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Nigeria Endorses Local Mosquito Net Production to Combat Malaria

Nigeria Endorses Local Mosquito Net Production to Combat Malaria

The Nigerian government has endorsed a joint venture between Vestergaard Sàrl and Harvestfield Industries Limited to establish a mosquito net manufacturing facility in Ogun State. This plant, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aims to enhance health security by reducing reliance on imported nets. The facility will produce PermaNet Dual, a mosquito net designed to combat insecticide resistance, with production set to begin in April 2026. The initiative is expected to create 600 skilled jobs and produce 10 million nets annually. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key figures from the Nigerian government, the Swiss Consulate, and the World Bank.

West Africa is in a state of emergency after several coups, bloc leader says

West Africa is in a state of emergency after several coups, bloc leader says

A leader of the West African regional bloc says coups and attempted coups have left the region in a state of emergency

TIME Magazine Names Architects of A.I. as 2025 Person of the Year

TIME Magazine Names Architects of A.I. as 2025 Person of the Year

TIME Magazine has announced the Architects of A.I. as its 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing their significant impact on technology and society. This group of innovators has been instrumental in advancing artificial intelligence, influencing various sectors including healthcare, finance, and transportation. The decision highlights the growing importance of A.I. in shaping the future and its potential to address complex global challenges. The Architects of A.I. were chosen over other notable figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

Nigerian children reunite with their parents after being released from abduction

Nigerian children reunite with their parents after being released from abduction

Several parents have welcomed the return of their children who had been abducted last month in Papiri, Nigeria, when gunmen stormed their school

Ebonyi State Proposes Cement Plant to Boost Industrialization and Economic Growth

Ebonyi State Proposes Cement Plant to Boost Industrialization and Economic Growth

Ebonyi State in Nigeria is proposing the establishment of a new cement plant as part of its broader industrialization strategy. This initiative aims to capitalize on the state's abundant natural resources, such as limestone, gypsum, and clay, which are essential for cement production. The proposed plant is intended to succeed the defunct NIGERCEM and address the persistent gap between cement demand and supply in Nigeria. Despite the country's substantial installed production capacity of 65.6 million tonnes annually, actual production often falls short due to operational challenges. The new plant is expected to help bridge this gap, support infrastructure development, and contribute to reducing Nigeria's housing deficit, which is estimated at 17 million units in urban areas.

Nigeria Launches Insecticide Net Manufacturing Facility to Combat Malaria

Nigeria Launches Insecticide Net Manufacturing Facility to Combat Malaria

Nigeria has initiated the construction of its first dual active ingredient Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) manufacturing facility in Ogun state. This project is a collaboration between Swiss-based Vestergaard Sàrl and Nigeria’s Harvestfield Industrial, facilitated by the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). The facility is expected to begin production in April 2026, aiming to produce around 10 million nets annually, which will meet approximately 30% of Nigeria's LLIN demand. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance local production of essential health commodities, reduce import reliance, and create about 600 skilled jobs. The project is supported by various partners, including the World Bank and the Gates Foundation, and is seen as a significant step towards eradicating malaria in Nigeria, a country that accounts for a quarter of global malaria cases and deaths.

Nigerian Military Intervention in Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt, Stabilizes Region

Nigerian Military Intervention in Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt, Stabilizes Region

Nigerian military forces intervened in Benin to thwart a coup attempt, stabilizing the region and reaffirming Nigeria's role as a regional power. The intervention was ordered by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu after receiving requests from the Beninese government for immediate air and ground support. The coup attempt in Benin was led by mutinous soldiers in the economic capital of Cotonou. Nigerian fighter jets and ground forces played a decisive role in regaining control of key military positions. The intervention was part of a broader effort by Nigeria to prevent instability in the region, especially following the 2023 coup in Niger, which had significant regional implications.

Joint Venture in Nigeria to Produce 10 Million Mosquito Nets Annually for Malaria Prevention

Joint Venture in Nigeria to Produce 10 Million Mosquito Nets Annually for Malaria Prevention

Vestergaard Sàrl and Harvestfield Industries Limited have formed a joint venture named SNG Health to produce 10 million mosquito nets annually in Nigeria. This initiative aims to bolster malaria prevention efforts in the country, which bears the world's highest malaria burden. The production facility, set to begin operations in April 2026, will manufacture PermaNet® Dual, a mosquito net designed to combat insecticide resistance. The project is expected to create 600 skilled jobs and is part of Nigeria's broader strategy to industrialize its health sector and enhance local production of critical health products.

Nigerian Government Secures Release of 100 Abducted Schoolchildren Amid Ongoing Crisis

Nigerian Government Secures Release of 100 Abducted Schoolchildren Amid Ongoing Crisis

In Nigeria, 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community have been released. The abduction occurred on November 21, when gunmen seized 303 students and 12 teachers. While 50 students managed to escape shortly after the attack, more than 100 remain in captivity. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the release of the children, who are expected to be transported to Minna, the capital of Niger state, to meet with officials. The identity of the kidnappers remains unknown, but local sources attribute the attack to armed gangs that frequently target schools and travelers for ransom in Nigeria's northern regions.

Vestergaard and Harvestfield Launch Mosquito Net Facility in Nigeria to Combat Malaria

Vestergaard and Harvestfield Launch Mosquito Net Facility in Nigeria to Combat Malaria

Vestergaard Sàrl and Harvestfield Industries Limited have initiated a joint venture to establish a mosquito net manufacturing facility in Ogun State, Nigeria. This facility, named SNG Health, aims to produce PermaNet® Dual, a mosquito net with dual active ingredients designed to combat insecticide resistance. The project is a significant step in Nigeria's efforts to industrialize its health sector and reduce its reliance on imported mosquito nets. The facility is expected to begin production in April 2026, with an annual capacity of 10 million nets, creating 600 skilled jobs. The initiative is supported by various stakeholders, including the Nigerian government and international organizations, and is part of a broader strategy to enhance health security and economic development in the region.

Nigerian students to reunite with families after kidnapping ordeal

Nigerian students to reunite with families after kidnapping ordeal

By Abraham Achirga and Ahmed Kingimi MINNA, Nigeria, Dec 9 - A group of 100 Nigerian schoolchildren who were rescued from kidnappers were set to be reunited with their families on Tuesday after undergoing medical checks in central Niger state, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said.

Ebonyi State Proposes New Cement Plant to Boost Industrialization

Ebonyi State Proposes New Cement Plant to Boost Industrialization

Ebonyi State in Nigeria is proposing the establishment of a new cement plant as part of its industrialization strategy. This initiative aims to capitalize on the state's rich deposits of limestone, gypsum, and clay, essential for cement production. The project is seen as a successor to the defunct NIGERCEM and is expected to address the significant housing deficit in Nigeria, which is estimated at 17 million units in urban areas. The proposed plant is part of a broader vision to create an industrial city, promising job creation and economic growth. The project seeks to attract investment and support from both public and private sectors to bridge the gap between cement demand and supply in Nigeria.