Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has restored electricity supply to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, bringing an end to nearly nine years of darkness in the oil-producing axis of the state. The power restoration was carried out by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. The project fulfilled a commitment made by the governor to the affected communities in March 2025. Speaking at the power switch-on ceremony held on Monday at Central Primary School, Obehie, Governor Otti recalled his earlier pledge to restore electricity to the area. He also confirmed that Mr Promise Onwukwe, whose case he had promised to look into, had been reinstated. The governor urged residents to safeguard the electricity infrastructure, stressing that community ownership was key to preventing vandalism. “We have a duty to protect what belongs to our communities. Those who damage these facilities are not strangers; they come from within,” he said. Responding to concerns about high electricity bills, Otti directed relevant stakeholders to engage and explore ways of supporting residents who may struggle with payments. He tasked the mayor, lawmakers and commissioners to work out possible relief measures. The lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, praised the governor’s performance, describing the intervention as impactful and assuring that the area would support him in future elections. Providing technical details, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the project involved the rehabilitation of 30 transformer substations, the installation of 12 new transformers, the restoration of 34 kilometres of high-tension lines and 3.5 kilometres of low-tension lines. He added that metering of benefiting communities was ongoing to ensure efficient billing. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aba Power Limited, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, assured residents of reliable power supply, noting that Ukwa West falls within the nine local government areas served by Aba Power. He disclosed that 33 transformers and multiple distribution lines had been provided, with power generation coming from outside the national grid. He also appealed against vandalism and energy theft. Earlier, ASOPADEC General Manager, Rev. Joshua Onyeike, described the restoration of electricity to Asa land as a milestone, expressing gratitude to Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise. He said the return of power would usher in new opportunities for development across the communities. Several top government officials attended the event, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioners for Environment and Information, Mr Philemon Ogbonna and Prince Okey Kanu; and former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu, among others.

The Federal Government is considering modernising 50 per cent of Nigeria’s operational textile capacity with advanced machinery over the next five years as part of a broader sector revitalisation plan. The move comes amid rising textile imports, which reached N814.27bn in the first nine months of 2025, highlighting ongoing challenges in the local industry. The proposed upgrade forms part of wider internal plans to revive the sector, including tax incentives, the establishment of a national textile training institute, and single-digit interest rate loans for textile manufacturers. A December 2025 document from the Cotton, Textile and Garment Division of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, titled “Annex I: Recommendations for the Revitalisation of the CTG Sector,” outlines actionable measures across five strategic areas: policy reform, infrastructure and energy solutions, investment incentives, skills development, and steps to curb smuggling while promoting local patronage. Under a proposed Textile Modernisation Fund, the government plans to establish a N500bn facility administered by the Bank of Industry to provide long-term loans of seven to 10 years, with a minimum two-year moratorium, at single-digit interest rates. The loans are intended to support the acquisition of modern machinery and equipment, with a target to modernise half of Nigeria’s operational textile capacity within five years. To address energy costs, the government is considering tax holidays or subsidies for mills that invest in renewable energy solutions such as solar, biomass, or waste-to-energy systems. The plan aims for 25 per cent of textile mills to transition to hybrid or renewable energy within three years. Additional incentives include corporate tax holidays ranging from five to seven years for new textile investments above a defined capital threshold, such as $10 million, particularly for companies sourcing at least 70 per cent of raw materials locally. The plan projects a 30 per cent increase in foreign direct investment in the sector within three years. The document also recommends a 100 per cent import duty and VAT waiver on industrial machinery, spare parts, and specialised chemicals not produced locally, which is expected to reduce start-up costs for new mills by 20 to 25 per cent. On workforce development, the government proposes the establishment or revamping of a National Textile Training Institute to focus on modern skills such as digital technology, industrial sewing, dyeing chemistry, and equipment maintenance. The initiative targets the training of 2,000 certified skilled textile workers and technicians annually after the first two years. Hamma Kwajaffa, Director-General of the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, welcomed the proposals as a positive development. He noted that, if approved and implemented, the measures could significantly curb the rising trend of textile imports. He also highlighted the importance of continuous communication between the government and industry stakeholders to ensure timely execution. Kwajaffa praised the proposed Textile Modernisation Fund, stating that a government-administered, revolving fund at single-digit interest rates would be more sustainable than previous interventions, such as the N100bn fund introduced in 2009 through the Debt Management Office. He also endorsed the national textile institute, describing it as a “bankable initiative” that would directly benefit the industry through staff training and skills development. The government’s plan follows data showing Nigeria’s textile imports climbed to N814.27bn between January and September 2025. The surge reflected structural challenges including insecurity, weak cotton production, limited local polyester supply, poor access to affordable finance, and policy execution gaps. Kwajaffa noted that earlier policy incoherence had slowed progress, citing disagreements over whether a board or council should be established to drive textile reforms. He also highlighted the complexity caused by multiple boards and parastatals, which had contributed to delays in establishing a central coordinating agency for the sector.  

