Health

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

Published

1 month ago

March 23, 2025

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

The Federal Government Joint Committee on the destruction of fake, illicit and expired pharmaceuticals has destroyed another 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira imported into the country through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.

This is coming after the committee initially destroyed 250 containers of the same expired pharmaceutical products in January, 2025.

To this end, the committee comprising the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army has destroyed a total of 450 containers of expired drugs in the first quarter of 2025.

The destruction exercise which took place in Epe, Lagos State yesterday, was part of a broader initiative of the Federal Government to curb importation of illicit and controlled drugs in order to safeguard public health and curb drug-related crimes in the country.

The pharmaceuticals destroyed were Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, and Analgin injection amongst others.

Speaking to newsmen, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative was important to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which are often abused, thus contributing to criminal activities in the country.

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Mallam Ribadu, who was represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the destroyed drugs were seized at Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.

He, however, disclosed that similar destruction was conducted in Port Harcourt as part of the first phase.

“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.

The intercepted drugs were either expired or classified as controlled substances that should only be used under strict medical supervision.

Also, the Assistant Customs Controller, A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A, emphasised the enforcement efforts of security agencies in tracking and intercepting these illegal imports.

“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.

“The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.

On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods were being tried in court.

Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

Health

Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

Published

11 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Trends Admin

Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

The Akwa Ibom State government has introduced a new policy requiring medical trainees to take an oath, ensuring they fulfill a service bond before leaving the state.

This move is part of the government’s effort to address the ongoing issue of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities commonly known as ‘Japa.

The announcement was made by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, in Uyo over the weekend.

According to Essien, the state government plans to recruit 600 medical professionals and 100 occupational safety officers to work in the newly established Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.

“Every person that government is sending out on training now is bonded to serve the government for a period that government would have recovered the investment on their training,” Essien said. “The bonding is a very serious issue now, so none of them will escape. For the medical doctors, we go as far as the Medical Council that usually gives clearance for any professional who is travelling out of the country. So, if we send your name that government has trained you, you are under bond to serve the government, so the Medical Council will not allow such a person travel out again,” he added.

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Additionally, the Head of Civil Service revealed that the state government has disbursed N60 billion out of the over N90 billion owed to its workforce in unpaid gratuities, promotions, and other arrears.

This, he said , reflects the government’s commitment to worker welfare, as outlined by Governor Umo Eno, who has prioritized the financial well-being of both active and retired civil servants.

He said Governor Eno’s administration has also made significant strides in clearing long-standing debts, and the release of N500 million monthly for pension contributions has also been a key part of these efforts.

“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment,” Essien remarked. “The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result.”
Essien also noted that the administration is diligently addressing past neglect and building a sustainable structure for the future.

Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

Health

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

Published

1 week ago

April 20, 2025

Trends Admin

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

The parents’ body of students of Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the state House of Assembly, and the commissioners for education and health to intervene in its stalled negotiation with the management of the college over the astronomical fees charged by a private estate developer, BVERS Hostel and Suites.

In the petition obtained by Sunday Vanguard, the parents stated: “We, as the parents’ body of the above College, use this medium to register our ordeal with the management of the college and a private developer over exorbitant charge of N250,000 per bed space.

“Sir, permit us to inform you that a bed space was charged at N40,000 in the year 2022 when our children were offered admission into the college, but this amount was increased to N100,000 per bed space when the students resumed. It took several negotiations before we were given a few months’ grace to pay for the additional N60,000 to make up for the increment.

“We were surprised to receive an urgent call in September this year from our children that they have been moved to a new hostel within the college and with instructions by the college management that a bed space will now cost N280, 000.
“However, the amount was merely reduced to N250, 000 per bed space after several engagements with the College Management to register our objections to the obnoxious increment. Further several appeals for reduction of the accommodation fee by the college management are unyielding and have eventually forced us to appeal to you as the father of the State to come to our aid and mediate on this issue and review as follows:

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“The hostel, as designed, is only suitable for a student; after a careful review of the prevailing circumstances in and around Ekiti State, a charge of N250,000 per student space is outrageous and unsustainable.
“Considering the health and well-being of our children, it will be hazardous to allocate four students to a room originally designed to accommodate a student.

“That we seek your fatherly intervention to instruct the management of the college to accept our proposal of a charge of N150, 000 per bed space and allocate a maximum of two students to a room.
“We equally wish to appeal to His Excellency to intervene in the proposed increment of the college fees beyond common man. “Sir, we have no doubt in your government’s prioritization of the welfare of students and ensuring that their rights and interests are well protected at all times. We believe that you are against anything that will undermine the core principles of accessibility and affordability to education, which are crucial for factoring socio-economic growth in our state and the nation at large.”

When this correspondent sought the reaction of the Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Professor Kayode Olabanji, he said he intervened when the parents brought the matter to his attention and that was why the initial fee of N280k was negotiated down to N250k and then N230,000.
“However, it was when we negotiated it down to N250k that the parents decided to take the matter to the Office of the Governor and the House of Assembly. So, since the matter is now at the higher office, and a panel has been set up, we have to wait government pronouncement on the matter,” Prof Olabanji said.
Many of the parents, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said they don’t mind paying the N230,000, but the rooms should be of modern standards that would cater to the number of available students.

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

Health

UI management raises alarm over female students turning egg donation into source of income

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2025

Trends Admin

University of Ibadan

UI management raises alarm over female students turning egg donation into source of income

The University of Ibadan (UI) has raised concerns over the growing trend of female students donating eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), with some reportedly turning it into a regular source of income.

The University Health Service (UHS) issued a memo, titled ‘Health Advisory on Egg Donation,’ signed by Dr. Aderonke Ajav, highlighting the issue.

University spokesperson, Joke Akinpelu, confirmed that the memo was published in the university’s bulletin.

The management has expressed alarm at the increasing number of female students involved in egg donation, urging them not to view it as a financial opportunity.

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“It has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the university community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents or agencies,” the memo read.

“While egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative side hustle.”

The institution acknowledged that current research has yet to provide clear conclusions on who is medically fit to donate, the safe frequency of donations, and the optimal interval between them.

As a result, the memo advised students to limit donations to no more than three times a year and to select reputable clinics that follow established guidelines and prioritize the safety of donors.