Nigeria Records No New Ebola Case 21 Days After Imported Infection – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says no additional Ebola case has been recorded in the country, 21 days after confirming an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus from Uganda.

The agency disclosed this in its national health security update issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, through its Director-General, Jide Idris.

According to Idris, the NCDC has identified 62 contacts linked to the imported infection. Of this number, 34 have completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period, while 28 remain under surveillance.

He clarified that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual is infected with Ebola, explaining that contact monitoring is a preventive measure designed to ensure early detection and prompt response to possible symptoms.

The NCDC Director-General said the agency was sustaining contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease surveillance, infection prevention measures and investigations into reported alerts, working alongside relevant federal and state authorities.

He urged healthcare professionals in both public and private health facilities to remain vigilant, obtain patients' travel and exposure histories, and promptly report suspected Ebola cases to public health authorities.

Idris also advised anyone who develops symptoms following possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before visiting a health facility.

NCDC Raises Alarm Over Dengue and Chikungunya

Beyond the Ebola update, the NCDC disclosed that dengue fever had been confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara States, while Chikungunya was confirmed in Sokoto State.

The agency said it had intensified surveillance and response activities, deploying National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, to support the affected states.

The teams are assisting with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control measures to contain the infections.

Idris cautioned Nigerians against assuming that every fever is malaria, noting that dengue and Chikungunya can present with similar symptoms, including fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.

He advised individuals experiencing persistent fever, skin rashes, vomiting or severe joint pain to seek prompt medical attention. He particularly warned that dengue could become life-threatening when its warning signs are ignored.

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infections, households were advised to eliminate stagnant water, cover water storage containers, dispose of discarded tyres properly and take measures to prevent mosquito bites. He noted that some disease-carrying mosquitoes are active during the daytime.

Agency Strengthens Preparedness Against Meningitis

The NCDC also expressed concern over cerebrospinal meningitis as the dry season advances, warning of increased risks in parts of Nigeria's meningitis belt.

According to Idris, the agency is strengthening preparedness by encouraging states to improve disease surveillance, diagnostic services, clinical readiness and vaccination responses where necessary to prevent avoidable deaths.

He urged Nigerians experiencing sudden fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness or confusion to seek immediate medical attention, while calling on healthcare facilities to promptly identify and refer suspected cases.

Diphtheria Remains a Public Health Concern

On diphtheria, the NCDC Director-General said the disease remained a public health concern, particularly among children who had missed routine immunisation.

He noted that the agency was supporting disease surveillance, laboratory diagnosis and outbreak response activities to strengthen efforts to control the infection.

Idris urged parents and caregivers to verify their children's vaccination status and seek professional guidance on missed vaccine doses, emphasising that immunisation and early treatment remain critical to preventing complications.

He further warned that fever accompanied by sore throat, neck swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing could indicate diphtheria and requires immediate medical assessment.

The NCDC reiterated the importance of public vigilance, early reporting and timely medical intervention in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health.

CICAN to Honour Dangote as Grand Patron at 2026 National Workshop and Awards

President/Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.GCON

The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) has announced plans to honour the President and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, as its Grand Patron at its 2026 National Workshop and Awards Ceremony.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is expected to attract prominent stakeholders across government, the organised private sector, commerce, industry, finance and the media.

In a letter dated August 23, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Taiwo Ademola Hassan, and Secretary-General, Olufemi Orioye, the association explained that Dangote’s nomination was in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.

CICAN highlighted the Dangote Group’s investments across manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, employment generation, export development and economic diversification, describing them as significant drivers of Nigeria’s productive capacity.

According to the association, the conglomerate has evolved into one of Africa’s leading indigenous business groups, with investments that have stimulated local enterprises, generated employment and strengthened economic value chains across multiple sectors.

The association also applauded Dangote’s commitment to large-scale industrialisation, noting that his business achievements demonstrate the ability of Nigerian entrepreneurs to build globally competitive enterprises while advancing the country’s drive towards self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on imports.

CICAN further emphasised that, as journalists reporting  commerce, industry, trade, investment and the business environment, it recognises the importance of responsible private-sector investment in driving national development.

Beyond his appointment as Grand Patron, Dangote will also receive a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Industrial Development.

The association expressed optimism that his acceptance of the position would strengthen its relationship with the organised private sector and create further opportunities for collaboration, particularly in promoting informed public discussions on business, industrialisation and national economic development.

The 2026 CICAN National Workshop and Awards Ceremony will also provide a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, business executives and media professionals to deliberate on key issues shaping Nigeria’s business environment, industrial growth and economic prospects.

