Policy-Focused Analysis: NAFDAC’s Warning on Substandard, Unregistered Edible Oils

Policy-Focused Analysis: NAFDAC’s Warning on Substandard, Unregistered Edible Oils

The recent alert by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding the circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils in Nigeria is more than a consumer safety issue, it is a matter with deep economic and regulatory implications.

Economic Implications

The influx of adulterated oils undermines legitimate businesses that comply with regulatory standards. Companies such as Lebruni Agro Limited, which invest in hygienic processing and proper registration, face unfair competition from smugglers who bypass quality assurance and taxation. This distorts market dynamics, discourages investment in local agro-processing, and erodes consumer trust in Nigerian-made products.

NAFDAC Warns Against Circulation of Substandard, Unregistered Edible Oils

NAFDAC Warns Against Circulation of Substandard, Unregistered Edible Oils

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong public alert regarding the growing circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils across Nigeria.

In a statement released on December 9, 2025, the agency identified several brands, FINO, PUR, OKI, SUPER DELICIEX, and LA JONIC, as products whose sources, production processes, and safety standards remain unknown. These oils are being smuggled into the country and sold under multiple brand names in major markets nationwide, including Onitsha, Aba, Owerri, Warri, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Maiduguri, and several other cities.

Policy and Public Opinion Implications of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s “Lesser Evil” Statement

Policy and Public Opinion Implications of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s “Lesser Evil” Statement

Executive summary

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s assertion that kidnapping schoolchildren is a “lesser evil” than killing soldiers is not just morally incendiary; it is strategically consequential. The statement reframes the hierarchy of harm within Nigeria’s insecurity crisis and forces a choice between punitive force and negotiated de-escalation. In practical terms, it could accelerate calls for dialogue with armed groups, widen public distrust of elite discourse on security, and complicate the legitimacy of government policy. The immediate risk is rhetorical normalization of child abduction; the potential opportunity is a renewed, structured conversation about non-military pathways to stabilize rural conflict zones. Policymakers must respond with clarity, consistent messaging, and concrete protections for children, while placing negotiations, if pursued, within a regulated, accountable framework that does not reward atrocity.

Kidnapping Schoolchildren is Lesser Evil Compared to Killing Soldiers – Sheikh Gumi

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s Controversial Statement on Kidnapping and Killing

Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has stirred nationwide debate after declaring that kidnapping schoolchildren is a “lesser evil” compared to killing soldiers.

His remarks, made during an interview with the BBC, have drawn sharp criticism and intense public scrutiny.

Timeline of Recent Coups and Attempted Coups in West Africa Leading to ECOWAS’s State of Emergency

Timeline of Recent Coups and Attempted Coups in West Africa Leading to ECOWAS’s State of Emergency

The declaration of a state of emergency by ECOWAS on December 9, 2025 was not an isolated decision. It followed a series of destabilizing coups and attempted coups across West Africa that have shaken the region’s democratic foundations.

Below is a chronological account of the most recent events that directly influenced ECOWAS’s announcement.

UPDATED: ECOWAS Announces State of Emergency in West Africa

ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally declared a state of emergency across the region, marking one of the most significant political and security announcements in recent years.

The declaration was made on December 9, 2025, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, Nigeria, by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray.

External Pressure and the Evolution of Pageantry

External Pressure and the Evolution of Pageantry

Throughout the history of beauty contests, reform has rarely come from within. Instead, external forces, sponsors, media, and audiences, have consistently driven change when scandals or tragedies threatened the credibility of pageants. 

The ordeal of Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, fits squarely into this pattern, and the way stakeholders respond will likely determine whether Miss Universe evolves or stagnates.

Power, Vulnerability, and Reform in the Care Sector

Power, Vulnerability, and Reform in the Care Sector

The case of Naijil Paul, the former care home manager jailed for raping a vulnerable colleague and sexually assaulting others, is not just a story of individual depravity, it is a stark reminder of how workplace power dynamics can enable abuse in environments meant to protect the vulnerable.

Naijil’s crimes, compounded by his flight from justice and eventual extradition, expose systemic weaknesses in the care sector that demand urgent reform.

