By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The federal government has been urged to urgently rescind its decision to raise excise duties, particularly under the Ad Valorem structure because this could be counter-productive.

This appeal was made by the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) during a visit to the Minister of Trade and Investment, Ms Jumoke Oduwole, at her office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The BSG is a sub-sectoral group under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco category of MAN, which is headed by Mr Carlos Coutino, who doubles as the chief executive of International Breweries Plc.

During the visit, the group said though it understands the fiscal priorities of the government, argued that such an increase places an undue burden on manufacturers, many of whom are still recovering from the macroeconomic shocks of the 2023 Naira devaluation.

While presenting a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the team informed the Minister that any additional pressure on the sector could affect the over 30,000 people employed by beer makers in the country.

It was revealed that the current tax approach could result in over N425 billion in industry losses and a significant shortfall in government revenue projections.

Furthermore, the PwC report flagged public health risks, warning that high beer prices could unintentionally push consumers toward unsafe, unregulated alternatives.

The BSG delegation appealed for a review of the current Ad Valorem model and proposed more predictable, inflation-adjusted alternatives aimed at ensuring long-term industry viability, consumer protection, and continued government revenue.

The group restated its commitment to responsible consumption, sustainability, and partnership with the government, stressing its role in job creation, agricultural development, and manufacturing, making the beer industry a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economy.

In her remarks, Ms Oduwole praised the team for its data-driven approach and its collaborative engagement style.

She acknowledged the challenges presented and assured the delegation of the Ministry’s openness to stakeholder input in shaping reforms that are equitable, forward-looking, and in the national interest.

Other members of the BSG team at the meeting were the Executive Director of BSG, Ms Abiola Laseinde; the Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director of International Breweries, Ms Temitope Oguntokun; the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Uzo Odenigbo; and the Corporate Relations Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Rotimi Odusola.

A senior correspondent with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Innocent Okoro Onoh, has shared his personal experience with SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, highlighting how the company ensured his wife’s safe delivery despite an ongoing medical sector strike.

In a powerful testimonial, he wrote, “For over a decade, I had dutifully enrolled in Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, paying my dues and contributing to a system I scarcely believed in. Like many Nigerians, I had been influenced by the negative public perception surrounding NHIA—the long queues, the alleged poor treatment of enrollees, and the bureaucracy that seemed to overshadow care delivery. Despite working as a journalist and covering health events, I avoided using the scheme for my personal or family health needs.”

That perception was forever altered on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, during what could have been one of the most traumatic nights of my life—the night my wife went into labour.

My wife had registered for antenatal care at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ikotun, Lagos. We were told that in the event of any complications, she would be referred to the General Hospital in Igando, just a stone’s throw away. Confident in the arrangement, we prepared early by purchasing delivery items worth over ₦150,000 and submitting them to the Ikotun health centre a month before her due date.

Labour began at around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29. The contractions intensified, and by 1 a.m., her water had broken. We rushed to the health centre, only to be greeted by darkness and silence. We knocked and banged the gate for over ten minutes before a security guard sluggishly emerged to let us in. Inside, we met a midwife whose hostility was immediate and shocking.

“Why did you come? Didn’t you know we joined the nationwide health workers’ strike at midnight?” she barked. The midwife, who seemed as panicked as we were, reluctantly led my wife inside with the help of a cleaner who had been mopping the floors. Her instructions were clear: “Pray she delivers before 6 a.m., because we won’t keep you here past 7 a.m.”

We were in disbelief. Two women in labour—including my wife—were left in God’s hands. No medication. No professional support. Only a clock ticking toward an ultimatum. Around 6 a.m., with no progress, both women were discharged—sent off to “find any available private hospital.”

I was frantic. My wife’s water had broken hours ago, and I feared for the life of our unborn child. It was then that I remembered my NHIA hospital, and I decided—perhaps in desperation—to give it a try. I reached out to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd, the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) managing my NHIA account. He had always come across as professional and kind, often reaching out during media events. Still, I hadn’t once considered using SUNU’s services until that morning.

What followed next was nothing short of exemplary.

The PRO, upon hearing my situation, sprang into action. He immediately sent a WhatsApp message:

“Kindly take your spouse to Navy Hospital. On arrival, present yourself at the NHIA department for a mail to be sent to your HMO for approval code.”

Although I was unfamiliar with the NHIA protocol, I followed his instructions. When we arrived at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, we were shocked by the swift and warm reception. My wife’s name had already been entered in their system. The staff at the NHIA desk were courteous and efficient, welcoming us like long-expected guests.

In contrast to the unwelcoming experience at Ikotun PHC, my wife was treated like royalty. The labor room team was highly professional, and when they saw the mountain of supplies, we brought, they joked: “Are you coming to pay bride price?” They barely needed any of the items; their facility was well-equipped and properly staffed.

It was a difficult labour. My wife had to deliver a 4.1kg baby naturally. Yet, through expert care and seasoned professionalism, she delivered successfully—without a single tear.

At the NHIA desk, I was given a clearance form to fill. Again, unfamiliar with the system, I turned to the SUNU Health PRO, who immediately retrieved my NHIA registration number using a few basic details. He even connected me with other SUNU personnel, all of whom were impressively responsive and helpful. Every step of the process—from admission to discharge—was seamless, paperless, and stress-free.

On Saturday, we were discharged. We paid nothing. Not a single naira.

In over 20 years of experiencing Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, this stands out as my best encounter. Not because it was perfect, but because it restored something I had lost—faith in the system.

If every Nigerian on the NHIA scheme experienced what I did through SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd, then the national health insurance programme is indeed working. SUNU Health demonstrated that with professionalism, empathy, and commitment to quality care, NHIA can live up to its vision of universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

To the entire management and staff of SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd, I say thank you. You didn’t just deliver a baby—you rebuilt trust in a national institution. You reminded me that behind every health scheme are people who care, and professionals who are ready to serve.

I hope more enrollees will begin to use their NHIA services, and that other HMOs emulate the high standards SUNU Health has set.

The future of health insurance in Nigeria is bright—if SUNU is anything to go by.”

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The board of Fidson Healthcare Plc has been given the authority to raise up to N30 billion through equity by way of a rights issue and/or other equity raise methods.

The approval was given by shareholders of the organisation at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last Thursday.

Funds from the equity plan would be used to increase the capacity of the company as well as deepen its market share in the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria.

Explaining more on this new capital raise, the Director of Finance for Fidson, Mr Imokha Ayabae, said proceeds from the rights issue would also be used to produce innovative products consumers need.

“This N30 billion mandate is pivotal for our future. It provides us with the financial agility to pursue strategic initiatives, including capacity expansion, product innovation and market penetration that will solidify our leadership position in the healthcare sector,” he explained.

“We are poised to leverage these funds to enhance our operational efficiency and broaden our impact across Nigeria and other African countries,” Mr Ayabae added.

Also at the AGM, shareholders approved the payment of dividend of N1.00 per share, amounting to N2.295 billion, in line with the company’s policy of giving returns to investors.

The dividend was paid out of a total earnings per share of N2.52 in line with Fidson’s cash reward policy out of the profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was laid before the shareholders.