In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Thursday 05 December, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
Fuel import hit 2.3bn litres despite local production – Punch
Despite the commencement of petrol production by two major refineries in Nigeria in the last three months, oil marketers have continued to import and distribute the product nationwide.
The PUNCH gathered on Wednesday that marketers imported 2.3 billion litres of petrol between September 11 and December 5, 2024.
We call on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to prioritise transparency by providing clear justifications for the continued reliance on imports. This accountability is essential to fostering trust, ensuring effective resource management, and reducing the economic burden on Nigerians.
How 4 police officers ‘stole’ 43m from cargo driver – Daily Trust
Four officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have been suspended for their involvement in the alleged theft of N43.16 million during an unauthorized arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, must urgently ensure a thorough, transparent investigation into the alleged theft involving the suspended officers and take decisive action to restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
Antimicrobial awareness week: Antibiotics use worsens drug resistance, claims 64,500 lives yearly – The Guardian
Abuse of antibiotic drugs and its attendant resistance has hit a new record with no fewer than 64,500 Nigerians killed by related causes yearly. With over 1.2 million suffering from antimicrobial resistance now in Nigeria, stakeholders believe that an emergency needs to be declared on the overuse and misuse of antibiotics nationwide.
Urgent action is needed to regulate and monitor antibiotic usage nationwide. We urge the Minister of Health, Ali Pate to come up with and enforce strict policies on the prescription and sale of antibiotics, ensuring they are used only under professional supervision.
Also, public awareness campaigns should educate citizens on the dangers of self-medication and misuse, while healthcare providers must adopt antimicrobial stewardship programs to guide appropriate use. A
