BREAKING NEWS

DRUG ABUSE: FG Bans Production Of Codeine Based Syrups In Nigeria

Published

6 years ago

May 1, 2018

DRUG ABUSE: FG Bans Production Of Codeine Based Syrups

The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban with immediate effect further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole made this known in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

ALSO READ:Secrets Of Nigeria’s Illicit Codeine Trade Revealed – BBC Investigation

He said that the directive became necessary due to the gross abuse Codeine usage has been subjected to in the country.

In its stead, the Minister said Codeine containing cough syrups should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, (PCN) and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the country, while he has also banned sales of Codeine containing cough syrup without prescription across the country.

He noted that the National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control had an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN) to inform them that there is an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine- containing cough syrups as well as applications for renewal has been abolished.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has been directed to continue enforcement activities on Pharmacies, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor’s Shops and outlets throughout the country.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] was also directed to fully carry out its functions among others: to regulate and control the manufacturing, distribution and sale of drugs, including inspection at points of entry of drugs, drug products and food for compliance with the new directive.

The Minister stated that the FMOH shall ensure collaboration among regulatory agencies namely, NAFDAC, PCN, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), for effective implementation of extant Acts, regulations, policies and guidelines on codeine control and usage.

‘Furthermore, these agencies shall work together to increase pharmacovigilance around codeine, tramadol and other related substances of abuse,’ Adewole stated.

Already, NAFDAC has developed IEC materials that will be used in an already planned national campaign against drug abuse, an awareness programme thatincludes Young Pharmacists Group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. This will soon be flagged off in Kano and Lagos.

As a way of discouraging youths to shun the drugs, the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Health shall partner with National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Football celebrities, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Performing Musicians of Nigeria and other celebrities to drive national campaign against drug abuse.

‘The FMOH shall ensure that Drug treatment intervention for victims of substances abuse shall be undertaken across the spectrum of health care delivery system in the country,’ Adewole stated.

He stated that Civil Society Organizations shall be strengthened to deliver effective sensitization, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.

Recalled that in view of the serious public health concerns drugs abuse poses to Nigerians , a working group which comprised of experts from various Ministries, Agencies of Government (including regulatory agencies), Development Partners and Associations was constituted in January and tagged Codeine Control and other Related Matters Working Group (CCRWG).

The CCRWG was formally inaugurated on January 23, 2018 with clear Terms of Reference of developing key recommendations and strategies to address the menace of codeine, tramadol and other related substances in Nigeria.

The CCRWG submitted its interim report on April 12, 2018 and recommended short-, medium- and long-term measures for implementation in a memorandum submitted to the Minister, today, 1st of May 2018.

Finally, Professor Adewole restated the commitment of FGN to ensure the full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG) by January 01, 2019 and closure of all open drug markets penultimate the implementation date of the NDDG that is, December 31, 2018. It is a public knowledge that easy access to codeine, tramadol and other substances of abuse is promoted by the chaotic drug distribution system.

https://politicsngr.com/breaking-fg-bans-production-codeine-based-syrups-nigeria/

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BREAKING NEWS

Lagos To Begin Demolition Of Oshodi Market Extensions On July 30

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2024

Reporter

Oshodi market: Lagos to begin demolition of extensions | Fab.ng

On Monday, an official from the Lagos government announced plans to make changes to Oshodi Market. The general manager in charge of building regulations, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, said they will begin removing unauthorised structures from the market by July 30th. This means any shops or buildings that were added on illegally will be taken down.

He said,

“The Lagos State Building Control Agency, in conjunction with the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Council Authority, has embarked on the sensitization of property owners, residents, shop owners, and market women and men on the removal of illegal structures, extensions built on road setbacks, shops, buildings, and public school premises around the Oshodi-Isolo LCDA.”

Mr. Oki also mentioned that there is a deadline to receive compensation for any structures that will be removed. This deadline is set for July 30th.

He said,

“The expiration period that we are looking at is July 30, and the action we are taking is to remove all the attachments. As you can see, some buildings are right on the road, and it is because of these attachments. Some believe that the attachment is part of the building.”

He added that even though making changes might seem easy to imagine, it can actually be very hard to do in real life.

