News
Nigeria Ramps Up Response as Mpox Cases Hit 40

Nigeria has rolled out measures to contain the spread of mpox as the country has recorded 39 cases of the virus this year amid a surge in infections across Africa, according to Dr. Jide Idris, director general, Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC),
Idris stated this at a Joint Meeting with Stakeholders and Partners organised by NCDC, in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) on National Mpox Briefing, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
He said the aim of meeting was to brief Nigerians, Ambassadors and other diplomatic community from different countries about the current situation of the Mpox disease in Nigeria, Africa and World generally and measures to be taken to address the disease.
“The Idea is share knowledge and information to see how we collaborate together to reduce the incidence of the Mpox disease globally, in Nigeria and Africa”.
“For Nigeria we have confirmed Forty cases out of eight hundred and thirty suspected cases and we have no death at all which is encouraging” Dr. Jide Idris narrated.
On the level of information sharing the DG said, “We told the WHO and diplomatic community that, ever since the disease is declared public health emergency, we in Nigeria, we established Emergency operation Centers, (EOC) Incidence Management Operations System, (IMOS) for similar reasons for emergency actions plan in terms of what we are going to do at different areas and the cost of the action by using different pillars”.
“We also collaborate with State Governments, commissioners of health from different States in Nigeria, to let them know that at sub national level they themselves also have to establish emergency preparedness response team and capabilities and action plans and they are going to do it in conjunction with various local government areas, the essence is that, the problem we have is at sub national level”. The DG NCDC stated.
“Another key area is surveillance, of the 40 cases reported in the country, they are distributed across about 13 states. Many cases are in the South-south and South-east, with some in Lagos, Ogun, and other northern States. our plans are to target these States to reduce the number of cases and conduct active surveillance to detect more cases.” He acknowledged.
Idris also noted that the Agency needs to enhance its laboratory services, saying all confirmed cases so far were validated using genomic sequencing in two labs, the National Research Lab in Abuja and Lagos, due to the spread.
“We need to increase the number of laboratories for testing, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the African Centre for Genomics.” The DG NCDC added.
Responding to the issue, Mr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, said WHO is collaborating with Nigeria in investigating and finding solution to the Mpox disease in Nigeria and Africa.
“We join DG NCDC as he was presenting the Mpox situation in Nigeria, challenges we are facing and the opportunity up there, Nigeria and the rest of the world is responding to the call from WHO Director General and Director General Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention of this public health emergency of International concern”.
“As we know the level of exceptional alertness is required, awareness for countries to set up emergency surveillance measures, counter measures, and awareness, so that the disease will not spread”. He said.
“So we join here to give the perspectives outside Nigeria, eg some countries in Europe and Asia, so is ringing the bell on the need to remain vigilant and continue to monitor the nature coursing the disease, Nigeria is not in high risk but we need to remain vigilant”. He urged.
Concerning the vaccine Dr Mulombo highlighted “Nigeria would be receiving the number of vaccines through donations from United States of America, “the needs globally are huge and the vaccines are short supply, the capacity of the manufacturers cannot meet the global demands unless there would be some kind of interventions there”. WHO added.
News
Lagos Plastic Ban: MAN Warns of Job Losses, Closure of Businesses

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over the impending ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.
It warned that it could lead to job losses and and lead to economic, operational, and social consequences for manufacturers, traders, recyclers, and end users.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general, MAN, in a statement called on the Lagos State government to reconsider the ban, citing a lack of credible data and stakeholder engagement.
According to Ajayi-Kadir, a recent study revealed that 100% of manufacturers surveyed expressed fears of job losses and workforce restructuring if the ban is implemented.
He said, “A recent MAN-supported study evaluating the possible impacts of the Lagos State SUPs ban revealed significant adverse economic, operational, and social implications across the value chain, from manufacturers to wholesalers, traders, and end users. It has been noted that only poor and developing countries often tilt towards plastic ban as a strategy to combat environmental problems.
“A hundred percent of the manufacturers consulted expressed concern over a ban-induced workforce restructuring. Thus, several jobs will be lost in the industry if this ban were to be implemented.
“It is noteworthy to mention that there is no form of arrangement for social protection for the employees who will lose their livelihoods as a result of this ban.
“Also, there has been no form of social dialogue on the part of the government with these workers or the industry on the potential job losses.”
According to him, findings showed that 89% of operators in the plastic value chain rely on SUPs as their primary source of income with no alternative source of livelihoods, over 75% of end users, including SMEs, depend on plastic packaging with no affordable or practical alternatives, and 93% of dealers, many of whom are women, reported no prior information or social support mechanisms to cushion the impact.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that banning SUPs would not resolve pollution issues but merely substitute one problem for another, especially without scalable alternatives or infrastructure to support the transition.
He urged the government to focus on improving waste management infrastructure and promoting recycling, rather than imposing bans.
News
Court Hands 23 Chinese Nationals 1 Year Jail Term Each for Cyberterrorism, Fraud

