Leadway Assurance, Nigeria’s leading insurance provider, has partnered with Wafira Ntaba Limited to launch a bespoke insurance policy for Nigerian women.
The product, Plan B Insurance, comes in simplified and affordable packages for as low as twenty-six thousand Naira per quarter, broadening financial inclusion and income protection for women-led Small to Medium-sized Enterprises and lifestyle protection for women across different social strata in Nigeria.
One uniqueness of the Plan B product is in its single-wide coverage from risks and perils related to auto insurance, healthcare, personal accident, fire, burglary, life insurance and education cutting across its different product packages – SME, Corporate and Premier packages.
Ayona Aguele Trimnell, the visionary behind the innovative Plan B Insurance for Nigerian women, shared the inspiration behind the products. She stated, “Plan B is an idea that has been in development for 10 years. As I began exploring insurance products aimed at women in other countries, I recognised the need for an insurance product that promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria, specifically for women. I believed we could create something that addresses their unique concerns. Women need to understand how insurance can alleviate their worries and the benefits of being insured. I have personally enjoyed the advantages of insurance for over fifteen years, and I believe other women should have the opportunity to experience the same benefits.”
The product focuses on gender-inspired market penetration, amplifying insurance benefits and helping more women secure a more financially secured future.
“Financial inclusion is important and achievable, and we can make it happen if we put in deliberate effort to educate more women about insurance, simplify the benefits to help even the uneducated, understand and be convinced to secure their future by becoming a policyholder. It has been proven and tested that women too buy insurance, but more women need to be aware and get insured”, Ayona Aguele Trimnell said.
Kike Fischer, Leadway’s Director Sales, Retail and Partnerships, discussed the market approach for the Plan B product, stating, “We are confident that these products will help women of all classes in Nigeria create and protect wealth, recover from economic challenges, pursue their purposes, and lead their families with peace of mind.
We believe these products should reach women in every household, so we have developed strategies to engage women in small socioeconomic groups. This will require increased effort, particularly at the retail level. There will be questions, and we must be prepared to provide answers. Our goal is to help women understand insurance and encourage them to actively participate in driving financial inclusion. This begins with securing their futures and then spreading awareness.”
She explained that Plan B is a comprehensive financial product designed to sell insurance policies to women and educate them about the purpose of having insurance and how it can help them achieve financial independence. By partnering with the Plan B product, Leadway has reinforced its commitment to promoting financial inclusion and ensuring secure financial futures for women.
To learn more about the Plan B product, visit www.planbinsurance.org or call 08169032745.
About Leadway Assurance Company Limited
Leadway Assurance is one of Nigeria’s foremost insurance service providers, renowned for its efficiency and customer reliability. With over 50 years of experience, Leadway has consistently honoured its underwriting commitments and earned a reputation for excellence in claims handling. The company remains at the forefront of the insurance industry, offering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.
About Wafira Ntaba Limited
A Marketing Company based in Lagos. Its core area of expertise is Communication Strategy and Development within the financial `sector with extensive experience in insurance product design, market insights, brand development, profitability management and distribution. The company’s goal is to continue to co-develop products for niche markets in Nigeria for Women, Youths and Group/Affinity schemes.
The Finance and Business Online Publishers Association (FiBOP) is set to host its 2025 Youth Capacity Building and Empowerment Program on April 15, 2025, at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.
The event, themed “Empowering Nigerian Youths with Knowledge of Insurance, Digital Payment and Investment to Drive Financial Inclusion,” aims to promote financial inclusion and empower Nigerian youths.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has been invited as a Special Guest of Honour.
The Chairman Organising Committee, Barnabas Esiet, said everything necessary has been put in place to make the event a memorable one.
According to him the event will bring together over 200 Senior Secondary School students and teachers from various educational districts in Lagos State.
The program is supported by top Nigerian companies and institutions, including Sanlam Life Insurance Nigeria, Coronation Insurance PLC, Cornerstone Insurance PLC, AIICO Insurance PLC, and NEM Insurance Plc.
