General
Peter Obi Not Fit to Advise FG on Vaccine Procurement—Group
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A few days ago, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, while speaking with Arise Television, said the federal government does not need N400 billion to procure COVID-19 vaccines.
The vice-presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections had said he would help the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led national government to negotiate the purchase of the jabs for not more than N150 billion.
But a group known as the APC Mandate Defenders has lambasted the politician for his comments, describing him as ignorant.
The group, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its national publicity secretary, Mr Ifeanyi Emeka, claimed Mr Obi has formed the habit of making himself a cheap hero through peddling of falsehoods, outright misinformation and blame game even when he is alleged to have some skeletons in his cupboards.
According to APC Mandate Defenders, the former Governor “is not the right person to advise the federal government over what to do concerning vaccine procurements and distribution because as Governor for eight years, he contributed to the sorrowful state of the primary healthcare centres in Anambra State as a result of his unconstitutional refusal to conduct local government elections throughout his tenure.”
The organisation said “if Mr Obi had conducted local government elections and allowed elected council chairmen to use their federal allocations for developments, all the primary healthcare centres in the 21 local government areas of his state which are in the ‘residual list’ of the Constitution and whose workers have the immediate responsibility of distributing vaccines to the people at the grassroots level; the cost of vaccine procurements and distribution would have been reduced to the barest minimum.”
“But because Mr Obi and others in his category failed to do the needful, the task of vaccine procurement, distribution and development of critical infrastructures at the local government levels now fall on the neck of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency which is under the control of the federal government,” it added.
The statement the federal government is not only fighting to procure vaccines and inoculate the population, but it is also fighting to procure cold chains, train personnel and other things that fall under the purview of states and local governments in the country.
”Besides, vaccine procurement is not really the issue, but distribution and storage, as well as building capacity, are the things that matter.
“For Instance, apart from Pfizer vaccines which require ultra-modern cold chains of minus 70-80 degree Celsius which is even colder than the winter, the federal government will still use some part of the estimated N400 billion for the procurement and deployment of cold chains to about 8,812 wards in the 774 local government areas across the country where the vaccines would be stored before distribution.
“This is because only a few of the over 10,000 Primary Health Care Centres in the country have functional cold chains and other facilities.
“So, next time, before Mr Obi goes to any national television to advertise his ignorance on any government plan in his characteristic way of playing to the gallery and seeking cheap popularity among unsuspecting members of the public, he should endeavour to consider many factors which his inability to correct some of them when he was in office contributed to the sorrowful state of the primary healthcare centres across the country,” the group said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A strategic joint venture agreement has been signed between the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and CEVA Logistics. The deal will advance integrated logistics solutions in Nigeria and West Africa.
Under the agreement, a warehouse will be put in place within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port. This facility positions importers to seamlessly access West African markets, particularly multinational manufacturers serving the region.
Importers leveraging the free zone warehouse facilities at Lekki Port will benefit from duty-free exports to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) markets, creating a streamlined and cost-effective logistics solution.
Because the logistics journey to this region requires a deep understanding of trade lanes, local port operations, and customs procedures, CEVA Logistics stands the chance to use its experience to deliver quality service to customers.
The JV will enable businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring a seamless journey for goods from global origins to West African destinations.
According to the Vice President of Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, the partnership will mark a new phase of enhanced logistics solutions, leading to a seamless journey for global trade in West Africa, a region with its dynamic and youthful population that represents a key growth market for global manufacturers, especially in the FMCG sector.
“Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS.
“This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa,” Rambaud stated.
Also commenting, the chief executive of LFZ, Ms Adesuwa Ladoja, said, “By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”
It was learned that the JV has been approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria, with CEVA Logistics to hold a majority stake in the newly established entity.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.
In a judgment delivered on Monday by Justice James Omotosho, he dismissed the suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.
Justice Omotosho affirmed the organisation’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.
Welcoming the decision, the chief executive of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the judgment provided useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.
He noted that the matter arose from complaints relating to unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.
Mr Bello reiterated that consumers, who pay for services, were entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He further described investigation as an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted. It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.
According to him, the commission is committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.
He encouraged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to maintain effective complaint resolution systems that address consumer issues promptly and fairly.
The FCCPC will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is Nigeria’s primary competition and consumer protection authority established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja, against alleged plotters of a coup against President Bola Tinubu.
Among the suspects are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others.
Recall that in January, the Nigerian armed forces confirmed that some of its personnel actually attempted to overthrow the government of President Tinubu in October 2025.
This followed speculations that the October 1 parade last year was abruptly cancelled due to an alleged attempt to remove Mr Tinubu from office by some members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), with 16 persons arrested over the issue.
At the time, the Defence Headquarters said investigations had “identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government” and would be “formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial.”
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement read in parts.
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