NEWS
NESG Hosts Pre-Summit Webinar on Strengthening Healthcare Regulatory Bodies
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has hosted a pivotal pre-summit webinar in preparation for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30).
The webinar, themed “Strengthening Healthcare Regulatory Bodies in Nigeria,” gathered experts and stakeholders to discuss the challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare regulatory framework and to develop actionable recommendations for enhancing regulatory capacity to ensure effective healthcare regulation across the country.
In his Remarks, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State, Dr.
Oyebanji Filani, and Steering Committee member of NESG’s Health Policy Commission (HPC), Dr. Filani emphasized the crucial role of a strong healthcare system in national development.He highlighted the significant impact that well-resourced regulatory bodies can have on public safety, investor confidence, and overall healthcare quality in Nigeria. He noted that addressing current challenges urgently is essential to fostering an environment conducive to healthcare development, which in turn supports socioeconomic advancement.
In a keynote address, National Coordinator of the Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, noted that healthcare currently contributes 3-4% of Nigeria’s GDP, a stark contrast to 17% in the United States and 15-20% in Europe.
He underscored the necessity of a robust healthcare system for national stability and competitiveness.
Mukhtar also outlined the government’s ongoing healthcare reform plan, anchored on four pillars: effective governance, improved population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and enhancing health security, particularly in pandemic preparedness.
The plan, covering 2022-2026, includes cross-cutting themes such as regulation, financing, and digitalization. He further discussed the Presidential Initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain, launched in October 2023.
This initiative involves 20 key regulatory agencies and five ministries and aims to increase local pharmaceutical production, reduce medical tourism, and attract investment.
Significant achievements include a presidential executive order removing duties on machinery and materials for medical product manufacturing and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to support research and development platforms for vaccine production and to strengthen regulatory bodies.
The webinar highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare regulatory bodies, such as limited budgets, insufficient staffing, and outdated laws. These issues hinder thorough inspections, compliance enforcement, and the overall effectiveness of regulatory oversight, posing risks to patient safety.
The National Health Policy (2016) also pointed out the absence of an institutional framework to regulate quality and standards, and the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms that allows unqualified individuals to practice medicine illegally.
The webinar also featured insightful contributions from several key speakers, including, Dr. Victor K. Gbenro, Deputy Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN; Dr. Gbenro discussed the MDCN’s role in regulating medical education and upholding standards in medical training and practice across Nigeria.
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), emphasized the importance of local pharmaceutical manufacturing. She stated that manufacturing 70% of pharmaceuticals locally and importing 30% would allow for better monitoring and adherence to good manufacturing practices.
She assured that NAFDAC will continue to conduct routine and targeted inspections to ensure these standards are met.
Director, Lagos Zone, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Modupeola Ogundimu, spoke on the challenges facing health insurance in Nigeria and opportunities for improving the regulatory environment to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She also discussed the impact of recent economic hardships on health insurance and the steps needed to strengthen the NHIA’s regulatory mandate.
Healthcare Quality Specialist, IFC Dr. Ajibike Oyewumi, emphasized the importance of enhancing regulatory capacity through training, technology adoption, and establishing strong public-private partnerships. She also noted the critical role of national health insurance in providing funding to ensure access to quality healthcare.
Executive Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) Dr. Abiola Idowu, highlighted HEFAMAA’s mission to enforce healthcare facility standards and accreditation in Nigeria. She emphasized the need for increased investment in technology, training, and collaboration with stakeholders to improve transparency and public engagement in healthcare regulation.
Ameer El Telwany, CEO, Egypt Healthcare Authority (represented by Nermeen Ashour) shared insights on the reforms and system changes implemented by the Egypt Healthcare Authority to ensure the delivery of quality health services across all levels of care.
He discussed collaborative efforts with stakeholders, innovative healthcare policies, and strategic investments that have contributed to achieving sustainable healthcare excellence in Egypt.
The webinar underscored the importance of strengthening healthcare regulatory bodies to ensure a transparent and well-regulated healthcare sector in Nigeria. Improved regulatory frameworks are essential for attracting domestic and foreign investment, enhancing the global competitiveness of African healthcare industries, and fostering regional integration and trade in healthcare products and services.
The NESG remains committed to driving actionable outcomes from this webinar to support the development of Nigeria’s healthcare
Executive Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Abiola Idowu, highlighted HEFAMAA’s mission to enforce healthcare facility standards and accreditation in Nigeria. She emphasized the need for increased investment in technology, training, and collaboration with stakeholders to improve transparency and public engagement in healthcare regulation.
Dr. Ameer Telwany, CEO, Egypt Healthcare Authority (represented by Nermeen Ashour) shared insights on the reforms and system changes implemented by the Egypt Healthcare Authority to ensure the delivery of quality health services across all levels of care.
He discussed collaborative efforts with stakeholders, innovative healthcare policies, and strategic investments that have contributed to achieving sustainable healthcare excellence in Egypt.
