Prologue
By: Taiwo Adisa, General Editor
In the three-part series on issues and personalities that would shape 2025, which commenced on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, we have so far unveiled the issues and key actors in the executive, the legislature and the business world. Tuesday was devoted to the shape of politics to come in 2025, the position of the actors or combatants, the role of the legislature and the state of the major political parties. On New Year Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, we delved into the business world, unveiling the issues and actors that would shape the New Year. In this third and final part, we are looking at the faces and issues that would shape the judiciary, health and entertainment sectors.
Health is wealth, so goes the popular saying, but a healthy mind also deserves to be entertained because all work and no play, ‘makes Jack a dull boy’, as we were told in the formative years. When you work and play, you equally need to learn not to stretch your hands close to the nose of the other man, otherwise, the courts are there to adjudicate. Such is the interconnectivity we have weaved into making the three sectors stand together in this part.
Thus, this closing part will be examining the key issues and actors that would shape the Judiciary, health and entertainment circles in 2025. Someone may ask why the Judiciary is only coming up in the concluding party or why it was not included in the earlier series, such a person will only be referred to the constitutional classification of powers in the democratic setting. Government is recognised to have three arms-the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Though some persons tend to put the executive ahead of the pack, because of the enormous powers it holds, governance system actually recognises the legislature as the first estate. In the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), that fact was properly signposted as the Constitution recognises the Legislature in Chapter five, the Executive in Chapter six and the Judiciary (judicature) in Chapter seven. The reason for that setup is simple; the legislature is like the central nervous system of the democratic system. The laws made by the legislature is executed (implemented) by the executive, while the judiciary interprets the same laws. That is notwithstanding the complex web that provides the leeway to the executive and the judiciary to also “make” law in a way. Regardless of the classifications, discussions about impact of the actors in a democratic government cannot be complete without the inputs from the judiciary. Year 2024 saw the Judiciary making major declarations that defined the shape of the country. The judgment on local government autonomy and the affirmation that the law setting up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was validly passed into law defined the assignment of the sector in the outgone year.
In 2025, major landmarks are equally expected, with the sector set to pronounce on the legality of the governorship election in Edo State among other key matters that litter the face of operations in the sector.
The Health sector was bedeviled by so many ills in 2024. Strikes of major unions characterised the year, compounding the heavy burden of brain drain, now generally called Japa syndrome in the sector. While we look forward to better service delivery in the sector in 2025, the outlook presents a sort of mixed bag.
Creativity is the hallmark of entertainment. To elicit laughter from an averagely anxious Nigerian, these days, you must spark something that would jam and subdue the tension within and turn things around. No one can deny that the entertainment sector lived up to its billing in 2024. With blockbuster movies hitting the box offices not just locally but across the globe, epic scenes of yore brought back to life, making yesterday look as fresh as today, rib-cracking jokes that draw tears from the audience of stand-up comedians and so much rhythms that vibrate from the music boxes, winning the actors and musicians international laurels, the year was indeed eventful. But there is a promise of better delivery and higher heights in the New Year. The belly of the entertainment sector is heavily protruding and only the evolution of the days of the month this year will provide us the full account of that pregnancy. The details are contained in the following presentations.
2025: Effective policy implementation to signal potential growth, improvements
By: Sunday Ejike | Abuja
The year 2024, which began relatively quiet for the Nigeria judiciary, was punctuated midway by a judicial battle initiated by the Federal Government against the 36 states over the funding of 774 local governments in the country. The victory from the first challenge has energised the central government to brag about more judicial fights over issues that border on legality, constitutionality and constitutionalism.
In 2024, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun had only four months to lead the country›s judiciary as its Chief Justice, in year 2025, however, she has a full year ahead of her to implement the reform she promised. Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the justice sector are expecting her to match her words with action in bringing about a new dawn in the judicial system.
This widespread expectation is further fueled by her reputation as a no-nonsense jurist and an upright officer in the temple of justice, though she is short on experience as an administrator, considering this is her first time in judicial administration. Nonetheless, she has been in the sector for 43 years, first as a lawyer before joining the bench.
