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“I Am Comfortable In PDP,” – Oyo Gov. Makinde After Visit To Tinubu

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Gov Seyi Makinde visits President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

“Makinde lacked the courage to see President Tinubu alone” – Fayose

After an audience with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Thursday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ruled out dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the recent wave of defections in his party.

When asked if he’s also considering joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), like his former colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Makinde said he’s comfortable with the PDP.

“I am comfortable in the PDP,” he stated.

Makinde maintained that addressing Nigerian problems requires a bi-partisan approach with contributions from all political parties in the interest of the country.

“We may have issues in this country where you need a bipartisan approach, where there won’t be an issue of APC talking alone or PDP talking alone; where we will have to look at what is the best foot forward in the interest of our nation. So, when you get to that junction, you need everybody on board,” he said.

The Oyo governor arrived at the Aso Villa shortly after Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who recently defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) came around to see the President.

Both Governors were received separately and proceeded to the President’s  office.

Makinde was a key member of the group of five PDP governors, popularly known as the G5, who opposed the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general election.

During the 2023 presidential election, Makinde and other members of the G5 openly worked against the PDP candidate and supported Tinubu, who eventually won.

In another account on Governor Makinde’s visit by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose which he tagged “Untold story of what happened in the Villa during Governor Makinde’s visit to the President today,” said :

“Here is the true story of what happened in the Villa when Governor Seyi Makinde visited the President today (Thursday)

“First, Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated that he now lacked enough courage to face the President alone. He had to enlist the support of the Plateau State Governor.

“The President told him that if it was about official matters regarding Oyo State, he will listen to him.

“But if it had to do with politics and any claim that it was Wike that angered him to go on TV to accuse him (President) of plotting to turn the country to a one party state, it is better to, as usual, go on TV to say all he (Makinde) had to say.

“He was told pointedly that he can’t come to the closet on political matters to eat his words, while saying another thing to the public.

“Furthermore, the President told Governor Makinde that he was not expecting any support from him regarding 2027, and that he should also expect that he (President) will support his party.

“Lastly, the President made it clear to Makinde that Wike is someone whose support and consistency he (President) can’t deny or wish away.

“Therefore, if Makinde has issues with Wike, that is between the two of them, I should be left out of it.

“That’s why Makinde told the press that he’s comfortable in PDP. It’s because of the reality that there’s nothing for him in APC.

“And after this meeting, shouldn’t Makinde tell the people of Oyo State if he has returned the N30bn he admitted to have received from the Federal Government as intervention fund for the January 2023 Ibadan explosion?”

Fayose had accused Makinde of diverting the N30 billion released to the state by the federal government as intervention fund for the January 2023 explosion in Ibadan towards his presidential ambition.

Makinde denied the allegation saying the fund released was not up to the amount mentioned by Fayose and that the fund is still being kept by the state government.

NJC Forwards Names Of 14 Lawyers To President Tinubu For Appointment As Federal Judges

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

After scaling security clearance, the National Judicial Council, (NJC), has finally recommended 14 lawyers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court.

The Council had at its 110th Meeting held on 13 and 14 January 2026, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, resolved to recommend to President Tinubu 14 names of successful candidates for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court.

A statement on Thursday  by the Deputy Director of Information of the NJC, Mrs Kemi Babalola- Ogedengbe explained that at the time of the council meeting, the security report on the candidates was not available.

Council therefore, resolved to await the submission of the security report before forwarding the names of the candidates to the President.

Having received the security report, with no adverse comments on any of the recommended candidates, the Council on Thursday, 22nd day of January 2026, forwarded the names of the candidates to the President.

The 14 successful candidates recommended to the President comprised the incumbent Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Suleiman Amida Hassan.

Others are Muhammad Barau Saidu, Igboko Chinelo Conchita, Onuegbu Chioma Angela,

Galumje Edingah, Ibrahim Vera Eneabo,  Abubakar Musa Usman and Salihu Aisha Yunusa.

The rest are Ikpeme Joy Bassey, Shehu Umaru Adamu, Mohammed Ibrahim Buba, Eigege-Binjin Nendelmum Judith,  Usoro Kuyik Uduak and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus.

