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Improving Service Delivery In Nigeria’s Health Sector

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Improving Service Delivery In Nigeria’s Health Sector

By McNelson Uchenna Amadi


Despite various health reforms and policy interventions, Nigeria’s health sector continues to struggle with inadequate service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level. With a population exceeding 200 million, the country faces persistent challenges such as inequitable access, weak infrastructure, underfunded public health institutions, and inefficient governance structures. These obstacles compromise the availability, quality, and equity of healthcare services across the country. Improving service delivery in the Nigerian context, therefore, requires a multidimensional strategy that incorporates systemic restructuring, capacity strengthening, and the application of innovative, context-specific solutions.

Health System Overview and Structural Weaknesses

Nigeria operates a three-tiered healthcare delivery system—primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary Health Care (PHC) remains the foundational level, intended to handle up to 70% of the population’s health needs. However, studies have consistently highlighted that PHC facilities in Nigeria are poorly equipped, inadequately staffed, and frequently bypassed in favor of higher-level facilities (Uzochukwu et al., 2021; Ogunbekun et al., 2021). These structural weaknesses undermine the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) and perpetuate inequalities in health access and outcomes.

Governance challenges are a critical factor. Health service delivery in Nigeria suffers from overlapping responsibilities between federal, state, and local governments, which often leads to fragmentation and duplication of efforts (Obembe et al., 2023). This fragmented governance structure constrains coordination and reduces accountability.

Workforce and Infrastructure Limitations

Human resources for health in Nigeria are insufficient in both number and distribution. Many rural areas face severe health worker shortages, leading to overburdened urban facilities and high out-of-pocket expenses for underserved populations (Afolabi et al., 2023). Additionally, the problem is exacerbated by poor working conditions, limited career development opportunities, and brain drain.

Infrastructure inadequacies are equally pressing. Many health facilities lack consistent electricity, clean water, functional equipment, and essential drugs (Nnamani & Igwilo, 2022). These gaps erode patient confidence in the public health system, leading to increased reliance on private providers or traditional healers.

Read also: Thriving Through Wellness: Smarter Everyday Health Choice

Strategic Innovations and Interventions

Efforts to address service delivery gaps have included a range of strategic interventions. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) launched PHC revitalization programs aimed at rehabilitating facilities and improving workforce capacity (Okpani & Abimbola, 2020). Additionally, integration of health services through task-shifting and decentralization policies has demonstrated potential to optimize workforce efficiency and service delivery (Aregbeshola & Khan, 2020).

One promising approach involves applying systems thinking and engineering management to improve healthcare processes. Lean systems, Six Sigma methodologies, and health information technologies can streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase patient satisfaction (Oleribe et al., 2020). While such models have seen limited application in Nigerian healthcare, their potential for scale-up remains significant, especially in urban public hospitals.

Digital health interventions are also gaining traction. The adoption of mobile health (mHealth) tools for appointment scheduling, remote consultations, and data collection has been shown to improve patient monitoring and administrative efficiency (Yusuf & Bamgboye, 2022). These interventions can bridge service gaps in hard-to-reach communities and enhance coordination among providers.

Financing and Equity

Health financing in Nigeria is heavily reliant on out-of-pocket expenditure, accounting for over 70% of total health spending (Onwujekwe et al., 2020). This financing model exacerbates health inequities and limits access for the poorest populations. Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) and national health insurance schemes are potential mechanisms for equitable financing but remain underutilized and poorly implemented due to administrative inefficiencies and public mistrust (Abimbola et al., 2020).

Equitable service delivery requires targeted policy responses to ensure that resource allocation matches population needs. Data from the 2018 Nigerian Living Standards Survey showed stark disparities in service coverage between regions and income groups, underlining the need for redistributive mechanisms and performance-based financing (Eze et al., 2023).

Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified many of the system’s existing weaknesses but also created momentum for reform. During the crisis, Nigerian health authorities demonstrated the capacity to scale testing, deploy emergency operations, and digitize surveillance (Aworh, 2020). These lessons can inform longer-term strategies for health system strengthening, particularly around resilience, adaptability, and cross-sectoral coordination.

Improving health service delivery in Nigeria demands a systemic overhaul rooted in policy coherence, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and adaptive governance. Strengthening PHC, adopting engineering-informed strategies, expanding digital health, and ensuring equitable financing are essential to realigning the health system with the needs of its people. Nigeria has the potential and precedent to improve health outcomes—what is now required is sustained political will, effective leadership, and strategic implementation at all levels.

 

Mr. McNelson Uchenna Amadi, PGD is a venerated authority in international business and a leading voice in health and social care management. With an extensive background in cross-sector governance, strategic reform, and organizational leadership, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to global policy and systems development. His research and professional consultancy work have informed institutional frameworks and service delivery models across Africa and beyond. A respected thinker and practitioner, Amadi is known for bridging high-level policy with on-the-ground implementation—positioning him as a pivotal contributor to advancing integrated, sustainable health systems worldwide.

References

Abimbola, S., Baatiema, L., Bigdeli, M., Rao, K.D. and Lemiere, C., 2020. The government cannot do it all alone: Realigning roles in universal health coverage. The Lancet Global Health, 8(11), pp.e1344–e1345. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30341-3

Adepoju, I.O., Albersen, B.J.A., De Brouwere, V. and van Roosmalen, J.J., 2021. Improving health system performance in Nigeria: a focus on maternal healthcare services. BMJ Global Health, 6(4), p.e004710. https://gh.bmj.com/content/6/4/e004710

Afolabi, M.O., Oladipo, E.K., Adegbite, O.O., Bello, F.A. and Ogunbode, O., 2023. Evaluating health worker performance in PHC centers in Nigeria. Human Resources for Health, 21(1), pp.1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-023-00789-4

Aregbeshola, B.S. and Khan, S.M., 2020. Primary health care in Nigeria: 24 years after Olikoye Ransome-Kuti’s leadership. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, p.576402. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.576402

Aworh, M.K., 2020. Managing infectious disease service delivery in Nigeria: Lessons from COVID-19. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 11(2), p.1311. https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2020.1311

Eze, E., Adeleye, N., Joab, M. and Oduola, A., 2023. Strengthening the Nigerian health system for improved service delivery. Health Policy OPEN, 4, p.100097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2022.100097

Nnamani, S. and Igwilo, A.I., 2022. Infrastructure and service delivery in Nigerian health facilities: a multi-state review. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 25(7), pp.1034–1041. https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_425_21

Obembe, T.A., Akinyemi, J.O., Oginni, B., and Olumide, A.O., 2023. The role of governance in improving service delivery in Nigeria’s health system. Health Services Insights, 16, pp.1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/11786329231150864

Ogunbekun, I., Uzochukwu, B., Eze, C., Okoli, U. and Ughasoro, M.D., 2021. Service availability and readiness in Nigerian PHC facilities. Journal of Global Health Reports, 5, p.e2021001. https://www.joghr.org/article/26578

Okpani, A.I. and Abimbola, S., 2020. Operationalizing universal health coverage in Nigeria through PHC revitalization. BMJ Global Health, 5(9), p.e002719. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002719

Oleribe, O.O., Momoh, J., Uzochukwu, B.S.C., Mbofana, F., Adebiyi, A., Barbera, T., Williams, R. and Taylor-Robinson, S.D., 2020. Identifying key challenges facing healthcare systems in Africa and potential solutions. International Journal of General Medicine, 13, pp.361–374. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S257227

Onwujekwe, O.E., Uguru, N.P., Etiaba, E., Chikezie, I., Uzochukwu, B.S.C. and Adjagba, A., 2020. Distributional equity in healthcare benefits in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 Nigerian Living Standards Survey. Health Policy and Planning, 35(8), pp.931–941. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czaa055

