Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
CPPE Urges Nigerian Lawmakers to Reject Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill Amid Economic Concerns

CPPE Urges Nigerian Lawmakers to Reject Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill Amid Economic Concerns

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called on Nigeria's House of Representatives to reject a proposed tax bill on sugar-sweetened beverages. The bill, which aims to reform excise duties on these beverages, has already been passed by the Senate. CPPE's CEO, Dr. Muda Yusuf, argues that the bill is ill-timed and could harm Nigeria's manufacturing sector, particularly the food and beverage industry. He highlights that the sector is a significant contributor to the country's industrial economy, providing substantial manufacturing output and employment. Yusuf warns that additional taxes would increase production costs, raise consumer prices, weaken demand, and threaten jobs. He also points out that the bill contradicts the government's commitment to reducing the tax burden on businesses. Instead of imposing new taxes, Yusuf suggests focusing on public health initiatives like nutrition education and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Trendline Trendline
Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Calls for Review of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill Due to Economic Concerns

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Calls for Review of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill Due to Economic Concerns

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Calls for Review of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill Due to Economic Concerns
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Institut Pasteur Launches ACT-CHIK to Accelerate Chikungunya Vaccine Development in Africa

Institut Pasteur Launches ACT-CHIK to Accelerate Chikungunya Vaccine Development in Africa

Institut Pasteur has initiated ACT-CHIK, a four-year research project aimed at advancing the development of a chikungunya vaccine in Africa. Funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program, the project will conduct large-scale clinical trials in four African countries and prepare for technology transfer to an African vaccine manufacturer. Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, has seen a rise in cases across Africa, exacerbated by climate change. The project seeks to address the underdiagnosis and under-reporting of the disease and improve vaccine accessibility in endemic regions.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Institut Pasteur Launches ACT-CHIK to Advance Chikungunya Vaccine Development in Africa

Institut Pasteur Launches ACT-CHIK to Advance Chikungunya Vaccine Development in Africa

Institut Pasteur has initiated a four-year research project named ACT-CHIK, aimed at advancing the development of a chikungunya vaccine in Africa. Funded by the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, the project has received €15.3 million to support large-scale Phase Ib/III clinical trials in Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. The vaccine, MV-CHIK, is a measles-virus-based candidate originally developed at Institut Pasteur. The initiative seeks to address the growing burden of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, by generating critical clinical data and preparing for regional vaccine manufacturing. The project also aims to transfer vaccine manufacturing technology to the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Africa’s only WHO-prequalified vaccine manufacturer.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Cultural Shifts in Nigeria: Embracing Dogs as Pets Amidst Traditional Practices

Cultural Shifts in Nigeria: Embracing Dogs as Pets Amidst Traditional Practices

In Nigeria, a cultural shift is occurring as more people begin to embrace dogs as pets rather than solely as guard animals or sources of meat. Traditionally, dogs in Nigeria have been viewed primarily as protectors or, in some regions, as a delicacy known as '404'. However, individuals like Izien Aigbodion, who walks his dogs in Lagos, are part of a growing movement that sees dogs as companions. This change is supported by animal welfare advocates and organizations promoting responsible pet ownership. The movement is challenging the traditional dog meat trade, which is linked to health risks such as rabies due to the lack of veterinary care in unregulated markets.
Trendline Trendline
Crypto Industry Calls for Senate Vote on Regulatory Bill to Boost Market Clarity

Crypto Industry Calls for Senate Vote on Regulatory Bill to Boost Market Clarity

Crypto Industry Calls for Senate Vote on Regulatory Bill to Boost Market Clarity
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Ebola Expert Warns of Potential Nightmare Scenario as Outbreak Escalates