Africa Law Practice International Group (ALPi Group), a Pan-African corporate and commercial law firm, has launched a new office in Luanda, Angola, marking its first presence in a Lusophone African jurisdiction and a major milestone in its continental expansion strategy. ALPi Angola is strategically located in Maculusso, central Luanda, at Travessa Rodrigo de Miranda. The office was established from the ground up in partnership with leading Angolan lawyers, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to local expertise and regulatory compliance. The launch follows ALPi Group’s strong presence across Anglophone Africa and its successful expansion into the OHADA Francophone zone. The new office will operate as a full-service corporate and commercial law firm, offering services across cross-border trade, market entry advisory, and international transactions. Other core practice areas include banking and finance, oil and gas, mining, telecommunications and fintech, real estate and trust law, and legal advisory services for embassies, diplomatic missions, and foreign investors. Legal services in Angola will be provided by lawyers registered with the Ordem dos Advogados de Angola, in full compliance with local professional regulations, and supported by a network of consultants and sector experts from across ALPi Group. Commenting on the launch, ALPi Group Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Commonwealth Legal Network, Mr. Olasupo Shasore SAN, described the expansion as a deliberate strategic decision. “Our entry into Angola reflects ALPi Group’s long-term vision of building a truly Pan-African legal platform that mirrors Africa’s linguistic, legal, and commercial diversity,” Shasore said. He added that Angola occupies a central position in Africa’s energy, infrastructure, and trade landscape, and that establishing a locally grounded practice in Luanda will enable the Group to better support cross-border investment, regional integration, and Africa’s evolving role in the global economy. Also commenting, Ms. Nana Adjoa Hackman, Managing Partner of ALPi Ghana, said the move into Lusophone Africa completes a key step in the Group’s continental strategy. “With a strong presence across Anglophone Africa and the OHADA Francophone zone, Angola positions us at the intersection of Southern Africa, Lusophone markets, and global trade routes,” she said. Hackman added that the new office will strengthen ALPi’s capacity to advise investors, governments, and institutions operating across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and within the wider Commonwealth and Global South. Welcoming ALPi’s entry, Mr. Mário Gomes of Grupo Simples, a leading Angolan oil and gas services company, said the firm’s presence is already creating opportunities. “Working with ALPi Angola in just a few weeks has opened our companies to opportunities in Angola and across the continent,” he said. “The depth and breadth of expertise within ALPi Group, combined with its strong presence in Anglophone Africa, is a major advantage for foreign companies seeking to operate in Angola and neighbouring countries.” ALPi Group stated that the decision to expand into Angola was informed by the country’s status as one of Africa’s largest economies, a leading energy and minerals hub, and a gateway connecting Southern, Central, and Lusophone Africa, with strong commercial ties to Europe, Brazil, and the wider Global South. As Angola continues to liberalise its economy, attract foreign investment, and deepen participation in regional trade under the AfCFTA, demand for sophisticated cross-border legal services with local expertise and continental reach is growing. The Angola launch follows recent continental recognition for ALPi Group. In 2025, ALP NG & Co, the Group’s Nigerian member firm, was named Pan-African Business Law Firm of the Year at the BusinessDay Legal Awards, reflecting the Group’s strength in business, corporate, and cross-border law. The firm’s practitioners were also ranked by IFLR1000 in 2025, highlighting ALPi’s consistent delivery of high-value legal services in energy, finance, and infrastructure. With Angola, ALPi Group now operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Namibia, Mauritius, and Angola, and maintains a representative office in Guyana, further solidifying its position as a truly Pan-African legal services platform

