Diphtheria resurfaces in Nigeria amidst vaccine shortage – Athena Centre report
Diphtheria is resurging in Nigeria at an alarming rate. According to a weekly publication called Athena Perspectives by the Athen Centre for Policy and Leadership, the deadly but preventable disease is exposing severe gaps in the Nigeria’s healthcare system. The report finds that with over 41,978 suspected cases and 1,279 deaths recorded between May 2022 and February 2025, the bacterial infection which is easily preventable through vaccination, has become a growing public health crisis. Read more
Athena Commentary: The diphtheria outbreak is yet another systemic failure in public health planning. Despite past warnings, low vaccination coverage persists due to inadequate funding, poor logistics, and vaccine hesitancy. The government must launch aggressive immunisation campaigns, ensuring vaccines reach rural areas. Swift procurement of diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics is crucial to reduce fatalities. Strengthening disease surveillance, improving healthcare infrastructure, and training personnel will enhance early detection and response. Public awareness initiatives must counter misinformation, while policies mandating routine immunisation compliance are essential. Without urgent, coordinated action, Nigeria risks prolonged outbreaks and unnecessary deaths from a preventable disease.
2. Foreign airlines patronise local caterers after minister’s threat
Foreign airlines operating in Nigeria have bowed to the pressure from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directing them to patronise local caterers for meals during their flights. Since October 2024, the Federal Government has been calling on foreign airlines to patronise local caterers, but the concerned airlines ignored the call. Later, Keyamo threatened to reject the summer schedules of foreign airlines that refuse to patronise local caterers for outboard meals. Airlines sign this schedule quarterly to secure operations in the country. The In-flight catering market is valued at $17.8bn as of 2023 and is projected to reach $30.2bn by the end of 2033, according to analysis. Read more
Athena Commentary: Minister Festus Keyamo’s decision to encourage foreign airlines to use local caterers is a commendable step towards boosting Nigeria’s economy. By integrating Nigerian catering services into international aviation, we unlock numerous opportunities. This initiative will significantly benefit local businesses and create jobs as caterers scale operations to meet international demands. The economic ripple effect is substantial—more jobs lead to improved livelihoods and reduced unemployment.
Petition To Recall Senator Natasha Did Not Meet Requirements — INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received the petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but says it did not meet the “requirements” for the action. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, said this in a statement on Tuesday. Olumekun said the petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents which contained signatures from “over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene. Read more
Athena Commentary: INEC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and adhering to its regulations is truly commendable. By ensuring that the petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan meets all stipulated requirements before proceeding, the commission demonstrates its dedication to transparency, fairness, and due process. This approach not only reinforces public trust in the electoral system but also sets a strong precedent for accountability and integrity in governance. It is essential that INEC continues to carry out its duties without fear or favor, maintaining its independence and impartiality as a cornerstone of democracy. By staying steadfast in its principles, INEC plays a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected. This is the kind of leadership and diligence that inspires confidence in the electoral process and paves the way for a more just and equitable society.
ISWAP Overruns Nigerian Military Base In Borno, Kills Several Soldiers, Injures Brigade Commander, Others
However, intelligence from a surveillance drone indicated visible fire around the base, and several troops were seen retreating toward Sabongari, suggesting that the base may have been overrun by insurgents. At least three Nigerian soldiers have been killed after Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BHT/ISWAP) terrorists launched an assault on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Wajiroko area of Borno State. Read more
Athena Commentary: The recent attack on the Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko, Borno State, underscores the opportunity for Nigeria to re-evaluate and enhance its security framework. While significant resources have been allocated to national security, ongoing incidents highlight the need for innovative strategies to better protect citizens and troops. To effectively address systemic vulnerabilities, service chiefs and relevant authorities can focus on investing in advanced intelligence systems, refining response strategies, and fostering strong collaboration among security agencies. Prioritising accountability and transparency in resource management is essential to build public trust and achieve meaningful results.