AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care: Oncologist Dr Lateef Salako warns that cancer deaths in Nigeria are worsened by misinformation and late detection, stressing early diagnosis can improve survival chances. Road Safety: FRSC confirms 15 deaths and 25 injuries in a Niger State crash after two buses collided, with wrong overtaking and speeding blamed. Public Health & Drugs: NDLEA alerts parents after intercepting cannabis-infused cookies and gummies worth about ₦373.8m, warning of risks to children and young people. Tobacco Policy: Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring urges lawmakers to reject amendments to the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, saying “harm reduction” could weaken gains and open loopholes for nicotine products. Maternal/Child Health: Police in Ogoja rescue two teenage girls allegedly trafficked to Ivory Coast for sex work, directing medical checks as part of rehabilitation. Power & Access: Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe inaugurates REA’s governing board, pushing people-centred rural electrification to boost schools, health centres and livelihoods. Sports & Health Link: Super Falcons’ WAFCON run ends after a 1-0 loss to Cameroon, dashing direct World Cup qualification hopes.

Christian Persecution & Health Funding: Nigeria could lose access to a fresh $1.4bn US health and humanitarian package unless it takes measurable steps to curb violence against Christians, with funding tied to reforms and dedicated support for faith-based clinics. Maternal Health Clarification: COOUTH, Awka, says a pregnant woman’s death was due to nephrotic syndrome, pushing back on social media claims she died from “cold and catarrh.” Public Health & Flood Risk: Bauchi experts link flooding to blocked drainages and illegal structures, warning that schools and health facilities are among areas at risk and urging stronger preparedness. Workplace Wellness: A Lagos workplace health programme urges staff to avoid prolonged sitting and improve posture, with fitness support for employees. Health Screening in Mass Weddings: Kano’s N1.5bn mass wedding for 1,500 couples included medical screening (HIV/hepatitis and genotype checks) before marriage. Weight-loss Injection Market Warning: A report flags Nigeria’s poorly regulated weight-loss injection trade, with vendors allegedly selling GLP-1 drugs without prescriptions and downplaying side effects. Safety Policy: Lagos launches compulsory building insurance to reduce risk after recurring building collapses, using digital compliance tools.

Maternal & Child Health: World Breastfeeding Week in Ikorodu West, Lagos, urged communities to support mothers beyond delivery, stressing breastfeeding’s role in lowering long-term risks and boosting infant survival. Health Access & Cost: Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) says it now offers complete IVF for N700,000 (down from about N5m), helping fertility patients avoid expensive travel. Community Care: Tinubu Torch Bearers’ free medical outreach in Amassoma, Bayelsa, examined residents and treated issues including malaria, cough and eye-related complaints. Public Health & Safety: Abeokuta court jailed 14 residents for indiscriminate refuse dumping, warning that waste can spread diseases like cholera. Workforce Wellness: NAN and Alpha Designs held Lagos’s maiden fitness walk to promote physical and mental wellbeing for media workers. Policy & Funding Pressure: Nigeria risks losing part of a $1.4bn US health and humanitarian package tied to reforms protecting Christians from violence, with funds aimed at HIV, TB, malaria, maternal/child health and polio. Health System Capacity: NMA FCT chair George Ebong links Nigeria’s “japa” trend to doctors’ welfare, calling for better welfare and stronger partnerships with private hospitals.

Cholera Alert (Bauchi): Bauchi State declares a cholera outbreak after 398 suspected cases across 13 LGAs and 16 deaths, following a rise in acute watery diarrhoea and lab-confirmed cholera; health authorities say vaccines are available free at public facilities and urge prompt immunisation. Child Nutrition Crisis: A new report says 40% of Nigerian children under five are stunted, with wasting and underweight also high, pointing to weak nutrition governance and poor accountability as key drivers. Breastfeeding Push: World Breastfeeding Week coverage highlights that mothers don’t need breast pumps to start breastfeeding, while UNICEF and stakeholders call for six months paid maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. Health Workforce & Insurance (Lagos): Lagos says it has fewer than 8,000 health workers for about 1.5 million health insurance enrollees, urging reforms to expand coverage, digital care, and workforce development. Immunisation Access (Kano/Gombe): A report from Kano and Gombe finds vaccines are often available, but routine immunisation fails due to missed appointments and barriers like transport and illness—prompting calls for stronger community follow-up. Family Planning Supply (FG): Nigeria plans local production of family planning commodities via a partnership involving Bayer and a local manufacturer in Anambra to cut import dependence and improve access.