Global Editorial Expansion: Abuse in Healthcare and International Reform

Global Editorial Expansion: Abuse in Healthcare and International Reform

Around the world, cases of healthcare workers abusing power have exposed systemic vulnerabilities, prompting reforms aimed at safeguarding both patients and staff.

The conviction of Naijil Paul in Scotland is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader pattern of exploitation and violence within healthcare environments that demand global attention.

Pageantry’s Troubled Past and the Lessons for Miss Universe

Pageantry’s Troubled Past and the Lessons for Miss Universe

The fall of Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, is not the first time a beauty pageant has been forced to confront its vulnerabilities. History is filled with controversies that reveal how fragile the balance between spectacle and safety can be, and how often organizations have failed to learn from past mistakes.

In earlier decades, pageants were criticized for their lack of inclusivity, with women of color and contestants from smaller nations often marginalized or overlooked. 

The Future of Pageantry After Miss Jamaica’s Tragedy

The Future of Pageantry After Miss Jamaica’s Tragedy

The shocking fall of Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, during the Miss Universe preliminaries has not only raised questions about safety protocols but may also mark a turning point in how international pageants are organized and perceived. 

What was once a spectacle of glamour and cultural pride has been jolted into a conversation about accountability, ethics, and the well-being of contestants.

Miss Universe releases full details of miss Jamaica’s horrific injuries after falling off stage — family set to fly her home with medical escort

Miss Universe and the Tragedy of Miss Jamaica’s Fall

The Miss Universe pageant, long celebrated as a glamorous showcase of beauty, talent, and cultural pride, has been overshadowed by a devastating incident involving Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry.

During the preliminary round in Bangkok, Henry suffered a serious fall off the stage that left her with life-threatening injuries. What was meant to be a dazzling moment of confidence on the runway turned into a harrowing ordeal, as she lost her footing and plunged to the ground before a stunned audience.

Education Minister Alausa Launches ₦50m Grant For Student Startups

A Bold Step Toward Student Innovation

The recent launch of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, marks a significant milestone in the country’s effort to empower its youth and foster innovation.

Announced in Abuja as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the initiative promises up to ₦50 million in equity-free seed funding for student-led startups. 

One Killed, Others Injured As Armed Criminals Attack Church In Anambra

Heinous Attack on Worshippers in Anambra: A Call for Justice and Security Reform

The recent assault on a church in Lili, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has once again exposed the fragility of community security and the vulnerability of innocent citizens in Nigeria.

On Sunday morning, armed criminals stormed the church premises, leaving one worshipper dead and several others seriously injured. The attackers not only inflicted human casualties but also set part of the church ablaze, destroying properties within the compound.

Adamawa Govt Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Lamurde LGA After Fresh Violence

Adamawa’s 24-Hour Curfew: A Troubled Quest for Peace in Lamurde

The Adamawa State Government’s decision to impose a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area is a stark reminder of the fragile peace in Nigeria’s northeastern region.

The curfew, announced on December 8, 2025, follows renewed violence between the Bachama and Chobo communities, reigniting tensions that have simmered for months.

The Seven-Point Action Plan of the Northern Elders

The Seven-Point Action Plan of the Northern Elders

The Northern Elders Political Development Group’s communiqué did not stop at condemning Senator Kabiru Marafa’s call for U.S. invasion; it also laid out a structured seven-point action plan aimed at tackling insecurity and strengthening unity in Nigeria.

Each point reflects a deliberate attempt to balance immediate security concerns with long-term social cohesion.

Insecurity: Northern Elders Condemn Call for U.S. Invasion, Unveil Seven-Point Action Plan

Insecurity and the Northern Elders’ Stand Against Foreign Intervention

The recent statement credited to former Senator Kabiru Marafa, urging the United States to invade Nigeria, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Northern Elders Political Development Group.

In a communiqué issued after its 10th annual meeting in Birnin Kebbi, the group described Marafa’s comments as reckless, unpatriotic, and capable of provoking national instability. They went further to suggest that such utterances warrant psychiatric evaluation and immediate investigation by the Department of State Services.