Other supporting partners include the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in partnership with College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Lagos State Ministry of Education, and MTN Nigeria.
The program is designed to impart the youth with knowledge of insurance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and financial literacy, equipping them with the skill set required to play effectively in the current dynamic financial landscape and for future leadership roles.
The President of FiBOP, Charles Onwuatogwu, highlighted that the program is part of FiBOP’s initiative to promote financial literacy and awareness among secondary school students in Lagos and other states of the federation.
Renowned professionals in the Insurance, ICT, and financial sector are expected to speak at the event, which will also celebrate notable figures who are seen as sources of inspiration for the upcoming generations.
FiBOP is a duly registered association of online publishers with a clear mandate to build capacity and make impactful contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and the continent of Africa as a whole.
The partnership with top companies demonstrates FiBOP’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths with the knowledge and skills required to drive financial inclusion and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, recently donated food packs to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja residents.
Themed, the Fidelity Food Bank initiative, the outreach saw the bank’s officials distribute the food items to seven communities in the Mabushi district of the FCT.
Speaking at the distribution event, the Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, emphasized the bank’s commitment to community development and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to eradicate hunger.
“This initiative stems from our deep-seated responsibility to support underserved communities and contribute to the fight against hunger in Nigeria,” said Mr. Garba. “At Fidelity Bank, we firmly believe that by addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. While we may not be able to solve all societal challenges, our contributions are making a difference, as evidenced by the positive feedback we continue to receive.”
He further reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering communities, stating, “We recognize the importance of fostering growth and prosperity within the communities where we operate. By investing in their well-being, we contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and equitable society.”
The Fidelity Food Bank is one of the key pillars of the bank’s CSR strategy, focusing on health and social welfare. As a nationwide project, the initiative seeks to provide food relief to underserved communities across Nigeria, with a particular focus on supporting women and children.
Expressing appreciation for the initiative, the District Head of Mabushi Community, Mr. Hassan Danagna, commended Fidelity Bank for its generosity and its impact on the community.
“Fidelity Bank’s support to our community is unprecedented, and we are deeply grateful for this initiative, which provides relief to vulnerable households and less privileged families,” said Mr. Danagna. “Given the current economic challenges, this support is timely, particularly as we approach the holy month of Ramadan.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mukhtar Mohamed, also expressed his gratitude to the bank, acknowledging the significant impact of food distribution.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance Group, in partnership with payment services provider, Mobikash, hosted a seminar to promote financial and insurance literacy among 150 members of Nigeria’s informal sector in Abuja, in line with the Group’s mission to make insurance accessible to all Nigerians.
Themed “Insuring Nigeria’s Informal Sector for the Better,” the event convened representatives from the Keke Riders Association, Market Women Association, Hotel Owners Association, Taxi Drivers Association, and Okada Riders Association.
Heirs Insurance facilitated an engaging training and orientation, equipping attendees with practical knowledge and tailored insurance solutions to meet their everyday needs.
The interactive session provided hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring that participants gained a deeper understanding of how insurance can serve as a financial safety net, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
By training and educating their peers, these attendees will serve as financial literacy champions, helping to extend the benefits of insurance awareness and financial security to a wider network of informal workers.
Heirs Insurance is the insurance subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments spanning 24 countries and four continents. Through its innovative approach and extensive retail footprint, Heirs Insurance remains at the forefront of reshaping Nigeria’s insurance landscape.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah is to lead State Governors Roundtable on unlocking opportunities in Enugu and beyond as the 2025 edition of the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit, CTIS, opens in London on Monday.
This was contained in a press release issued by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, at the weekend.
CWEIC, which has an official mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government to facilitate trade and investment, boasts of a network of over 140 Strategic Partners from both the public and private sectors and helps build vital relationships that drive economic growth and development in the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries.
According to CWEIC, the 2025 edition of CTIS, which holds from Monday, April 7 to Tuesday, April 8 at the historic Mansion House in London, would bring together the Commonwealth business community with Heads of Government, senior ministers, and representatives of Commonwealth governments.