Rural Power Access: The Federal Government inaugurated the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) governing board, with Power Minister Joseph Tegbe saying Nigeria will now measure success by communities and people electrified—not megawatts—while highlighting off-grid projects like mini-grids and solar for markets, health centres, schools and farms. Health & Faith: CCSI and Ummulkhairi Foundation intensified child spacing and maternal health advocacy in Kaduna mosques and churches, urging couples to attend antenatal care and deliver in recognised facilities. Kidnapping Aftercare: Kwara State confirmed 46 rescued Woro kidnap victims are receiving treatment in Ilorin, with reports of fatigue and malnutrition among women and children. Health System Support for Autism: Delta Governor’s wife, Tobore Oborevwori, extended free medical outreach for autism families in Burutu, providing care, medications and assistive support to hundreds of beneficiaries. Public Health Workforce Needs: Lagos State’s health leadership renewed calls for more doctors and nurses as the state pushes to strengthen service delivery. Capital Market Investor Protection: SEC launched a probate/unclaimed monies investor clinic to help families recover inherited shares and dividends, partnering with registrars and justice institutions. Paediatric Eye Care Alarm: Jigawa stakeholders flagged shortages of paediatric eye specialists and rising treatment costs as threats to preventing childhood blindness.

Health System & Workforce: Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu says the state needs about 40,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses and at least ₦100bn extra to tackle the health worker shortage, while also noting 1.5m residents have enrolled in Ilera Eko. Medicines Safety: NAFDAC warns Nigerians about suspected counterfeit Forxiga (dapagliflozin) mimics, saying fake versions can cause treatment failure and serious patient risks. Maternal & Child Nutrition: UNICEF highlights breastfeeding as a key defence against malnutrition, as Nigeria grapples with low exclusive breastfeeding rates. Health Policy & Infrastructure: FG approves an institutional and financing framework to electrify 30% of health facilities by 2027 under the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative. Public Health & Behaviour: A study finds 4 in 10 medical and dental students gamble online, with about 1 in 10 showing signs of possible gambling disorder. Community Health Access: GoMed partners UNFPA and Lagos State to expand reproductive health services for students. Security & Health Workers: FG orders nationwide protection for health workers after incidents of harassment and assault, including an EFCC-related hospital incident. Food & Drug Regulation: NAFDAC also issues broader checks for packaged food safety as counterfeit products circulate.

Malaria Milestone: Nigeria says malaria prevalence has fallen from 42% (2010) to 15% (2025), crediting vector control, better diagnosis and treatment, surveillance, and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in the north. Mental Health Policy Gap: A psychiatrist warns the National Mental Health Act is still not implemented, citing the missing Department of Mental Health in the Federal Ministry of Health. Child Health Recovery Effort: A Nigeria programme is turning malnutrition referrals into treatment by training community health workers to screen children (including for severe acute malnutrition) and fast-track severe cases to facilities. Breastfeeding Push: UNICEF highlights Nigeria’s breastfeeding challenge, calling for family-friendly workplace policies and stronger enforcement of breast milk substitute rules. Health Workforce & Safety: FG reiterates protection for health workers nationwide after incidents of harassment/assault, while doctors’ groups push for better conditions. Drug Access & Local Production: Katsina plans its first pharmaceutical manufacturing plant to boost medicine availability, and the state also expands hospital upgrades including dialysis and ophthalmology services. Public Health Finance: Noor Takaful and Noor Health announce a major surplus distribution, with Noor Health set to become the first HMO in Nigeria to return surplus to eligible enrollees. Capital Market Support: SEC launches an investor clinic to help families recover unclaimed dividends and dormant assets through probate guidance.

Kidnap Rescue: Nigeria’s security forces freed 308 abductees in Kwara and Niger in what President Tinubu called the country’s “largest single-day rescue operation,” with victims (163 from Woro community in Kwara; 145 from Niger) rescued from Kainji Lake National Park and receiving medical attention. Health Worker Protection: The FG ordered immediate protection for health workers nationwide after an EFCC-Uyo Teaching Hospital incident, saying intimidation or harassment will be investigated and prosecuted. Malaria Milestone: Nigeria’s malaria burden reportedly fell to 15% in 2025 from 42% in 2010, driven by vector control, better diagnosis/treatment, surveillance, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, and a free malaria vaccine rollout. Healthcare Financing: FCMB pledged ₦20bn to fund private healthcare businesses, targeting hospitals, clinics, diagnostics, pharmacies and maternity homes. Regulation Debate: HACPAN rejected the NHFRA bill, warning it could add bureaucracy and raise healthcare costs. Autism & Inclusion: FG expands autism programmes to 16 universities, while UNICEF-backed efforts push community-led sanitation and hygiene in FCT. Kidney Research: A UCH lecture highlights APOL1 gene variants as a breakthrough for chronic kidney disease care in Africans.

