INEC'

NDLEA Reveals 14.3 Million Drug Users in Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2024

ACGN Sule Momodu, the Zonal Commander of Zone ‘F’ of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revealed that there are 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, with Kaduna State alone having a prevalence rate of 10 percent, ranking fourth in the North-Western states. He addressed pharmacists and military officers during a dialogue in Kaduna, highlighting the connection between the proliferation of controlled drugs and criminal activities, including banditry and terrorism.

Momodu emphasized that drug use is a significant factor contributing to insecurity in various states across the country. He noted that lack of peace and security poses challenges to the success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other development plans in Nigeria. During his tenure as the NDLEA Commander in Katsina, the state governor informed him that bandits, when under the influence of tramadol, became unstoppable in carrying out their operations.

Addressing the audience, community pharmacist Aliyu Jibrin, representing his colleagues, affirmed that pharmacists, being professionals, adhere to the laws and ethics of drug dispensing, ensuring they do not contribute to undermining the security of Nigeria. He pointed out the limited number of pharmacists, less than 400 in Kaduna, compared to the numerous drug stores in the state.

INEC'

Court Bars INEC from Recognising PDP’s 2025 Convention Outcome

Published

7 days ago

November 1, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Huldah Shado

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 2025 National Convention.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that the PDP violated key provisions of the Electoral Act and its own constitution in planning the convention.

The court found that the party failed to conduct congresses in several states and issued no valid 21-day notice to INEC, thereby breaching legal requirements.

It also ruled that official documents signed by the National Chairman without the National Secretary’s counter-signature were invalid.

Justice Omotosho therefore ordered INEC not to receive, publish, or recognise the outcome of the convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan until the party regularises its processes.

INEC'

INEC Defends ₦1.5bn Charge for Voters’ Register Access

Published

3 weeks ago

October 16, 2025

By Samuel Adeola

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has defended the ₦1.5 billion fee charged for releasing certified copies of the National Register of Voters and polling unit details nationwide.

A law firm, V.C. Ottaokpukpu & Associates, had requested the documents, prompting INEC’s approval with a bill of ₦1,505,901,750, a move that sparked public criticism.

INEC’s Director of Voter Education, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the fee was set under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which allows agencies to charge for the cost of duplication and certification.

She explained that the amount was based on ₦250 per page for Certified True Copies, covering over 6 million pages of voter data and polling unit lists.

INEC stressed that the charge reflects actual production costs and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and legal compliance.

INEC'

INEC’s Credibility Faces Test in FCT, Off-Cycle Elections

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

By Olokuta Rofiat

Yiaga Africa has said the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT), area council and off-cycle governorship elections will be a major credibility test for the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Etekamba Amupitan.

In a statement reported by Daily Post on Friday, the civil society group said the polls would reveal INEC’s commitment to credible, transparent, and inclusive elections under Amupitan’s leadership.

Yiaga Africa urged the commission to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act and its guidelines, including timely deployment of materials, effective use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and prompt upload of results on the IReV portal.

The group also called for stronger coordination with security agencies and transparency in result management to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

It added that the FCT and off-cycle elections will show whether Amupitan can steer INEC toward reform or continue the pattern of voter apathy and distrust.