The event will equally celebrate individuals and organisations whose contributions have made a significant impact on the nation's economic development.#

DANGOTE REFINERY IPO ATTRACTS INVESTORS FROM 120 COUNTRIES , AlLL 54 AFRICAN NATIONS

Landmark offering achieves full African participation and reaches investors across all six inhabited continents

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has concluded its landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO), attracting investor applications from 120 countries across all six inhabited continents, including all 54 African nations.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for African industrial development and capital markets, demonstrating the potential to expand investment opportunities and encourage broader ownership of strategic African businesses.

Described as The People's IPO, the offering goes beyond conventional fundraising by opening up participation in one of Africa's largest industrial projects to a wider pool of investors. Its extensive distribution network brought together commercial banks, stockbroking firms, fintech platforms and other capital market institutions to facilitate access to the offer.

Dangote: Africans Must Own the Industries They Build

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, described the outcome as a strong demonstration of African confidence and the continent's capacity to mobilise its resources for development.

According to Dangote, the participation of investors from every African country shows that Africans want more than access to locally produced goods; they also want to invest in, own and benefit from the industries driving the continent's economic growth.

He explained that the IPO was designed not only to raise capital but also to broaden ownership and create opportunities for ordinary Africans to participate in an enterprise of global significance.

Dangote added that the company's long-term ambition extends beyond building successful businesses to supporting a more prosperous and economically self-reliant Africa.

As the Group advances its expansion programme and Vision 2030 strategy, he said it remains committed to improving operational performance, strengthening Africa's energy security and delivering value to investors.

International Investors Express Confidence in the Refinery

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the international response reflected confidence in the refinery's industrial scale, operational capabilities and long-term growth prospects.

He described the participation of investors from 120 countries as a major milestone, particularly given the offer's reach across every African nation and all six inhabited continents.

Bird said the company's focus remains on operational excellence, sustainable growth and creating long-term shareholder value.

IPO Offered 4.1 Billion Shares at ₦525 Each

The IPO opened on September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, representing a proposed capital raise of approximately ₦2.15 trillion.

Initially scheduled to close on October 13, the offer was extended to October 27 following approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission, giving investors additional time to participate.

The extension reflected the company's stated objective of widening ownership and reaching investors across African and international markets.

A New Chapter for African Capital Markets

Group Chief Financial Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Murat Erden, said the IPO could serve as a model for expanding investment participation and strengthening connections across African capital markets.

He highlighted the role of banks, stockbrokers, fintech companies and digital distribution channels in connecting investors across national borders.

Erden also pointed to the refinery's reported revenue of US$22.5 billion and EBITDA of US$5.52 billion in the first nine months of 2026, describing its industrial scale and financial performance as important foundations for future growth.

He said the broader significance of the offering lies in its potential to encourage more Africans to invest in major businesses operating on the continent.

Boosting Africa's Energy Security

Located in Lagos, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery represents one of Africa's largest private industrial investments. Its operations are aimed at expanding domestic refining and petrochemical production, reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products and strengthening energy supply across the continent.

The successful conclusion of the IPO comes as the company pursues plans to expand its refining and petrochemical operations and strengthen its distribution network.

With applications reportedly received from all 54 African countries, the offering highlights the potential for greater cross-border investment and wider public participation in Africa's industrial transformation.#

CICAN TARGETS NIGERIA’S TAX AND ESG CHALLENGES AT 2026 WORKSHOP

 

LAGOS — The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is set to convene government officials, manufacturers, business leaders, regulators and other key stakeholders for a high-level discussion on Nigeria’s changing business environment, with particular focus on tax reforms and mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements.

The CICAN 2026 Workshop and Awards, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, will focus on the theme:

“Fate of Nigerian Manufacturers in the New Tax Regime and Implications of the Mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) on Nigeria’s Business Climate of the 2030 Deadline.”

According to a statement signed by the CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, and Secretary-General, Comrade Femi Orioye, the workshop is designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the implications of Nigeria’s evolving tax framework and the increasing emphasis on sustainable and responsible business practices.

Tax Reforms, ESG and the Manufacturing Sector

The event comes at a time when businesses, particularly manufacturers, are navigating changes in taxation alongside rising expectations around environmental sustainability, social responsibility and corporate governance.

Discussions at the workshop are expected to examine how these developments could affect the cost of doing business, competitiveness, investment decisions and the long-term sustainability of Nigerian enterprises.

The forum will also explore practical ways businesses can adapt to the changing regulatory environment while remaining competitive in both domestic and international markets.

High-Level Speakers and Stakeholders

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, is expected to serve as the lead guest speaker, while the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, will deliver the keynote address.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, is listed as a special guest, alongside the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem.

Other expected guests include the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Group, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo; and the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Dr Jani Ibrahim.