Obi Heralds ADC in FCT, Energizes Residents

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Obi Heralds ADC in FCT
Obi Heralds ADC in FCT

Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate for the 2023 election and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential frontrunner for 2027, made a decisive impact on January 21, 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory. The rallying cry “Obi Kerereke” echoed throughout Abuja as he visited key locations. His presence significantly boosted the campaigns of Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC Chairmanship candidate for the February 21, 2026, local council elections in AMAC, and Hon. Josiah Musa Kuche of Bwari local council.

Demonstrating genuine compassion, Obi’s first stop was the Kugbo Furniture Market, where traders faced immense losses from a recent fire. Writing on his X handle, he stated, “My visit to Abuja began with a strong show of solidarity at the Kugbo Furniture Market in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where traders experienced devastating losses due to this catastrophic event.

In a time when many Nigerians are grappling with severe hardship, this loss is particularly distressing. The traders I met expressed profound gratitude for my choice to stand with them. I assured them that they would not only recover but thrive once more. Their resilience is crucial, and such incidents must be preventable through credible political leadership grounded in character, competence, capacity, and compassion.

At the palace of the District Head, Chief Philip Jezhi, I received a warm welcome, with the royal father acknowledging the significance of my visit. I have consistently advocated for robust reforms in our emergency services to mandate timely responses to incidents of this nature.

Accompanied by the ADC AMAC Chairmanship candidate, we prepared to energize support for the upcoming council elections on February 21, 2026. I made it clear that in Nigeria, we expect to prevent such catastrophic incidents. A poignant moment came at the Kugbo market when a nursing mother pushed through the crowd for Obi to touch her child; a wish fulfilled as Obi joyfully lifted the child, much to the delight of the gathering.

From Kugbo, we moved to Bwari, where Hon. Josiah Musa Kuche officially launched his campaign in the local market square of Kubwa. The rally was a vibrant display of community support. Together with Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC AMAC local government candidate, Obi engaged directly with traders while the party faithful celebrated with exuberant dance and song. In his discussions, he pointed out the vital reasons to support the ADC party, emphasizing its commitment to genuine candidates and sincere change that will reset our nation.

The community’s solidarity was palpable, their enthusiasm evident in their joyous expressions. One man, Hon. Abdullahi Musa, a former PDP member now with ADC, stated, “This man is a true leader who comes to the people; I will follow him wherever he goes.”

The third stop was Gui, a remote village along the Airport Road in the AMAC local council area, where Obi was met by an eager crowd radiating hope and unity, reinforcing ADC’s solidarity messages.

During a courtesy call to the District Head, Alhaji Alhassan Yusuf, Obi listened to their stories and requests, which included an invitation to their village.

The former Anambra state Governor expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with rural communities—” a priority for me—gaining firsthand insight into their concerns”. He assured them that their steadfast support for the ADC AMAC chairmanship candidate would lead to improved infrastructure, including healthcare, water supply, and roads that have long been neglected in their community. I emphasized the importance of their participation in shaping a new Nigeria, achievable through harnessing their voting power in the local council elections on February 21, 2026.

Together, we will forge the change they undeniably deserve.

Signed.

Ibrahim Umar

POMR Spokesman

January 22, 2026

Taraba Housewife Defaces 17-Year Old Over Suspected Affairs With Husband

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Iwasen Terhemba
Iwasen Terhemba: Defaced by Ramatu Abbas,

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Taraba State Police Command has vowed to ensure that justice is served in the case involving the dastardly and inhumane defacing of a teenager, Iwasen Terhemba, by a jealous housewife, Ramatu Abbas.

Mrs Abbas  allegedly attacked and seriously inflicted multiple facial injuries on 17-year old Terhemba with a razor blade over a suspicion, by her, that her husband was in an alleged romantic affair with her.

According to local witness accounts, Terhemba who lives with her guardian, Jemila Wanga, reportedly before the attack,  rejected several proposals from Ramatu’s husband.

But Ramatu, who was suspicious, despite strong plea of innocence by the victim and her guardian, attacked and mutilated  Terhemba face.

Ramatu attacked the victim at a time when her guardian was not at home with her only known offence the belief  that her husband is interested in the teenager.

The unfortunate incident which  occurred in Donga town, Donga Local Council of Taraba State, expectedly drew widespread indignation and flaks from the people, with calls  for justice.

While confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, assured that the Command is already on top of the situation.