Tinubu Opens Bodo-Bonny Road, Ends Decades of Hardship for Bonny, Ogoni Communities

Tinubu Opens Bodo-Bonny Road: A New Dawn for Bonny and Ogoni

The inauguration of the Bodo-Bonny Road by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s infrastructural journey and a transformative chapter for the Bonny and Ogoni communities.

For decades, residents of these areas endured immense hardship, relying on river transport and costly helicopter services to connect with the mainland. The completion of this 37.9-kilometer road, featuring 11 bridges, now provides a direct federal link to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria LNG and other multi-billion-dollar oil and gas investments.

Full List of Licensed BDCs

Here’s the full list of the 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) recently licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). These operators were granted final approval effective November 27, 2025, under the revised 2024 Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for BDC Operations.

Full List of Licensed BDCs

The CBN has published the complete roster of approved operators. You can view the official list directly on the CBN’s website. The list includes well-known firms such as:

·       ABC Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Alhaji Musa Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Crown Bureau De Change Ltd

·       First Class Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Greenfield Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Ideal Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Mega Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Royal Bureau De Change Ltd

·       Zenith Bureau De Change Ltd

…and many others, totaling 82 operators.

CBN Approves Operation License For 82 Bureaux De Change

CBN’s Approval of 82 Bureaux De Change Licenses: A Turning Point in Nigeria’s Forex Market

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken a decisive step in reshaping the country’s foreign exchange landscape by granting final operating licenses to 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs).

This approval, effective from November 27, 2025, was issued under the authority of the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024.

Wealthy American student who stabbed his girlfriend after she wrongly believed he had given her an STI is found guilty of murder

The Tragic Case of Joshua Michals and Zhe Wang

The conviction of Joshua Michals, a wealthy American student, for the murder of his girlfriend Zhe Wang has sent shockwaves through both the academic and wider community.

The case, tried at the Old Bailey in London, is a chilling reminder of how obsession, mistrust, and rage can culminate in devastating violence.

Zhe Wang, a 31-year-old postgraduate student at Goldsmiths, University of London, was described by her tutors as a talented writer, organized, and deeply committed to her studies. She had aspirations of completing a PhD and returning to China to teach.

Depraved nurse jailed after raping vulnerable care home colleague and fleeing UK

Depraved Nurse Jailed After Raping Vulnerable Care Home Colleague and Fleeing UK

The shocking case of Naijil Paul, a former care home manager in North Lanarkshire, has sent ripples of outrage across the United Kingdom.

Paul, once entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing a care facility, abused his position of authority in the most heinous way imaginable. He was sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison after admitting to raping a vulnerable colleague and sexually assaulting two other young women while working in the care sector.

Actor Dwayne Johnson 'The Rock's' daughter goes public with lesbian partner and wrestler Tatyanna Dumas

Simone Johnson Steps Into the Spotlight: Love, Legacy, and Representation in Wrestling

The world of professional wrestling and entertainment has always thrived on larger-than-life personalities, but sometimes the most powerful stories are not told in the ring, they unfold in real life.

Recently, Simone Johnson, daughter of actor and WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, made headlines by publicly confirming her relationship with fellow wrestler Tatyanna Dumas.

The CAC’s POS Crackdown and Its Ripple Effect on Nigeria’s Grassroots Economy

The CAC’s POS Crackdown and Its Ripple Effect on Nigeria’s Grassroots Economy

The Corporate Affairs Commission’s decision to begin seizing unregistered POS terminals from January 2026 marks a turning point in Nigeria’s financial regulation.

While the move is framed as a necessary step to enforce compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act and Central Bank of Nigeria’s agent banking rules, its impact will be felt most acutely at the grassroots level, where POS operators have become the lifeline of financial inclusion.

From January unregistered POS terminals will be seized and fintechs will be on watchlist – CAC

CAC’s Crackdown on Unregistered POS Terminals and Fintech Oversight

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria has announced a sweeping enforcement campaign set to begin on January 1, 2026, targeting unregistered Point-of-Sale (POS) operators across the country.

This directive represents one of the most aggressive regulatory moves in recent years to formalize the rapidly expanding POS industry and ensure compliance with national laws.