The failure of her immediate predecessor, ex-CJN Kayode Ariwoola to either evolve or implement any major reform, known to the Nigerian public, when he took over from the not so eventful tenure of his then-predecessor, former CJN Tanko Muhammad, has added to the pressure on the incumbent to be a game-changer, considering the dwindling rating and unbridled attacks on the reputation of the arm of government both home and abroad.
An inside source disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune that the CJN may be working on a very comprehensive reform which would require bringing stakeholders together in a kind of a forum, though the shape and scope may not be close to what would be called a committee.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed at a time when public trust in the judiciary was at a historic low, with issues like delayed justice, allegations of corruption, and conflicting court judgments undermining the institution’s reputation.
In her inaugural speech, Justice Kekere-Ekun laid out her vision for reforming the judiciary, addressing concerns that had plagued the system for years. She proposed a bold reform agenda, including limiting pre-election cases from reaching the Supreme Court, introducing full digitalisation of court processes, and tightening the criteria for appointing judges.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who declared a new dawn and a new era in the judiciary, will, in the coming year go headlong in tackling the widespread abuse of ex-parte orders and the issuance of conflicting judgments.
Her pledge
The Chief Justice pledged to build a judiciary that every Nigerian will be proud of. This she plans to do, by making the generality of the people “have more confidence in the judiciary.”
While speaking moments after her swearing in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Justice Kekere-Eku said: “We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement. I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary.
“A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today, we are all members of the society so, if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice.
“Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern; the issue of discipline on the bench and at the bar as well.
“All of these things are aspects that we will look into and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of.”
Bar raises the bar
Already, some lawyers have drawn the attention of the CJN to areas they reasoned require urgent reforms in the judiciary. For instance, a former chairman of the Garki branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Obioma Ezenwobodo said the main issue that will dominate the judiciary in 2025 bothers on the integrity of the judiciary going by the contentious case of Dele Farotimi.
He said the judiciary, under Justice Kekere-Ekun, should work hard to restore public confidence which he says, is on an all-time low. This, he said, can be done by showcasing more judicial activism to correct errors in the system. He said:
“There is also a heightened issue of abuse of civil rights by public and private individuals. The judiciary would be so occupied with this issue this year.”
Other lawyers also joined in setting a reform agenda for the CJN to address key issues undermining judicial integrity and effectiveness. This agenda includes: ensuring merit-based judicial appointments in line with Section 231 of 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and countering nepotism and favoritism that have historically compromised judiciary’s credibility and addressing the problem of abuse of interim injunctions and ex-parte orders, as well as conflicting judgments by implementing clear guidelines and improving judicial coordination.
Other areas, the lawyers called Her Lordship attention to, include: enhancing discipline and accountability within the judiciary, addressing the crisis of political cases, election petitions, and judicialisation of politics and reform of the Supreme Court.
President of the Bar, Mazi Afam Osigwe, on his part assured that the NBA will work to improve access to justice by developing courts that are user-friendly with prompt disposal of cases, and put in place measures that ensure quick dispensation of justice without resorting to technicalities, time-wasting, or unnecessary applications for adjournments.
He stressed the need to explore innovative solutions to make justice more affordable and accessible, such as the greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and the digitization of court processes.
Another pressing area of reform, which he indicated, is the reduction of the backlog of cases.
He said, “The reality is that our courts are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cases, leading to significant delay in justice delivery. As a nation, we must embrace the modernization of our court systems, including the use of technology to expedite case management and reduce unnecessary delays. We must also reduce the number and types of appeals that come to the Supreme Court.”
NBA, Osigwe said, shall work with the NJC and various Heads of Courts to ensure effective utilisation of the Legal Mail project initiated by the NJC, as well as work for the commencement of electronic filing and payment platforms for all superior and appellate courts in Nigeria to end the unnecessary costs, delays and inefficiencies encountered in filing processes in courts.
Unending law fare?
One issue that is certain to feature prominently in the judiciary in 2025, is the implementation of the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.