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has urged individuals, faith-based organisations, and government bodies to step up humanitarian efforts. In a statement released by the church administration on Sunday, Enenche made the appeal during a free medical outreach conducted from December 15 to 19. The week-long initiative, held across four Idoma communities—Igumale, Iga Okpaya, Adoka, and Otukpo—provided healthcare services to over 7,000 residents in Benue State. Speaking on the final day, Enenche described the outreach as a call for collective responsibility, highlighting the importance of sustained support for underserved communities, particularly during festive periods. Quoting the late evangelist Dr Uma Ukpai, he said, “As you travel around the world, never forget your ancestral home. Coming to Idoma land every year is not ordinary but divine. This outreach is a reminder that compassion must translate into action, especially for those unable to afford basic healthcare.” Enenche stressed that faith-based organisations and well-meaning Nigerians should continue complementing government initiatives to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas. The last day of the outreach, held at St Francis College, Otukpo, featured morning medical services and an evening crusade with worship, prayers, and testimonies. Food items and relief materials were also distributed to vulnerable residents. Residents from the host communities turned out in large numbers to access free consultations, treatments, and diagnostic services. Ailments treated included malaria, hypertension, diabetes, skin diseases, ulcers, and urinary tract infections. Laboratory services such as malaria parasite tests, Widal tests, and hepatitis B and C screenings were provided. Dental services included scaling, polishing, and extractions, while eye care services featured consultations and prescription of corrective glasses. The programme concluded with a midnight prayer session, where Enenche prayed for peace, healing, and restoration in Idoma land, while calling for continued collaboration to expand access to healthcare and humanitarian support across Benue State.  

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has been urged to provide health insurance coverage for petrol station employees, including pump attendants, cleaners, security personnel, managers, and other staff across the downstream petroleum sector. The call comes after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently launched a health insurance scheme for workers at its retail outlets nationwide—a move praised by labour advocates as timely and commendable. In a statement released on Sunday in Kaduna, Ibrahim Zango, Convener of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, said IPMAN should adopt a similar initiative to ensure the welfare and well-being of workers employed by independent marketers. Zango described the NNPCL programme as a benchmark that should be extended across the sector, stressing that the health of workers must be treated as a priority rather than an afterthought. He noted that petrol station employees face daily health and safety risks, including exposure to toxic fumes, fire hazards, and long working hours, making access to healthcare protection essential. “These workers deserve adequate protection, whether they are employed by NNPCL outlets or independent marketers. Their lives are equally important, and their contributions keep the sector operational,” Zango said. He emphasised that health insurance is not a luxury but a fundamental right, especially in an industry with high occupational risks. “Access to health insurance is a basic necessity that every worker is entitled to. Denying such coverage undermines their productivity and dignity,” he added. Zango also addressed the leadership structure of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, clarifying that it was not formed through a formal election process but out of necessity to represent workers facing poor welfare conditions and lack of representation nationwide. “The circumstances compelled workers to organise and speak with one voice. However, this does not replace the need for properly structured leadership,” he said, highlighting the importance of organised leadership at local, state, and national levels to improve coordination, engagement with stakeholders, and service delivery in the sector. He further stressed that current economic hardship and rising healthcare costs have worsened the vulnerability of petrol station workers, many of whom earn modest wages. “Given the harsh economic conditions, workers cannot afford to wait indefinitely for relief. Healthcare costs are rising, and a single illness can wipe out a worker’s entire income,” Zango said. He therefore called on IPMAN to take immediate, concrete steps to provide health insurance coverage for its members nationwide, noting that proactive action would safeguard lives and ensure a stable, motivated workforce capable of sustaining operations in the downstream petroleum sector.  