Autism Care Upgrade: FG says autism-related training has expanded to about 16 universities from four, with plans to grow specialist manpower in audiology, speech and occupational therapy. Malaria Prevention Push: Nigeria plans to scale Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention after malaria prevalence fell from 42% (2010) to 15% (2025), targeting children under two in year-round transmission areas. Newborn Health Warning: A review flags congenital malaria in newborns as an under-recognised threat, with reported prevalence ranging from 5.1% to 96.3% across studies. Breastfeeding Advocacy: Oyo State reiterates that breastfeeding can’t be replaced, urging exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and stronger support from fathers and workplaces. Immunisation Accountability: FG tasks traditional rulers to tackle vaccine hesitancy and misinformation to help end polio and reach zero-dose children. Vital Records Digitisation: NPC begins digital birth, death and vital registration via the VitalReg platform in Delta. Solar for Health & Business: FG starts interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid projects in Yobe, adding 60.82MW to the national grid. Security & Public Health Link: Tinubu welcomes the rescue of 308 abducted citizens in Kwara and Niger, with victims receiving first aid and medical care. Customs Health Protection: Customs in Adamawa/Taraba intercepts ₦362m contraband including wildlife parts and fuel, warning smuggling undermines public health.

Almajiri Education Reform: FG approved a new National Policy for the Enhancement of Almajiri Education, banning learning centres from sending pupils to beg or do menial jobs, mandating registration and biometric capture, and introducing literacy, numeracy, digital and vocational training with sanctions for violators. Doctors’ Strike Truce: Resident doctors signalled hope of averting a nationwide strike after a meeting with the Presidency, with timelines agreed for salary arrears, promotions and allowances. Maternal & Child Health Push: The First 1,000 Days campaign was launched alongside World Breastfeeding Week efforts to counter myths and improve support for mothers, as experts warn poor early feeding practices worsen malnutrition. Health Insurance Bottlenecks: SUNU Health CEO says progress toward universal health coverage is slowed by structural bottlenecks, provider accountability issues and funding gaps. Drug Safety Alert: NAFDAC warned Nigerians against unregistered Menofix “Feel Young Again” capsules and ordered intensified surveillance and seizures. Heart Failure Study: A new Nigerian review links poor outcomes to infections, uncontrolled hypertension and pneumonia, urging better management and adherence. Vision Care for Frontliners: Nigeria Customs in Ogun ran a free eye care programme with VisionSpring, offering screening and glasses to improve workforce readiness.

Maternal & Child Nutrition: Kaduna launched a “First 1,000 Days” social and behaviour change initiative with UNICEF to boost exclusive breastfeeding and nutrition from conception to age two. Health Workforce: FG raised annual nursing school admissions from 20,000 to 50,000 to tackle shortages and improve care delivery. Immunisation Push: Katsina, with UNICEF support, intensified community engagement to resolve non-compliance and reach “zero-dose” and missed children for routine immunisation. Eye Care Access: Niger State flagged off a free eye care camp scheduling 380 cataract surgeries and treating over 2,000 patients with medicines and eyeglasses. Public Health & Environment: Lagos restated its ban on firewood and charcoal for commercial cooking, warning of sanctions as the practice harms health and worsens pollution. Health Policy & Systems: Nigeria launched an online birth and death certificate application portal to reduce queues and paperwork, with online birth registration set at ₦5,000. Workplace Welfare: NSITF issued first compensation cheques worth about ₦31.72m to five federal workers’ families under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme. Security & Health Risks: Suspected armed herders killed four and injured others in Benue, underscoring ongoing violence that disrupts access to care.

Maternal & Child Nutrition: Nigeria launched a nationwide 1,000 Days of Life campaign to boost breastfeeding and healthy feeding from conception to age two, as UNICEF warns only 3 in 10 infants get exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Workplace Breastfeeding: UNICEF urged employers to create breastfeeding-friendly policies—time, space, and support—so mothers can feed safely at work. Health System Access: Abuja’s NOHSONIC Physiotherapy Clinic was inaugurated to expand local rehabilitation care and reduce dependence on medical tourism. Public Health & Safety: A BEDC repair operation in Ekiti turned fatal when a staff member was electrocuted on a pole; he died after being taken to hospital. Insecurity & Humanitarian Care: UN OCHA reported 1,932 deaths across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe in three months, with attacks on aid workers and restrictions still blocking health response. Livestock Disease Control: Veterinarians renewed calls for a dedicated Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development to strengthen animal health and prevent outbreaks. Policy & Accountability: A lawyer urged security agencies to adopt the DSS compensation policy for wrongful arrests and injuries, citing cases with payouts and medical care.

