Nigeria News (Standard)
MTN Chairperson Condemns Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for National Unity
Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern
Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern
The chairperson of MTN Group has publicly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, urging citizens and leaders to return to what he described as a spirit of ‘national consciousness.’ The remarks were made on Friday during a company event, as fresh incidents of violence against non-South Africans have reignited diplomatic tensions across the region.
The MTN chairperson addressed stakeholders in Johannesburg, denouncing the recent wave of attacks that have affected foreign-owned businesses and communities. The chairperson stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten the economic stability of not just South Africa but also neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, where MTN maintains significant operations.
Xenophobic violence has remained a recurring issue in South Africa, with previous episodes resulting in loss of lives and extensive property damage. For many Nigerians living in South Africa or with business ties to the country, these developments raise fresh concerns about safety and bilateral relations between Abuja and Pretoria.
While speaking to participants at the event, the MTN chairperson called on South Africans to reflect on their shared history and embrace inclusivity. He stated that rebuilding ‘national consciousness’ was vital for long-term peace and prosperity. No immediate comment was available from South African government officials regarding measures to address the situation.
As at Friday evening, Nigerian authorities had yet to issue an updated travel advisory for citizens residing or travelling to South Africa. The incident is likely to prompt further dialogue between both countries, with stakeholders from the telecoms sector and diplomatic corps expected to push for stronger protections for foreign nationals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Health Minister Pate Confirms ₦339bn Basic Healthcare Fund Disbursed Nationwide, ₦235bn Under Tinubu
Latest figures show sharp increase in BHCPF spending since 2023, with federal government prioritising primary healthcare delivery
Latest figures show sharp increase in BHCPF spending since 2023, with federal government prioritising primary healthcare delivery
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has disclosed that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has disbursed a total of ₦339 billion across Nigeria in the past twelve years. Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Pate revealed that out of this amount, ₦235 billion was released during President Bola Tinubu’s administration alone.
According to Pate, the substantial rise in disbursement under Tinubu reflects the current government’s renewed focus on expanding access to primary healthcare services for Nigerians at the grassroots level. He noted that the BHCPF, established as part of the National Health Act to strengthen the country’s primary health system, has enabled more funds to reach state and local government health facilities since its inception.
The minister explained that before 2023, only ₦104 billion had been distributed under the fund since it began operations. However, from May 2023 to June 2026, allocations soared by over two hundred percent. “This increase is a direct result of President Tinubu’s directive to scale up health sector financing and ensure that every Nigerian can access quality basic care regardless of location,” Pate said.
Health experts have described the development as a positive step towards achieving universal health coverage targets. Some stakeholders in the sector urged government to improve transparency and monitoring at state level to ensure effective utilisation. “While these figures are impressive on paper, we need robust oversight so that rural clinics actually see improvements,” one public health analyst commented.
Pate assured that his ministry would continue collaborating with state governments and partners to ensure prudent management of resources. He added that upcoming reforms would further decentralise funding and empower community health centres. The federal government is expected to publish detailed breakdowns of BHCPF expenditures for all states later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC Launches Nationwide Campaign in Lagos, Urges Nigerians to Read Food Labels
Regulatory agency warns against consumption of unlabelled products as part of new public health drive
Regulatory agency warns against consumption of unlabelled products as part of new public health drive
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide public awareness campaign in Lagos, urging Nigerians to always read food labels before making purchases. The campaign was launched on Friday, June 26, as part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers from hazardous products and ensure food safety across the country.
According to NAFDAC, the campaign will be rolled out in major cities and rural communities nationwide, targeting both manufacturers and consumers. The agency stated that the initiative is aimed at reducing the risk of consuming expired or counterfeit products by empowering Nigerians with information on how to identify safe and properly labelled foods.
NAFDAC said the decision to launch the campaign follows an increase in complaints about unregistered and improperly labelled food items circulating in Nigerian markets. The agency emphasised that reading product labels remains a critical step in safeguarding public health, especially as cases of food-borne illnesses rise.
The regulatory body called on manufacturers to comply fully with existing labelling guidelines, warning that failure to do so could attract sanctions. NAFDAC also encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious or poorly labelled products encountered during their shopping.
As the campaign continues, NAFDAC is expected to collaborate with market associations, consumer groups, and local authorities to spread its message. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all food products available in Nigerian markets meet required safety standards.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NCAA Slams Saudi Airlines With ₦6 Million Fine Over Alleged Aviation Violations in Lagos
Regulatory agency moves to enforce compliance as airline faces penalty for reported breaches of Nigerian aviation standards
Regulatory agency moves to enforce compliance as airline faces penalty for reported breaches of Nigerian aviation standards
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a ₦6 million fine on Saudi Airlines for alleged violations of aviation regulations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The sanction was announced on Friday, 26 June 2026, following an investigation by the agency into recent operational lapses reportedly linked to the airline.
According to the NCAA, the fine is part of efforts to ensure that all airlines operating within Nigeria adhere strictly to established safety and operational standards. The regulatory body stated that Saudi Airlines was found in breach of certain requirements, though specific details of the infractions were not disclosed at the time of this report.
This action comes at a time when Nigerian authorities are stepping up oversight of foreign carriers amid increasing concerns about passenger safety and service quality. The NCAA has previously warned that non-compliance by any airline—local or international—would attract strict penalties to protect Nigerian travellers and uphold the integrity of the country’s aviation sector.
Efforts to obtain comments from representatives of Saudi Airlines were unsuccessful as at press time. The NCAA, however, reiterated its commitment to transparent enforcement and called on all airlines to respect Nigeria’s aviation laws. “Any operator found violating our regulations will face appropriate sanctions,” an official said.
The latest move is expected to send a strong signal to other airlines operating in Nigeria about the seriousness of regulatory compliance. Aviation stakeholders say sustained enforcement will help boost confidence in air travel and encourage higher standards across all operators.
Health Minister Pate Confirms ₦339bn Basic Healthcare Fund Disbursed Nationwide, ₦235bn Under Tinubu
NAFDAC Launches Nationwide Campaign in Lagos, Urges Nigerians to Read Food Labels
NCAA Slams Saudi Airlines With ₦6 Million Fine Over Alleged Aviation Violations in Lagos
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