A Federal High Court in Ikeja, Lagos state has sentenced 23 Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each for their involvement in cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them before Justices D.E. Osiagor, D.I. Dipeolu, and A.O. Faji on a single count of cyberterrorism and online fraud.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, revealed that the convicted individuals were members of a cyber-fraud syndicate comprising 792 people.
He noted that the culprits were arrested on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in Lagos, during an operation known as ‘Eagle Flush.’
Oyewale stated that the individuals identified as Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, Wu Hao, Cong Bing, and Li Qiang alias Yang Huan Huan, Zheng Wei alias A. Hong, Cheng Jian, Da Tou, A Wen, Zhang Lei, Huang Zhi, Pan Jiong, Chen Wen Yuan, Jia You alias A. You, Wang Zheng Feng alias Feng, Liu San Hua, Liu Beixing, and Wen Zong Xu alias Li Long were all charged on one count of online fraud and cyber-terrorism.
One of the charges brought against Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin) claimed that he, along with others, unlawfully accessed computer systems in Lagos around December 2024 with the intent to destabilize and damage Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
According to the EFCC, this act violated Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and is punishable under that law.
Similarly, another charge filed against Jia You, accused him of accessing computer systems with the aim of undermining and harming Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
This action was said to be in breach of both the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Initially all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, during the court session, they pleaded guilty.
The EFCC prosecution team comprising of Nneemeka Omewa, Babatunde Sonoiki, U.S Kyari, and B.M Isah informed the court that the defendants had reached plea bargain agreements.
The defence team confirmed this and requested the court to adopt the terms of the agreements.
Justices Osiagor, Faji, and Dipeolu found each defendant guilty and sentenced them to one year in prison, with the sentence starting from their arrest date on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Each convict was also fined N1 million.
Additionally, the judges ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to deport the convicts within seven days of completing their sentences.
All devices recovered during the operation including mobile phones, laptops, and routers were forfeited to the Nigerian government.
News
Galaxy Backbone Reaffirms Commitment to Support Security Agencies with Its Vast Digital Infrastructure

The Board, Management, and Staff of Galaxy Backbone (GBB) express profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Benue, Borno, Plateau, Anambra, and other states affected by recent waves of violent attacks and insecurity. We mourn with every family, community, and institution that has suffered the pain of loss, displacement, and trauma.
At Galaxy Backbone (GBB), we firmly believe that security is the bedrock of any thriving society. No nation can make meaningful progress when peace is threatened. These tragic incidents are not just national emergencies, they represent deep personal losses to every Nigerian, and they call for urgent, united, and technology-enabled solutions to support lasting peace.
As a Federal Government organization, entrusted with delivering secure digital infrastructure and smart technology solutions to public institutions across Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone remains resolute in its commitment to supporting state governments and security agencies through cutting-edge digital platforms that enable proactive and intelligent security management.
We also acknowledge and commend the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the concerted efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in responding decisively to the security challenges facing parts of the country. The President’s unwavering commitment to peace, safety, and national unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in the bold steps being taken to restore order and build a more secure Nigeria.
Through our Safe City Security Solutions, GBB offers an integrated suite of smart surveillance systems, real-time data analytics, emergency communication networks, and AI-enabled threat detection tools. These solutions are specifically designed to enhance operational capabilities, strengthen coordination across security agencies, and empower informed decision-making in high-risk environments.
GBB stands ready to partner with both state governments and security agencies that are committed to building safer, smarter, and more resilient communities. We believe that technology must lead the charge in safeguarding lives, and we are proud to serve as a trusted digital ally in Nigeria’s journey toward modern, tech-enabled public safety.
Together, we can bolster early warning systems, expand surveillance coverage, enable faster emergency responses, and ensure that every Nigerian lives in a country where peace and prosperity are not aspirations, but realities.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace. And may strength, healing, and hope return to the hearts and homes of all those affected.
Galaxy Backbone remains aligned with the vision of a secure, digitally connected, and inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen has the freedom to live, work, and dream in peace.
- Telecom3 days ago
Lebara, New Operator Enters Nigerian Telecom Arena, Sells Minutes, Not Airtime
- General News2 days ago
OpenAI Unveils New AI Agent for Software Developers
- E-Business3 days ago
Over 7m Streaming Accounts’ Credentials were Leaked in 2024 – Report
- E-Financial3 days ago
Fidelity Bank Uplifts Old People’s Home with Essential Items Donation
- E-Financial3 days ago
S&P Global Ratings Downgrades Ecobank Nigeria’s Credit Rating to CCC-, Outlook Negative
- Telecom3 days ago
PIN Pushes for Equitable Digital Governance at World Internet Forum
- Telecom2 days ago
15 African Startups Using AI Selected for Google Accelerator Cohort 9
- E-Financial3 days ago
EFCC Drags Cititrust to Court over Unreported ₦200mTransfers