The apex court, in the suit filed against the state governors by the AGF on behalf of the Federal Government also ordered that finances belonging to the LGAs be paid into their account directly from the federation account, without passing it through the account of the state governments, thus granting financial autonomy to the LGAs in the country.
At a function in Abuja recently, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN hinted that, the Federal Government will move against states enacting laws that are directed at circumventing the July 11 judgment of the Supreme Court on financial autonomy for the LGAs.
Fagbemi said the Federal Government would not hesitate to initiate contempt proceedings against such states while their attorneys-general would be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for professional misconduct.
His words: “I am aware that some states have embarked on the promulgation of legislations which appear to be antithetical to the tenets of the judgment of the Supreme Court. My simple point is that the states concerned are advised not to tread within the precinct of contempt of court. And, my colleagues at the sub-nationals should not also invite the attention of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for misconduct.”
Fagbemi further disclosed that the suit in which the Supreme Court gave the July 11 judgment was intended to liberate the Local Government Areas from the stranglehold of the state governors and promote development at the grassroots.
Dropping a hint of the next legal battle with the governors, he said: “We are not resting on our oars. If we don’t have any meaningful response, we may also invite the Supreme Court to also look at the Constitution and see whether they {states} should be allowed to continue to conduct local government election in the form that we have presently.”
Our reform agenda for 2025–AGF Fagbemi
Last week, the Federal Ministry of Justice held a public engagement session to update citizens on the milestones achieved by it in 2024, and to receive invaluable feedback from all stakeholders for future improvements.
At the event, which underscores the unwavering commitment of the Ministry towards fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria, the AGF highlighted the reform agenda of the federal government for the new year.
The AGF reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equitable access to justice, and building a justice system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
He said all hands must be on deck to foster a justice sector that inspires confidence and delivers on its mandate to serve the people.
Fagbemi said,the collaborative work among stakeholders in the justice sector through the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department (ACJR&D) and the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC), of the Federal Ministry of Justice to deliver impactful reforms that address the needs and concerns of Nigerians; the justice sector has made remarkable progress in recent years.
The Chief Law Officer of the Federation told the gathering that the National Policy on Justice, 2024 – 2028 was developed by the Ministry in collaboration with stakeholders to address the challenges militating against effective administration of justice in Nigeria. The policy, which is a precursor of the 2017 – 2023 Policy, outlines 11 objectives and identifies 20 thematic areas for reforming the justice system.
It also provides a broad framework for effective collaboration between federal and state justice institutions through an effective mechanism for resolving cross-institutional and cross-sectoral challenges.
The 11 objectives outlined by the policy include: to promote and protect human rights and access to justice for all, especially the poor, weak and vulnerable, ensure fair and speedy dispensation of justice and effective enforcement of court decisions, promote correctional and restorative justice and alternative dispute resolutions, uphold the independence of the judiciary, ensuring its autonomy, integrity, and efficiency in dispensing justice and to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of justice sector institutions to improve service delivery and professionalism.
Others are: to recognise and maintain the plural character of the Nigerian legal system while promoting harmony among its components, engender synergy and cooperation across the justice sector nationally and at both federal and state levels, promote openness, transparency and accountability in the justice sector and its capacity to curb corrupt practices and abuse of office, integrate technology and innovative solutions to modernize the justice system to enhance efficiency and transparency, mainstream the role of the justice system in enhancing national security, support fair, credible and violence-free elections, and facilitate economic growth as well as encourage compliance with Nigeria’s treaty obligations and promote international cooperation.
Arbitral policy.
In an effort to enhance the practice of arbitration of Nigeria, the Ministry of Justice has also developed the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2024. It is expected to feature prominently in the new year.
The policy as designed, is expected to promote Nigeria as an arbitration hub in Africa and create an enabling environment for foreign direct investment in Nigeria, thereby promoting the development of the national economy.
It also seeks to stimulate economic growth by attracting foreign investment, strengthening professional capacities, developing critical arbitration infrastructure, and establishing clear, structured guidelines for government agencies in negotiating and participating in arbitral proceedings.
