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Antimicrobial Resistance: Nigeria’s Hidden Killer

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By Laide Akinboade

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has quietly emerged as one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges, claiming countless lives while remaining largely under the radar. Often referred to as a “silent pandemic,” AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the medicines designed to kill them, rendering antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals ineffective.

This resistance leads to prolonged illnesses, higher healthcare costs, and an increased risk of severe complications or death.
The roots of AMR lie in the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs. In Nigeria, this includes taking antibiotics without prescriptions, failing to complete treatment courses, and the widespread use of these drugs in agriculture and livestock.
For instance, tetracycline antibiotics, commonly used to treat respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and acne, have seen a dramatic rise in resistance. Many bacterial strains no longer respond to treatment, leaving healthcare providers with fewer options to combat infections.Beyond drug misuse, the circulation of counterfeit medicines has further exacerbated AMR in Nigeria. According to Dr. Tunde Sigbeku, Deputy Director at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), fake drugs have worsened the situation.“It’s not foreigners smuggling fake drugs into Nigeria; it is Nigerians who travel abroad to bring them in,” he stated.NAFDAC has been battling the proliferation of counterfeit medicines since its establishment on December 31, 1992. Several open markets across Nigeria remain hotspots for the sale of substandard drugs. In Kano and Aba, counterfeit medications are readily available, while the Onitsha drug market has been a focal point for regulatory raids. Lagos, particularly the Idumota market, is also a major distribution hub for fake pharmaceuticals. Despite periodic enforcement actions, weak penalties for offenders and Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines perpetuate the problem.“There was a time we opened capsules imported through the port only to discover they contained tar. The offender was jailed for just six months. Our laws are too lenient, which is why counterfeit pharmaceuticals continue to circulate,” Dr. Sigbeku noted.Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, Nigeria has developed a National Action Plan (NAP) to tackle drug-resistant infections. The plan aims to improve public awareness, strengthen surveillance systems, promote responsible antimicrobial use in humans, animals, and agriculture, enhance infection prevention and control, and foster research and innovation.The first phase, NAP 1.0, was implemented from 2017 to 2022. In October 2024, Nigeria launched NAP 2.0, set to run until 2028.Dr. Sati Ngulukun of the National Veterinary Research Institute estimates that implementing NAP 2.0 could cost approximately 62 billion Naira, based on World Health Organisation (WHO) projections. He emphasized the importance of strengthening AMR surveillance and operational research to improve evidence-based decision-making.“Improving infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes, biosecurity, and vaccination uptake—including access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) across our health sectors—is critical,” he stated.Dr. Ngulukun also highlighted the need to build knowledge and capacity among key stakeholders to drive local innovation, research, and the development of new antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines. Unlike NAP 1.0, which tracked selected indicators, NAP 2.0 introduces mid-term reviews to assess key performance indicators. These reviews will be conducted by a team of experts from the ministry, partners, and stakeholders.At a recent workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance Phase II, organised by Flaming Fund Country Fund, UK Aid, and Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Dr. Samuel Fele—represented by Dr. Ngulukun—revealed that 64,000 deaths were directly attributed to AMR in Nigeria in 2019. He also identified the country’s most drug-resistant pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.Dr. Akujuobi Igwe, Laboratory and Research Director at Rotan Medical Diagnostics Ltd, highlighted alarming statistics on antibiotic use in Nigeria.“About 66.8% of Nigerians have used antibiotics in the last six months. However, 31.3% obtained them without a prescription, and only 8.3% demonstrated good knowledge of AMR. Additionally, 26.1% stopped taking antibiotics once they felt better, which contributes to resistance.”Research from hospitals in northern Nigeria has documented widespread multidrug resistance among bacterial infections, further emphasizing the need for regional guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship programmes.“At least 18 bacterial species found in food animals exhibited multidrug resistance. Studies on antimicrobial residues in animal products showed that all exceeded recommended safety limits. There has also been a significant rise in multidrug-resistant infections among neonates,” Dr. Igwe reported.Similarly, Dr. Mary Alex-Wele, a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, provided insights into AMR’s global and national burden.Nigeria ranks 19th highest in AMR-related mortality out of 204 countries surveyed. Globally, 4.95 million deaths are associated with AMR, with 1.27 million directly attributed to it. By 2050, this figure is projected to double to 10 million deaths annually.In Nigeria alone, 263,400 deaths are associated with AMR, with 64,500 directly linked to it. The economic toll is also severe, with AMR projected to cause US$100 trillion in global economic losses, a 3.5% decline in GDP, and a 3.8% drop in livestock numbers by 2050.”Her presentation reinforced the urgent need for stronger policies, public awareness, and stricter regulations to combat AMR.The Perspective from the FieldFlorence Onwuasoanya, a poultry farmer in Pegi, Kuje, has been in the business for over 10 years. She shared her experience with antibiotic use in livestock farming.“Whenever I get day-old chicks, I don’t use antibiotics for growth promotion. However, if I notice changes in their faeces, I administer antibiotics based on my experience rather than consulting a vet each time.One thing I always ensure is stopping antibiotics once the chicks reach four weeks old. After that, I use organic alternatives like bitter leaf, scent leaf, neem, pawpaw leaf, and water leaf. I also give them multivitamins to support growth.”Raji Olaide, a pharmacist with over 15 years of experience, also shared his professional insights.“At the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, I have encountered numerous AMR cases, especially among tuberculosis patients. Recently, a patient came to me with a persistent cough. After reviewing his history, I found he had taken multiple antibiotics without proper guidance. A sensitivity test revealed resistance to almost all common antibiotics, including amoxicillin and erythromycin.AMR is a serious concern that requires urgent attention. The government must intensify public awareness and enforce stricter regulations. The financial burden of AMR is enormous, leading to prolonged treatment and increased healthcare costs. In severe cases, it can be fatal, especially when patients continue taking ineffective medications.”A Call to ActionAMR is an escalating crisis that demands coordinated national and global efforts. Without urgent interventions—ranging from regulatory enforcement to public awareness and responsible antimicrobial use—Nigeria risks facing an even greater health and economic catastrophe. The time to act is now.