The webinar underscored the importance of strengthening healthcare regulatory bodies to ensure a transparent and well-regulated healthcare sector in Nigeria. Improved regulatory frameworks are essential for attracting domestic and foreign investment, enhancing the global competitiveness of African healthcare industries, and fostering regional integration and trade in healthcare products and services.
The NESG remains committed to driving actionable outcomes from this webinar to support the development of Nigeria’s healthcare.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, disassociate itself from Archbishop Chivir Chianson and the group he represents, following attempts to present himself as the General Secretary of the Association and associate CAN with a purported church mobilisation in support of a political candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a statement issued by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja.
Okoh insisted that Archbishop Chivir Chianson is not the General Secretary of CAN and has no authority or mandate to speak or act on its behalf.
According to the CAN boss, “Furthermore, the group he represents has no official affiliation, working relationship or institutional connection with CAN.
“CAN has not authorised, endorsed or mandated the individual or his group to organise, promote or undertake any political mobilisation in its name. Any political position, endorsement or activity attributed to them must not be mistaken for the position or activities of the Association.
“As the umbrella body representing Christians across Nigeria, CAN has a responsibility to defend the interests of the Christian community and contribute to national development. It will not allow individuals or groups with no official relationship with the Association to appropriate its identity or exploit its name to advance political or personal interests”.
Okoh therefore reiterated the commitment of CAN, “The Association wishes to reaffirm its commitment to political neutrality as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. CAN will continue to engage national issues objectively and hold political leaders accountable, irrespective of party affiliation, without endorsing or mobilising support for any political party or candidate”.
He also urged the members of the public, particularly Christians, as well as media organisations, to disregard any claim of official representation of CAN by the individual or his group.
“We also call on TVC News and other media organisations to exercise due diligence in verifying the credentials and institutional affiliations of individuals presented as representatives of the Association.
“CAN will take all appropriate steps to protect its name, identity and institutional integrity against unauthorised representation and misrepresentation”.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested 1,200 suspects and seized more than 30 tonnes of illicit substances in Edo in 2025, according to its Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa.
Marwa disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin during a visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Marwa, who was accompanied by senior agency officials, including NDLEA commandants in Edo and Delta, sought the traditional ruler’s support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said that more than 15 million Nigerians were abusing drugs, representing about three times the global average, with devastating consequences for young people, families and communities.
“The drug scourge has continued to devastate our youth, our families and our communities,” he fumed.
Marwa said the problem affected all communities, including the Benin Kingdom, and required a collective response involving traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups, government and the media.
“But most importantly, the traditional institution, which is arguably the most respected institution in Nigeria today,” he said.
He explained that the NDLEA’s responsibilities included enforcing drug laws and providing counselling, treatment and rehabilitation for people struggling with drug dependence.
Marwa also highlighted alternative development as a new pillar of the agency’s drug control strategy aimed at encouraging cannabis farmers to cultivate legal crops such as cassava, yam and maize.
He said cannabis accounted for 75 per cent of the 16 million kilogrammes of illicit substances seized by the agency nationwide in the past six years.
According to him, the initiative seeks to help farmers abandon illicit cultivation for legitimate livelihoods, with government support for infrastructure, including roads, schools, clinics and water supply.
Marwa said the programme had commenced as a pilot project in three communities in Ondo State, with the possibility of extending it to Edo.
He added that he had presented the proposal to the Edo governor, who welcomed the initiative.
The NDLEA chairman sought the Oba’s blessing and support in encouraging communities across the kingdom to shun drug abuse and trafficking.
Responding, Oba Ewuare II commended Marwa for his efforts against drug abuse and other social problems.
The traditional ruler said he had a suggestion for improving the agency’s operations and would communicate it privately to Marwa.
“I have a suggestion I will make in writing that I will not want to say here in public to NDLEA, as my own thinking on how to improve the work of NDLEA,” he said.
The Oba also acknowledged the importance of collective efforts in addressing societal challenges and wished Marwa and his delegation well.(NAN)
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Jaiz bank has denied involvement of alleged N104m fraud in its Jos branch.
In a statement by its Corporate Communications Department in Abuja on Wednesday, the bank said “Jaiz Bank Plc wishes to address recent media reports alleging institutional fraud involving a disputed ₦104 million investment arrangement in Jos, Plateau State”.
According to the statement, following a comprehensive review of transactions involving a former employee and some complainants, Jaiz Bank clarifies that the disputed funds were never received, booked, or registered under any official Jaiz Bank investment product or account.
Continuing, the state that internal records show no evidence of Bank-authorized investments, but rather indicate private transactions between the complainants and the former employee.
“The transaction details provided by the complainants do not align with Jaiz Bank’s established operational, regulatory, or authorization protocols.
“As the matter is pending before the High Court of Justice of Plateau State, Jaiz Bank urges the public and media to avoid drawing premature conclusions based on unverified public narratives.
“Jaiz Bank remains fully committed to ethical, Shari’ah-compliant finance, transparency, and cooperation with regulatory and judicial authorities to ensure a fair resolution”, the statement added.
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