A central pillar of the policy, according to the designers, is to transform Nigeria into a competitive, internationally-recognized arbitration hub with transparent, efficient, and globally-compatible dispute resolution mechanisms.
In July 2024, the policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council for national implementation.
Fagbemi noted that the ministry is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Interior and Nigerian Correctional Service to conduct an audit of the Correctional Centres with a view to ascertaining the number of inmates, the condition of the correctional centres, the number and different categories of inmates in the correctional centres.
The first phase of the audit conducted in nine states and the FCT, took place between 21st and 25th November, 2024, and “it is hoped that when concluded, the outcome will assist the federal government in initiating and implementing appropriate policies and programmes that will enhance effective management of the correctional service,” he stated.
Rise in Nigeria’s story telling, transformative year awaits sector in 2025
By: Rotimi Ige and Aderonke Adesanya
The Nigerian entertainment industry in 2024 became the cynosure of the world, with every sector experiencing a major boost in every regard. It became evident and took position as a beacon of cultural pride and economic promise.
With Afro beats conquering global charts and Nigerian musicians organising successful concerts around the world, also Nollywood expanding its influence, gaining massive interest from streaming platforms with investments running into hundreds of millions of dollars, Nigeria’s creative sector demonstrated its resilience and boundless potential in the outgone year.
Overview
The entertainment industry in Nigeria is no longer about fun and relaxation. It has become one that drives major economic growth, with stakeholders now able to fund and express their creative abilities. Also, with increased technological advancements, Nigerian creatives have adapted and evolved to become globally sought after. No sector of the industry has been left out; music, movies, fashion, sports, gaming, etc, all experienced a major boost and exposure in 2024.
The expansion of gaming, for example, reflects this international reach. With more platforms offering a variety of interactive experiences, digital entertainment is becoming a significant part of the economy. This shift highlights how technology and entertainment are blending, creating new opportunities for engagement and revenue generation for Nigerian creatives.
The music industry, especially with the rise of Afrobeats, is one of the most successful stories of Nigerian entertainment. Nigerian artistes have become global superstars, filling concerts and topping charts across continents. However, behind the catchy beats, there’s a robust economy at play. Musicians, producers, event organisers, and streaming platforms all benefit from the success of this booming industry.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have transformed the way Nigerian artistes reach fans worldwide, allowing music to be consumed anywhere, anytime. With every hit song, new opportunities are created.
For Nollywood, the domination of streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video and Showmax in 2024 meant more funding for indigenous content, and movies, series, among other creative contents were no longer confined to DVD sales or local cinema screenings. Nigerian films were globally distributed easily and their international popularity continues to rise. This expanded reach means more income for filmmakers, more jobs, and more opportunities for Nigeria to tell its own stories on a global stage.
The rise of digital content and gaming
YouTube creators, influencers, and online comedians became properly solidified in 2024 and are now major players in the entertainment world, with many earning impressive incomes through partnerships, sponsorships, and ads. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are filled with Nigerian creators who produce content that resonates locally and internationally.
Streaming platforms have redefined revenue generation. Physical album sales or theatre visits are no longer the main source of income but about streams, views, and digital advertisements. This shift has expanded opportunities for smaller artistes and filmmakers to reach global audiences.
In the midst of the celebrations, however, were glaring challenges that industry stakeholders are racing to overcome. In 2025, the industry braces itself for more growth, adaptation, and a redefinition of what it means to be a global cultural powerhouse.
Afrobeats: The pulse of a nation, the rhythm of the world
In 2024, Nigeria’s Afrobeats was more than just a genre—it was a global movement. Artists such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Rema spearheaded this revolution, performing on prestigious international stages and making their mark on global music charts. Burna Boy’s stadium-filling tours and Rema’s record-breaking streams symbolised how deeply Nigerian music resonated with audiences worldwide.