Uzochukwu, B.S.C., Mbachu, C.O., Onwujekwe, O.E., Okwuosa, C., Etiaba, E., Ezenwaka, U., Soremekun, R.O., Ezumah, N. and Mirzoev, T., 2021. Health system constraints and implementation of essential services in Nigeria: A systematic review of bottlenecks and enablers. PLOS ONE, 16(3), p.e0248249. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248249

World Bank, 2022. Improving health service delivery in Nigeria: State-level innovations and challenges. [online] Washington, DC: World Bank Group. Available at: https://documents.worldbank.org

World Health Organization (WHO), 2021. Nigeria health system review: Strengthening governance and service integration. [online] Brazzaville: WHO Regional Office for Africa. Available at: https://www.afro.who.int/publications

Yusuf, H.O. and Bamgboye, E.A., 2022. Digital health interventions and service efficiency in Nigerian PHC. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), p.1011. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08594-7

The Eastern Updates

2027: I Won’t Ever Contest Against Tinubu In Elections – Wike

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2027: I Won’t Ever Contest Against Tinubu In Elections – Wike
Nyesom Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out the possibility of contesting against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike recently stirred political speculation by urging his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This move led many to believe he might be preparing to run against Tinubu. However, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin published over the weekend, Wike made it clear that he had no such intention.

Read Also: Atiku Desperately Shopping For Southern Running Mate – APC Mocks

“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike said, reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration.

The former Rivers State governor emphasised that there is currently no opposition candidate strong enough to challenge the president successfully. “I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” he added.

On the PDP’s zoning debate, Wike remarked, “They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”

Addressing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Wike denied reports of a feud with the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Describing Fubara as his “son,” Wike insisted that he harboured no personal conflict with the governor.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.

“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” he said.

 

The Eastern Updates

Trump Invites New Pope To White House – Spokesperson

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United States President Donald Trump has invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House, with Vice President JD Vance on Monday handing over a letter from Trump to the first American pontiff.

“The vice president passed along a letter to the pope from the president and from the First Lady,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding Trump hoped the visit would happen as soon as possible.

Vice President Vance will lead a U.S. delegation to Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass in Vatican City on Sunday, his office announced Thursday.

Read Also: American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected As New Pope

Why it matters: Leo is the first American pope, who took over the papacy at a time of deep political divide in his home country. Notably, some of his views appear to conflict with the administration’s policies, particularly on migrants’ rights.

The Catholic Church has a new leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American-born cleric and seasoned Vatican official, has been elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.

The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday following the traditional white smoke signaling the successful conclusion of the papal conclave.

Prevost, 69, becomes the first American-born Pope in the Church’s two-thousand-year history, marking a significant moment for Catholics in the United States and around the world.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

 

The Eastern Updates

ISWAP Attacks Yobe Military Base 2 Days After Govs’ Meeting

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ISWAP Attacks Yobe Military Base 2 Days After Govs’ Meeting

Terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) stormed Buni Gari town of Gujba local government area of Yobe State around 12 midnight on Friday.

The attack occurred two days after the meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum in Damaturu where the governors deliberated on security issues, poverty and poor road network in the region.

A source from the security agencies confirmed the incident, disclosing that the insurgents touched a part of 27 Brigade Tactical Headquarters in Buni Gari.

Read Also: Edo NDLEA Commander Reads Riot Act To Drugs Barons

Buni Gari is less than seven kilometres from Buni Yadi where the Nigerian Army Special Forces School was located.

Some residents of the community told The Eastern Updates that the insurgents fired gunshots sporadically before proceeding to burn the military facility and some buildings belonging to the people of the area.

Our correspondent gathered that the troops of Operation HADIN KAI engaged in an intense gun battle with the terrorists following the attack on Buni Gari.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the development through a brief statement on its social media platforms on Saturday.

“The troops of Operation HADIN KAI currently in a fierce battle against ISWAP attack at Buni Gari, Yobe State,” the Army announced.