Turkish Airlines has officially unveiled its first European lounge outside its İstanbul hub at Edinburgh Airport, offering travellers in Scotland a taste of the airline’s globally acclaimed hospitality and reinforcing Edinburgh’s role as a key international gateway. The new lounge, the airline’s eighth facility outside Türkiye, was inaugurated at a special event at Edinburgh International Airport in early December. The move reflects Turkish Airlines’ strategy of replicating its five-star İstanbul lounge experience in select global locations, ensuring passengers enjoy a premium and seamless journey. Covering 673 square metres and accommodating 149 guests, the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Edinburgh features a range of high-end amenities. These include an open buffet with Turkish pide served at lunch and dinner, a luxury relaxation area with televisions and Wi-Fi, and two prayer rooms. The facility also offers an accessible restroom for guests with reduced mobility, a baby care room, and flight information screens, highlighting the airline’s focus on comfort and inclusivity. At the opening, Turkish Airlines Chief Operations Officer M. Akif Konar described the lounge as a major milestone. “Our new Turkish Airlines Lounge at Edinburgh Airport is our first in Europe outside Türkiye and our eighth globally,” Konar said. “This investment underlines our strong commitment to European operations. We will continue to expand our presence and bring our award-winning hospitality closer to travellers here.” Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh International Airport, welcomed the development, noting its value to the airport’s premium travel offerings. “The new Turkish Airlines Lounge adds a significant dimension to the passenger experience, providing a relaxing space with runway views, excellent food, and premium amenities while waiting for flights,” she said. Turkish Airlines currently operates ten weekly flights between Edinburgh and İstanbul, providing seamless connections to its global network spanning 356 destinations in 132 countries. The launch of the Edinburgh lounge forms part of the airline’s broader European strategy, aimed at delivering consistent, world-class service to key international markets.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in partnership with TAF Africa Global Limited, has unveiled the first phase of a 20,000-unit low-cost housing project aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for residents of the state. According to a statement, the initiative is part of TAF Africa Global’s broader vision to address Africa’s housing deficit, a commitment that has driven the company’s expansion beyond The Gambia into other West African countries. The statement explained that TAF entered Nigeria in 2011 under the name TAF Nigeria Homes Limited. One of its landmark developments is the RIVTAF Golf Estate in Port Harcourt, Rivers State—a master-planned luxury estate spanning about 40 hectares. The project transformed previously swampy and inaccessible land into a modern residential development, described as the largest luxury estate delivered in the South-South region. Facilities within the estate include a golf course, advanced water reticulation systems, underground power infrastructure, sewage treatment facilities, a safe environment for families, a clubhouse, and a shopping mall. Building on this vision, the company adopted a city-development model rather than standalone estates. This approach began with the 5,000-unit TAF City project in The Gambia, followed by the 5,000-unit TAF Micro City in Sierra Leone, and now culminates in the development of 20,000 housing units in Port Harcourt under the Greater TAF City project. Greater TAF City is a mixed-use development designed as a “live, work, and play” city. The project is being developed in phases by Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, a joint venture between Pricewise Homes Limited (a subsidiary of TAF Africa Global Limited) and the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. The development spans approximately 1,000 hectares across four locations within the Greater Port Harcourt area, including a site along the Airport Road opposite the Omega Power Ministries headquarters. The city is expected to feature about 3,000 affordable housing units in varying designs and price ranges, including two-bedroom and three-bedroom bungalows, as well as four-bedroom duplexes. Infrastructure plans include reliable water and sewage systems, constant power supply supported by generators and solar energy, biodigester sewage facilities, paved road networks, internet connectivity, solar street lighting, landscaped green spaces, wellness centres, and public open areas. Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa Global Limited, Mustapha Njie, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government, noting that the project—formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, Joint Venture Agreement, and Certificate of Occupancy—has resulted in the delivery of the first 1,000 housing units. Njie commended Governor Fubara for his leadership and support, describing the project as a testament to effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, the host communities, company executives, staff, contractors, and partners. He added that the project reflects the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable communities and fulfilling the dream of homeownership for residents, while fostering long-term prosperity and cooperation