Spotify and Apple Music reported a staggering 74 per cent growth in revenue from Nigerian artistes. The world’s embrace of Afrobeats extended beyond streaming platforms. Songs from Nigerian artistes became regular features in major film soundtracks, advertisements, and music festivals, further embedding them into the global cultural era.
The genre’s success, however, wasn’t achieved in isolation. It was the result of relentless creativity and international partnerships. From collaborations with global icons like Ed Sheeran and Selena Gomez to African artistes crossing borders to dominate the Grammy Awards, Afrobeats demonstrated its capacity to bridge cultures and elevate the Nigerian brand on the global stage.
Nollywood: The evolution of Nigeria’s storytelling
While music commanded the ears of the world, Nollywood captured its eyes. Nigeria’s film industry, already one of the largest in the world by output, focused on quality over quantity in 2024. With over $23 million in investments from Netflix alone, Nollywood productions began competing with international counterparts in storytelling, cinematography, and production design.
Movies such as ‘Aníkúlápó’ and ‘Shanty Town’ showcased the diversity of Nigerian stories, earning critical acclaim and opening doors for Nigerian filmmakers to partner with international studios. The year also saw a revival in local cinema attendance, with box office revenues growing by 50 per cent. Audiences, hungry for homegrown stories, flocked to theaters, underscoring the deep cultural connection between Nigerians and their narratives.
Despite these advancements, Nollywood faced significant challenges. The lack of domestic distribution channels meant a substantial portion of revenues flowed to foreign entities. Moreover, infrastructural limitations, from outdated equipment to limited training opportunities for local talent, threatened the industry’s ability to sustain its growth.
How digital platforms are transforming media
Streaming services continued their dominance in 2024, reshaping the way Nigerians consumed entertainment. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax invested heavily in local content, creating opportunities for actors, directors, and screenwriters to showcase their talents.
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube also played a pivotal role in amplifying Nigerian voices. Content creators used these platforms to reach international audiences, turning everyday Nigerians into global influencers. This democratization of fame has allowed creators from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the industry’s success.
Yet, with growth came concerns about content ownership. Many Nigerian creatives expressed frustration over the lack of robust intellectual property laws, which left them vulnerable to exploitation. Stakeholders have called for reforms to ensure that artists retain a fair share of the revenues their work generates.
Infrastructure challenge still an issue
Despite its achievements, Nigeria’s entertainment sector faces several hurdles. Infrastructure remains a significant bottleneck, from inadequate power supply to limited access to modern production equipment. The country also struggles with talent flight, as many creatives seek opportunities abroad due to better pay and working conditions.
Revenue leakage is another pressing issue. With many international platforms handling distribution and marketing, a substantial portion of the profits generated by Nigerian content flows out of the country. Addressing these challenges requires deliberate policy reforms and investments in local capacity-building.
A transformative year 2025 awaits
As 2025 approaches, the Nigerian entertainment industry is poised for another transformative year. Industry experts predict that Afrobeats will continue its global dominance, with more collaborations between Nigerian and international artists. Nollywood, too, is expected to attract higher-budget projects and explore untapped markets in Asia and South America.
Streaming platforms are also expected to deepen their investments in Nigeria, creating more original content and providing a platform for emerging talents. Meanwhile, social media will remain a critical tool for content creators, helping them monetize their work and reach broader audiences. On the policy front, stakeholders are pushing for stronger intellectual property laws to protect creatives and ensure that more revenues stay within the country. Investments in infrastructure, training programs, and funding opportunities will be critical in unlocking the industry’s full potential.
The dawn of a new era?
The Nigerian entertainment industry in 2024 showcased a nation bursting with talent, creativity, and resilience. From the pulsating beats of Afrobeats to the compelling stories of Nollywood, Nigeria’s cultural exports have captivated the world.
As we move into 2025, the focus must shift to addressing the challenges that threaten this growth. With strategic investments, policy reforms, and a commitment to nurturing talent, Nigeria is well-positioned to solidify its status as a global cultural and economic powerhouse. The future of Nigerian entertainment is not just bright—it is one with boundless opportunities.