Maternal Health: UNICEF warns only 3 in 10 Nigerian babies get exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, urging stronger support for mothers and health workers. Health Innovation: Doctors reportedly repaired a serious birth defect (complex gastroschisis) on an unborn baby through a keyhole womb procedure, opening doors for earlier treatment. Public Health & Safety: Lagos police intercepted a truckload of suspected counterfeit drugs and arrested two suspects, with investigations ongoing. Data Privacy in Health: Ondo State exposed personal data of teachers and primary healthcare workers online while seeking World Bank HOPE funding. Healthcare Workforce & Access: Nigeria’s NTAC says it has deployed 10,000+ professionals to 40 countries since 1987, including health experts. Policy & Governance: Oyo begins enforcement of mandatory waste bins for homes and businesses from Sept 1, 2026, aiming to improve sanitation. Breastfeeding Promotion: Stakeholders in Kaduna push breastfeeding awareness through faith/community outreach. Security & Health Systems: DSS compensation model is being urged for other security agencies to address wrongful arrests and harms.

Health Sovereignty & Funding Accountability: At Africa’s health summit in Accra, leaders were urged to make pledges “physical, not lyrical,” with stronger domestic financing, reliable budgets, and public accountability to stop families being ruined by hospital bills. Maternal Health Under Ebola Fear: In DR Congo, pregnant women are avoiding clinics over Ebola misconceptions, driving a sharp rise in maternal deaths and complications as the outbreak worsens. HIV Response Under Threat: Global HIV funding cuts are already disrupting prevention, testing, and community-led treatment services, risking setbacks after decades of progress. Eye Care Training Upgrade: LUTH in Lagos unveiled West Africa’s first EyeSi Surgical Simulator to improve ophthalmic surgical training and patient outcomes. Health System Capacity & Insurance: An HMO push for stronger laws to expand health insurance coverage, plus reports of more pregnant women dying in Congo as they shun hospitals. Governance for Health Delivery: Nigeria’s new treasury rule bars unfunded contract awards by MDAs without budget approval and cash backing—aimed at tightening service delivery. Local Health Access Moves: Lagos signs a blood screening deal to support safer transfusions, while federal hospitals reportedly begin paying allied health workers allowances.

Hepatitis & vaccines: A University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital professor urged the FG to boost local vaccine production and expand nationwide hepatitis screening to catch infections early and prevent liver cirrhosis and cancer. Health financing: SUNU Health Nigeria’s MD called for stronger laws to expand health insurance coverage and push Universal Health Coverage, saying HMOs must be treated as partners, not just regulators. Healthcare workforce & regulation: The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria decried delays in implementing key health-sector decisions, urging action on regulatory boards, new professional programmes, and lab services in national health interventions. Water & sanitation: Residents of Abuja’s Wuse District pleaded for urgent restoration of public water supply after nearly three weeks of dry taps, warning the shortage is now affecting hygiene and health. Electricity safety: A BEDC staff member was electrocuted while repairing a fault in Ado-Ekiti and later died in hospital. Security impacts on health: In Nasarawa, a FULAFIA student was shot dead by suspected armed robbers, while Zamfara troops said they rescued nine abducted civilians after foiling an infiltration attempt. Public health awareness: UNICEF reiterated that breastfeeding is the most effective way to build a healthy society.

Maternal & Child Health: Akwa Ibom’s First Lady office flagged off the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Project 2026 and World Breastfeeding Week activities, urging exclusive breastfeeding as the safest, most cost-effective nutrition for babies. Neonatal Survival Alarm: A global report warns newborn deaths in vulnerable communities across sub-Saharan Africa have jumped by 81% after aid cuts, with UNHCR data showing neonatal mortality rising from 3.1 to 5.6 per 1,000 live births. Health System & Access: Delta begins MRI services with Nigeria’s first helium-free scanner at Asaba Specialist Hospital, expanding diagnostic capacity. Public Health & Safety: Police say they arrested 161 suspects and rescued 95 kidnapped victims in one week, with victims receiving medical and psychological care. Child Protection Crisis: Delta’s child abduction saga highlights urgent gaps in safeguarding infants and responding to abduction cases. Clean Energy for Health: FG launches nationwide LPG rollout under the Decade of Gas initiative, targeting 5m households by 2030 to reduce smoke from firewood/charcoal and improve household health. Regulation & Medicines: Ogun State regulators shut down 383 medicine outlets/pharmacies for violations, reinforcing safer access to drugs. Inclusion: A Lagos special education professor calls for stronger family, community and government support to fully include children with disabilities, stressing empowerment over pity.