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Plateau PDP Cautions Members Against Obtaining Nomination Forms From Pro-Wike Faction

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

As Nigerians await the verdict of the Supreme Court on the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Plateau State chapter of the party has caution it’s members against obtaining primary election nomination from the faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

In an advisory obtained by the Daily Asset Newspaper, the Plateau PDP declared that loyalists of the FCT Minister parading as leaders of the party have already been expelled and their expulsion validated by the High Court and Court of Appeal.

In the advisory issued by Dr Choji Felix Dalyop, State Publicity Secretary, the chapter maintained that any nomination forms issued or signed by Senator Anyanwu or under the authority of Abdulrahman Mohammed lack legal standing.

Part of the statement reads: “Our great party under the strategic leadership of Miskoom Raymond Dabo, hereby issues a formal advisory grounded in extant judicial pronouncements regarding the purported sale of nomination forms for the 2027, general elections led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu acting as National Secretary.

“Pursuant to binding judicial determinations, this advisory is issued, including:- The judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on 9th March, 2026, and the judgment of the FCT High Court delivered on 12th January, 2026, both of which affirm the suspension and subsequent expulsion of Senator Samuel Anyanwu from the Peoples Democratic Party.

“From a legal standpoint, these rulings have two critical implications: Loss of Capacity: Senator Anyanwu, having been validly expelled, lacks the legal competence to act in any official capacity on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Derivative Invalidity: All actions predicated on his authority, including the recognition of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, and the constitution of a parallel National Working Committee, are legally defective.

“Consequently, the Abuja Convention of 29th March, 2026, convened under this disputed authority, is rendered void ab initio, as it derives from an invalid institutional foundation.

“Furthermore, the issuance of a Form 48 notice by the FCT High Court underscores ongoing judicial scrutiny, and reinforces the binding nature of earlier rulings, particularly regarding compliance by affected parties.

“The principle of law remains unequivocal: No valid structure can emerge from an invalid origin.

“Therefore, any nomination forms issued or signed by Senator Anyanwu or under the authority of Abdulrahman Mohammed lack legal standing.

“Implications for Aspirants: Non recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);

“Exposure to pre election litigation leading to disqualification;

“Post election nullification risks analogous to established judicial precedents.

