Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has begun training 100 Ogoni youths in mechatronics to provide alternative livelihoods, in line with the United Nations Environment Programme’s report on Ogoniland. HYPREP said the initiative aims to equip youths with high-demand technical skills, particularly in the oil and gas sector, ahead of the planned resumption of oil exploration in the region. Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey shared this on Tuesday during the orientation and flag-off ceremony at the Onshore and Offshore Institute, Department of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt. Represented by the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian Paul-Aguinyi, Zabbey explained that the training is part of HYPREP’s commitment to move Ogoni youths from basic skills acquisition to advanced, industry-relevant competencies. “We promised to transition from low-level to high-end skills for our people, and we are delivering on that promise,” he said. “The world is moving toward innovation, technology, digital profiling, and leadership. This programme ensures our people receive top-quality training through a carefully selected contractor in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt.” Zabbey emphasised that the programme combines academic instruction with hands-on industry exposure and encouraged participants to fully engage with the opportunity. “This is the perfect time to gain industry-specific skills aligned with the renewed oil and gas activities in Ogoniland under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Opportunities will arise, but your dedication to learning and practical sessions is key,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, praised President Tinubu for supporting HYPREP and ensuring tangible benefits for Ogoni communities, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole. He urged trainees to leverage the programme to strengthen their technical capabilities and prepare for future opportunities. “This training is a strategic investment in both your future and the sustainable development of Ogoniland. Mechatronics is at the forefront of modern engineering and manufacturing, providing skills that are globally relevant and economically empowering,” Georgewill said. He encouraged the youths to approach the programme with discipline, seriousness, and curiosity. The training facilitator, Mr. Makozi Samuel, Managing Director of Competent Samco Technical Nigeria Limited, said the four-week programme combines theory and practical sessions. Trainees will spend two weeks in classroom and laboratory learning before moving to the company’s facility at the Trans Amadi Industrial Layout for hands-on industrial exposure. Samuel noted that the programme is designed to enhance the youths’ ability to develop creative solutions for engineering challenges, manage team projects in a digital oil and gas environment, and adhere to safety, environmental, and ethical standards. “The industrial exposure bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, improving operational efficiency and preparing you for future roles in the sector,” he said.

A human rights group, Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy (ARRA), has sounded the alarm over the alleged enslavement of Nigerians in human trafficking and cyber-scam camps in Myanmar, urging the Federal Government to intervene and bring the victims home. In a statement on Tuesday, signed by ARRA’s founder and Executive Director, Dr. Okey James Ezugwu, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, the organisation said hundreds of Nigerians are being held in captivity in volatile regions of Myanmar, including Myawaddy, after being lured abroad with promises of well-paying white-collar jobs. “We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of desperate jobseekers, including Nigerian citizens, who have fallen prey to transnational human trafficking syndicates operating across Southeast Asia,” the group said. According to ARRA, the victims were recruited under the pretext of legitimate employment in ICT, customer service, and related sectors but were trafficked into Myanmar, where they are forced to work in cyber-scam compounds under inhumane conditions. “Upon arrival, their passports are confiscated, their movements restricted, and they are subjected to threats, coercion, physical abuse, and forced labour, often under armed surveillance,” the organisation said. ARRA added that victims who fail to meet strict work quotas face severe punishment. “Those who resist or cannot meet targets are brutalised, detained, or handed over to local authorities, leading to imprisonment under harsh and degrading conditions,” it stated. The group cited a voice note from a stranded Nigerian in Myanmar: “We were promised real jobs, but it was all a lie. When we got here, they seized our documents and told us we must work for them. There is no freedom here.” The victim noted that several Nigerians are currently imprisoned. “Some are in detention because their visas expired after traffickers abandoned them. Others are in hiding. We have no jobs, no money, and no way to return home,” he said. ARRA highlighted that many victims are surviving through charity. “With no access to consular