“₦130,000 for Basic Drugs Is a National Failure” — @osita_chidoka Blasts Nigerian Pharma Industry
Former Aviation Minister and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has challenged Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers to abandon what he described as an “alibi culture” of excuses and embrace global quality standards to rescue the country’s healthcare sector and economy.
Speaking at the 29th National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria in Ilorin, Kwara State, Chidoka warned that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry faces a critical moment that requires urgent reforms, innovation, and institutional accountability.
Chidoka painted a grim picture of the economic burden on Nigerians, revealing that four basic healthcare products Creatine, Magnesium Glycinate, Vicks Sinex, and a pain relief ointment currently cost about ₦130,520 in Nigeria.
According to him, while similar products consume only a tiny fraction of workers’ salaries in countries like the United States and South Africa, Nigerian workers may spend up to 15 percent of their income or nearly two months’ salary to afford them.
He blamed the crisis on the sector’s heavy dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which he said account for about 70 to 80 percent of production inputs.
The former minister urged pharmaceutical companies to stop relying solely on weak regulation and instead build systems that can compete globally under standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).
Chidoka stressed that quality should be treated as a strategic advantage rather than a compliance burden, insisting that Nigerian manufacturers must position themselves for opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further proposed a reform philosophy he called “Mekaria,” backed by his M²I framework Measure, Monitor, and Improve as a pathway for transforming Nigeria into a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.
In commemoration of Abuja Mental Awareness Day, we organized a seminar in collaboration with @abujamegalionsclub and @rotaryinternational for SS3 students of Government Secondary School, Garki fostering open conversations on mental health,
Reps Probe $460m Abuja CCTV Project Amid Rising Insecurity
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the $460 million Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project initiated by the Federal Government in 2010, following renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) despite the existence of the surveillance infrastructure.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Rt. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah (LP–Abia), who expressed outrage that the massive financial investment had failed to deliver any meaningful improvement in public safety.
Ogah recalled that the CCTV project was conceived under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to enhance security and aid crime prevention efforts in Abuja.
“The most important of all responsibilities of government is the protection of lives and property as well as the entrenchment of security to engender good governance,” Ogah stated.
He explained that the initiative was designed to install cameras across strategic areas of the FCT to monitor and prevent criminal activities, but has since failed to achieve its objectives.
Ogah further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Beijing in 2010 between the Nigerian Government, represented by then Finance Minister Dr. Olusegun Aganga, and ZTE Communications of China, which was awarded the contract for the CCTV installation.
The lawmaker added that the project was financed through a $460 million loan from the China-EXIM Bank, drawn from a $600 million soft credit facility, to be repaid over 10 years after a 10-year grace period.
Despite this huge financial outlay, Ogah lamented that the system has not improved security in the capital city.
“Despite this massive investment and the financial burden Nigeria continues to bear in servicing the loan, the impact of the CCTV is not felt in any form,” he said.
“Rather than abating, crime rates have surged in Abuja, with daily reports of killings and other crimes occurring unchecked.”
He further described the situation as a lose-lose scenario for the country.
“It is troubling that Nigeria is still repaying a loan obtained from a Chinese bank for a non-functional CCTV project handled by a Chinese company,” Ogah said.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the implementation of the project, determine its current status, and establish reasons for its failure.
The committee is also expected to recommend measures to ensure accountability, transparency, and value for money in future government-funded security infrastructure projects.
The Rotary Club of Abuja Highrise, has called on members to focus more on conceptualisation and execution of mega projects that will have lasting impacts on benefiting communities.
Making the call in Abuja on Friday in his key note address at the first anniversary of Highrise Rotary Club, Rotarian Dr. Chigoke Ekechukwu, , warned against “short-sighted” projects such as boreholes and urged the club to think big, seek government and private sector partnerships, and attract sponsorships beyond Rotary circles
Supporting the call, the District Governor of District 9127, Dame Dr. Prince Joy Nky Okoro, in his remarks , stressed that impactful projects define Rotary’s legacy.
“As admonished by the key – note speaker , our projects should be community – impactful driven Club President, Rotarian Alimot Afe, reeled out achievements since the club was chartered on September 11, 2024 which according to him, include rehabilitation of the Neonatal Ward at Nyanya General Hospital, peace-building campaigns, health outreaches with HIV and hepatitis testing, solar-powered boreholes, school fee support for 200 IDP pupils, skills training for women and youths, and environmental awareness programmes.
The Rotary Club of Abuja Municipal, led by Rotarian Ambassador Vivian Iloegbunam, paid a courtesy visit to ASR Africa today, presenting our MD/CEO, Dr. Ubon Udoh, with an honorary membership of the Rotary Club International - at the ASR Africa Corporate Office, (FCT) Abuja, earlier today.
