Nigeria News (Standard)
Ruth Kadiri Laments Soaring Food Prices in Lagos, Questions Impact on Ordinary Nigerians
Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026
Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026
Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has raised alarm over the rising cost of food in Lagos, saying on Monday that if someone like her is feeling the pinch, she fears for the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Kadiri made the remarks in a video posted online, highlighting that basic ingredients such as pepper and tomatoes now cost up to ₦5,000 per purchase.
Kadiri said she was troubled by how quickly prices have escalated and expressed concern about families struggling to cope. ‘Cost of tomatoes is so high. Somebody will use ₦5,000 to buy pepper and tomatoes. ₦5,000, while somebody else out there is probably earning ₦25,000, ₦40,000, ₦50,000,’ she stated. Her comments resonated widely among Nigerians online, with many saying she spoke for millions facing similar hardship.
Her public outcry comes amid new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose from 15.69% to 16.06% in April 2026—the highest since November 2025. The spike has been driven mainly by surging food costs, with key staples such as pepper, beef, yam flour and garri recording significant increases. The NBS Cost of Healthy Diet indicator now puts daily nutrition needs at a minimum of ₦1,513 per adult—a jump of 12.4% compared to last year.
Kadiri also spoke on the psychological toll of prolonged hardship. ‘Poverty—what poverty does to people’s minds is like cancer; it eats away,’ she said in her video message. She warned that frustration over living costs could spill over into family tensions and general anger in society.
The United Nations has projected that up to 35 million Nigerians risk facing severe food insecurity during the peak lean season in 2026. In some states such as Ekiti and Abia, households reportedly spend more than 87% of the minimum wage on food alone. Labour leaders have warned that rising prices are eroding workers’ purchasing power nationwide.
Kadiri concluded: ‘If somebody like me can start to feel the brunt of the heaviness of being a human being, I wonder what other people are going through.’ With inflation still climbing and no immediate relief in sight, stakeholders say urgent policy action will be needed to address worsening food affordability across Nigeria.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ruth-kadiri-rising-food-prices-nigeria-2026061111100952325
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Analyst Warns Unregulated Security Outfits May Undermine National Stability
Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns
Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns
A political analyst and former lecturer, Angel Folorunso, has cautioned that the unchecked spread of unregulated private security outfits in Nigeria could pose new security risks and threaten national stability. Folorunso made this warning on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, through a statement addressing recent calls for alternative security arrangements amid rising insecurity.
The analyst specifically referenced the proposed Iru Ekun security network championed by Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), stressing that any group operating outside established legal frameworks might inadvertently create parallel security structures. According to Folorunso, although the worsening state of insecurity across the country has led to increased public demand for community-based or private security solutions, such initiatives must strictly adhere to existing legislation.
Folorunso explained that Nigeria’s private security industry is mainly regulated by the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986. This law stipulates that all private security firms must be licensed, wholly Nigerian-owned, and supervised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He noted that any deviation from these provisions could worsen the current situation by creating confusion about legitimate authority and accountability.
He further advised stakeholders considering new security organisations to consult relevant laws before launching operations. “We cannot afford a proliferation of groups acting without oversight. It will only add to our existing challenges,” he said in his statement. Folorunso emphasised that government agencies like NSCDC have both supervisory and enforcement roles under the law.
As debates continue over how best to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, analysts like Folorunso maintain that strict regulation and adherence to legal guidelines remain crucial. There was no immediate response from proponents of the Iru Ekun network at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kano State Implements 90% of Health Blueprint in Three Years, Says Commissioner
Health ministry reports major progress on blueprint targets; stakeholders urge full implementation for improved healthcare delivery
Health ministry reports major progress on blueprint targets; stakeholders urge full implementation for improved healthcare delivery
Kano State government has achieved 90 percent implementation of its health sector blueprint within three years, according to the Commissioner for Health. The announcement was made in Kano on Thursday, highlighting significant progress in ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services across the North-West state.
According to the commissioner, the state government rolled out the health blueprint as a strategic plan to improve access and quality of healthcare for Kano residents. Over the past three years, targeted interventions have been executed under the plan, including rehabilitation of primary health centres, recruitment of additional personnel, and procurement of essential medical equipment.
The health sector blueprint was introduced to address longstanding challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and human resources in public hospitals. With Kano being one of Nigeria’s most populous states, officials say improved implementation is vital to reducing disease burden and achieving better health outcomes for millions of residents.
The commissioner stated that most objectives set out in the document have now been met or are near completion. “As at today, we can confidently say that about 90 percent of what we mapped out under this blueprint has been achieved,” he said. He noted that the remaining targets will be prioritised before the end of the current administration’s tenure. Stakeholders in Kano’s health sector commended government’s commitment but urged sustained investment to consolidate recent gains.
With these achievements, Kano State hopes to further enhance access to quality healthcare services and serve as a model for other states seeking effective health system reforms. The commissioner assured residents that efforts will continue until full implementation is realised.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Launches New HIV Strategy, Moves to Cut Donor Dependence
Health ministry unveils plan in Abuja, targets increased domestic funding as international support for HIV response declines
Health ministry unveils plan in Abuja, targets increased domestic funding as international support for HIV response declines
The federal government on Thursday unveiled a new national HIV response plan in Abuja, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on international donors and prioritise increased domestic financing for HIV prevention and treatment programmes. The announcement comes as major external partners gradually scale back funding commitments amid shifting global health priorities.
At the formal launch event, health officials highlighted the urgent need for more sustainable local investment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The new strategy seeks to mobilise funds from federal and state governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, to address gaps left by declining donor support. According to the health ministry, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, making continued investment critical for public health.
Officials explained that over the past two decades, Nigeria’s HIV response has depended heavily on international donors such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. However, with foreign assistance now on a downward trend, there is growing concern about the long-term sustainability of treatment and prevention services for millions of Nigerians living with or at risk of HIV.
Speaking at the event, senior health ministry representatives said government is determined to bridge funding gaps by increasing budgetary allocations and encouraging partnerships with private organisations. They emphasised that enhanced domestic commitment will ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral drugs and other essential services. However, some public health advocates have called for transparent monitoring of how new funds are allocated and used at all levels.
The health ministry stated it will work closely with state governments and development partners to implement the new plan nationwide. Experts say success will depend on political will and accountability measures to ensure funds reach frontline services. The government has assured that it will regularly review progress towards national HIV reduction targets under this new approach.
Ibadan Analyst Warns Unregulated Security Outfits May Undermine National Stability
Kano State Implements 90% of Health Blueprint in Three Years, Says Commissioner
Federal Government Launches New HIV Strategy, Moves to Cut Donor Dependence
Senate Approves State Police Bill, Forwards Proposal to Constitution Review Committee
Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Quota as Oil Production Hits 15-Month Peak in May
Minister of Interior Declares June 12 Public Holiday to Mark Democracy Day Nationwide
Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania
World Cup Stars Among Three Manchester United Players Face Trouble Over Speeding Offences
Army GOC Commissions New Barracks in Rivers, Honours Fallen Soldiers at 29 Battalion
ISWAP Bomb Expert and Senior Commander Surrender to Nigerian Army in Borno
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Chelsea Set for Blockbuster FA Cup Fifth Round as Manchester City Await at Stamford Bridge
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