According to him, the suspect has been arrested and is presently in custody, while the victim is responding to treatment at a medical facility in the State.

The Police spokesman explained that the suspect will be arraigned as soon as investigation into the matter is concluded.

Mass Abduction: Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Take Case To God

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Invasion of Church in Southern Kaduna
The worshippers were reportedly kidnapped during Sunday service.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With outright denials of the bizarre and audacious mass kidnapping of  Christian worshipers by Bandits, the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders on Thursday, January 22, 2026, took their case to God.

The Source reports that armed hoodlums had, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, invaded some Churches in Kurmi Wali area of Kajuru local council of Kaduna state, carting away, in the process, no fewer than 177 worshipers.

Locals who had drawn attention to the mass kidnapping, however, had their claims not only debunked by the  Kaduna State Government and Police authorities, but also  described the report as an orchestrated attempt to rupture the fragile peace of Kaduna State.

But in a statement posted on his official site on Wednesday January 21, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, FPPRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, while confirming the unfortunate incident, attributed the earlier denials by the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State police Commissioner, CP Muhammadu Rabiu, on the need to avoid flaring tempers, and creating unnecessary panic among the people.

According to him, the authorities were also being cautious in the face of contradictory reports on incident.

” Some individuals from the affected areas also disputed the earlier police reports thus creating uncertainty, and reinforcing the need for caution, and thorough verification by the Police, and other security agencies before making conclusive statements on such a sensitive matter.

” In this context, comments made by the Kaduna CP during a media briefing were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed.

“Those remarks which have since been widely misinterpreted were not a denial of the incident, but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected”, Hundeyin stated.

However, many were not persuaded by such rhetorics as the authorities’  earlier perceived attempts to downplay the condemnable development has since significantly eroded  the people’s trust and confidence in the system.

In a statement on Thursday ,the SKCLA Chairman, Emmanuel Kure, informed that the people has decided to adopt a spiritual response to the incident by declaring a two-day fasting and prayer sessions seeking the safe return of the abducted  persons.

According to him the fasting and prayer sessions will commence on Friday January 23, and end on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

The exercise will be capped with a special prayer session in all churches on Sunday, January 25.

“This call for fasting and prayer is a united cry to God for mercy, protection, and the safe return of our brothers and sisters from captivity.

“It is also a demonstration of rare unity, as believers across denominations stand together at a critical moment in our history.

“We will not be silent in the face of evil, nor will we lose hope. We trust God for divine intervention, and we will continue to demand accountability and concrete actions from those entrusted with the security of lives and property”, Kure noted.

This is as the body called on security agencies, the Kaduna State Government and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards securing freedom for the victims.

The SKCLA while expressing concern over the growing and recurring circle of kidnappings in the area, urged the authorities to come up with  lasting control measures.

Meanwhile, the abductors are said to be demanding the replacement of about 17 motorcycles alleged to have been destroyed earlier by security agencies, and about N29 million as part of the preconditions for the release of their victims.

AFCON 2025: CAF Sanctions Algeria For Violence Against Super Eagles

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Super Eagles vs Algeria

By Akinwale Kasali

The 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship hosted by Morocco has come and gone, but the Confederation of African Football, CAF, is still wielding the big stick on Teams over misconduct during, and after games played at the tournament.

The Algerian National Team, popular as the Desert Foxes or Fennecs, has been handed multiple sanctions by CAF following misconduct during and after the Quarter-Final match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAF announced that its Disciplinary Board convened to deliberate on incidents arising from the Group-stage encounter on January 10, 2026, and reached several decisions.

CAF Disciplinary Board decision read: “Suspend Algeria player Luca Zidane for two (2) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team for misconduct.

“Suspend Algeria player Rafik Belghali, player for four (4) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team, for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the match.

“However, two (2) matches are suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was also hit with a series of fines totalling USD 100,000 over the conduct of its players, officials, and supporters.

These include: “Impose a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the conduct of the senior (“A”) national team, having received five (5) cautions (yellow cards) during the match, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“Impose a fine of USD 25,000 on the Algerian Football Federation due to the inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials at the end of the match, which brought the match into disrepute, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“Impose a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the use of smoke devices by its supporters.”

Other fines include “a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the throwing of objects by its supporters.