protection, some Nigerians rely on churches and sympathetic locals just to eat and stay alive,” the statement read. The organisation described the situation as critical, with victims trapped in a country facing political instability and armed conflict. “They live in constant fear of arrest, abuse, and death. They cannot move freely, work legally, or return home,” ARRA said. The group called on the Federal Government to act immediately. “We demand the activation of diplomatic channels to identify, secure, and evacuate all stranded and detained Nigerians in Myanmar,” it stated. ARRA also urged the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to coordinate a comprehensive rescue, documentation, and repatriation effort in partnership with Nigerian missions, neighbouring countries, and international organisations. ARRA appealed to international bodies, including the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to intervene. Beyond rescue, the organisation called for accountability: “Trafficking networks, recruiters, and collaborators, both within and outside Nigeria, must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.” Warning of the urgency, ARRA said, “These are not statistics; they are Nigerian sons and daughters whose only mistake was seeking a better life. Every day of delay puts more lives at risk.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 25 to deliver a ruling on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking the final forfeiture of $13 million allegedly linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, a firm associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter for ruling after the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions and EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alongside counsel to Oceangate, Darlington Ozurumba, adopted their written submissions and presented arguments for and against the application. The EFCC is asking the court to permanently forfeit the funds to the Federal Government, alleging that the money represents proceeds of unlawful activity. The court had earlier, on August 22, 2025, granted an ex parte application for the interim forfeiture of the $13 million and directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to show cause within 14 days. In an affidavit supporting the application, an EFCC investigator, Usman Aliyu, said the commission acted on intelligence suggesting that Oceangate used suspected illicit funds to acquire oil blocks from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. He stated that the company, incorporated in 2005, participated in the 2024 oil licensing round for Deep Offshore PPL 302 and Shallow Water PPL 3007 and emerged as a successful bidder. According to Aliyu, Oceangate’s total financial obligation to the Federal Government before the issuance of the licences stood at over $37 million. He said the company made several dollar payments through its Zenith Bank account, while Providus Bank later transferred $7 million to the government on its behalf in March 2025. Investigations allegedly showed that between March 20 and April 3, 2025, the company paid a total of $20 million for the two oil blocks. The investigator alleged that to meet signature bonus requirements, Oceangate conspired with unlicensed Bureau de Change operators and some bank officials to retain and transfer $13 million suspected to be illicit. He claimed that cash payments were collected in Abuja and Lagos without passing through financial institutions and were later used to meet payment obligations. Aliyu further alleged that funds traced to Lagos State contractors were channelled through bank accounts linked to Ashrab Energy, converted to dollars, and transferred to Oceangate. He maintained that the $13 million did not arise from any legitimate business activity of the company but was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful conduct. Oceangate opposed the application in an affidavit sworn to by one of its directors, Iliya Wakil, who urged the court to vacate the interim forfeiture order. Wakil argued that the funds were derived from legitimate earnings and personal gifts to the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aisha Achimugu, and denied any conspiracy with unlicensed BDC operators. He maintained that Suleiman Muhammed Chiroma was a licensed BDC operator lawfully engaged by the company and denied any business relationship with Ashrab Energy, Tripple A & Tee Oil Nigeria Limited, or their representatives. In its response, the EFCC urged the court to dismiss Oceangate’s application, describing Wakil as a nominal director acting on Achimugu’s instructions. The commission alleged that Wakil drew his salary from another company owned by Achimugu and described Oceangate as a shell entity created to hold petroleum assets allegedly acquired with illicit funds. The EFCC also questioned the credibility of the audit report relied upon by Oceangate, claiming the auditor admitted he did not review the company’s bank statements. The investigator further alleged that Achimugu exercised significant control over the company and that Oceangate had not executed any contracts in either the public or private sector. Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 25 for ruling.

