Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC to Begin Second Phase of Sachet Alcohol Ban Enforcement Nationwide
Agency targets manufacturers and distributors in renewed crackdown as health concerns over alcohol abuse persist
Agency targets manufacturers and distributors in renewed crackdown as health concerns over alcohol abuse persist
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced plans to commence the second phase of enforcement against the production and distribution of sachet alcohol across Nigeria. The move is aimed at intensifying efforts to curb the availability of small-sized alcoholic drinks, which regulators say contribute to rising cases of alcohol misuse, particularly among youths.
The agency revealed on Thursday that it will widen its crackdown to cover more states, focusing on both manufacturers and distributors who continue to flout the ban on sachet and small-bottle alcohol sales. NAFDAC officials stated that enforcement teams will conduct coordinated operations in key markets and production centres in the coming weeks, building on the initial phase launched earlier this year.
The ban on sachet alcohol was first introduced in response to growing public health concerns, as experts linked the affordable packaging format to increased consumption by underage Nigerians. The policy has been a subject of debate among industry stakeholders, with some arguing it threatens jobs in the beverage sector while others support stricter regulation to address social issues tied to excessive drinking.
NAFDAC said it is working closely with security agencies and state task forces to ensure compliance. The agency’s leadership maintains that public health remains its top priority. However, some producers have appealed for phased implementation and more stakeholder engagement, citing economic impact. As at Thursday, there had been no formal response from major industry groups regarding the renewed enforcement drive.
The agency indicated that further updates on compliance rates and sanctions against violators will be released as operations progress. NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to report illegal sales through official channels as it seeks broader public cooperation in enforcing the sachet alcohol ban.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Faces 13 Challengers as INEC Releases 2026 Governorship Ballot
No female candidates make final list as political parties prepare for high-stakes contest in South-West state
No female candidates make final list as political parties prepare for high-stakes contest in South-West state
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State will contest for re-election against 13 other candidates in the 2026 governorship election, according to the official ballot published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday. The race, which has drawn interest across the South-West, is set for intense competition with no women among the listed contenders.
INEC’s release of the final list marks a significant milestone in preparations for the poll, confirming Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the incumbent and main contender. The ballot also features candidates from major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside others aiming to unseat the APC-led administration.
The absence of female candidates has drawn attention from civil society groups and political observers, who note that Ekiti—despite its history of progressive advocacy—will again hold a governorship election without gender representation on the ballot. Analysts say this highlights ongoing barriers to women’s participation in top political offices in Nigeria.
INEC officials stated that all nominated candidates met constitutional and party requirements for inclusion. “Our processes remain transparent and open to public scrutiny,” an INEC spokesperson said. Opposition parties have urged voters to scrutinise candidate manifestoes closely, while APC chieftains maintain Oyebanji’s performance will give him an edge at the polls.
With campaigns expected to intensify in coming weeks, stakeholders say the outcome will shape Ekiti’s developmental trajectory and could influence party dynamics ahead of national elections. The electoral commission has assured residents that security arrangements and logistics are being finalised to ensure a credible exercise.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Launch Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles, Concealed Number Plates Across State
Enforcement follows Inspector-General Disu’s directive; motorists risk vehicle impoundment and prosecution for violations
Enforcement follows Inspector-General Disu’s directive; motorists risk vehicle impoundment and prosecution for violations
The Katsina State Police Command has commenced a statewide operation targeting unregistered vehicles and those with concealed or improperly displayed number plates. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, is in line with a directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing internal security and aiding crime detection efforts across the North-West state.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, police officers have been deployed to enforce compliance with vehicle registration laws. He explained that the operation would focus on vehicles operating with covered, defaced, fake, forged, duplicated or incorrectly affixed number plates. Any vehicle found violating these regulations will be impounded on the spot for investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
Aliyu stated that the intensified enforcement became necessary as criminals have increasingly resorted to using unregistered or disguised vehicles to evade law enforcement and perpetrate offences. He said, “The Katsina State Police Command wishes to notify the general public of immediate enforcement against vehicles operating with unregistered, covered, concealed, defaced, mutilated, fake, forged, duplicated or improperly affixed number plates.”
He further cautioned motorists to regularise their documentation and ensure that number plates are clearly visible and compliant with statutory requirements. The police also called on members of the public to cooperate fully with security agencies during this exercise.
The command emphasised that this crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Katsina State. While no opposition party or independent expert had responded at press time, the police said they would continue sensitisation campaigns alongside enforcement to ensure residents understand the importance of proper vehicle registration.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun State Bans Graduation and End-of-Session Parties in All Schools
Education ministry directs public and private schools to halt celebrations, citing safety and discipline concerns
Education ministry directs public and private schools to halt celebrations, citing safety and discipline concerns
Ogun State government has ordered an immediate ban on graduation and end-of-session parties across all public and private schools within the state. The directive, which takes effect from Thursday, 18 June 2026, was issued by the state’s education authorities as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure student safety during school activities.
According to the Ogun State Ministry of Education, the prohibition covers all forms of ceremonial gatherings marking the completion of academic sessions or graduation in both primary and secondary institutions. School heads were instructed to comply with the new guideline without exception, as any violation will attract sanctions from the government.
The move comes amid growing concerns over incidents that have occurred at such events in recent years, with authorities citing security risks and disruptions to academic activities. Ogun State officials noted that some celebrations in the past had escalated into unruly behaviour among students or attracted unwanted attention from outside groups.
While no specific incident prompted this latest action, education stakeholders in the state have repeatedly called for stricter controls around school-organised events. Parents and teachers are expected to work with government to ensure a smooth transition as schools adjust their end-of-session programmes.
The Ogun State Ministry of Education emphasised that academic excellence and student welfare remain top priorities. The ministry also assured that it would continue to monitor compliance closely, while engaging with school administrators on alternative ways to mark significant milestones within approved guidelines.
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Faces 13 Challengers as INEC Releases 2026 Governorship Ballot
Katsina Police Launch Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles, Concealed Number Plates Across State
Ogun State Bans Graduation and End-of-Session Parties in All Schools
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