“Impose a fine of USD 10,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for failure to comply with security measures, due to the behaviour of its supporters who attempted to force the security barriers.

“Impose a fine of USD 50,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures (displaying banknotes) committed by its supporters towards the match officials.”

CAF did not announce any sanctions against the Nigerian team in relation to the match.

Recall that the incident occurred immediately after the final whistle in the match, where Super Eagles advanced with goals that Algerian players and fans disputed, particularly over an alleged missed penalty call in their favour.

Videos circulating on social media showed Algerian players confronting referees and engaging in physical altercations, escalating tensions that also involved fans throwing projectiles and security lapses.

In response, the FAF has confirmed it will appeal the sanctions,arguing that the penalties are disproportionate and calling for a review of the match officiating.

PSC Debunks Delays In Promotion Of Inspectors

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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has noted with concern a recent report published by Sahara Reporters on January 21, 2026, titled “‘We’ve Done Everything Required’: Police Inspectors Protest Delayed Promotion Months After Passing 2025 Board Exercise.” The PSC, wishes to categorically rebut the claims made in the article, which appear to be based on unsubstantiated anonymous sources and misrepresent the Commission’s processes and commitments.

First and foremost, the Commission reaffirms its dedication to transparency, fairness, and merit-based promotions within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Promotions are governed by established guidelines, including the successful completion of the Departmental Selection Board (DSB) exercises, and are processed in accordance with statutory timelines and resource availability. Contrary to the report’s assertion of “total silence” and “no explanation” from the PSC or Force Headquarters (FHQ), all officers who participated in the 2025 DSB, including those from the specified zones and commands, have been duly informed through official channels about the status of their evaluations. The Commission maintains comprehensive records of communications, and any officer experiencing issues is encouraged to verify through their respective commands or directly with the PSC.

The claim that promotions for these inspectors have been “stalled” while Senior Officers were elevated “within three weeks” is misleading and overlooks the distinct procedural tracks for different ranks. Senior-level promotions, often involving fewer candidates and streamlined reviews, may indeed proceed more swiftly due to their operational urgency. However, Inspector-Level promotions involve larger cohorts and additional layers of verification, including background checks, performance audits, and other considerations across states and commands. The 2025 DSB exercise, conducted in December 2025 as referenced in the police wireless message, was completed successfully, and processing is ongoing as per schedule. There is no evidence of undue delay; in fact, the PSC has accelerated efforts to finalize announcements in the coming few days, aligning with fiscal and administrative cycles.

Furthermore, suggestions of widespread demoralization, threats of early retirement, or erosion of Junior Officers’ confidence are speculative and not reflective of the broader sentiment within the Force. The Commission regularly engages with officers through official communication channels to address concerns. We have not received formal complaints from the affected officers via institutional channels, which raises questions about the anonymity-driven narrative in the report. Officers are advised to utilize established grievance procedures rather than relying on media outlets for resolution.

The PSC, under the leadership of Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, remains committed to upholding the welfare and career progression of all NPF personnel. We have successfully promoted thousands of officers in recent years, including batches from similar cohorts, and will continue to do so without favoritism. Any perceived delays are often due to rigorous due diligence to ensure integrity and equity, not neglect.

We urge Sahara Reporters and other media outlets to verify facts with the PSC before publishing potentially divisive stories that could undermine public trust in our institutions.

For accurate information, members of the public and officers alike are invited to contact the PSC Public Affairs Section or visit our official website: www.psc.gov.ng.

The PSC will not be deterred from its mandate and assures all stakeholders of continued professionalism in service delivery.

Torty Njoku Kalu,
Head, Protocol and Public Affairs,
Police Service Commission,
Abuja.
22 January 2026

Al-Mustapha, Fmr CSO To Late Head Of State, Abacha, Cleared By Supreme Court On Murder Of  Kudirat Abiola

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Major Hamza Al- Mustapha
Major Hamza Al- Mustapha.

By Ayodele Oni

Citing lack of interest by the Appellant, the Supreme Court on Thursday,  dismissed the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha in the murder of late politician, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the late businessman cum politician, Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election that was annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

Mrs Kudirat Abiola was however murdered in Lagos during the nationwide crisis which followed the annulment and in the course of her persistent struggle to get the annulment reversed by the military.

The trial of Al-Mustapha in the murder charge, brought against him by the Lagos State government, was laid to rest by a 5-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji.