The Lagos State Government has stepped up efforts to strengthen the regulation of water production and distribution, warning that unsafe water practices are increasingly endangering public health and the environment across the state. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, gave the warning during a one-day community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement on water services held in Epe. Adeyemo said the initiative was aimed at addressing the risks associated with untreated water, indiscriminate borehole drilling, and poor hygiene practices, stressing that effective regulation and stakeholder cooperation are essential in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos. She described the programme as a collaborative platform intended to build partnerships, improve understanding, and encourage responsible practices throughout the water value chain. Adeyemo explained that although Lagos is surrounded by water, most available sources are not safe for consumption without proper treatment due to salinity, contamination, and the presence of heavy metals. She noted that the growing dependence on poorly located boreholes has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases. “Water is life, but unsafe water is a silent danger,” she said, adding that the appearance of water does not determine its safety. According to her, poor handling and inadequate treatment expose residents to illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea. She added that access to safe water would not only safeguard public health but also ease pressure on already overstretched healthcare facilities, noting that Lagos residents require an estimated 135 litres of water per person daily. Beyond health risks, Adeyemo warned of the environmental impact of unregulated groundwater extraction, including land subsidence, increased flooding, and damage to roads and buildings. She cautioned that once aquifers are compromised, they are difficult to restore. She explained that the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission oversees the activities of borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers, tanker operators, and other water service providers to ensure public safety, urging stakeholders to treat compliance and quality standards as a responsibility rather than an option. Adeyemo also noted that the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, is expanding access to pipe-borne water through the rehabilitation and expansion of waterworks across Lagos.

The Federal Government has announced plans to raise the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sub-sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product from about $32 billion to more than $74 billion over the next decade. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin at a livestock stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Kwara State Government, which attracted over 250 participants from across the livestock value chain. Speaking through his Special Adviser, Mark Mbaram, the minister said the government was determined to reposition the livestock sector as a key driver of food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Maiha explained that food security is a vital element of national security, hence the decision to prioritise livestock development. He disclosed that the ministry has formulated a National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy designed to improve productivity and significantly expand the sector’s economic contribution. He noted that traditional nomadic practices are gradually giving way, as they are no longer productive or profitable, stressing that ranching remains the most sustainable and efficient model for modern livestock production. According to him, ranching enables better animal management, higher yields, and improved returns on investment. The minister added that the strategy has been adopted and approved by the National Economic Council, with a special committee established to drive the transition to ranching as a sustainable approach to livestock development. He emphasised that open grazing and itinerant herding are no longer viable in today’s economic and environmental realities. Highlighting the sector’s vast potential, Maiha pointed to opportunities in beef production, poultry, dairy farming, micro-ruminants, and large-scale job creation. He noted that while the livestock sector had previously posed challenges to national development, it now holds promise as a major economic asset. Maiha also commended the Kwara State Government for its commitment to advancing livestock development, describing the state as a strategic partner in implementing the ministry’s agenda. In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the state government is committed to addressing challenges in the sub-sector through continuous stakeholder engagement and policy-driven solutions. She noted that participants at the event included poultry farmers, pastoralists, crop farmers, ranchers’ associations, feed millers, professional bodies, and youth farming groups. Also speaking, the Director of Livestock Services in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmad Umar, said the sector had suffered years of neglect despite its enormous economic potential. He explained that the engagement was designed to bring value-chain actors together to identify challenges and propose sustainable solutions, adding that Kwara State is pursuing partnerships with the private sector to improve access to finance, markets, and off-taker arrangements for farmers. The Director of Veterinary Services, Olugbon Abdullateef Salman, underscored the importance of animal health to productivity, urging farmers to prioritise vaccination and proper animal care. He noted that healthy livestock not only boosts profitability but also reduces losses and protects public health by preventing the spread of diseases transmissible to humans.