The occasion also served as a platform to explore potential partnership areas, focusing on enhancing healthcare delivery and impactful social development initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa.
cc. @RotaryAbujaMunc@Rotary@BUAgroup
#ASRAfrica #SocialDevelopment
🇳🇬 Rotary Club of Abuja Municipal congratulates Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Together, let’s keep building a united and prosperous Nigeria. 💙💛 #NigeriaAt65#IndependenceDay#Rotary
PUBLIC NOTICE & INVITATION
The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the Implementation and Oversight of the Naira-for-Crude-Oil Policy
cordially invites stakeholders and the general public to the:
Inauguration Ceremony of the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Naira-for-Crude-Oil Policy
This inauguration marks a significant milestone in advancing national discourse, promoting robust oversight, and developing sound policy recommendations concerning the Naira-for-Crude-Oil framework.
As a valued stakeholder, your presence and contributions will be instrumental in shaping the future of this strategic initiative.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday,, September 24, 2025
Venue: Conference Room 028, House of Representatives Complex, National Assembly, Abuja
Time: 10:00 AM Prompt
Your co-operation, contribution, and active participation are highly anticipated and sincerely appreciated.
For Further Enquiries, Please Contact:
Committee Clerk – Barr. A.D. Abdullahi
📞 0803 579 4485
Announcer:
Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Boniface S. Emerengwa, DSSRS
Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee
📚 To mark #WorldLiteracyDay, Rotary Club of Abuja Municipal hosted an E-learning debate at JSS Durumi. Interacts performed brilliantly, with awards presented. Rotarians, led by Pres. Rtn. Vivian Iloegbunam, also donated notebooks, school bags & textbooks to the library. 💙💛
As #WorldLiteracy Day approaches (Sept 12), Rotary Club of Abuja Municipal calls on all Rotarians to live Service Above Self. 📚
Let’s donate textbooks and resources to empower the next generation—because the children we don’t educate today may become tomorrow’s challenge.
Rotary Clubs of Abuja Municipal, FCT Central Dawn, Abuja New Dawn, Abuja Achievers & Lugbe VON held a joint Knowledge & Service Training on Sept 6 in Utako. 26 Rotarians deepened skills on governance, membership, finance & service. 💙💛 #Rotary#AbujaTwitterCommunity
Get ready for some sun, sand, and soccer!
Join us at Lido Beach, Entebbe on Sept 20th, 2025 for the Beach Soccer Fundraiser!
Support a great cause while having a blast with friends and fellow Rotaractors!
@rctlakevictoria
On 22 Nov, I’ll cycle 102 miles in @tourdetucson. My 13th ride for @EndPolioNow 🚴
Through Miles to End Polio, we’ve raised USD$72M+ with matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Your support matters. Together we will end polio: https://t.co/VP9Dumd4rR
Thank you @JohnHewko and the @Rotary community for keeping polio eradication in motion. Your commitment reminds us that persistence and partnership remain central to our shared mission of a polio-free world. @EndPolioNow
Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking to over 160 Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Friends of Rotary during the @rotaryd9213 Smart Money Tuesdays session.
Smart Money Tuesdays is a transformative initiative aligned with Rotary’s Area of Focus on Community Economic Empowerment. It seeks to elevate the economic well-being of Rotary members through financial literacy and practical tools for financial growth.
This September, which marks Basic Education and Literacy Month on the Rotary calendar, our focus is on reviewing books that empower us to navigate the financial landscape and pursue financial freedom.
I was honored to be part of a team that reviewed Money Cure: Common Sense Approach to Personal Financial Freedom, a powerful book authored by Rotarian Barbara Katende.
Barbara emphasizes that Personal Financial Independence is not a matter of luck - it is predictable, accessible, and attainable for anyone willing to embrace the principles she outlines. Financial freedom is a science, not a mystery, and mastering it doesn’t require special skills - just commitment and discipline.
She challenges the common mindset of waiting for a “breakthrough” while lacking systems, principles, or habits that support financial prudence. The book warns against the dangers of living on luck and highlights the importance of intentional financial planning.
Barbara also underscores the value of networks in achieving financial independence. Your life outcomes are directly proportional to the quality of people you surround yourself with. Every vision needs people - no one succeeds alone. Building a strong “ANGELS” network is critical to your growth towards financial independence.
I visited @RotaryArua and @RCAruaEcoCity — two vibrant clubs in the West Nile region. We discussed membership growth, community impact, and transforming local projects into global opportunities. Key highlights included the Surgical Camp in West Nile and the Little Hearts Project.
District conference -101
Why attend Entebbe district conference is to learn, connect, and grow, gaining inspiration and skills from workshops and speakers, networking with peers and leaders to build relationships, and celebrating achievements Awards while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. These conferences provide opportunities for leadership development, discovering new service projects, and staying informed on current initiatives within your organization.
The chance is now!
Be the Early Bird!
Catch the Slot
58 Days To go
Register: https://t.co/cPhWO2mSxp to be part of the fun.
📍Imperial Resort Beach Hotel
🗓 16th - 18th April 2026
#DISCON101
#RotaryEyamba
#Unite4GoodD9213
This Saturday, we dive deep into The Rotary Foundation with a power-packed learning session.
From understanding TRF to fundraising, Paul Harris Society, and End Polio Now, our leaders will guide us on how to do good in 2025/26.
#UniteForGood#RotaryD9214
PP Miriam Nangonzi, District PHF Society Officer, helps us explore the role of Paul Harris Fellows in sustaining TRF and expanding our giving culture. #UniteForGood#RotaryD9214