However, an intelligence source said the terrorists were swiftly engaged by the troops in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes who engaged them in heavy gun battle lasting over an hours before the insurgents were overpowered.

As of the time of filling this report, further details surrounding the attack and potential casualties remain undisclosed.

 

The Eastern Updates

JAMB Glitches: South East Reps Demands Oloyede’s Resignation

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JAMB Glitches: South East Reps Demands Oloyede’s Resignation

The South East Caucus of the House of Representatives has demanded the resignation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, over what it described as a “catastrophic institutional failure” in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

The leader of the caucus, Igariwey Enwo in a statement issued Monday criticized JAMB for the technical glitches that affected nearly 380,000 candidates, many of whom are now required to resit the exam.

The caucus said the Board’s response has been grossly inadequate, while also lamenting poor communication, scheduling conflicts with ongoing WAEC examinations, and the short notice given for the resit.

It called for the immediate cancellation of the 2025 UTME and the fixing of a new date, preferably after WAEC and NECO exams, to ensure no student is disadvantaged.

It also demanded the suspension of key officials responsible for JAMB’s digital operations and logistics.

The caucus noted: “Over the past week, we have exercised restraint, hoping that JAMB would provide effective remedial measures to address what is clearly a catastrophic institutional failure—one that has severely shaken public trust and the confidence of students and their families nationwide.

“As a caucus, we are deeply concerned, as all five South Eastern states we represent were directly affected by these so-called ‘score distortions.

“While we acknowledge Professor Oloyede’s openness in admitting JAMB’s failures, we must state unequivocally that the remedial steps taken so far fall drastically short of our constituents’ expectations.

“JAMB’s knee-jerk, fire-brigade approach has been anything but adequate. Students in the South East—many of whom are currently writing their WAEC examinations—were given less than 48 hours’ notice to appear for the rescheduled UTME.

“Reports indicate that this notice was grossly inadequate, resulting in low turnout. In some cases, the rescheduled UTME clashed directly with ongoing WAEC papers, compounding the distress and confusion for students and their families.”

The lawmakers maintained that accountability must go beyond apologies, saying, “his resignation would allow for a thorough, independent review of the failure and restore public confidence in the examination body.”

 

The Eastern Updates

₦2.2bn Trial: I Have No Case To Answer – Fayose

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₦2.2bn Trial: I Have No Case To Answer – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, to dismiss the ₦2.2 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arguing that he has “no case to answer.”

Fayose’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN), made a no-case submission before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, contending that the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence were based on speculation.

Read Also: Taraba Govt Begins Recertification Of Land Titles

“All the witnesses that testified for the prosecution including the exhibits tendered were based on mere speculations, which would not warrant the defendants’ evidence,” the defence counsel stated, urging the court to uphold their “no case submission.”

The EFCC had initially filed an 11-count charge against Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited on October 18, 2018.

The agency alleged that about N2.2 billion was withdrawn and delivered by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro from Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, a company allegedly linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). The funds were allegedly diverted for Fayose’s benefit during the 2014 Ekiti governorship election.

However, during testimony under oath, Senator Obanikoro told the court that the funds he delivered were proceeds from donations, fundraising, and campaign launch activities. He said, as Chairman of various campaign committees, he was in custody of the money.

Obanikoro also revealed that he was coerced and maltreated during EFCC investigations. He clarified that he was neither a director nor a shareholder in Sylvan Mcnamara, nor did he have the authority to act on behalf of the company.

Chief Agabi also argued that Abiodun Agbele—allegedly the conduit for the disbursement of funds—was never charged, despite his central role. Furthermore, documents tendered in court showed a list of beneficiaries from Sylvan Mcnamara’s account, but Fayose’s name was not among them.

The defence highlighted that nine bank officials testified during the trial, confirming that all funds in the defendants’ accounts were considered legitimate and were not flagged by regulatory agencies.

