Saudi Arabia Bans Poultry, Egg Imports from Nigeria, 39 Other Countries

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a full ban on poultry meat and table egg imports from 40 countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, while introducing partial restrictions on specific regions in 16 other countries. The measure aims to protect public health, prevent the spread of animal-borne diseases, and ensure food safety in the Kingdom’s domestic market.

The SFDA stated that the list of affected countries is regularly reviewed based on global health developments and epidemiological updates. Some bans have been in place since 2004, while others were introduced gradually following risk assessments and international disease reports, particularly concerning highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The full ban covers poultry and table egg imports from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Montenegro.

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Partial restrictions apply to specific states or cities in Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting targeted measures based on regional disease risk.

The SFDA clarified that heat-treated or properly processed poultry and egg products are exempt from the ban if they comply with approved health and safety standards and carry official certification. The Kingdom requires that imported products undergo treatments that eliminate potential viruses such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease before entering Saudi markets.

Officials emphasized that the precautionary steps are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to monitor and respond to global disease outbreaks and safeguard consumers. By controlling poultry imports, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its domestic food safety system and mitigate the risk of animal-to-human disease transmission.

The updated measures highlight the Kingdom’s rigorous approach to food safety, sending a clear signal to exporters that compliance with international health standards is essential for continued access to Saudi markets.

Saudi Arabia Bans Poultry, Egg Imports from Nigeria, 39 Other Countries

Tinubu Urges Senate to Amend Constitution for State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the constitution to allow the creation of State Police, describing it as a crucial step to tackle Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

The appeal was made on Wednesday night during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Tinubu emphasised that the current federal policing system alone cannot effectively combat crime across all regions.

Highlighting the escalating threats of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, the President said a decentralised policing system would empower state governments to respond quickly to local crimes. “We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency … What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.

Tinubu explained that State Police would complement federal security agencies, improve intelligence gathering at the community level, and enhance rapid response to security threats, while strengthening local governance and citizen protection.

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The President also praised the collaboration between the executive and legislative branches, describing unity as essential for fighting insecurity and boosting public confidence. He commended lawmakers for supporting key economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and tax reforms, which he said are necessary to curb corruption and stabilise the economy.

“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. We are enjoying a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us,” Tinubu stated, urging continued legislative support for policies promoting long-term economic growth.

Responding to the President, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked Tinubu for the interfaith event, calling it a gesture of mutual respect. Akpabio praised the administration’s reforms, noting that they have increased revenue available to state governments and facilitated the development of critical infrastructure. He also prayed for peace, stability, and continued progress in Nigeria.

The call for State Police has been a long-standing debate in Nigerian politics, with supporters citing improved local security and accountability, while critics warn of possible politicisation and the need for strong oversight mechanisms. A constitutional amendment would require legislative deliberation and ratification by a majority of state assemblies, making it a complex but potentially transformative reform.

President Tinubu’s renewed appeal underscores the administration’s commitment to structural security reforms as a key strategy to address Nigeria’s persistent insecurity and protect citizens across the country.

Tinubu Urges Senate to Amend Constitution for State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

Bill Gates Apologises for Epstein Ties, Admits Two Extramarital Affairs

Bill Gates, the Bill Gates and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has publicly apologised for his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a “huge mistake” during a recent town hall meeting with foundation staff.

Gates admitted that he regrets meeting and spending time with Epstein, who had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor. He acknowledged that he had taken foundation executives to some meetings with Epstein, a decision he now considers an error in judgment. Gates stressed that, despite interactions through 2014, he never stayed overnight at Epstein’s properties or visited his private island, and had no involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.

The apology comes amid renewed scrutiny following the release of U.S. Justice Department documents connected to Epstein, who died in custody in 2019. Some documents included draft emails and redacted communications, one of which falsely alleged Gates contracted a sexually transmitted infection and sought medication for his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. Gates has categorically denied the claims.

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In addition to addressing the Epstein connection, Gates revealed that he had two extramarital affairs during his marriage, stressing that these relationships were not related to Epstein. He said one affair involved a Russian bridge player he met at events, and the other a Russian nuclear physicist. He admitted these affairs caused personal fallout and acknowledged the pain they caused Melinda, who has said that the recent document releases brought back “painful times” in their marriage.

Gates told staff, “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” highlighting his responsibility for involving foundation employees and the public perception that followed. He also emphasised that his interactions with Epstein were motivated by philanthropic discussions on global health and innovation, and that he saw nothing illicit during those meetings.

The Gates Foundation has confirmed that Epstein was never employed or paid by the organisation and that Gates’ remarks were intended to address staff concerns and clarify his personal and professional history.

While Gates remains focused on the foundation’s global health, innovation, and philanthropic work, the renewed revelations have reignited public debate over his judgment and past associations.

Bill Gates Apologises for Epstein Ties, Admits Two Extramarital Affairs