Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded yet another significant breakthrough in its sustained fight against transnational organized crime, illicit trade, threats to national security and public health.

According to a press release issued by Isah Sulaiman, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on June 16, 2026, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command recorded major enforcement successes with the interception of 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Canadian Loud, and the seizure of two containers laden with expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦12.78 billion.

The statement noted that the intelligence driven operations were carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, protect public health, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy and national security.

Acting on credible, actionable intelligence and utilizing advanced risk assessment tools, officers of the Command in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, 15th June 2026 at about 1200hrs successfully intercepted 1 x 40FT container with number CAAU7569127 conveying a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as “Canadian Loud.” The operation led to the recovery of 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, with each sachet weighing 500 grams. This brings the total weight to approximately 1,819 kilograms (1.81 tonnes). Preliminary field tests conducted on the substance returned positive results for Cannabis Sativa.

The drugs were cleverly concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, along with several bags and drums loaded inside the container.This intelligence-driven interception highlights the Command’s enhanced capacity to detect and dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s maritime entry points.

The examination was carried out in collaboration with key security and regulatory agencies.

In a related development, the Command intercepted 2 x 40FT containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products illegally imported into the country. Physical examination revealed that the pharmaceutical products have varied expiry date of 2021, 2022 and 2023 which the importers planned to relabel and reintroduce into the Nigerian market, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

The 1 x 40FT with number PCIU8771576 contained expired pharmaceuticals including Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection and Becoline B-Complex Injection. While, 1 x 40FT container with number MRKU4961275 contained various expired medical products such as Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.

The seized items have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Twelve Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Four Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-One Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo (₦12,784,479,341.72k) only. This substantial seizure highlights the scale of the attempted economic sabotage and underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protecting national security, public health and the Nigerian economy through intelligence-driven enforcement operations.

These interceptions prevented potentially harmful and ineffective medications from entering hospitals, pharmacies and homes across Nigeria.

These successes demonstrate that the Apapa Area Command’s enforcement strategy is anchored on intelligence gathering, strategic profiling, data analysis and strong stakeholder collaboration. The Command continues to deploy modern techniques to target high-risk consignments while facilitating legitimate trade in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.

Commenting on the seizures, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba warned that “unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress. We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should immediately desist, because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising. Apapa Port will not be used as a conduit for economic sabotage and public health endangerment.”

Comptroller Oshoba further warns that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas remain under constant surveillance. The entire Officers of the Command remain resolute in protecting the Nigerian economy, safeguarding public health and preventing criminal exploitation of the nation’s borders.

The CAC reassures all Nigerians of the Command’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations to protect lives, secure legitimate trade and uphold national security.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged participants in the ongoing 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WOs/SNCOs) Combat Proficiency Competition 2026 to uphold discipline, professionalism and excellence throughout the exercise.

According to the official statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, the military remains committed to sustaining ongoing security operations across its area of responsibility. The GOC gave the charge during the opening ceremony of the competition held on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the 192 Battalion Parade Ground, Owode-Yewa, Ogun State.

Represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General HM Bello, the GOC described the competition as a vital platform for assessing professional competence, reinforcing military standards and enhancing operational effectiveness across the Division.

Major General Babalola emphasized that WOs and SNCOs remain the bedrock of discipline and operational efficiency in the military, serving as custodians of standards and a critical link between officers and soldiers. He noted that the competition would test participants’ leadership qualities, military knowledge, physical fitness and ability to perform under pressure while promoting professional camaraderie and the exchange of best practices among formations.

He urged participants to conduct themselves with integrity, sportsmanship and strict adherence to laid-down procedures, stressing that standards would not be compromised.

Earlier, the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General AI Getso, represented by the Acting Commanding Officer Admin Battalion, Major SS Maikasuwa, stated that the competition was designed to enhance leadership skills, professional competence, esprit de corps and combat readiness among WOs and SNCOs in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.