“Following the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa last October, this business-to-government summit will provide a platform to advance discussion, re-focus on critical issues, and ensure that Commonwealth business priorities are advanced.
“The Summit will feature plenary sessions and high-level roundtable discussions, supported by informal networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings, attracting some of the Commonwealth’s most high-profile participants. With over 400 delegates confirmed from more than 40 countries, CTIS 2025 is already heavily oversubscribed – highlighting the Commonwealth’s growing importance as a global network for trade and investment.
“In his capacity as Governor of Enugu State, HE Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will be attending CTIS, and will lead a State Governors Roundtable on unlocking opportunities in Lagos and Enugu States. Theroundtable will also feature representatives from Acre Capital, Africa Exim Bank, British International Investment, Crown Agents Bank, KPMG, M&G Investments, Standard Chartered, and will provide an invaluable opportunity to tell Enugu’s story to the international business community.
“Confirmed speakers at CTIS include Hon. Lee Kinyanjui (Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Kenya), Hon. Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria), HE Dr Hussain Ali Mwinyi (President of Zanzibar), HE Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor of Lagos State), The Rt Hon Alderman Alistair King (Lord Mayor of the City of London), Hon. Shirley Ayokor Botchwey (Secretary-General of the Commonwealth), as well as ministers from Gibraltar and Jersey.
CTIS 2025 will also feature representatives from major Commonwealth businesses, such as Lloyd’s, Open Capital, Arup, Crown Agents Bank, and Equity Bank Kenya, and representatives from major public investment organisations, such as British International Investment, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. CTIS 2025 will be sponsored by Zenith Bank, as Anchor Partner, and the Government of Cameroon, as Supporter.
“Discussions will focus on a wide variety of relevant issues, bringing together business leaders and senior policymakers. Sessions include high-level dialogues on reducing barriers to Commonwealth trade, unlocking investment in growth markets, artificial intelligence, and the global energy transition,” CWEIC stated.
Recall that the Mbah Administration in Enugu State and CWEIC had last December signed a strategic partnership agreement that would accelerate trade and investment inflow to the state.
Speaking during the partnership signing ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CWEIC, Mrs. Rosie Glazebrook, expressed the organisation’s eagerness to support the investment drive of the Governor Mbah administration.
“Our organisation is there to drive trade and investment. We do this with very excellent convening power. We will bring this to bear in our partnership with Enugu State.
“Our organisation is there to support and collaborate to really showcase anything that Enugu is ready to offer in investment and trade. Our organisation’s aim is to look out for how we can bring down barriers to trade and to encourage investment,’ Glazebrook had also told state house correspondents on the occasion.
A group of petroleum industry experts has criticized the recent appointment of Mr. Aminu Said Ahmed to the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), describing it as a violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
In a statement signed by Mr. Abolade Adewale, Secretary of the PIA Watchdog Monitors, the group criticized the appointment of Ahmed — a Senior Manager at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) — as the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR) representative on the NNPC Ltd Board.
Citing Section 59(2)(d) of the PIA, the experts argued that board representation from the MPR must be at least at the rank of a Director. Ahmed, they emphasized, is not only below the required grade but also not a staff member of the Ministry, which makes his nomination both illegal and institutionally inappropriate.
They further clarified that the NMDPRA, while under the petroleum sector umbrella, operates independently of the MPR and therefore cannot validly represent it on the NNPC Ltd Board.
“This appointment defies the spirit and letter of the PIA, which aims to ensure transparent and merit-based representation. It sets a dangerous precedent and weakens ministerial oversight,” the statement read.
The group also pointed out that the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) is represented on the board by its Permanent Secretary, in line with statutory provisions. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore balance and legality by appointing the Permanent Secretary of the MPR as its official board representative.
Additionally, the experts raised concerns about recent trends in which non-Ministry personnel are assigned to represent Nigeria at international petroleum forums such as OPEC. According to them, Section 3(1)(d) of the PIA empowers the MPR to lead such delegations. Bypassing the Ministry, they warned, undermines institutional memory and could harm Nigeria’s global energy reputation.
