The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Nigeria is experiencing a rising Lassa fever fatality rate, despite a decline in weekly confirmed cases. In its Epidemiological Week 14 report for 2026, the agency disclosed that confirmed cases fell from 26 in the previous week to 22, while the case fatality rate surged to 24.8%, up from 18.8% during the same period in 2025. Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 170 deaths from Lassa fever this year, highlighting ongoing challenges with early detection, timely treatment, and health-seeking behaviour. The report showed that 22 states and 94 Local Government Areas reported…
Author: Newsdesk
Guinness Nigeria Plc has reported an export sale growth of N13.04 billion, up from N3.56 billion, for the 18-month financial period from June 2024 to December 2025. The Board Chairman, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, announced this at the company’s 75th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday in Lagos, noting a 266.7% increase for the period under review. Ajogwu said the company strengthened market positioning and operational efficiency to drive growth and deliver value to stakeholders. He highlighted a focus on productivity, cost control, and enhanced financial performance amid inflation and currency volatility. A key initiative involved increased local sourcing of raw…
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has reaffirmed its commitment to working with civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve access to water, sanitation, and basic urban infrastructure across Nigeria. Minister Ahmed Dangiwa made the commitment while receiving members of the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), led by National Coordinator Attah Benson, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday. Dangiwa said the ministry aims to integrate urban development with essential services such as water, sanitation, drainage, and other basic infrastructure to create sustainable communities. He noted that NEWSAN’s focus aligns with the ministry’s mandate, particularly in urban…
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in partnership with European Union-backed organisations, has intensified efforts to tackle construction and demolition waste in Lagos through the Green Waste Remediation and Recycling (GROW) Vocational Training Workshop. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. He was represented by the Authority’s Executive Director, Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi. Gbadegesin described the initiative as a strategic intervention to bridge technical skill gaps and modernise construction waste management in line with global best practices. He explained that the GROW project supports the green transformation of the construction…
A civil society organisation, Muryar Matasa Initiative (MMI) for Employment Development and Inclusion, has called on the Katsina State Government to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law. The group made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by Saratu Hamidu and Nasir Dauda, Executive Director and Secretary-General, respectively. MMI urged Gov. Dikko Radda to prioritise enforcement, noting that delays continue to deny persons with disabilities (PWDs) access to critical protections and opportunities. Despite the law’s signing in 2023, its implementation framework remains largely inactive, leaving an estimated 600,000 PWDs in Katsina—including individuals with spinal…
The Enugu State Government has begun free malaria testing and treatment in 527 health facilities across all 17 Local Government Areas. The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, told reporters on Wednesday that the initiative covers both public and private health facilities, including Primary Healthcare Centres, General and Cottage hospitals, as well as selected tertiary hospitals. Ugwu said the program aims to drastically reduce malaria prevalence and incidence in the state. “The Enugu State Ministry of Health Malaria Elimination Project, initiated by Gov. Peter Mbah, is designed to improve residents’ health,” he said. READ ALSO: Otti seeks ANPA partnerships on…
The Nigerian naira strengthened against the British pound, trading at N1,825/£1 as of April 14, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), reflecting renewed resilience in the local currency. Recent gains by the naira are attributed to improved foreign exchange liquidity, stronger crude oil earnings, policy adjustments by the CBN, and a moderation in dollar demand pressures. These factors have collectively supported the currency’s rebound against major global currencies, including the pound sterling. The naira has recovered from early April lows of about N1,870/£1, appreciating by roughly 1 per cent over the past two weeks. Analysts say this points…
The Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA) says it will institutionalise community-based outreach programmes to reduce HIV and hepatitis among women who use drugs. Dr. Joseph Ike, Director-General of KADSAMHSA, announced this on Wednesday at the opening of a three-day 2026 Linking and Learning Meeting themed “Beyond Outreach: Sustaining Harm Reduction in a Shifting Funding Landscape.” Ike noted that women who use drugs are often hard to reach, especially in Northern Nigeria, due to social and cultural factors. Estimates from UNODC and the Federal Ministry of Health indicate that about one in four drug users is…
Nasarawa State Government has announced the appointment of Suleiman Ahmed-Eko as the new Osu Ajiri of Udege Chiefdom in Nasarawa Local Government Area. Aminu Mu’azu-Maifata, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, said the appointment takes immediate effect and congratulated Ahmed-Eko on his elevation. The selection followed consultations with the state Traditional Council of Chiefs. READ ALSO: AU mission urges sustainable water, sanitation Ahmed-Eko, a First Class traditional ruler from the Afo community, was born on June 2, 1972, and is a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa. He is married with children. He succeeds the late Halilu…
The State Multi-stakeholders Implementation and Monitoring Committee (SMIMC) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is reviewing the Benue Action Plan to strengthen women’s participation in peace, security, and governance. Mr. Joseph Gbagyo, SMIMC Chairman, said the current State Action Plan (SAP) had expired, prompting the review to reactivate it and ensure inclusivity of women in peacebuilding, politics, and governance. Gbagyo, a legal practitioner, noted at the review and revalidation meeting in Makurdi that the structures were established by the CLEEN Foundation to implement WPS in line with UN Resolution 1325. He explained that the review…