He thanked the GOC for his continued support and for entrusting the Garrison with hosting the competition.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers. Highlights included the inspection of contingents and the administration of the oath of impartiality by the Chief Umpire.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has recorded a major anti-smuggling breakthrough with the seizure of a large consignment of foreign vegetable oil valued at N403.49 million. The operation underscores the Service’s intensified efforts to combat economic sabotage and protect local industries.

Comptroller Bishir Balogun, who disclosed the development in a statement, said the seizure was achieved through intelligence-driven operations and strategic coordination by officers of the Unit across key transit corridors in the South East.

According to him, operatives intercepted two trucks conveying the contraband goods at different locations following credible intelligence. One of the trucks was intercepted around 10 p.m. on May 9, 2026, along the Ninth Mile axis in Enugu State, while the second was intercepted on June 7, 2026, along the Onitsha-Agbor highway.

Items seized include 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil.

The Customs Area Controller stated that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized products stands at N403,491,000, describing the interception as one of the Unit’s significant enforcement successes in recent times.

Balogun noted that the illegal importation of vegetable oil poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy by undermining local manufacturing, discouraging investment, limiting technology transfer opportunities, and affecting job creation across the agricultural and industrial value chains.

He further stressed that smuggling activities erode government revenue and place undue pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, thereby weakening ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic production and economic sustainability.

The Comptroller reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2022 and existing Federal Government policies that prohibit the importation of foreign vegetable oil into the country.

He warned individuals and criminal networks involved in smuggling to desist from such activities, emphasizing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-led enforcement strategies to safeguard national security, public health, and economic interests.

Balogun added that the seized products remain under Customs custody while investigations continue. He assured that all necessary legal procedures would be pursued to ensure that those connected to the illicit importation face the full weight of the law.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Lagos in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat Wildlife crime and protect endangered species with the interception of 22pcs of Elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, 4 male suspects and a vehicle.

The information was contained in a press release signed by Hussaini Abdullahi, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, where the Command reaffirmed its resolve to intensify anti-smuggling operations, safeguard the nation’s economy, and ensure strict adherence to customs laws and regulations.

The arrest was made possible through a well coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigation into an organized Wildlife trafficking syndicate operating within and beyond our borders led by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A and the SIS A team of our Customs Intelligence Unit, with the support of the aforementioned strategic partners.

The seizure was effected at about 1630hrs on 13th June 2026 at Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State and other targets arrested within Lagos, simultaneously.

The seized Elephant tusks in Asia, has black market value equivalent to One Hundred and Twenty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-One, Four Hundred and Forty Naira (N126, 390,440.00) only.

Both the recovered specimen and the suspects are in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

The comptroller Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Gambo Aliyu described the seizure as a clear demonstration of the unit’ commitment to enforcing national and international Wildlife protection laws as contained in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which Nigeria is a signatory. Section 55 (1) para 1 (i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 prohibit the illegal trade in endangered species.

This seizure also underscores ongoing enforcement efforts to stop illegal wildlife trade and protect biodiversity.

The comptroller appreciates all the relevant stakeholders, especially NESREA & WJC for their invaluable contribution, without which this would have been a nullity. He urged them to sustain the tempo so as to nip the activities of criminal elements who exploit Nigeria as a transit route for their nefarious activities. He appeal to the public to assist the Nigeria Customs Service by reporting suspicious shipments, activities, or anyone with information relating to Wildlife trafficking syndicates to come forward as Customs will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those found to be in violation of the law.

The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced his stewardship of the Command with a series of strategic engagements, inspections, and courtesy visits aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, fostering stakeholder confidence, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.

As part of his familiarisation tour, Comptroller Anani conducted an extensive inspection of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment. The inspection which signaled his first assignment was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In his maiden stakeholder engagement, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players. During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.

Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.

“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.” He said.

The Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command. He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.

He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property. The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho. During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.

Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command. He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the association over the next two years.

The newly elected officials, who emerged from the rancour-free exercise, are: Sunday Odita (President); Linus Aleke (Vice President); Musa Umar Bologi (Secretary); and Benjamin Samson (Treasurer).

Others are Kikelomo Okere (Financial Secretary); Ihotu Odoh (Welfare Officer); Agbor Jame (Provost); and Mathew Abi (Public Relations Officer, PRO).