“All petroleum-related international appointments should be made through formal processes by the Minister, and limited to serving Ministry officials,” Adewale insisted.
The group called on the President to reverse the appointment of Aminu Said Ahmed and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to lawful governance and regulatory integrity in the petroleum sector.
The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has described the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo as the dropping of one of the finest stars from Nigeria’s sky.
Olunloyo’s death was announced by the family early Sunday morning.
Adedeji, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dare Adekanmbi, said that the deceased was a genius of a rare breed, adding that he marvelled at Olunloyo’s intellectual depth and native intelligence.
“Papa Olunloyo could rightly be described as Nigeria’s Albert Einstein. He graduated with First Class Honours and proceeded to bag a PhD in Applied Mathematics at the age of 26 at the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
“Every moment I shared with Papa while he was with us was an opportunity to pick lifelong lessons. He was very deep and his intellection was not just in Mathematics, but also in Classical Music with a bias for W.A Mozart’s works as well as in Literature.
He would recite paragraphs and even lengthier dialogues from Shakespeare’s works and show how the lessons therein can be applied to life and living.
“An African adage says for every old man that dies, a library is set ablaze. This is what has happened in this instance. A library of encyclopaedic collections has been set ablaze with the departure of Dr Olunloyo,”
Adedeji commiserated with family, friends and admirers of Dr Olunloyo, noting that though Papa was advanced in age, his wealth of experience was still needed.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed its endorsement of the recently signed $174.59 million development pact between Nigeria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which aims to boost industrial growth and sustainable development across the nation.
Specifically, the Association commends the $174.59m Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement to boost Nigeria’s industrial development.
Otunba Francis Meshionye, pledged MAN’s unwavering support in collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. By focusing on job creation, the program aims to empower the workforce and reduce unemployment rates, thereby bolstering the economy. Furthermore, enhancing raw material availability is vital for manufacturers, as it will decrease production costs and improve competitiveness. The potential for increased exports will not only contribute to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves but also position Nigeria as a key player in the global market. Finally, attracting investments will provide the necessary capital for growth and innovation, ultimately driving the manufacturing sector forward. Under Meshionye’s leadership, MAN is committed to working hand-in-hand with the government and other relevant bodies to turn these aspirations into reality, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous manufacturing landscape in Nigeria.
The agreement, which will run for four years from 2024 to 2028, seeks to enhance the country’s industrial capacity, drive technological innovation, and promote sustainable industrial practices.
The recent partnership signed by Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to foster industrial growth, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic transformation.
In a statement, Bagudu emphasized the initiative’s potential to enhance Nigeria’s industrial capacity, drive technological innovation, and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the industrial sector. This strategic collaboration is poised to catalyze investments and streamline processes that will ultimately lead to a more robust economy, better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation have signed a Programme for Country Partnership agreement amounting to $174,585,000 for industrial development of the country.” he said.
Bagudu noted that the programme would provide economic opportunities, particularly for young people and marginalised groups.
The Minister disclosed that the funding strategy for the PCP involves 85.7 per cent, or $149.62m, from donor partners mobilised by UNIDO, while the Federal Government will provide 14.3 per cent, or $24.97m, as counterpart funding.
He noted that Nigeria had already made a financial commitment of $1.28m as payment to UNIDO.
Bagudu called on stakeholders, including development partners, the private sector, and civil society, to collaborate for the seamless implementation of the programme. He also commended UNIDO for its continued partnership and support for Nigeria’s industrial agenda.
In a recent address, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Umoh, articulated a vision for an invigorated partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial strategy. Speaking at the launch event for the country’s latest industrial initiative, Senator Umoh emphasized that UNIDO’s involvement is pivotal in both technical advisory and strategic capacity. Given UNIDO’s global expertise and track record in fostering sustainable industrial development, the agency is uniquely positioned to support the government in actualizing its Industrial Revolution Work Group objectives. He highlighted the critical value of harnessing UNIDO’s resources and insights to facilitate innovative solutions that can drive competitiveness and economic growth. By integrating UNIDO’s frameworks and methodologies, the program aspires to not only bolster industrial capacity but also to position the nation as a regional leader in sustainable industrialization efforts.