Addressing the EFCC’s claim that the funds were illegitimately deposited into Fayose’s account, the defence noted that: “Contrary to the assertion and submission of the prosecution in opposition to the Defendants’ No Case Submission, filed before the Honourable Court on the 8th day of May, 2025, the Zenith Bank officials stated on oath that they received, counted and deposited the money in an account supplied by Abiodun Agbele to the head of the teller unit, Akure and if the monies brought by Obanikoro was to be illegitimate it would not have been lodged in an account.”

Regarding Fayose’s name on some bank teller slips, the defence maintained: “That the name Ayo written in the teller were not personally written by the 1st Defendant (Ayodele Fayose), in fact, the second prosecution witness (Abiodun Adekoya Oshode), the then Assistant General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, stated on 22-10-2019 as follows: ‘I did not see his Excellency filling or lodging in any money either at Ado-Ekiti or Akure Branch of the Bank……. I cannot say positively that the deposit slips with the name Ayo was made by the 1st Defendant.’”

Similarly, the bank’s Akure branch manager, Alade Oluseye, confirmed: “I did not at any time see the 1st defendant (Fayose) filling any teller at Akure branch and the teller unit are under my supervision.”

The EFCC’s own investigating officer, Muhammed Madaki, also admitted under cross-examination that Fayose had no documented interaction with either Col. Dasuki or Senator Obanikoro.

“Madaki’s words: ‘Our investigation did not reveal any form of conversation between the 1st Defendant and the NSA. Our investigation did not also reveal any form of conversation between Ayodele Fayose and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. The NSA made statement to us in the course of this matter but we did not show the said statements to the 1st Defendant.’”

The defence further argued that the funds in question were campaign-related, and Obanikoro confirmed on oath that Fayose was indeed a beneficiary.

“It can only be reasonably concluded that Ayodele Fayose collected the donations in custody of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro without more,” the defence submitted.

The EFCC also subpoenaed a PDP official, Mr. Ademola Famokun (PW20), who testified that the funds were party donations and revenues from sales of nomination forms and party cards, managed by Obanikoro and delivered to Fayose for campaign purposes.

“He equally stated that activities of the PDP at all material time are not funded by the NSA,” the defence noted.

Justice Aneke adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission.

 

The Eastern Updates

Atiku Desperately Shopping For Southern Running Mate – APC Mocks

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Atiku Desperately Shopping For Southern Running Mate – APC Mocks
Atiku Abubakar

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ayekooto Akindele, has mocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the possible refusal of Peter Obi as his presidential running mate.

Akindele said Atiku is desperately looking for a presidential running mate from the Southern part of Nigeria.

In what seems like a mockery, Akindele said Atiku’s options are now limited to Timi Frank, Bode George, Debo Ologbondiyan, Rotimi Amaechi, and Tom Ikimi.

Posting on Facebook, he wrote: “With the high possibility of Obi’s refusal, Atiku is desperately shopping for a southern running mate and since he cannot get any SS governor to accept and to fund him, his options are limited to Timi Frank, AdeDancer, Bode George, Ologbondiyan, Amaechi or Tom Ikimi.”

This comes as Obi said his involvement in the opposition coalition was to fight against bad governance, hunger, and poverty, not personal political ambition.

He made this remark while reacting to reports of an alleged agreement with Atiku to serve as his presidential running mate in 2027.

According to the report, Atiku had agreed to serve for only one term and was willing to formalize the agreement in writing.’

In other news, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, says the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara remains his political son.

Wike made the assertion in an interview with BBC Pidgin published on Saturday afternoon.

According to the minister, the battle was not against Fubara but those he claimed had been pushing the governor against him.

The Eastern Updates

NUJ Condemns Gunmen Attack On Private Radio Station In Bayelsa

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NUJ Condemns Gunmen Attack On Private Radio Station In Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, has condemned the recent attack by gunmen on a private radio station, Rhythm 94.7Fm in Yenagoa.

The NUJ Bayelsa Council Chairman, Tonye Yemoleigha, and the Secretary of Council, Stanley Imgbi, in a statement on Monday, frowned at the attack, describing it as a rape on the entire media family in Bayelsa and on press freedom.