The new executive committee pledged to prioritise the welfare of members while strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders across the defence and security sector in support of national security, peace and development.

The newly elected executives, who emerged through a successful and transparent electoral process, assured members of their commitment to building a more vibrant and united association capable of advancing professional excellence and promoting constructive engagement with institutions responsible for safeguarding the nation.

Speaking shortly after the election, the new helmsman, Mr. Odita emphasised that the welfare of members would remain at the forefront of the association’s agenda, noting that a motivated and professionally empowered membership is essential for effective defence journalism.

He further pledged that the new executive would mobilise critical stakeholders within the defence, security and intelligence community to foster stronger partnerships aimed at enhancing national security and creating a peaceful environment conducive to economic growth and infrastructural development.

Odita stressed that the media, defence institutions and other strategic actors must continue to work together in promoting accurate reporting, public trust and informed discourse on security matters.

The new DECAN leader also commended the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerian troops who continue to confront security challenges across various theatres of operation in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He paid glowing tribute to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and commanders, for their unwavering dedication, strategic leadership and operational successes in maintaining peace and stability across the country.

According to him, the collective efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies have significantly contributed to sustaining national security and creating the conditions necessary for socio-economic progress.

He reaffirmed the commitment of DECAN to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security and national development while strengthening the association’s role as a credible bridge between the military, security institutions and the Nigerian public.

The Order of Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria (KSM) has called on all eligible Knights and Ladies across the country to register to vote and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as part of their civic responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

In a Democracy Day message marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, the Supreme Knight of the Order, Sir Steve Adehi (SAN), urged members to participate in the electoral process actively, stressing that voter registration remains the most fundamental duty of citizenship in a democratic society.

“The Permanent Voter’s Card is the ordinary instrument by which the citizen translates conviction into consequence, and no Knight or Lady who is eligible should remain without one,” Adehi said.

He directed Sub-Council Grand Knights (GKs) to ensure that members within their jurisdictions are properly registered, have updated voter information, and know their polling units ahead of future elections.

According to him, civic engagement goes beyond voter registration. It should include voter education, peaceful conduct during elections, and the rejection of all inducements that could compromise the sanctity of the ballot.

The Supreme Knight described Nigeria’s attainment of 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule as a significant national achievement, noting that the country’s constitutional order had endured despite its size, diversity, and numerous challenges.

“Democracy is an imperfect instrument,” he said. “Yet among the forms of representative government known to political experience, none has been shown to protect better the dignity of the human person, the freedom of conscience, and the accountability of those who govern,” he said.

While reaffirming the Order’s non-partisan status, Adehi encouraged members who feel called to public service to seek elective office, describing public office as a legitimate avenue for Christian vocation when pursued honourably and exercised in trust for the people.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct future elections with transparency, competence, and impartiality, stressing that free, fair, and credible elections are the foundation of democratic governance.

The KSM leader further expressed concern over the increasing bitterness in Nigerian politics, calling on political actors to embrace civility, tolerance, and respect for opponents.

“It has become a troubling feature of our public life that the contest for office is increasingly conducted in the language of warfare,” he said, advocating a return to “politics without bitterness” where electoral contests are conducted vigorously but peacefully.

Adehi pledged the continued support of the Knights and Ladies of Saint Mulumba for efforts to consolidate democratic gains, promote good governance, and advance the common good. He prayed for peace, justice, and freedom in Nigeria, urging citizens to remain committed to democratic values and national development.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) joins Nigerians in commemorating June 12, a defining moment in the nation’s democratic evolution that underscores a fundamental truth: democracy was not gifted; it was won through sacrifice, courage, and the relentless struggle of patriots who confronted oppression and authoritarian rule.

June 12 remains a solemn reminder that the democratic space enjoyed today was secured at great personal cost by men and women who believed in justice, accountability, human rights, and the sovereignty of the people.