He urged stakeholders to move from potential to productivity and from policy to prosperity as the PCP is implemented.
The Director-General of UNIDO, Mr Gerd Muller, said the PCP aligns with UNIDO’s mandate to promote industrial development among member states, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 9.
He noted that Nigeria has the potential to become an economic powerhouse in Africa.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Emeka Vitalis Obi, said the series of engagements between the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and UNIDO have reinforced the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the PCP.
The Mayor of Idemmili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon Stanley Nkwoka has expressed displeasure over the activities of touts collecting illegal money at Amafor Bridge, Nkpor.
Making this known while speaking to newsmen in his office on Friday, Nkwoka, who stressed the need for people of the area to embrace peace, explained that he heard that certain people from Amafor community were protesting that somebody has taken over their land.
He recalled how he was invited to a meeting by ANSSIPA regarding Business Link, ANSSIPA and Amafu community sometime last year, adding that he heard that the three parties had a concession with the state to beautify and build a modern park under the bridge in 2016, and that in 2019, somebody entered the park and took over the park which the government built under private partnership.
He noted that since local government election was held, management of markets and parks is the sole duty of the local government.
” I was invited in the meeting and it was dragged between December and January. The initial MoU that was had, there was no provision for a CSR for the community so they included that in the agreement and forwarded the letter to my office to take over Amafor Park and make sure that the local government gets their percentage, while Business Link that built the park, and the community as well get their percentages.
” I invited the community and presented the letter to them and i asked them any objection. They said they would like their children to be working there and i said fine, if they want their children to be working there, they should go back and present the issue to their people. If there is any objection, they should report back which they failed to report and i wrote and sealed the park. I said first that they should seize any operation so that we can do a proper renovation there for the management of the park but unfortunately, on 1st of April, what i saw was protest that somebody has taken over their land,” he said.”
The mayor added that the community is claiming that they have a right of payment from Federal Ministry of Environment .
He noted that no federal government can grant a licence in a park anywhere and that he still made efforts to reach them while the protest was going on, which they refused, adding that it is his duty to protect lives and property in his local government.
According to him, the best he did was to use his security operatives and sealed the park for both parties not to have access to it until they come to stability and agreement instead of fighting since there are two parties dragging the land; one is government and the other is individual.
Speaking on the argument that they have boys who are making a living from the park, Nkwoka advised them to key into the 1 Youth 2 Skills programme provided by the state government and within six months, they will be equipped to make a positive living from from it.
“Nobody is taking anybody’s land,” he said, and warned those parading themselves to desist from there, adding that henceforth, any Agboro found there operating illegally, collecting cash from people will be jailed since the government of Soludo has banned cash collection.
He emphasised that touts who have vowed not leave the place because they are working for people will cool heads in jail if they persist.
“Adverts have been placed in different radio stations concerning sealing of the park on 1st of April to avoid people parking their vehicles there. They have to partner with the government if they wish. It’s s a park between the government and Business Link. There are certain years Business Link can operate which is 10 years but they just operated three years,” he said.
L – R : Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products (VMAP), NAFDAC, Dr. Rametu Omamegbe Momodu, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances (NCS) Mrs Yedunni Adenuga, at a hybrid Technical Meeting on Mitigating Substandard and Counterfeit Products through the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme in Lagos…Friday.
…. To ensure that substandard and fake medicines are prevented from entry into Nigeria using NAFDAC appointed Pre-Shipment agents
Sequel to the widely acclaimed success recorded by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC in the recent unprecedented seizure, evacuation and destruction of over N1tn worth of substandard, banned, and expired medicines in Idumota, Onitsha and Aba Open Drug markets, NAFDAC continues to strengthen her fight against imported substandard regulated products from China and India through the appointment of a global testing and Inspection agency in addition to the existing Pre-Shipment agents in India.