How malaria vaccine, other interventions will shape health sector
By: Sade Oguntola
Many significant interventions and events coalesced to make the outgone year 2024 thick in this sector. In 2025, many such events are expected to make significant impact in shaping the sector in the New Year as the country strives to build a better and strengthened health systems
Surge in emigration of Healthcare Workers (Japa) syndrome
The mass emigration (aka Japa) of Nigerian healthcare professionals to more developed countries is a pressing concern with significant consequences. In November 2024, the UK House of Commons Library reported that approximately 22,851 Nigerian healthcare workers or 1.5% of the NHS workforce, are employed in the UK, making it the top destination for Nigerian medical professionals.
Reports claim that skilled healthcare workers in Nigeria were seeking opportunities abroad due to factors such as better pay, improved working conditions, and a desire for professional growth. This phenomenon is exacerbating an already over stretched healthcare system in Nigeria.
The ongoing departure of these professionals creates critical shortages within the country’s healthcare workforce, resulting in longer waiting times for medical services, reduced accessibility to quality care, and additional stress on the already burdened healthcare infrastructure.
In a decisive move to address the growing concerns over the migration of health professionals, the Nigerian government recently approved a comprehensive “National Health Workforce Migration Policy” in August 2024.
The strategic policy, designed to curb health workers’ migration, carries significant weight. Its potential to mitigate the issue and bring about a substantial transformation in Nigeria’s healthcare system cannot be overstated.
First-ever delivery of mpox vaccines in Africa outside of clinical trials arrives in Nigeria
Nigeria received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines, becoming the first country in the African region to receive doses to respond to the outbreak of the viral disease that has affected several countries and led to the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The vaccine, Jynneos (MVA), manufactured by Bavarian Nordic pharmaceutical firm, was donated by the United States government. The delivery of the mpox vaccines constitutes a crucial addition to the ongoing measures to halt the virus and protect health. It is also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies.
Nigeria launches action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Federal Government launched the Second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR 2.0) in a bold step towards combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when infections become harder to treat as microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve, becoming resistant to drugs and developing the ability to survive treatments that once killed or inhibited their growth.
The Second National Action Plan on AMR outlines strategies for improving antimicrobial stewardship, enhancing surveillance and detection capabilities, promoting research and development, and strengthening healthcare systems.
Nigeria introduces malaria vaccine
Nigeria has introduced the R21 malaria vaccine, a major public health intervention aimed at protecting children from one of the deadliest diseases in Nigeria. The country had received one million doses of the malaria vaccine, with 846,200 doses provided by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and 153,800 doses procured by the Nigerian government.
The vaccine rollout, a significant milestone in the fight against malaria, a disease that remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among children under five years of age is being implemented in phases, starting with Bayelsa in the south and Kebbi in the north—two states with high malaria burden. The impact of this vaccines could become evident in 2025.
Nigeria vaccinated 7.7 million girls against cervical cancer
In October, Nigeria introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization system, reaching over 7.7 million girls. It is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region. This vaccination drive is against the virus that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Girls aged 9–14 years had received a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18 that are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers. It is expected that better service delivery would be recorded in 2025.
Rotary International donates $14 million to sustain Polio Eradication efforts in Nigeria
In January, last year, Rotary International donated a $ 14 million grant to the government of Nigeria to support polio surveillance activities and to halt the spread of all forms of poliovirus across the country.
The grant is executed through the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help keep the country’s foot on the pedal through polio surveillance activities to sustain the gains achieved on wild poliovirus eradication and work towards eradicating the Circulating Variant Poliovirus (cVPV2) from Nigeria. Work is going on to get rid of CVPVD2, and surveillance is a key component of the intervention.
Nigeria was certified wild poliovirus-free in August 2020. However, the country is still facing the challenge of cVPV2. Poliovirus is very contagious; a single case constitutes an outbreak of international concern.
Nigerian scientists develop easy-to-use cholera test to prevent outbreaks
Scientists at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) developed a new, easy-to-use cholera test tool. The point-of-care test allows for the rapid detection of cholera in body fluids and water, helping to prevent outbreaks before they can take hold.