The workshop is being supported by organisations and institutions including the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, Corporate Nigeria, PRCAN, Nigeria Revenue Service, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dangote Group, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, UBA, FAE Limited and Coleman Wire & Cable, among others.

Preparing Businesses for a Changing Regulatory Environment

For CICAN, the choice of theme reflects growing concerns about the combined effect of taxation, regulatory requirements and the transition towards more sustainable business models.

The workshop is expected to encourage open discussions on how manufacturers and other businesses can manage these pressures while maintaining productivity, attracting investment and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Beyond identifying challenges, stakeholders are expected to examine opportunities within the emerging regulatory environment and consider strategies that can support business resilience and competitiveness.

CICAN 2026 Awards

The workshop will also feature an awards segment recognising individuals and institutions for their contributions to Nigeria’s commerce, industry and economic development.

Among those listed for special recognition are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is expected to be honoured as Father of the Day, and Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo, who is listed as Mother of the Day.

CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, will lead members of the association’s executive council and other stakeholders at the event.

The programme is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. on November 19, 2026, with senior government officials, business leaders, manufacturers, regulators, media professionals and other stakeholders expected to participate.

As Nigeria’s business environment continues to evolve, the CICAN workshop is positioned as a forum for stakeholders to discuss the practical realities facing businesses and explore pathways for sustaining enterprise, investment and economic growth under the country’s emerging tax and ESG landscape.

LAGOS CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP CHARGES NEW CLERICS TO BE ANCHORS OF HOPE,URGES NIGERIANS TO REJECT VOTER APATHY.

 Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has charged newly ordained priests and deacons to become “anchors of hope” in a world facing war, poverty, insecurity and social instability, while urging Nigerians to reject political apathy and actively participate in the democratic process.

Archbishop Martins gave the charge during the ordination of 20 new clerics—six priests and 14 deacons—at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the ordination was taking place at a critical time when the world desperately needed messages of hope and peace, stressing that the new clerics had been called to serve as witnesses to the continuing presence and sovereignty of God amid the challenges confronting humanity.

Highlighting the situation in Nigeria, the Archbishop identified hunger, poverty, insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and homelessness as some of the major challenges diminishing hope among citizens.

He urged the newly ordained priests to embrace lives of prayer, sacrifice and obedience, and to carry their priestly identity with integrity while proclaiming the truth “in season and out of season.”

According to him, their ministry should not be driven by the pursuit of popularity, power, material comfort or public applause, but by fidelity to Christ and a commitment to bringing hope to a troubled society.

Archbishop Urges Nigerians to Vote

Speaking on the political situation in the country, Archbishop Martins urged Nigerians not to allow disappointment with past elections to discourage them from participating in the democratic process.

He warned that refusing to vote would amount to surrendering citizens’ power to determine who governs them.

With political activities gathering momentum ahead of forthcoming elections, the Archbishop called on Nigerians to critically examine the promises of political aspirants and make informed choices based on their consciences rather than material inducements.

He urged citizens to ask politicians  questions about their plans for managing the nation’s resources and to resist attempts to buy their votes with food, money and other inducements.

“Even if people choose not to vote, they lose their right to call whoever gets into power to account,” he said.

The Archbishop disclosed that the Church, through its Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), was positioning itself to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening democracy and promoting free, fair and credible elections.

He encouraged Nigerians to see voting as both a civic responsibility and an opportunity to influence the direction of the country.

The Archbishop’s twin message to the newly ordained clerics and the wider Nigerian society was therefore a call to hope, service, responsibility and active citizenship—with the Church committed to producing ministers who will not only proclaim the Gospel but also contribute to building a more just, peaceful and responsible society.#

FG's $1 Trillion Economy Drive: NACCIMA to Deepen Nigeria-China Economic Partnership Through Business and Investment Forum 3.0.

 

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is positioning itself at the forefront of attracting strategic foreign investments.

The chamber has announced the third edition of its Business and Investment Forum, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Nigeria and China while attracting sustainable investments that support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The announcement was made by NACCIMA's National Public Relations Officer, Madinat Adigun-Oladotun, who revealed that the forum will take place in Guangzhou, China, alongside the 140th Canton Fair, one of the world's largest and most influential international trade exhibitions.

Connecting Nigeria with Global Investors

According to Adigun-Oladotun, the forum is designed to connect Nigeria directly with leading Chinese investors, manufacturers, industrialists and business executives across multiple sectors of the economy.

She explained that the initiative seeks to unlock new investment opportunities, encourage industrial development, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

"The Business and Investment Forum is a strategic platform to attract valuable and sustainable economic opportunities that will accelerate the actualisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of building a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030," she said.

Beyond a Consumer Economy

Adigun-Oladotun stressed that Nigeria must reposition itself beyond being a consumer market and become a preferred destination for investment, manufacturing, value addition and industrial production.