Tribute to Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and Heroines
CISLAC pays profound tribute to the following heroes and heroines whose sacrifices, voices, and struggles shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey and continue to inspire the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and accountable governance:

Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Prof. Eskor Toyo, Prof Festus Iyayi, Comrade Chima Ubani, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Comrade Emma Ezeazu, Dr Yima Sen, Mallam Abubakar Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Momoh, Dr Bala Jibrin, Joseph Mamman, Anslem Akele, Abdulrahman Black, Oby Nwankwo, Comrade Hassana Garba, Comrade Abiodun Aremu, Mr Alao Aka-Bashorun, Innocent Chukwuma, Bagauda Kalthoum, Dr Bala Yusuf Usman, Dr Segun Osoba, Barrister Chris Abashi, Nelson Ananze, Joseph Mamman, Bar. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, Comrade Christy Adambara, Farida Mustapha, Alhaja Raliat Daniju, Douglas Oronto, Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, Dr Ola Oni, Mrs Kehinde Ola Oni, Cosmos Attayi-Elaigu, Bene Madunagu, Dr Tajudeen Abdulraheem, Comrade Ali Ciroma, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, Comrade Abiodun Ogunade (Revo), Comrade Basil Chianson, and Bello Aidoloje.

CISLAC also honours the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference, alongside countless other known and unknown patriots whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

Their legacy remains a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility, and the continuous demand for good governance.
DEMOCRACY DAY: CISLAC RAISES CONCERNS OVER INSECURITY, POVERTY, CORRUPTION, AND GOVERNANCE DEFICITS

Nigeria at 26 Years of Democratic Rule: Progress and Persistent Challenges
As Nigeria marks over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance, CISLAC acknowledges the significance of sustaining civilian rule and peaceful political transitions.

However, it stresses that democracy must be judged not only by elections, but by its ability to deliver security, welfare, justice, and inclusive development.

Deepening Insecurity and Threats to National Stability
CISLAC expresses grave concern over the worsening security situation across the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and farmer-herder conflicts that continue to claim lives and displace communities.

The organisation warns that no democracy can thrive where citizens live in constant fear and calls for urgent, coordinated, and effective national security reforms anchored on intelligence, accountability, and prevention.

Economic Hardship, Poverty, and Social Inequality
CISLAC notes with concern the worsening economic conditions, rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living exacerbated by policy reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.

While acknowledging the intent of these reforms, CISLAC stresses the urgent need for inclusive and people-centred policies that reduce inequality and provide social protection for vulnerable populations.

Youth Unemployment and the Future of National Stability
The organisation warns that persistent youth unemployment and underemployment pose a serious threat to national stability, contributing to irregular migration, social frustration, and insecurity.

It calls for strategic investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial growth to harness Nigeria’s youthful population for national development.

Corruption and Weak Institutional Accountability
CISLAC identifies corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental progress, undermining public trust and diverting resources from critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.

It calls for stronger institutions, protection for whistleblowers, transparent procurement systems, and decisive political will to ensure accountability without bias or selective enforcement.

Electoral Integrity and Internal Party Democracy
While acknowledging improvements in electoral processes, CISLAC expresses concern over persistent challenges such as vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and the growing influence of money politics.

It also highlights the weakness of internal party democracy, including candidate imposition and manipulated primaries, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen political parties as institutions of democratic representation.

Education and Healthcare as Pillars of Development
CISLAC raises concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating education and healthcare systems, marked by out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, and rising costs of services.

It stresses that sustainable democracy cannot exist without strong investment in human capital development, calling for increased funding and equitable access to quality education and healthcare.

Civic Space, Institutions, and Rule of Law
The organisation expresses concern over shrinking civic space, declining public trust in institutions, and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice.

It calls for stronger, independent institutions capable of functioning without political interference and committed to upholding the rule of law.

CONCLUSION: DEEPENING DEMOCRACY BEYOND SURVIVAL
CISLAC reaffirms that while Nigeria has sustained democracy for 26 years, endurance alone is not sufficient. Democracy must translate into improved livelihoods, stronger institutions, enhanced security, justice, and inclusive governance.