According to a press release by Sayo Akintola Resident Media Consultant NAFDAC, this is to ensure that only safe and high-quality products are exported into Nigeria.
The Director General NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed this at a hybrid Technical Meeting on Mitigating Substandard and Counterfeit Products through the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme.
The meeting which took place in Lagos had in attendance representatives from various sectoral groups, clearing and forwarding agents, NAFDAC staff and CRIA Agents.
Prof. Adeyeye noted that globally, the manufacture and trade of substandard and falsified medicines (SFs) have become a lucrative crime, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in economic sabotage, treatment failures, drug resistance, and loss of lives.
According to the DG, the growth of SFs is fuelled by inadequate vigilance, corruption, lack of regulatory and political will, insufficient technology, and patronage by healthcare providers, stressing that in Nigeria however, NAFDAC has made significant progress in addressing the prevalence of SFs.
Prof Adeyeye emphasised that the presence of SFs poses several challenges, including:
Decreased confidence in healthcare systems due to the targeting of high-demand drugs in public health.
Therapeutic failure, adverse drug reactions, and increased drug resistance.
Loss of lives resulting from the availability of substandard medicines.
The involvement of organized criminal networks, which see counterfeit medicine trade as less risky than narcotics trafficking.
Reduced access to safe, high-quality, and effective medicines.
The use of advanced printing technologies, making counterfeit detection by the naked eye almost impossible.
Significant financial losses for genuine importers and manufacturers, with criminals profiting instead.
She explained that the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) is one of NAFDACs anti-counterfeiting strategies aimed at preventing the importation of substandard and falsified medicines and other regulated products into Nigeria.
Upon assuming office as NAFDACs Director General, she reviewed the scheme and the performance of existing CRIA agents which led to the suspension and eventual disengagement of one CRIA agent, the renewal of contracts with two others, and the addition of two new CRIA agents in India.
These measures were implemented to strengthen the CRIA scheme, enhance efficiency, and bolster the fight against counterfeit and substandard products, she said.
Over time, she added that significant regulatory strengthening has been undertaken, which has been acknowledged by compliant manufacturers, exporters, and importers, adding that this includes signing consultancy agreements, issuing service level agreements, establishing guidelines for service provision to NAFDAC and clients, and intercepting substandard and counterfeit products.
Additionally, she reiterated that NAFDAC has introduced an electronic platform, the Ports Inspection Data Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS), for verifying documents issued by NAFDAC and CRIA agents and for processing inspection reports.
Prof. Adeyeye said the CRIA Scheme is currently operational in China and India and has significantly strengthened regulatory control over products exported from these countries to Nigeria, adding that it ensures that only safe and high-quality products are shipped while preventing the export of substandard, counterfeit, and non-compliant products.
She disclosed that in the last five years, CRIA agents have successfully stopped nearly 200 consignments of products that failed laboratory testing at the country of origin and prevented shipments that did not meet NAFDACs documentation and labelling requirements.
To ensure further strengthening of the CRIA Scheme in India, NAFDAC has appointed Cotecna Inspection Services (CIS) as addition to the already existing Agents. She therefore reeled out the list of CRIA agents as follows:
CRIA Agents in China:
China Standards Tech. Services Ltd (CSTS)
Guangzhou Test Technology Consulting Co. Ltd
NHU Laboratories
Shanghai Hanlin Laboratory Ltd
CRIA Agents in India:
Assurance Analytics Pvt. Ltd
Cotecna Inspection Services
QCS Labs LLP
Quntrol Labs Pvt Ltd
Silis Labs Pvt. Ltd
Prof. Adeyeye listed responsibilities of CRIA Agents as follows
Physical Inspection:
Verify that product labels comply with NAFDAC labelling guidelines before shipment.
Ensure packaging is adequate, secure, and compliant with NAFDAC standards.
Product-Specific Testing:
Conduct random sampling of regulated products and send same to NAFDAC-approved laboratories for quality evaluation.
Confirm that products meet safety and quality requirements.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
Review regulatory documents provided by exporters to ensure authenticity.