Child health experts have warned that untreated peptic ulcer disease in children can lead to anaemia, bleeding, and shock, emphasising the need for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Although ulcers are less common in children than adults, they can occur, particularly in school-age children and adolescents, and are often overlooked until complications arise. Paediatricians explained that the condition is commonly caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori and the indiscriminate use of pain-relieving drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac. Other contributing factors include poor hand hygiene, malnutrition, severe infections, burns, and chronic illnesses that weaken immunity. If left untreated, ulcers may cause blood loss through vomiting or dark stools, leading to iron deficiency anaemia, which can rapidly make affected children pale, weak, and in need of urgent medical attention or blood transfusion. Experts also warned that untreated childhood ulcers can persist into adulthood, raising the risk of chronic ulcer disease and, in rare cases, stomach cancer. Contrary to popular belief, experts noted that spicy foods, skipping meals, or fasting do not directly cause stomach ulcers. While spicy foods may aggravate symptoms, H. pylori infection is the primary cause. Peptic ulcers, or open sores in the stomach lining or upper small intestine, often cause burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, a paediatrician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, said ulcers are uncommon in young children but can occur in school-age children and adolescents. He noted that poor hygiene, low socioeconomic status, and malnutrition increase susceptibility to H. pylori, which thrives in such conditions. Alege also warned against the misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often given to children for pain or fever without medical guidance. “Drugs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin can erode the stomach lining, causing ulcers,” he said. Stress from severe infections, burns, or other conditions that increase acid secretion can also trigger ulcer formation. Symptoms may include upper or central abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, or passing dark stools, all of which require urgent attention. He stressed that ulcers are preventable and treatable through good nutrition, hygiene, and proper medication use. Paediatrician Dr. Tolulope Asare added that while peptic ulcers can occur at any age, they are more common in older children and adolescents. Symptoms vary with age: younger children may experience feeding difficulties, excessive crying, vomiting blood, or passing black stools, while older children typically report abdominal pain or a burning sensation. If untreated, childhood ulcers can result in anaemia, shock, or perforation, potentially becoming a surgical emergency. Chronic H. pylori infection may also increase the risk of duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer later in life. Diagnosis can be made through endoscopy and biopsy, or non-invasive tests like stool antigen and urea breath tests. Experts emphasised that prevention relies on good hygiene, access to clean water, proper food handling, and avoiding indiscriminate use of painkillers and steroids. Successful treatment, including eradication of H. pylori, usually results in cure with a low risk of relapse, and parents are urged to seek medical care promptly if children display symptoms of ulcer disease.

Private hospital owners and managers under the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) have urged Nigerians to allow due process in the ongoing investigation into the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the late 21-month-old son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The guild warned against drawing premature conclusions or passing judgment on social media, stressing that health sector investigations must be guided by facts, professional ethics, and established procedures. They noted that misinformation and prejudice could undermine public confidence in medical institutions and regulatory bodies. The GMD, which represents private hospital owners, managers, and healthcare investors nationwide, released the statement following Adichie’s allegations of medical negligence surrounding her son’s death on January 7, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. The incident has reignited national concern over patient safety in Nigerian hospitals. GMD National President, Dr. Abiodun Kuti, called on the public to allow the investigation to proceed transparently and without bias. “Every patient and family deserves safety, dignity, transparency, and justice, while every healthcare professional and institution deserves due process, fairness, and protection from trial by social media,” Kuti said. He emphasised that accountability must be enforced where negligence is confirmed, and that respecting institutional processes ensures fairness and strengthens trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He also highlighted the importance of clear, evidence-based communication to prevent misinformation and avoid eroding public confidence in the sector. Kuti warned against using the tragedy to broadly condemn healthcare workers or frame it as a public versus private, or local versus foreign healthcare debate. “Rushing to close facilities without robust investigative and corrective systems could reduce access to care, worsen medical tourism, and weaken the sector. Balance does not mean silence—it means system-building,” he added. He explained that Nigeria’s health sector functions as a single ecosystem facing shared challenges, including workforce shortages, uneven standards, weak emergency preparedness, inconsistent regulation, and chronic underfunding across public and private facilities. Kuti sympathised with the Adichie family and reiterated the guild’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based investigations. He also urged national