“If we want change, it is going to affect us, and we are going to have that change at all costs. All these extensions are on work, which should not be. People selling on the road is unnecessary, and that is what we are trying to put in place; it is not a tribal issue. We must all comply with the rules and regulations.”

Mr. Oki encouraged shop owners at the market to take advantage of a special 2-month period.

During this time, they can get approval for their shops from the Lagos State government. Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu set the deadline.

“The reason we are here is to enforce; the directive of the governor is very clear; there is no attachment. Nothing should disrupt the flow of movement, which is very important, and that we stand on.”

The Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Kehinde Oloyede, stated that accessibility is essential in every market.

He said,

“For market women to maximise whatever they are selling, they need access to the road. The state government believes that good access to roads would better help them in the performance of their duty, particularly agencies like the fire service.”

Oloyede explained that the local government is working together with LASBCA (Lagos State Building Control Agency). They decided to show leniency to the traders by allowing them to continue their business activities. This is until the festive period is over.

He added,

“The local government is partnering with LASBCA to the end that we have been given grace that after the festive sale ends in July, the state will intervene. However, before then, the local government would see to it that most of these extensions and attachments were removed. Those that fail to comply, then the Lagos State Government will take charge and do what they deem fit.”

Get more news updates here.

BREAKING NEWS

EFCC Detains Cubana Chief Priest Ahead Of Arraignment Today

Published

2 months ago

April 17, 2024

Reporter

Cubana Chief Priest: Arraigned Over Naira Abuse | Fab.ng

Pascal Okechukwu, also known by his alias Cubana Chief Priest, is slated to make a courtroom appearance today, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) gears up to formally charge him.

Reportedly, the EFCC has held the socialite in custody ahead of his scheduled arraignment before Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court located in Lagos.

Cubana Chief Priest is facing three charges related to the improper handling of Nigerian currency during social gatherings.

The allegations stem from an incident on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. Here, the EFCC claims Cubana Chief Priest engaged in activities that involved spraying and manipulating ₦500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This was for two hours while participating in festivities.

The EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) along with seven other legal representatives, formally complained on April 4, 2024.

The commission contends that Cubana Chief Priest’s actions violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and are subject to legal consequences.

In light of the recent conviction of Bobrisky, a prominent figure known for controversial acts, he received a six-month prison sentence for a similar offence. The EFCC released a statement indicating that several celebrities are currently under investigation for alleged misconduct involving the national currency.

In the statement, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said,

“Many of them have made useful statements to the commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.

“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”

The agency that fights corruption (the anti-graft agency) has been flooded with videos showing people mistreating the Nigerian currency (naira abuse). They made it clear that they would only be looking into and punishing new cases of this kind of behaviour.

Get more updates here.

BREAKING NEWS

Bobrisky To Spend 6 Months In Ikoyi Prison For Naira Abuse

Published

2 months ago

April 12, 2024

Reporter

Bobrisky: 6 Months In Ikoyi Prison For Naira Abuse | Fab.ng

Popular Nigerian influencer Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, was recently sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine. The judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, delivered the sentence on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Bobrisky’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week stemmed from accusations of mutilating Nigerian Naira currency.

The EFCC at the time of the arrest said they had “commenced investigation into her for allegedly spraying naira notes.”

The EFCC investigation revealed that Bobrisky allegedly defaced Nigerian currency at other events in the past. Bobrisky cooperated with the EFCC by showing up for questioning on April 4th and providing statements. The EFCC also initially accused Bobrisky of money laundering, but these charges were dismissed by the court.

Bobrisky: 6 Months In Ikoyi Prison For Naira Abuse | Fab.ng

Bobrisky’s sentence has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some believe the punishment is too severe for defacing money, which is sometimes done during celebrations in Nigeria.

“She was used as a scapegoat. Why no option of fine, please???? What point are they trying so hard to prove? I hope she learns to not always brag on social media that she is above the law when she gets out too,” someone said.

“They just used her as a scapegoat and if we’re being fair, she doesn’t deserve it. 99% percent of people at events spray money exactly the way she sprayed money in that video. This isn’t fair,” another person said.

Get more updates here.