The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of counterfeit batches of Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml in Nigeria. In a public notice issued on Friday, the agency said Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is an immunotherapy used in the treatment of several advanced cancers, including lung, liver, and melanoma. NAFDAC disclosed that the Marketing Authorisation Holder, Roche Nigeria, received complaints from healthcare professionals after patients presented suspected counterfeit versions of the drug at medical facilities. According to the agency, many of the counterfeit products were sold at significantly reduced prices, ranging between N180,000 and N350,000,…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
The naira extended its upward momentum against the euro on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, closing at N1,556/€1 in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, as improved investor sentiment and global currency dynamics combined to support the local unit. The latest movement represents a notable appreciation from levels around N1,624/€1 recorded on March 10, underscoring a sustained strengthening trend over the past nine days. The roughly 3.6 per cent gain signals a short-term bearish outlook for the EUR/NGN pair, with the euro weakening steadily against the naira. Market analysts link the rally primarily to renewed appetite for naira-denominated assets, driven by elevated yields…
He called on the military and security agencies to intensify operations against insurgents, stressing that those recent redeployments of security leadership must translate into concrete and proactive action.
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent. The Sultan, in a statement by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, on Wednesday, said the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted on March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan. According to the statement, no verified reports of the crescent were received from moon-sighting committees across the country. “In…
Nigeria’s current account surplus fell sharply by 65.52 percent to $1.4 billion in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, down from $4.06 billion recorded in the third quarter (Q3), according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The figures also show that the country’s overall balance of payments (BoP) surplus declined to $2.67 billion in Q4 2025 from $4.6 billion in the preceding quarter, reflecting mounting pressure on the external sector. The CBN attributed the downturn to weakening export earnings and rising import demand, despite some support from remittances and capital inflows. “Provisional balance of payments (BoP)…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says Nigeria’s Balance of Payments (BoP) surplus declined to $4.23 billion in 2025, down from $6.83 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting mounting external obligations despite improvements in trade performance. Latest BoP data released by the apex bank shows mixed outcomes across key components of the external sector, with stronger goods exports offset by widening income deficits and weaker capital inflows. According to the CBN, provisional figures indicate that the current account surplus stood at $14.04 billion in 2025. While this represents a decline from $19.03 billion in 2024, it remains significantly higher than the…
Nigeria’s central bank governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has warned that the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran could shape future interest-rate decisions, as rising oil prices risk stoking inflation despite boosting export earnings. Cardoso, speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, said geopolitical shocks are most likely to affect Nigeria through energy prices and global financial conditions—two critical variables policymakers are tracking ahead of a key monetary policy meeting in May. “Higher oil prices can support export earnings and strengthen the balance of payments, but they can also feed into domestic inflation through fuel, transport and imported…
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing media reports that it sought a fresh extension of his remand. In a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communication, John Okor Odey, on Tuesday, the Commission urged the public to rely on verified official information, warning against the spread of inaccurate reports regarding the ongoing legal proceedings. The ICPC explained that its court appearance on March 17, 2026, was not to request a new remand order, but to respond to an application…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has underscored the need for deliberate support systems to advance women’s leadership, as it commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day in Abuja. The event, hosted by the CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Emem Usoro, spotlighted the importance of moving beyond recognition to concrete action that empowers women in the workplace and beyond. Speaking on the theme of the celebration, Usoro stressed that meaningful progress for women requires intentional structures that promote mentorship, collaboration, and shared opportunities. She noted that sustainable advancement is achieved when women actively support one another through guidance and inclusion. Usoro…
Senegal’s football authorities have vowed to challenge a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that stripped the country of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, describing the ruling as “unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable.” The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it would file an appeal “as soon as possible” before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football. “The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the body said in a statement. ALSO READ Morocco awarded 2025…