Verify shipping documents, such as invoices and packing lists, for accuracy and completeness.
Report cases of failed laboratory analysis and forged documents to NAFDAC.
Identify and report shipments that may have bypassed CRIA processing.
As stipulated in the consultancy agreements signed with each CRIA agent, she explained that there are designated laboratories in both China and India where sampled products must be tested.
‘It is important to note that all NAFDAC-regulated products require CRIA processing, except those on the CRIA exemption list. I encourage you to visit the NAFDAC website to review regulations and guidelines on product registration, permit issuance, labelling, and shipment into Nigeria. CRIA agents operate under clearly defined guidelines to ensure efficient service delivery and support NAFDAC in its mission to combat the importation of substandard and counterfeit products.’
The NAFDAC boss further explained that the reports issued by CRIA agents encompass critical aspects such as quality, quantity, packaging, labelling, and compliance with NAFDAC regulations, documentation standards, and internationally recognized pharmacopeial specifications.
Beyond ensuring compliance, she added that the CRIA scheme also facilitates international trade by providing Nigerian importers with confidence and assurance that their goods have been thoroughly inspected and meet regulatory requirements.
Prof Adeyeye however, disclosed that the Agency would soon swing into action in partnership with the Indian government to ensure that medicines rejected in India by the CRIA agents do not find their way back into Nigeria through the back door.
She emphasised that we want to know what happens to the medicines that we rejected in India and ensure that some unscrupulous Nigerans do not connive with their counterparts in India to smuggle the same products back into Nigeria through unorthodox means.
She strongly encouraged exporters of NAFDAC regulated products to always engage CRIA agents before shipping any consignment from China or India to Nigeria, adding that they have the flexibility to choose from any of the listed CRIA agents to ensure compliance and safeguard the quality of imported products.
CRIA agents in India and China who attended the meeting virtually took turns to join other stakeholders in Nigeria in commending the DG and reiterated the inevitability of CRIA agents in her untiring efforts to sanitise the Nigeria pharma and other regulated products ecosystem.
They spoke generally on their experiences with the scheme, the NAFDAC approved requirements verification, efforts made at ensuring compliance among exporters and recommendations for further strengthening of the scheme.
Newly appointed CRIA Agent, COTECNA Inspection Services represented by Vice President, Verification of Conformity and Africa, Mrs Lena Sodergren opined that the collaboration between COTECNA and NAFDAC is a testament to shared commitment to consumer safety, product quality and facilitation of international trade.
COTECNA is entering the partnership with the aim to deliver the best possible services by leveraging on its unwavering dedication to ensuring compliance and top quality with its expertise in inspection, testing and certification adding that I can confirm that the NAFDAC CRIA scheme is the most comprehensive food and drug, cosmetics programme in Africa and other continent as well.
She stated that the CRIA scheme is unique at ensuring traceability and comprehensive control which helps in eliminating fake declaration, fake certificates, fake test report, the shipment of counterfeit or blacklisted, non-compliance or expired products.’
,In his opening remarks, Director of Ports Inspection Directorate PID, Dr Olakunle Olaniran disclosed that his Directorate has gained tremendously from the deployment of the CRIA Scheme, especially in the close to 200 regulated products that have been either stopped from coming into the country or intercepted on arrival following intel from the countries of origin.
He said that intercepted cases range from outright falsified products or documents, alteration of labels, or attempts to ship products that have failed laboratory tests, adding that we have also had a few cases that deliberately attempted to evade CRIA screening for unacceptable reasons. These have always been apprehended and sanctioned as appropriate.
The Finance and Business Online Publishers Association (FiBOP) is set to host its 2025 Youth Capacity Building and Empowerment Program on April 15, 2025, at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.
Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance Group, in partnership with payment services provider, Mobikash, hosted a seminar to promote financial and insurance literacy among 150 members of Nigeria’s informal sector in Abuja, in line with the Group’s mission to make insurance accessible to all Nigerians.
LarryBravo Nwaiwu