stakeholders—government, regulators, financiers, insurers, and healthcare providers—to use the tragedy to drive meaningful health system reforms. “This moment must mark a turning point towards safer, more reliable, and accountable healthcare for all,” he said. FCT Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Iseko Iseko, called for a broader national review of healthcare delivery, advocating for an integrated approach between public and private providers. “Nigeria urgently needs a National Healthcare Compact that treats public and private care as complementary parts of one system, aligned by enforceable standards, shared referral pathways, emergency protocols, and accountability mechanisms,” he said. The medical directors also commended the prompt action of the Federal Government and regulatory bodies in initiating reviews and investigations into the case. In response to rising medical negligence cases, the government has established a National Task Force on Clinical Governance and Patient Safety. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the task force aims to prevent medical errors and improve patient safety, integrating quality and patient-centered care into all aspects of health service delivery. “This initiative aligns with global calls by the World Health Organisation, World Bank, OECD, and The Lancet Global Health Commission for low- and middle-income countries to prioritise high-quality, people-centred care as the foundation of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

Medical experts have identified stronger systems, accountability, and improved patient safety practices as key measures for reducing the rising cases of medical negligence in Nigeria, stressing that both public and private hospitals must adopt these reforms. They highlighted that inadequate staffing, poor supervision, weak reporting mechanisms, and failure to follow standard treatment guidelines often lead to avoidable errors that put patients at risk and erode trust in the healthcare system. Experts say that continuous training, stronger internal checks, and transparent communication between healthcare workers and patients can significantly reduce negligence while improving overall health outcomes nationwide. The call comes in the wake of recent high-profile cases of alleged medical negligence, which have resulted in deaths and permanent disabilities. Most notably, the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a Lagos hospital on January 7, 2026, sparked widespread concern about patient safety. Other cases include the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five in Kano State, after scissors were reportedly left inside her abdomen during surgery at a government-owned facility, and allegations by Lagos resident Alfred Ogene that a hospital caused urinary damage following a wrong catheter insertion. Ogene has filed a legal claim against R-Jolad Hospital Nigeria Limited. Speaking exclusively to Healthwise, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, a Community Medicine specialist and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, listed workforce shortages, pressure on healthcare staff, long working hours, poor infrastructure, and skill gaps as key drivers of medical negligence in Nigeria. He explained that systemic challenges, rather than individual errors alone, largely contribute to the problem. “The root causes must be addressed through deliberate policy and institutional changes. Adequate staffing is essential to reduce workload pressure for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Protocols must be strengthened and monitored for compliance,” Fatusi said. He also noted that weak communication within healthcare settings contributes significantly to both actual and perceived negligence. “Healthcare workers need proper training in communication. Many adverse outcomes stem not only from technical errors but from failures to communicate clearly with patients and among teams,” he added. Fatusi emphasized that regulatory structures, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), exist to address professional misconduct, urging patients and families to use formal complaint channels rather than relying solely on public criticism. “Established protocols exist to investigate cases of negligence. This ensures accountability and proper adjudication,” he said. He concluded that reducing medical negligence requires a holistic approach, including systemic reforms, better staffing, improved infrastructure, strict adherence to protocols, continuous professional development, and stronger quality assurance systems. Dr. Abiola Idowu, Permanent Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency in Lagos State, advised health workers to prioritise patient safety and view patients as partners in their care. She highlighted that unsafe care contributes to millions of deaths globally, with particularly high rates in low- and middle-income countries. “For Nigeria, the figures are alarming. At least one in ten patients experiences adverse effects from care, highlighting the urgent need for action,” she said. Idowu added that the social and economic costs of unsafe care are substantial, estimating losses of $1 million to $3 million annually due to adverse patient outcomes. In 2021, the MDCN investigated over 120 allegations of professional negligence, with additional cases referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for prosecution. The MDCN regulates medical, dental, and alternative medicine practice in Nigeria to ensure quality healthcare delivery. Dr. Adetunji Adenekan, former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State branch, reaffirmed that the MDCN enforces accountability strictly. “No practitioner is exempt if found guilty. The Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal functions as our medical court, with the authority of a high court,” he stated. Overall, experts stress that addressing medical negligence in Nigeria requires systemic reforms, stronger oversight, and a culture of accountability to safeguard patient welfare.

