiction.

It particularly objected to provisions it says could permit forms of promotion of non-combustible products through adult publications, point-of-sale materials and online platforms, as well as sponsorship of cultural, social and recreational events. Its concerns also cover proposed changes to online sales, product sampling and the classification of heated tobacco products.

The groups contended that given Nigeria’s large youth population and the rapid circulation of digital content, exemptions ostensibly designed for adults could nevertheless expose young people to tobacco and nicotine marketing.

The coalition has therefore called for the immediate recall of the consolidated Bill and a fresh, transparent, public health-led review.