She noted that Nigeria possesses the population, abundant natural resources, entrepreneurial talent and strategic geographical advantage needed to serve as the gateway to Africa's expanding market.

According to her, achieving this vision will require deliberate investments in infrastructure, improved access to finance, modern technology, innovation and stronger international partnerships capable of driving industrialisation.

Building Stronger Nigeria-China Partnerships

She explained that NACCIMA established the Business and Investment Forum in Guangzhou to create lasting relationships between Nigerian businesses and credible Chinese investors committed to mutually beneficial partnerships.

Reflecting on the success of the previous two editions, Adigun-Oladotun said the initiative has already laid a strong foundation for long-term collaboration with members of the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), Guangzhou, with the support of the Consul General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas.

She disclosed that these collaborations are already opening investment opportunities in key sectors such as:

• Automobile and electric vehicle manufacturing
• Agribusiness
• Renewable energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial park development
• Other strategic industries

Call for Active Participation

NACCIMA has called on state governors, federal ministries, agencies, local governments and private sector organisations to participate actively in the trade mission.

The association believes the forum presents an opportunity to attract quality investments, facilitate technology transfer, strengthen local manufacturing, promote skills development and generate sustainable employment.

Adigun-Oladotun particularly encouraged state governments to showcase their investment potential by registering for the forum and engaging directly with credible Chinese investors.

She urged them to collaborate with NACCIMA and the organised private sector to secure partnerships aligned with their respective comparative economic advantages.

A Platform for Nigeria's Industrial Future

Describing Guangzhou as one of the world's foremost commercial and manufacturing hubs and home to the globally renowned Canton Fair, Adigun-Oladotun encouraged Nigerian businesses and investors to take advantage of the trade mission.

She expressed confidence that the Business and Investment Forum 3.0 would create strategic partnerships capable of accelerating Nigeria's industrial transformation, expanding foreign direct investment, and supporting the country's ambition of becoming a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.#

FG's Renewed Hope Skills Programme Equips Nigerians for Self-Reliance

The Federal Government's Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme is gaining momentum across Nigeria, as thousands of participants undergo intensive practical training aimed at equipping them with employable skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and reducing poverty through sustainable livelihoods.

Implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the nationwide initiative is expected to benefit 18,510 Nigerians. The programme was officially flagged off by the Minister, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, as part of the Federal Government's commitment to empowering citizens through skills acquisition rather than short-term relief.

In a statement issued by the Minister's Senior Technical Adviser on Information Systems and Data Analysis, Dr. Abimbola Fasanu, the initiative was described as a significant milestone in Nigeria's poverty reduction strategy. According to the statement, the programme marks a shift from temporary interventions to sustainable economic empowerment by providing practical skills that enable beneficiaries to earn steady incomes, build resilient livelihoods, and become financially independent.

Speaking on the third day of the training at the Women Development Centre in Agege, Lagos, the Programme Coordinator and Centre Head, Mrs. Kemilat Opasaye, said the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by equipping vulnerable Nigerians with practical skills for self-reliance.

She explained that participants are receiving hands-on training in a wide range of vocational trades, including tailoring, welding, carpentry, catering, baking, agro-processing, bead and jewellery making, as well as other income-generating skills. At the end of the two-week training, beneficiaries will receive trade-specific starter packs to help them launch their own businesses.

According to Mrs. Opasaye, the programme goes beyond teaching vocational skills. It is designed to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship, and empower beneficiaries to become employers of labour.

"This initiative is about giving Nigerians the opportunity to acquire practical skills that will improve their lives and enable them to build sustainable sources of income," she said.

The programme aligns with the Ministry's broader vision of moving vulnerable Nigerians from dependence to economic self-reliance through sustainable empowerment initiatives. It also complements the Ministry's One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), which integrates humanitarian assistance, social protection, skills development, and economic inclusion into a coordinated national framework for poverty reduction.

Facilitators at the Agege training centre praised the programme, describing it as a practical intervention that combines classroom learning with intensive hands-on experience to prepare participants for self-employment and long-term success.

Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Miss Uche Obinna, a participant in the baking class, said the training had given her the confidence to establish her own business. Similarly, Mrs. Adebisi Muhammed, a graduate undergoing tailoring training, described the programme as a pathway to financial independence through entrepreneurship.

The Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme is being implemented simultaneously across the country as part of the Federal Government's drive to expand economic opportunities, create sustainable livelihoods, and lift more Nigerians out of poverty through skills development, enterprise support, and inclusive social protection.

As the programme continues to roll out nationwide, it represents another step towards building a more productive, self-reliant, and economically empowered Nigeria, where practical skills become the foundation for lasting prosperity.#