Stakeholders in Niger State’s health sector have gathered to review the government’s ongoing health initiatives under Governor Mohammed Bago. The two-day Health Sector External Retreat, organised by the Ministry of Health with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), brought together partners, staff, and key stakeholders to validate reform priorities, align partner interventions, and strengthen coordination under the New Niger Health Agenda. The retreat aimed to harmonise planning, financing, and accountability across the health sector to enhance service delivery in 2026. It also reviewed and validated outcomes from a recent Internal Health Sector Retreat, oriented stakeholders on strategic priorities and reform pillars, strengthened the use of the Sector-Wide Approach, and developed a harmonised, costed implementation plan aligned with the Medium-Term Sector Strategy and Annual Operational Plans. Participants were expected to agree on a shared monitoring, reporting, and accountability framework to drive performance and results. The Niger State Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq, who delivered the opening address, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing its health sector agenda through stronger systems, improved coordination, and sustainable financing. He assured stakeholders that the government would meet its financial, political, and institutional obligations and that ongoing reforms would align the Ministry of Primary Health Care with planning, budgeting, and fiscal institutions to improve efficiency and integration. Sadiq also noted that legislative reviews would modernise health laws, address human resource gaps through structured engagement of retired professionals, and enhance welfare for health workers. He announced the creation of the Niger State Registration and Regulatory Agency for Private Health Care Facilities to strengthen oversight and ensure quality across both public and private sectors. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Babagana, highlighted inclusiveness, coordination, and effective execution as guiding principles of the ministry’s reforms. He praised the retreat’s alignment with the long-term Blue Niger Agenda and recent internal reforms, including a comprehensive self-assessment of sector performance and priorities. Babagana also noted ongoing collaboration with national and international partners, including the National Health Survey—a five-year assessment conducted with the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by USAID and UNICEF—to guide evidence-based planning and investments. The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Nasiru Umar, urged greater local ownership of health initiatives, stressing sustainability, accountability, and improved inclusion, particularly for women. Dr. Idris Baba, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting state-led priorities, providing technical support while allowing the government to lead implementation and take ownership of outcomes.

The European Union is set to announce plans on Tuesday aimed at preventing “high-risk” Chinese suppliers from participating in Europe’s critical infrastructure, as the bloc intensifies efforts to reduce its reliance on third countries. Relations between Brussels and Beijing have remained tense, with the EU adopting a firmer stance on trade and security matters involving China. While European officials frequently cite concerns over unfair competition, security considerations have also become a major factor, often echoed by the United States. As part of the move, the European Commission is expected to publish proposed revisions to the bloc’s cybersecurity framework, targeting foreign companies viewed as potential security risks. In 2023, the Commission urged member states to remove equipment from Huawei and ZTE from their mobile networks due to security concerns. The new proposal would seek to make such exclusions mandatory, according to an EU official. Although existing rules allow national authorities to impose restrictions on high-risk vendors, fewer than half of EU member states have taken steps to limit or exclude them. A binding framework would strengthen enforcement across the bloc. The United States has long barred Huawei from its networks and has encouraged allies to adopt similar measures over concerns about surveillance risks. Any compulsory EU restrictions could also affect other Chinese firms operating in sectors such as solar energy. The Commission may further propose adding “sovereignty” requirements to the certification system for cloud service cybersecurity. Such a move could also affect US-based firms, which currently dominate much of the European cloud services market. France has been a strong advocate of stricter rules, though progress has been slowed by divisions among the EU’s 27 member states. In addition, the Commission is expected on Wednesday to present a proposal for a Digital Networks Act aimed at restructuring Europe’s telecommunications sector. The EU hopes the initiative will enhance competitiveness and attract investment, though critics argue that fragmented national regulations in sectors such as telecoms and defence make scaling difficult. Funding remains a key challenge, with Brussels estimating that about €200 billion will be needed to modernise Europe’s telecoms infrastructure. A draft of the proposal reportedly does not include provisions for “fair share” payments from major technology companies, despite calls from telecom operators. The idea has faced strong opposition and became less likely following an EU–US tariff agreement last year, which included assurances against such fees. The draft also indicates that member states would be given until 2035 to phase out copper-based telecoms networks, allowing more time for the transition to faster fibre systems. Both the cybersecurity proposal and the Digital Networks Act will require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament before they can take effect.