The organisation calls on government, political actors, civil society, the media, and citizens to recommit to transparency, accountability, participation, and respect for democratic principles.

Nigeria’s democratic future, CISLAC stresses, will be judged not by the survival of elections alone, but by the dignity, safety, and prosperity of its people.

The Vickyheldan Empowerment Foundation has announced plans for the 2026 edition of its flagship Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa, a dynamic annual gathering dedicated to advancing women’s health and leadership across the African continent.

The conference is scheduled to hold on August 21, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Nigeria, and will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, advocates, community leaders, students, activists, and women from diverse backgrounds to explore the critical role of women’s wellbeing in driving sustainable development across Africa.

With the theme, “Leading With Wellness for a Sustainable Africa,” the conference seeks to provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform for addressing some of the most pressing issues affecting women’s health.

It will also serve as a timely opportunity to bridge knowledge gaps, tackle emerging challenges, and identify evidence-based solutions as women’s health continues to receive increasing attention within global health agendas.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Founder and Convener of the conference, Dr. Victory I. Njoku, emphasized that the theme reflects the indispensable role of women in Africa’s sustainable development.

According to her, “Africa’s journey towards sustainable social, economic and institutional development must be led by healthy women. The continent’s sustainability depends largely on the health and wellbeing of its women, yet significant gaps still exist in access, prioritization, financing and policy implementation.”

She explained that the vision of the conference is to build a future where every African woman enjoys equitable access to quality healthcare, informed health choices, and systems that safeguard her dignity, wellbeing and productivity.

Dr. Njoku outlined the major objectives of the conference, which include amplifying women’s voices in conversations around health equity and access, advancing knowledge on critical health issues affecting women and girls, inspiring action through stories of resilience and innovation, mobilizing resources and partnerships for sustainable impact, and breaking the stigma surrounding sensitive health issues while advocating for women’s rights and dignity within healthcare systems.

Participants at the conference are expected to engage in policy-driven conversations on women’s health and wellness, build strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaborations, contribute to sustainable solutions aligned with global development goals, and become part of a continental movement promoting improved healthcare outcomes for women.

Highlighting the focus areas for this year’s edition, Dr. Njoku said the conference will prioritize maternal and reproductive health, mental health and emotional wellbeing, preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles, expanding access to healthcare for women in rural and underserved communities through community outreach programmes across Africa, strengthening women’s leadership and economic participation, and fostering partnerships capable of delivering lasting social impact.

Activities lined up for the conference include high-level keynote sessions, policy dialogues, panel discussions, advocacy workshops, networking and collaboration sessions, as well as wellness and empowerment experiences, particularly targeted at women in underserved communities.

Among the distinguished keynote speakers expected at the conference are Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, and Her Excellency Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, alongside renowned health experts from Africa, Europe and the United States.

Notable healthcare practitioners and partners present at the press conference included Princess Akauor D., Founder, Chuks Anyaduba, President of HASDG Africa, and Pharmacist Piwa Peka.

The conference is expected to further strengthen advocacy efforts and partnerships aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for women and accelerating sustainable development across Africa.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International in Nigeria, has expressed grave concern over disturbing financial intelligence findings indicating possible large-scale diversion, misappropriation, and abuse of public funds linked to the management of security-related accounts in Kogi State.

The latest revelations emerge against the backdrop of CISLAC/TI Nigeria’s sustained advocacy and monitoring of the use of security votes and security intervention funds across Nigeria. For over a decade, CISLAC/TI has tracked the administration of security votes at federal and state levels and consistently raised concerns over the absence of transparency, accountability, and oversight mechanisms governing these expenditures. Our findings over the years have revealed systemic vulnerabilities that have enabled the diversion and misappropriation of public resources under the guise of security spending.

Information available to CISLAC/TI Nigeria reveals that an account identified as the Kogi State Security Operation Account reportedly received over ₦36.9 billion within a nine-month period from Kogi State Government SRA. Preliminary findings further indicate that approximately ₦23.7 billion was transferred to a finance company known as Real Striker Finance Limited owned by Mr Ameh Joseph Erico, while additional billions of naira were reportedly disbursed to various individuals and corporate entities without clear public justification.