At the proceedings where the Lagos State was slated to re-open the trial, no legal representation was made while no process was filed since 2014 when and order to re-open the case was granted in its favour.

When the matter was called, Paul Daudu, SAN, stood for Al-Mustapha and informed the Justices that Lagos has not taken any step to implement the order granted it in 2014 to re-open the trial.

He said that not even a notice of appeal was filed by Lagos as the appellant to demonstrate its seriousness to prosecute the trial.

The senior lawyer informed the Apex Court that in 2014 when the order to re-open the trial was granted, Lagos was issued a 30 day ultimatum to file its notice of appeal.

Daudu explained that more than nine years after, nothing was done to comply with the order.

He therefore urged the Court to hold that the appellant has abandoned the case and should be dismissed in its entirety.

Justice Uwani Aba-Aji who presided over the matter sought to know if Lagos was served with hearing notice, the question that was answered in the affirmative by the Registrar of the Court.

In a brief ruling, the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision agreed that Lagos has lost interest in the matter and consequently abandoned it.

Justice Aba-Aji held that nine years was long enough for the appellant to have filed notice of appeal and the brief of appeal in the matter.

Besides, the Court expressed disgust that no legal representation was made by the state government, while no information was made available to the Court and the respondent despite being served with hearing notice since 2020.

Consequently, the matter marked SC/CR/45/2014 was dismissed.

Another matter by the Lagos state, marked SC/CR/6/2014  on the same trial was also dismissed on the same ground.

The Court of Appeal had earlier in 2013, ruled that the former CSO was not guilty of the offence, and discharged and acquitted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, in the murder case of late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Impeachment: Rivers CJ, Citing Court Order, Delays Constitution Of Investigative Panel

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The Honourable Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi
The Honourable Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be a stalemate in the impeachment process initiated by the Rivers state House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu.

The latest development stems from the refusal of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi’s refusal to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sim Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu.

In a letter dated 20th January 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, Justice Amadi cited two court orders barring him from receiving, forwarding, or considering any requests to form such a panel.

The orders were served on his office on 16th January 2026 and remain in force.

The Chief Judge emphasized that constitutionalism and the rule of law require all authorities to obey subsisting court orders, irrespective of their perception of the orders’ validity.

Simi Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu,

He referenced legal precedents, noting that in a similar case in 2007, the Chief Judge of Kwara State was condemned for ignoring a restraining court order when setting up an investigative panel, a decision later voided by the Court of Appeal.

Justice Amadi further observed that the Speaker has already filed an appeal against the court orders at the Court of Appeal, adding another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the allegations.

NAFDAC Begins Enforcement Of Ban On Alcohol In Sachets

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Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By Ayodele Oni

Citing backing by the Senate, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has began full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcohol  packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the development  in Lagos during a media briefing organised by the agency.

She said the move followed fresh formal authorisation from the Nigerian Senate, adding that enforcement activities are already underway across the country.

NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to commence total enforcement of the ban by December 2025, in line with a Senate directive, saying the new approval from the upper legislative chamber has accelerated the process.

A report monitored on TVC News, stated that the Senate resolution arose from a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), during which Lawmakers raised concerns over the widespread sale of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small bottles.

They warned that the products’ low cost and ease of concealment posed serious public health and social risks, especially to minors and young adults.

The motion received bipartisan support and was adopted during plenary.

Following the resolution, the Senate directed NAFDAC to enforce existing regulations prohibiting the sale of alcohol in sachets and small-volume containers.

Adeyeye explained that the enforcement drive is aimed at protecting public health and shielding vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

“The widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers makes them cheap, accessible and easy to conceal,” she said.

She stressed that NAFDAC is not opposed to alcohol consumption, but to its packaging in forms that expose children and young people to harm.

Adeyeye revealed that before her tenure, some sachet alcohol products contained between 50 and 90 per cent alcohol,  describing the levels as dangerously high.

She pointed out that the agency has directed manufacturers to reduce alcohol content to 30 per cent adding that, many resisted, citing fears of job losses and investment setbacks.

The issue was later escalated to the Federal Ministry of Health which granted manufacturers a five-year transition period, from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, to restructure and comply with regulations.

Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to public safety. She said the agency will continue to prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations through sustained and strict enforcement.