News
Citizen Group Slams NAFDAC/Senate Ban on Small-Volume Alcohol
A civil society organization, Concerned Citizen For Change (CCC), has strongly condemned the recent directive by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Senate to ban alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small-volume bottles (below 200ml) by December 2025.
The CCC publicly slammed the planned ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles, calling the directive “draconic” and “illegal.”
The group at a press conference in Abuja led by National Coordinator Comrade Godwin Chukwudi, blamed NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, and the Senate for the policy.
The CCC argues that the ban is illegal and undemocratic because NAFDAC failed to engage critical industry stakeholders and bypassed resolutions previously reached with the Federal Ministry of Health and the House of Representatives.
Comrade Chukwudi stated that the move is in “sharp contrast” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic plan. The group also suggested that the Senate resolution was passed solely at NAFDAC’s request without a fair hearing for the affected industry.
The CCC warned that the ban would have severe economic consequences for the nation, citing a potential loss of over N1.9 trillion in investment by indigenous Nigerian companies.
According to Chukwudi, there will also be mass retrenchment affecting over 500,000 direct employees and an estimated 5 million indirect jobs.
He again said, a predicted reduction in capacity utilization for the manufacturing sector.
The group insisted that the issue of sachet alcohol was recently addressed by a high-powered stakeholders’ committee in October 2025, which validated the National Alcohol Policy. The key recommendations from that validation focused on robust enforcement, licensing of liquor stores, and enlightenment campaigns against underage consumption, rather than an outright ban. The CCC also dismissed NAFDAC’s main justification of “abuse by minors.”
The Concerned Citizen For Change concluded by demanding immediate intervention from the government and legislative bodies, which suggests that; the Minister of Health should immediately endorse the validated draft of the Nigeria National Alcohol Policy.
The Senate should rescind its Order and call for a public consultation or hearing on the matter.
NAFDAC must be restrained from implementing the “illegal ban”.
They further demand that the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, should “desist from further running the agency like a private business enterprise… or resign.”
Chukwudi urged all parties to prioritize dialogue to ensure regulatory decisions do not cripple local businesses and worsen the national unemployment crisis.
News
Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano
The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.
The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.
Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.
Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.
He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.
He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service.
News
Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.
Tinubu said this in a special tribute on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.
He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.
The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.
Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.
He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.
Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.
As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.
The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.
He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.
Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.
He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.
The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday.
News
Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation
Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.
The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship, graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.
“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.
“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.
While presenting the certificates to the graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.
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