Read Also: UNIZIK Shortlists 3 Candidates For Acting VC Position

“The state council was informed that the gunmen on two separate days, Saturday, May 17, at about 2: 10pm and on Sunday, May 18, at 4: 40p.m attacked the station and carted away valuables.

“Some of the valuables collected include mobile phones, recorders and operational gadgets belonging to staff on duty,” Yemoleigha said.

He called on the security apparatus, particularly the Commissioner of Police, to fish out those behind the crime and bring them to book.

He further urged that a police patrol van be stationed around the media house, as is the case in several strategic points in Yenagoa because of the isolated location of the radio station.

The NUJ Bayelsa boss, however, expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost during the attack.

In other news, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a cowardly assault aimed at destabilizing the region.

The attack, which occurred on April 17, 2025, claimed several lives and left many injured, sparking outrage across the subregion.

In a statement issued in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of Benin. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The Eastern Updates

Kaduna Refinery Delay Unacceptable – PETROAN Tells NNPC

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Kaduna Refinery Delay Unacceptable – PETROAN Tells NNPC

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised alarm over the prolonged delay in rehabilitating the Kaduna Refinery, calling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to provide a definite timeline for its completion.

Despite several government assurances, the 110,000 barrels-per-day Kaduna Refinery remains non-operational, compounding Nigeria’s persistent fuel supply challenges and escalating logistics costs across the northern regions.

In a recent statement, PETROAN criticized the repeated project delays and demanded greater transparency and accountability from NNPC. The association stressed the importance of completing the Kaduna facility alongside the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries to boost national petroleum product sufficiency and ease economic hardship.

“The Kaduna Refinery is critical for improving fuel distribution in the northern region and reducing the high cost of transportation from southern depots. Its continued inactivity is economically damaging,” PETROAN stated.

Billy Gillis Harry, National President of PETROAN, noted that the delay is unacceptable and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

He recommended the formation of a high-level task force including key industry stakeholders such as NMDPRA, NUPRC, PENGASSAN, and NUPENG to resolve bottlenecks and ensure the refinery’s swift completion.

Additionally, PETROAN called on NNPC to appoint a substantive Managing Director for the Kaduna Refinery to provide leadership and accelerate progress. The group warned that unless urgent measures are taken, the country risks further inflation and worsening energy insecurity.

“The borrowed funds for the refinery projects are substantial. Nigerians deserve to know where that money is going and when these vital national assets will start operating,” the statement concluded.

 

The Eastern Updates

Edo NDLEA Commander Reads Riot Act To Drugs Barons

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The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has read a riot to drugs barons in the state,

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has read a riot to drugs barons in the state, warning that it would not watch drug criminals exploit the state and destroy lives.

The Eastern Updates reports that the new Commander of the agency in the state, Mitchell Ofoyefu, gave the warning when speaking with newsmen on Monday in Benin City.

Ofoyefu, said his mandate is to combat illicit cannabis cultivation, drug trafficking and drug-related crimes, in total compliance with the operational order of the Chairman of the agency, Brigadier General Mohammad Buba Marwa-led administration to crack down on cannabis cultivators and drug traffickers in the state.

While noting that the command would not watch drug criminals exploit the state and destroy lives, he, however, warned drug cartels to quit the criminal act or face imminent arrest and prosecution.

He noted that drugs are inextricably linked to crime and emphasised his commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State.

“Drugs are fundamentally connected to criminal activity and pose serious risks to society. As experts in drug control, we have a responsibility to safeguard members of the public, especially the youths, from the harmful consequences of drugs.

“Effective drug control will not only secure the future of our young ones but will also prevent crime rates in the state. We are committed to advancing the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, campaign initiative of Gen Buba Marwa through supply control and demand reduction,”he said.

He, however, called on members of the public to cooperate with the Agency in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, noting that they need the support of all citizens in this all-important fight.

 

The Eastern Updates

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