“The PDP Plateau State, chapter strongly advises all aspirants, and stakeholders to exercise due diligence, and avoid engagement with any processes that are unstable with the vision, and mission of the founding fathers of our great party, which to a great extent are fundamentally inconsistent with the law.”
End

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Soludo’s 16.4km Road Project Ends Years of Suffering, Opens Up Anambra Communities

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By Laide Akinboade Abuja

Vice President of Boardwalk Group and Abuja-based real estate developer Chief Obiageli Okwubanego, on Wednesday, commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for completing the 16.4-kilometre Nawfija–Ajali–Ufuma–Ogbunka Road in Orumba South Local Government Area.

Sh gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Abuja.

She said residents in that area testified that the project has transformed transportation, agriculture and economic activities across the axis.

Okwubanego described the road project as a major infrastructure breakthrough that has drastically reduced travel time and eased movement for motorists and residents within the affected communities.

She recalled that the appeal for the road was first made in 2019 when Soludo attended the funeral mass of her mother, Chief Mrs. Agnes Igwenagu Okeke.

According to her, the deplorable state of the road at the time made movement extremely difficult for mourners and guests attending the burial ceremony.
“When Professor Soludo later declared interest in contesting for governor, I went back to my people and urged them to support him with the assurance that the road would be done. I also appealed to him to extend the road project to Ogbunka, my mother’s hometown,” she said.

She noted that the newly completed road has reduced travel time by about two hours and now serves as an alternative route to the traffic-prone Umunze Roundabout.

Travellers heading towards Umuaku in Abia State, as well as Okigwe and Ndi-Iziogu areas of Imo State, now use the route to avoid traffic congestion.

“For Christmas, Easter, August meetings, marriages and other celebrations, people can now travel home with ease and in large numbers,” she stated.
Okwubanego described the project as part of Soludo’s broader infrastructure and economic transformation agenda across Anambra State.

According to her, the road has enhanced the movement of goods and services within the communities and improved economic activities in the area.
“Governor Soludo’s solution agenda has positively impacted our communities and brought remarkable transformation to the entire Orumba South Local Government Area,” she said.

She further noted that residents of Nawfija community had never experienced a tarred road before the intervention of the Soludo administration.

“Since I started visiting Nawfija community years ago, the residents had never enjoyed a tarred road. Soludo, through compassionate and selfless leadership, has now provided the people with their first properly constructed road,” she added.

Highlighting the economic importance of the project, Okwubanego said the road has significantly boosted agricultural activities in the area, especially palm oil production.

She explained that the adjoining communities are predominantly farming settlements responsible for a substantial share of palm oil production in Orumba South Local Government Area.

“The famous Onuoigbo palm plantation, which spans over 20 hectares, is located along this road corridor in Nawfija, and the improved road network will greatly support the movement of farm produce,” she explained.

On tourism potential, she said the road would also increase access to the popular Ozi Stream, known for fishing and irrigation activities, thereby attracting more visitors and commercial activities.

“With easier access to the famous Ozi Stream, human and business activities in the area will rise significantly,” she noted.
Okwubanego also reaffirmed her emotional attachment to Nawfija community, saying her passion for the people inspired her continuous commitment to their welfare and development.

“My dear Nawfija community means so much to me, which is why I personally pleaded with His Excellency to give us this road. My passion for the community will always push me to look out for their welfare,” she said.

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Ekiti Church Attack: CAN Demands Action Over Killing, Abduction of Worshippers

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, condemned
the attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, where gunmen reportedly killed a Pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade.

This was stated in a statement issued by
President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in Abuja.

The Christian body demanded for immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprits and rescue of those kidnapped.

He described this latest attack as a brutal assault on shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

And it is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

He mourned with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State

The statement reads, “We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.

People had gathered peacefully to worship God, and they were met with violence. This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

“We mourn with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, and we call for their immediate and safe release.

“This latest tragedy comes amid a disturbing pattern of attacks. Only recently, gunmen struck communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting residents including clergy, their families, and other community members. These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored.

“This attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and the protection of communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals.

“We must be unequivocal: the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government. We call on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently. Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed.

“We also urge the government to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks”.

He noted, “At the same time, we must all speak out firmly. The killing of a Pastor and the abduction of worshippers gathered to commune with their Creator is deeply troubling. It reflects a grave disregard for life, for faith, and for the moral fabric of our society.

“We have a duty to communicate these concerns clearly, firmly, and without equivocation to the appropriate authorities. Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge.

“May God comfort the bereaved, protect those in captivity, and restore peace and security to our land”.

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