It will be a game-changer for diagnosing cholera, a serious diarrhea illness caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene that can spread rapidly, and experts say early detection is crucial to prevent outbreaks, especially in remote areas where traditional diagnostic kits are unavailable or expensive.
FG declares health emergency over cholera outbreak
In June 2024, the Federal Government activated the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) following the threat of a cholera epidemic in the country. In the first nine months of 2024, Nigeria reported over 10,800 suspected cholera cases, resulting in 359 deaths, largely due to inadequate sanitation and health care access in rural areas.
The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at ‘High Risk’ of increased risk of cholera transmission and impact. This demands an immediate and coordinated action and, therefore, necessitated the activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Nigeria.
Read Also: FG urged to review fiscal policies
WHO issues alert over fake medication for diabetes, weight loss
The World Health Organisation issued a medical product alert on falsified semaglutides, a type of medicine used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss in some countries. The alert addressed three falsified product batches of the semaglutide class of medicines (of a specific brand—Ozempic).
The medicines were detected in Brazil in October 2023, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States of America in December 2023.
The semaglutides, including the specific brand product that has been falsified, are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to lower their blood sugar levels. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.
UNICEF hands over Nigeria’s first fully solar-powered Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Gas Plant
The United Nations Children’s Fund in May handed over the first solarised Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant in Nigeria and a level 2 Newborn Unit to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. The donated plant was with funding from partners; IHS Nigeria, governments of Canada and Norway as well as the Bills & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities was a comprehensive strategic roadmap designed to ensure that every health facility in the state was equipped with the necessary resources to provide medical oxygen.
Nigeria deploys First Non-invasive PGT-A To Avert Abnormalities In Babies
Nigeria deployed the first Non-invasive Preimplantation Genetic testing for aneuploidy (NiPGT-A ), a technique that determines the embryo’s chromosomal health and identifies any potential abnormalities without removing cells for biopsy. The novel helps fertility experts to examine embryos without removing cells for biopsy, ultimately reducing the risk of implantation failure, and recurrent miscarriage, among others.
Pioneer of the technique in Nigeria, Nordica Fertility Clinic, Lagos, disclosed that the NiPGT-A technique reduces potential risks associated with traditional biopsy procedures, making it much safer and more accurate.
Mpox became a Global Concern—Again
Arising from the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in July pronounced its outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa, but for the entire globe. Over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b were reported in four countries neighbouring the DRC that have not reported mpox before: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Regarding m-poxs, since 2017, Nigeria has reported 985 suspected cases, with 398 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.
So, on August 27, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated 10,000 doses of the mpox (formerly referred to as “Monkeypox”) vaccine to the Government of Nigeria to support its efforts in responding to the current mpox outbreak.
This made Nigeria the first country in the African region to receive doses to respond to the outbreak of the viral disease that has affected several countries and also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies.
Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis
In April, Nigeria became the first country in the world to roll out a new vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which protects people against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which funds the global meningitis vaccine stockpile and supports lower-income countries with routine vaccination against meningitis.
Nigeria is one of the 26 meningitis hyper endemic countries of Africa, situated in the area known as the African Meningitis Belt. Last year, there was a 50% jump in annual meningitis cases reported across Africa. Nigeria’s rollout brings it one step closer to the goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.
The revolutionary new vaccine offers a powerful shield against the five major strains of the meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X) in a single shot. All five strains cause meningitis and blood poisoning. This provides broader protection than the current vaccine used in much of Africa, which is only effective against the A strain.
Life expectancy increased by 0.55%
As of October 26, 2024, the average life expectancy in Nigeria is 56.05 years, a 0.55% increase from 2023. Meanwhile, the average life expectancy worldwide is 73.33 years, a 0.23% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria’s life expectancy is among the lowest in the world and Africa. However, the United Nations projects that it could reach 76.93 years by 2050. This would require significant efforts in healthcare, disease prevention, and improvements in living standards.
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