The beneficiaries identified in the financial records include individuals and companies such as Abdullahi Ayisat Omonale, Peter Enehezeyi Ozavize, Dange Security Patrol, G and T Motors Nigeria Limited, among others. Available records suggest that transfers to individuals and private entities exceeded ₦12.53 billion during the period under review.

Of particular concern are reports that Real Striker Finance Limited was established shortly after the election of the current administration and is allegedly linked to politically exposed persons, including a former Security Adviser to former Governor Yahaya Bello. The company reportedly received substantial transfers from the state security account and subsequently disbursed significant sums through cash withdrawals and transfers to several companies and individuals.

Further findings indicate that some of the entities that received funds may have connections to politically exposed persons and individuals linked to previous administrations. While investigations remain ongoing, these transactions raise serious concerns regarding the management and accountability of public funds earmarked for security purposes.

These allegations, if established through an independent investigation, point to a disturbing pattern of possible misuse of public resources intended for critical security interventions at a time when citizens continue to face severe security challenges.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of security-related expenditures, CISLAC/TI Nigeria will continue to monitor and investigate allegations of abuse, diversion, and misappropriation of security funds across states of the federation and expose practices that undermine public trust and good governance.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria notes that security votes and security intervention funds are public resources that must be managed transparently, responsibly, and in strict compliance with existing financial regulations. The diversion of such funds undermines public trust, weakens the fight against insecurity, and deprives citizens of essential protection and public services.

Consequently, CISLAC/TI Nigeria calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into all transactions associated with the Kogi State Security Operation Account and all related beneficiary accounts.

Specifically, CISLAC/TI Nigeria demands:

1. An immediate forensic investigation into the inflows and outflows of the Kogi State Security Operation Account.
2. Investigation of Real Striker Finance Limited, its ownership structure, operations, and all transactions linked to the company.
3. Identification and public disclosure of all ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.
4. Recovery of any public funds found to have been diverted, misappropriated, or unlawfully obtained.
5. Prosecution of all individuals and entities found culpable, regardless of political status or affiliation.
6. Strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms governing security-related expenditures across all states of the federation.

Beyond the Kogi case, CISLAC/TI Nigeria reiterates its longstanding position that the current security vote system remains one of the weakest links in Nigeria’s public finance management architecture. Despite the enormous resources allocated annually under security votes, the absence of legal frameworks, public reporting requirements, and independent oversight has created opportunities for abuse and diversion.

CISLAC notes that in its report titled, “Camouflaged Cash: How Security Votes Fuel Corruption in Nigeria,” the organisation recommended comprehensive reforms, including:

• The abolition or fundamental restructuring of the security vote system through legislation that establishes clear budgeting procedures, expenditure criteria, transparency standards, and accountability mechanisms for all security-related spending.

• The establishment of independent oversight structures for confidential security expenditures, including legislative and audit review mechanisms that balance national security concerns with public accountability.

• Increased public awareness and engagement on the risks associated with opaque security spending and the need for reforms that prioritise transparency and effectiveness.

• Support for credible and transparent Security Trust Funds as transitional mechanisms to replace discretionary security votes, with clear governance structures, independent audits, and public reporting obligations.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria further calls on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and all relevant officials of the Kogi State Government to fully cooperate with investigators and provide complete transparency regarding the management of public funds under their administration.

This further exposes the incapacitation of the State Assembly to conduct effective oversight on public spending, especially as it relates to the security challenges that have become worrisome in Kogi State, characterized by almost daily kidnappings, killings, and perpetual unrest.

The fight against corruption must remain non-partisan and consistent. No public official, past or present, should be shielded from scrutiny where credible evidence of financial misconduct exists. Nigerians deserve accountability, particularly where resources earmarked for security and public welfare are concerned.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and advocate for full accountability, transparency, and justice in the management of public resources. The Kogi allegations underscore the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s security funding architecture and ensure that public resources serve the public interest rather than private enrichment.