National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a significant step in its fight against substandard and falsified drugs by introducing advanced traceability technology in Northwest Nigeria.

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general, NAFDAC,

This initiative aims to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical products available to the public.

The agency has deployed a traceability system designed to monitor the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturers to end-users.

This system enhances transparency in the drug supply chain, making it easier to identify and eliminate substandard and falsified medicines.

One of the key tools introduced is the GreenBook, a digital verification platform that enables consumers and regulatory authorities to authenticate pharmaceutical products in real time.

In addition to the traceability system, NAFDAC has launched the Paediatric Regulation 2024, which focuses on addressing the unique medical needs of children and ensuring that paediatric medicines meet stringent quality and safety standards.

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general, NAFDAC, emphasised that the introduction of these technologies aligns with the agency’s broader mandate to protect public health. She stated that the five-year traceability implementation plan, in line with the Nigeria Pharmaceutical Traceability Strategy, will enhance supply chain visibility and further strengthen measures against substandard and falsified medical products.

By leveraging these digital solutions, NAFDAC aims to restore public confidence in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and high-quality medicines.

The initiative also supports the agency’s ongoing commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance and tackling the challenges of counterfeit drugs in the country.

New Horizons, a technology training institute has partnered with additional four universities to train their students in 21st-century-oriented, lucrative international certification-based ICT and project skills.

The universities include Lagos University Teaching Hospital Schools, Hillside University of Science and Technology, Aletheia University, and Ahman Pategi University.

The initiative was a response to the increasing demand for highly qualified graduates who possess both academic excellence and internationally recognized professional IT, e-business, and project management certifications, aimed at addressing the pervasive graduate unemployment syndrome.

The management team of New Horizons, led by the MD/CEO, Mr. Tim Akano, was present at the events. Akano asserted that the four universities had taken a bold step toward making their institutions relevant in the 21st century by embracing the rapid advancements in emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and machine learning.

He further stated that New Horizons would leverage its 43 years of international experience as a U.S-based organization with 370 centers in 71 countries and 20 years of operations in Nigeria.

With existing partnerships with 25 Nigerian universities, New Horizons aims to ensure that undergraduates are equipped with internationally recognized IT, e-business, and project development skills.

The stakeholders emphasised that the initiative was designed to enhance post-graduation employability and entrepreneurial opportunities for graduates, positioning them to compete on an international level with their counterparts from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.

Vice-Chancellor of Hillside University of Science and Technology, Oke-Imesi, Ekiti State, Professor Iheayinchukwu Okoro, led other principal officers of the institution to sign the commencement of the training programme with New Horizons on September 23, 2024.

Similarly, at an event hosted by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of LUTH, Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, on December 17, 2024, a strategic partnership was established with the school. The principal officers led by the CMD, expressed excitement over this landmark achievement, stating that the collaboration would enhance the institution’s training programmes with ICT, aligning them with global medical developments.

Also, the partnership was launched at Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, on October 20, 2024. The principal officers, led by Professor Amos Adeyinka, stated that the collaboration would increase the value of students both before and after graduation by providing entrepreneurial empowerment and preparing the institution for global competition.

After over a decade of maintaining stable pricing, Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has implemented a 50% tariff increase, a move that has stirred mixed reactions and ignited conversations nationwide.

Approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025, this adjustment marked the first tariff change in 12 years and is attributed to rising operational costs and the need for long-term sustainability within the sector.

Reactions to the tariff hike have been largely focused on the newly-priced data plans. However, charges for SMS, and voice calls have increased across different networks. Users noticed that text message prices have risen to N6.00 from the previous N4.00. Telco giant, MTN Nigeria, began to implement the increase on its data prices. Followed closely by Airtel. Glo and 9mobile are expected to follow suit. (Additionally, Airtel has introduced a 25 kobo flat rate for all voice calls.)

The price hikes have sparked widespread discussions, with subscribers taking to social media to voice their discontent. Nigerians have expressed concerns over higher telecom costs, especially with rising inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies. Telecom operators have explained, on the other hand, that call and messaging tariffs have remained static for years, while they have faced soaring operational costs. These costs have been driven by inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the substantial investments required to meet growing consumer demand. Industry data indicates that running costs have surged by over 300% in the last 18 to 24 months, forcing operators to scale back investments in network infrastructure.

According to the Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayor, many systems within the telecom sector are outdated and require optimisation. In his words, “If nothing is done, we might begin to see in the new year grim consequences unfolding, such as service shedding. Operators may not be able to provide services in some areas and at some times of the day leaving millions disconnected.”

The coming months will be critical in determining whether the tariff increase can indeed revitalise the industry and pave the way for sustainable growth.