Nigeria News (Standard)
Regional Fertiliser Hub Raises Alarm as Soil Fertility Declines Across West Africa
Up to 65% of Africa’s productive land now degraded; experts warn of food security risk and urge urgent action
Up to 65% of Africa’s productive land now degraded; experts warn of food security risk and urge urgent action
Serious concerns have emerged over the worsening state of soil health and fertility across West Africa, with new reports indicating that as much as 65 percent of the continent’s productive land is already degraded. The warning came on Tuesday from the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health, which marked its second anniversary with a call for urgent intervention across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The body highlighted in its report that about 45 percent of Africa’s total land area now suffers from desertification, while nutrient depletion and unsustainable agricultural practices are further compounding the problem. These trends, experts say, threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on farming in states like Kano, Kaduna, Oyo, and Benue.
“We are witnessing a cycle of declining productivity and environmental degradation due to poor soil management, climate variability, and limited access to appropriate soil fertility solutions,” a statement from the Regional Hub read. The report added that inefficient fertiliser use—often due to lack of access or knowledge—has made it difficult to restore soil health at scale. “Fertilisers are essential for improving yields but only work effectively when applied correctly to healthy soils,” the body noted.
Agriculture remains central to both local economies and national GDP across West Africa, but stakeholders warn that ongoing land degradation could undermine gains in food production and worsen vulnerability to climate shocks. Experts point out that deteriorating soil quality not only reduces crop yields but also affects rural incomes and ecological balance.
The Regional Hub urged governments at all levels to increase support for sustainable farming practices, invest in farmer education on soil management, and improve access to high-quality fertilisers. As at now, there is no coordinated national response in Nigeria; however, agricultural agencies are expected to step up efforts ahead of the next planting season. The hub also called for greater collaboration between regional bodies and international partners to reverse current trends before they lead to a wider food crisis.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Waste Managers Threaten Service Suspension, Residents Fear Cholera Outbreak
Association cites delayed payments and unfavourable policies as traders lament impact on markets across South-West state
Association cites delayed payments and unfavourable policies as traders lament impact on markets across South-West state
Residents across Ogun State have expressed deep concern over a potential cholera outbreak following threats by waste management operators to halt refuse collection, citing poor working conditions and delays in government payments. The development emerged on Friday after the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria issued a warning over the growing risk to public health if their grievances remained unaddressed.
The association, through a statement signed by its Ogun State chairman, Pastor Jolaoluwa Emmanuel Gbenga, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration and the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) of introducing policies that have left many operators struggling to stay afloat. According to the group, contractors have only received between 25 and 50 percent of approved payments for waste management services, causing severe operational disruptions across the state.
The threat of service suspension has already sparked anxiety in markets and residential communities. Market traders complained that the stench from uncollected refuse has begun to deter customers, impacting daily sales and business activity. Many residents have urged government to intervene quickly and resolve the issues with waste managers in order to avert an environmental and health crisis amid the rainy season, when waterborne diseases like cholera are more likely to spread.
In their official communication, the waste managers said: “The ongoing delay in settling approved invoices has crippled our operations. Without urgent action from government, we may be forced to withdraw our services entirely.” The association called on Governor Abiodun to ensure prompt payment and review unfavourable policies affecting their members. Meanwhile, affected communities have started appealing directly to OGWAMA for swift resolution.
The Ogun State government is yet to issue a formal response as at press time. However, local health officials have warned that any prolonged disruption in waste evacuation could lead to increased disease outbreaks and environmental hazards across Abeokuta South, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu and other LGAs. Stakeholders expect further dialogue between government representatives and waste operators in the coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
IMF Urges Abuja to Impose Fuel and Telecom Taxes, Projects ₦14trn Revenue Gain
Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels
Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost public revenue, according to its latest Article IV Consultation report released on Friday. The proposal, if adopted, could see higher fuel prices and increased costs for airtime and data across Nigeria.
The IMF’s recommendation comes as government faces mounting challenges in funding essential services, with the Fund projecting that a combination of new taxes and tighter enforcement could generate up to 4.6 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product—equivalent to nearly ₦14 trillion over three years at current GDP estimates. The report specifically mentioned raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate above the current 7.5 percent and closing loopholes that have allowed some sectors to underpay tax.
However, the IMF also cautioned that any move to increase levies should take into account Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels and widespread food insecurity. “Timing is critical; new taxes must not exacerbate hardship for vulnerable households,” the Fund noted in its assessment. It recommended that a functioning cash transfer system be established before any upward adjustment in fuel or telecom charges is implemented.
Past attempts by government to introduce similar taxes have been met with resistance. In 2022, stakeholders in the telecoms sector—including network operators and consumer groups—successfully opposed a planned five percent excise duty on call and data services. Labour unions have also pushed back against measures that would further raise pump prices after subsidy removal drove up transport and food costs nationwide.
The IMF said improved compliance with existing tax laws could be even more effective than introducing new levies, projecting an additional 3.1 percent of GDP from better enforcement alone. While Abuja has not yet signalled whether it will act on the latest advice, policy decisions in the coming months will likely face scrutiny from both economic experts and ordinary Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-recommends-fuel-telecom-taxes-nigeria-2026061411260816689
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC Issues Alert in Lagos as US Recalls Children’s Ibuprofen over Safety Concerns
Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk
Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert in Lagos on Sunday, advising Nigerians to exercise caution after United States authorities recalled a batch of children’s ibuprofen due to contamination concerns. The regulatory agency warned pharmacies and parents against administering or selling affected products imported from the US.
According to NAFDAC, the recall in the United States was prompted by fears that some batches of children’s ibuprofen could contain dangerous contaminants. The agency stated that while no incidents have yet been reported in Nigeria, it is taking precautionary measures to safeguard public health by monitoring pharmaceutical imports and urging the public to verify medication sources before use.
Children’s ibuprofen is commonly used in Nigeria for treating fever and pain among infants and young children. NAFDAC explained that contaminated medicines could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children who may react more severely to impurities. The agency called on health workers, importers, and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical products encountered in the market.
“We are working closely with local distributors and international partners to ensure that any potentially contaminated products are swiftly identified and withdrawn from circulation,” a senior NAFDAC official said on Sunday. The agency also encouraged pharmacies to review their current stock of imported children’s medicines as at June 2026, especially those sourced from the United States.
NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it will provide further updates as investigations continue. In the meantime, parents are advised not to panic but to consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns regarding ibuprofen or notice any unusual reactions in their children after administration.
Ogun Waste Managers Threaten Service Suspension, Residents Fear Cholera Outbreak
IMF Urges Abuja to Impose Fuel and Telecom Taxes, Projects ₦14trn Revenue Gain
NAFDAC Issues Alert in Lagos as US Recalls Children’s Ibuprofen over Safety Concerns
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