Other News
NAFDAC Makes History, Joins Elite Global Drug Regulators In ICH
Nigeria has achieved a landmark regulatory milestone as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been admitted as a full member of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), placing the country among the world’s most advanced drug regulatory authorities.
The announcement was made at the ICH Assembly held in Singapore, where Nigeria was confirmed as the 24th country out of just 25 globally to attain full membership status.
The recognition marks a significant elevation in Nigeria’s global standing in pharmaceutical regulation.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, described the achievement as “a historic breakthrough for Nigeria and the African continent,” noting that the development will transform access to quality medicines and strengthen public health outcomes.
SEE MORE: NAFDAC Explains Why Popular Drugs Were Pulled From Nigerian Market
“Full ICH membership means Nigerians will have better access to high-quality, safe, and effective medicines,” she said. “It shows that our regulatory scientists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”
NAFDAC’s quest for full ICH membership began in late 2022 after it secured Observer status. Over the years, the Agency intensified its efforts through rigorous capacity-building, participation in technical working groups, and adoption of international best-practice guidelines.
In 2023, NAFDAC made a strong impression at the ICH meeting in Vancouver, Canada, where it delivered a formal presentation as part of its evaluation.
This was followed by extensive training on multiple ICH guidelines and active involvement in global Expert Working Groups.
One of the key milestones was the high-level international workshop hosted in Lagos in April 2025 on the ICH M13A Bioequivalence guideline, which attracted regulatory bodies and pharmaceutical manufacturers from across Africa.
Prof. Adeyeye credited the progress to a “methodical and structured approach,” supported by Northeastern University in Boston, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other technical partners.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Omayuli Francisca Kemi, who received the NAFDAC delegation during the Assembly, praised the Agency’s resilience and professionalism.
“This is a moment of pride for Nigeria,” she said. “NAFDAC has demonstrated leadership, competence, and consistency in earning its place on the global regulatory stage.”
With the new status, NAFDAC will now participate directly in shaping international pharmaceutical guidelines and apply globally harmonised standards to strengthen Nigeria’s drug regulatory system.
The impact is expected to include faster access to innovative therapies, improved quality of locally manufactured medicines, reduced proliferation of substandard drugs, and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
Prof. Adeyeye also applauded members of NAFDAC’s Expert Working Groups for their “rigorous scientific input and countless hours of review,” noting that their dedication demonstrated Nigeria’s preparedness for global integration.
She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, and the Nigerian public for their support.
“We will continue to safeguard the health of the nation now with the full strength of the ICH global community behind us,” she assured.
Other News
LASTMA Alerts Motorists to Traffic Delays on Ogunnusi Road
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has alerted motorists to traffic delays along Ogunnusi Road towards Ojodu-Berger due to ongoing rehabilitation work.
LASTMA disclosed this in a post on its official X account on Sunday, stating that the road rehabilitation was being carried out by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC).
According to the agency, “The ongoing work is affecting traffic flow, with vehicles moving at a slower pace in both directions.”
ALSO READ: Chaos On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway As LASTMA Shuts Otedola Bridge
To ease the situation, LASTMA said a contraflow arrangement had been introduced for motorists travelling from Omole Junction towards Vis Junction.
“A contraflow arrangement is in place for vehicles coming from Omole Junction towards Vis Junction to facilitate the movement of traffic,” the agency stated.
LASTMA added that its personnel had been deployed to manage traffic and ensure the continuous movement of vehicles around the affected area.
“Our personnel are on ground managing the traffic situation and ensuring the continuous flow of vehicular movement,” the agency said.
The traffic management authority advised motorists to remain patient and exercise caution while the rehabilitation work continues.
“Motorists are advised to exercise patience and drive with caution while the rehabilitation work continues,” LASTMA stated.
NEWS
Dangote Investments are Catalysts for Africa’s Economic Growth – AFC
Leading economists, financial experts and industry stakeholders have described the Dangote Group’s investments as major drivers of industrialisation and economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa.
The experts cited the Group’s impact on job creation, import substitution, foreign exchange conservation and economic competitiveness.
They voiced their thoughts at the Lagos Economic Summit themed “The Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity,” where they urged governments to implement policies that strengthen local industries and accelerate economic diversification.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Samaila Zubairu, commended the Dangote Group’s sustained investments across Africa, describing them as critical to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
He noted that while recent economic reforms have improved foreign exchange stability, strengthened reserves and eased inflationary pressures, the focus must now shift to growth in industry, productivity and employment.
READ ALSO: NMDPRA Shares July Domestic Cooking Gas Supply Details
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf, said industrialisation remains the most effective path to sustainable economic development.
He called for better alignment of trade and industrial policies, stressing that local manufacturers require strategic support to compete effectively and drive broader economic benefits.
Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, said Africa’s growing population presents a significant industrial opportunity, noting that investments such as the Dangote Refinery are helping to retain capital within the continent while strengthening local production capacity.
In his keynote address, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said Nigeria is gradually transitioning from a consumption-led economy to one driven by investment and production.
He added that sustained investments in productive sectors will continue to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve living standards.
Participants at the summit also advocated stronger credit infrastructure, improved national identification systems and increased investment in skills development to enhance the productivity and global competitiveness of Africa’s growing youth population.
Photo Caption: From Left – Chief Economist, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Hassan Mahmud; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Chairman of Occasion/Special Guest of Honour, Samaila Zubairu; Key Note Speaker Session 1, Bismarck Rewane; during the Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity, Sponsored by Dangote Industry Limited in Lagos on Thursday 3, September 2026.
Other News
VDM Fires Back at Police, Releases First ‘Evidence’ Over Kidnap Claims
Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has released what he described as his first piece of evidence after the Nigeria Police Force challenged him to substantiate his allegations that some police officers allegedly collaborate with kidnappers.
VDM released a video on his Instagram handle on Thursday, August 27, 2026, shortly after the police invited him to provide evidence supporting the claims he made at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.
SEE MORE: ‘Provide Evidence’ — Police React to VDM’s Explosive Kidnap Allegation
The activist captioned the video: “My evidence number 1.”
Recalled that VDM, who was a panellist at the NBA conference on Tuesday, had alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints along major highways provide kidnappers and bandits with information about travellers.
According to him, the officers allegedly relay details about the identities and movements of travellers to criminal groups, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
The allegation triggered a response from the Nigeria Police Force, which denied the claim and challenged VDM to substantiate his allegations.
The police invitation came as the force sought evidence to support the serious claims made by the social media critic.
In response, VDM released the video, describing it as his “evidence number 1”, signalling that he may provide further material to support his allegations.
The development has continued to attract attention, with the controversy placing renewed focus on allegations of possible collaboration between security personnel and criminal groups involved in kidnapping and banditry.