Ebola Expert Warns of Potential Nightmare Scenario as Outbreak Escalates

The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently experiencing the third-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, with over 1,000 reported cases and 233 confirmed deaths. Simon Mardel, an emergency medical professional and Ebola expert, has expressed concerns that the outbreak may have started earlier than previously believed, potentially leading to hundreds of undetected carriers. Mardel highlights the critical gap between documented and actual Ebola carriers, warning of 'unrecognized chains of transmission' that could exacerbate the situation. The outbreak has already spread beyond the DRC into Uganda, and Mardel fears it could reach Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, which could lead to a disaster similar to the 2014 outbreak that claimed over 11,000 lives.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Passes Bill to Cut Food Aid for Women and Children Amid Rising Costs

House Passes Bill to Cut Food Aid for Women and Children Amid Rising Costs

The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed a Republican-led spending bill aimed at reducing food aid for millions of low-income women and children. The bill, approved by a 213-210 vote, seeks to cut funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program provides essential food assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. The proposed legislation would specifically reduce the funding for WIC's fruit and vegetable benefits, which are crucial for participants to purchase fresh produce. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that the changes would cut approximately $141 million from benefits used by about 5.4 million children, pregnant women, and postpartum mothers. The bill's passage highlights ongoing divisions in Congress over nutrition programs, especially as grocery costs remain high.
Reuters Reuters
US lawmakers warn Pulte appointment could thwart surveillance law's renewal

US lawmakers warn Pulte appointment could thwart surveillance law's renewal

By Svea Herbst-Bayliss and Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON, June 7 (Reuters) - Two U.S. lawmakers with national security expertise warned on Sunday that President Donald Trump's choice of Bill Pulte to be his chief intelligence adviser could stand in the way of renewing an expiring foreign surveillance
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Shell's Continued Operations in Nigeria's Niger Delta Despite Oil Spills Raise Environmental Concerns

Shell's Continued Operations in Nigeria's Niger Delta Despite Oil Spills Raise Environmental Concerns

Internal documents have revealed that Shell continued to operate a compromised pipeline in Nigeria's Niger Delta, despite being aware of the pollution risks it posed to the surrounding coastal wetland environment. The Nembe Creek Trunk Line, a critical oil artery, was known to be in poor condition as early as 2008. Despite proposals to shut it down, Shell executives decided to keep it operational. This decision has led to significant environmental degradation, including the destruction of thousands of hectares of mangroves and aquatic life, impacting local communities reliant on fishing. Shell attributes the spills to organized criminal gangs and highlights the security risks associated with shutting down the pipeline.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
ICFJ Investigations Reveal Global Impact of Climate Disinformation on Environmental Policies

ICFJ Investigations Reveal Global Impact of Climate Disinformation on Environmental Policies

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), in collaboration with Code for Africa and Proto, has conducted a series of investigative reports exposing the spread of climate disinformation. These investigations, part of the 'Disarming Disinformation' initiative, have highlighted how false narratives about climate change are being disseminated, leading to environmental degradation and policy manipulation. The reports uncovered coordinated efforts to spread disinformation, including social media campaigns linked to oil interests in Gulf countries. These campaigns have been found to undermine public concern about climate change and promote activities like illegal logging under the guise of legal operations. The investigations have led to significant outcomes, such as the suspension of logging activities in Nigeria and ongoing legal probes in Brazil and Bolivia regarding deceptive carbon credit deals.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Uganda Closes Congo Border Amid Ebola Fears, Impacting Traders

Uganda Closes Congo Border Amid Ebola Fears, Impacting Traders

Uganda has closed its western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in response to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province of Congo. This decision, made on May 28, aims to prevent the spread of the virus into Uganda. The closure has significantly affected traders, particularly at the Mpondwe border post, where goods such as plantains and fish are stuck in transit. Traders like Leah Masika and Sylvia Asiimwe express frustration as their perishable goods risk spoiling due to the halted movement of cargo trucks. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency but advised against border closures, although it acknowledges the high risk of contagion to neighboring countries. Uganda has confirmed 15 Ebola cases linked to the outbreak, prompting authorities to tighten border measures further.