News
We didn’t advise Nigerians not to eat bread, says NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dissociated itself from a comment asking Nigerians to avoid eating bread.
Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC south-west coordinator, recently said most bread sold in the markets are failing laboratory tests, noting that some producers were resorting to saccharine due to the high cost of sugar.
“We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards. It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised,” she said.
After Ajayi’s remarks, a reporter released a video suggesting that Nigerians should completely avoid consuming bread —a claim that quickly gained traction online.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, said the content of the video does not reflect the observation of the official.
“At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“NAFDAC dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria.
“This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for the Agency. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public.
“The Agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population.”
NAFDAC cautioned bakers in the country against using unapproved food additives.
“Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions,” the statement adds.
“The Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) does not permit the use of saccharine in bread. This is the same for the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), an authoritative reference point for food additives, which also does not permit the use of saccharine in bread.
“Like other food additives, sweeteners usually undergo thorough risk assessments for safety by an Expert Body, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) before approval for use.”
News
Lagos, Abia, Akwa Ibom get new police commissioners
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of four substantive commissioners of police for Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom commands.
In a statement on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, said the appointment is due to the vacancies created by promotion of some senior officers.
The new commissioners of police are
Isah Danladi Nda, for Abia command; Olarewaju Ishola Olawale for Lagos command; Anthonia Adaku Uche Anya fror Ebonyi command and Miller Gajere Dantawaye for Akwa Ibom command
Speaking on the posting, Hashimu Argungu, PSC chair, urged the new police commissioners to make positive impacts in the security management of their respective states.
Argungu asked the new commissioners to build efficient and effective police commands in their states.
The PSC spokesperson disclosed that the approval has been sent to Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, for implementation.
By this development, Dantawaye will replace Waheed Ayilara, the former commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, who died on August 29, 2024.
Ayilara reportedly died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) from prostate cancer complications.
News
FG declares September 16 public holiday for Eid-ul-Maulud celebration
The federal government has declared September 16 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Maulud celebration.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, announced the holiday on Friday in a statement by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary of the ministry.
The Eid-ul-Maulud celebration is in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslims in the country and in the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion.
The minister, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, urged them to seize the opportunity to pray for lasting peace and a more equitable and prosperous nation.
News
FG offers free CNG conversion for vehicles at six Lagos locations
The Federal Government, through its Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), is offering Lagos residents the chance to convert their vehicles to CNG for free on Friday, September 13, from 3pm to 6pm, at six designated locations as part of Operation First Come, First Serve.
The first 50 vehicles that pass inspection at each of the six locations will be fitted with free CNG conversion kits, allowing owners to refuel at N230 per SCM of CNG at any NIPCO station, leading to significant savings compared to petrol.
The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, inviting Lagos residents to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to promote cleaner energy, alleviate the financial strain caused by rising fuel prices, and support the transition to more eco-friendly transportation nationwide.
With CNG priced significantly lower than petrol, the conversion offers immediate financial relief for vehicle owners seeking a more affordable and sustainable fuel alternative amidst ongoing fuel price fluctuations.
Selected vehicle CNG conversion centres in Lagos
Below is a list of authorized vehicle CNG conversion centres in Lagos, along with their respective addresses:
- Femadec
Km 42, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Majek Second Gate Stop, Abiju Ibeju, Lekki, Lagos.
- Portland
No. 1, Ojota Interchange Terminal, Bayo Shodipo, Ojota, Lagos.
- Mezovest
KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, opposite Kilimanjaro, beside Libmat Motors, by Abraham Adesanya Bus Stop.
- Dana Motors
Dana Motors Ltd Kia Plaza, 117 Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Isolo, Lagos.
- MBH Power
Km 5, Ikotun Road, Itamope, Ikorodu, Lagos.
- Autogig
Plot 144b Gbagada Expressway, Gbagada, Lagos.
In addition to the CNG conversion exercise scheduled for Lagos on Friday, the PCNGI’s “Operation First Come, First Serve” initiative will also conduct conversion exercises in four other cities between Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, September 13, CNG conversions will take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Ibadan, Oyo State, from 3 PM to 6 PM.
The following day, Saturday, September 14, similar exercises will be held in Abuja and Kaduna between 3 PM and 6 PM.
It is important to note that the first 50 cars inspected at the designated CNG conversion centres in these cities will be eligible to receive free CNG kits, provided they pass the conversion process.
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