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ELRA, NADF Sign Deal in Abuja to Expand Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Machinery Nationwide

New partnership aims to address mechanisation gaps and boost food production through affordable equipment leasing schemes

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New partnership aims to address mechanisation gaps and boost food production through affordable equipment leasing schemes

The Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja aimed at improving Nigerian farmers’ access to vital agricultural machinery. The agreement, formalised on Wednesday by ELRA’s Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Donald Wokoma, and NADF’s Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Ibrahim, is designed to drive food security by providing structured leasing arrangements for tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and processing equipment across the country.

At the signing event, Wokoma explained that the collaboration would establish a framework for expanding affordable access to agricultural machinery through a variety of leasing models permitted under the Equipment Leasing Act. These include finance leases, operating leases, and lease-to-own programmes tailored for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses. “This initiative will support the development of different equipment leasing structures that remove financing barriers for farmers,” Wokoma said. “We are targeting improved productivity by enabling mechanisation at every stage of the farming cycle.”

The move comes amid rising concern over low levels of mechanisation in Nigeria’s agriculture sector—a challenge experts say has contributed to persistent low yields and food insecurity. With less than two tractors per 1,000 hectares of arable land according to sector analysts, many small-scale farmers are unable to afford or maintain modern equipment required for efficient cultivation and processing. Government has repeatedly identified increased mechanisation as critical to achieving national food sufficiency targets.

Mohammed Ibrahim noted that the ELRA-NADF partnership would help address these challenges by attracting private sector investment into agricultural equipment leasing. “Our goal is to encourage more operators and financiers into this space so that farmers can access necessary machinery without prohibitive upfront costs,” Ibrahim said during his remarks in Abuja. He added that the scheme would prioritise flexibility and local needs while complying with relevant regulations.

Both agencies stated that details on pilot projects and rollout timelines would be announced in coming months following stakeholder consultations. The collaboration is expected to improve livelihoods in rural communities, create jobs along agricultural value chains, and contribute to government’s broader strategy for economic diversification beyond oil.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/agro-care/elra-partners-nadf-on-agricultural-machinery-expansion/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kano Magistrate Court Jails Man, Fines Him ₦100,000 for Storing Human Faeces Outside Home

Environmental authorities say health risk triggered prosecution after residents’ complaints; convict reportedly collected waste for resale as fertiliser

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June 17, 2026

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Environmental authorities say health risk triggered prosecution after residents’ complaints; convict reportedly collected waste for resale as fertiliser

A magistrate court in Kano State on Monday sentenced Mohammed Saidu to two weeks in jail and imposed a ₦100,000 fine after finding him guilty of storing multiple bags of human faeces outside his residence. The case, which unfolded in a densely populated area of Kano metropolis, followed persistent complaints from neighbours about the offensive odour and health risks posed by the stored waste.

According to local authorities, residents had repeatedly appealed to Saidu to desist from the practice without success, prompting them to petition environmental regulators. Officials said environmental health officers visited the scene and discovered dozens of bags filled with human waste, which were being kept in an open area next to Saidu’s home.

Saidu earns his living by emptying septic tanks and was found to have been collecting the faecal waste for resale to farmers as organic fertiliser—an informal trade observed in parts of northern Nigeria. However, the unsanitary storage method created a serious public health hazard for those living nearby.

Delivering judgment, the magistrate noted that Saidu’s actions violated environmental sanitation laws and endangered community health. Environmental officials welcomed the verdict as a signal that similar offences would not be tolerated. The court also warned other residents against improper disposal or storage of hazardous waste materials.

While no opposition group or lawyer issued a public response as at press time, authorities say they will intensify monitoring and enforcement of hygiene standards across Kano metropolis. Residents have called on government agencies to provide safer alternatives for waste disposal and ensure regular inspections in affected neighbourhoods.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/nigerian-man-jailed-for-storing-human-faeces-outside-home-in-kano/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Reunites With Mother Ahead of World Cup Decider

Visa breakthrough allows Dias’ mother to attend Blue Sharks’ next FIFA World Cup match after Spain draw heroics

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June 17, 2026

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Visa breakthrough allows Dias’ mother to attend Blue Sharks’ next FIFA World Cup match after Spain draw heroics

Josimar “Vozinha” Dias, first-choice goalkeeper for the Cape Verde national football team, will be reunited with his mother ahead of the country’s crucial next fixture at the FIFA World Cup. The emotional reunion comes after officials resolved visa challenges that previously barred her from travelling, according to updates on Tuesday evening.

Dias, who has become a symbol of Cape Verde’s historic campaign, rose to international prominence following his standout performance in their debut World Cup match against Spain. The veteran shot-stopper made several critical saves, helping the Blue Sharks force a draw against one of the tournament favourites. The result sparked widespread celebrations in Praia and among Cape Verdean communities globally, as fans hailed the encounter as a milestone in their nation’s sporting history.

Despite the euphoria surrounding Cape Verde’s achievement, Dias had earlier shared that his mother was unable to witness his World Cup debut in person due to unresolved travel documentation. The issue drew attention from football supporters and diaspora groups, who expressed solidarity with the player and called for intervention by relevant authorities.

Speaking after news of the visa breakthrough emerged, Dias expressed gratitude for the support he received during a challenging period. “It means so much to have my mother here for such an important moment,” he said. Team officials noted that her presence is expected to boost morale in camp as Cape Verde prepares for its next match, which many analysts describe as decisive for their progression in the tournament.

The Blue Sharks will now focus on building on their momentum from the Spain fixture as they seek qualification from their group. Stakeholders in African football have praised both Dias’ resilience and the efforts made to resolve his family’s travel situation, describing it as an inspiring chapter in Cape Verde’s ongoing World Cup journey.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/football/vozinha-to-be-reunited-with-mother-ahead-of-crucial-world-cup-clash/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NAFDAC Urges Safe Medicine Use, Calls for Stronger Pharmacovigilance Nationwide

Agency says increased monitoring of medicines essential to reduce adverse drug reactions and protect patients in Nigeria

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June 17, 2026

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Agency says increased monitoring of medicines essential to reduce adverse drug reactions and protect patients in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for more rational use of medicines and a robust pharmacovigilance system to enhance patient safety across Nigeria. The agency made this appeal on Wednesday, stressing the need for better medicine monitoring to prevent avoidable harm to patients.

NAFDAC highlighted that misuse and overuse of medicines remain a major concern in many states, leading to increased cases of adverse drug reactions. The agency stated that strengthening pharmacovigilance practices—meaning the careful tracking of medicine effects—will help health workers identify and address risks early.

This call comes amid growing reports of medication errors and unsafe self-medication among Nigerians. NAFDAC said the problem has worsened with the easy access to prescription drugs without proper oversight, putting millions at risk of complications or hospitalisation.

“Promoting rational medicine use is a shared responsibility,” the agency said in its statement, warning that unchecked abuse could undermine public trust in the health sector. NAFDAC encouraged health professionals to report all suspected side effects through established reporting channels, while also urging patients to follow prescriptions strictly.

NAFDAC added that it will intensify awareness campaigns in collaboration with hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare stakeholders nationwide. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring only safe and effective medicines are available in the Nigerian market.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/888540-nafdac-urges-rational-use-of-medicines-stronger-pharmacovigilance-for-patients-safety.html

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