The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has appointed Mr. Shehu Shantali as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026, following the conclusion of the tenure of the outgoing CEO, Haruna Jalo-Waziri. According to a company statement, the appointment was made after obtaining regulatory approval. Jalo-Waziri, who served for eight years, notably oversaw Nigeria’s transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in the capital market. Commenting on the development, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Temi Popoola, said, “On behalf of the Board, we extend our sincere appreciation to Haruna Jalo-Waziri for his outstanding service to CSCS. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant milestones and built a legacy of operational excellence, innovation, and stakeholder confidence. “We are equally pleased to welcome Shehu Shantali as the new CEO. He brings extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and a strong strategic vision. The Board is confident that he will build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor and lead CSCS into its next phase of growth.” Shantali holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and an Executive MBA from Kingston Business School. With over two decades of experience in accounting, finance, and financial services in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, his expertise spans investment and asset management, financial advisory, and International Financial Reporting Standards. His career includes key roles in capital markets, investment banking, real estate, and financial services, highlighted by a decade at the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria, where he led the migration of public entities from Nigerian GAAP to IFRS and oversaw the transition to the contributory pension scheme in 2012. At Apricot Investments Limited, as Managing Director and CEO, Shantali spearheaded the development of the MicroWorld platform, which enables the distribution of structured financial products including micro-health, micro-pension, micro-housing, micro-insurance, and micro-investment solutions. Earlier in his career, he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s first contactless payment solution and played a pioneering role in POS-based agency banking and early mobile-money interoperability via the NIBSS NIP platform. The outgoing CEO, Jalo-Waziri, has been credited with providing visionary leadership that delivered sustained growth and transformational initiatives across CSCS, strengthening governance, operational efficiency, and modernising company systems and processes. He significantly enhanced stakeholder confidence, both locally and internationally, leaving a strong foundation for the company’s future. Reflecting on his tenure, Jalo-Waziri said, “It has been an honour to serve as CEO of CSCS. I am proud of our achievements and grateful for the support of the Board, management, regulators, and all stakeholders. I am confident that CSCS is well-positioned for the future and wish my successor every success.” The incoming CEO, Shantali, commented, “I am deeply honoured by the Board’s confidence in me. CSCS plays a vital role in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem, and I look forward to collaborating with the Board, management, staff, regulators, and market participants to strengthen the Company’s leadership, deliver value to stakeholders, and support the continued growth and stability of the capital market.” CSCS Plc serves as the central depository for equities, commercial papers, corporate bonds, sub-national bonds, selected sovereign bonds such as the FGN Sukuk and FGN Savings Bond, exchange-traded funds, real estate investment trusts, mutual funds, and commodities.  

With about three months remaining before the deadline for bank recapitalisation expires, shareholder groups have urged banks yet to meet the new minimum capital requirements to take urgent action. Leaders within the minority investors’ community have expressed concern that shareholders would bear the brunt if some banks fail to meet the revised thresholds within the stipulated timeframe. Following the final Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2025, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed that 16 banks have already achieved full compliance with the new capital requirements ahead of the deadline. Cardoso reiterated the CBN’s commitment to ensuring an orderly conclusion to the recapitalisation exercise during a presentation at the U.S.-Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C. He noted that Nigeria is currently in the final phase of its most significant banking-sector strengthening initiative in over a decade. According to the CBN governor, the recapitalisation programme is aimed at safeguarding financial stability, expanding banks’ lending capacity, and positioning the financial system to support Nigeria’s broader economic transformation. He added that while 16 banks have met or exceeded the new thresholds, 27 banks have raised capital through public offers, rights issues, private placements, and mergers. While commending the progress made so far, minority shareholders have cautioned that they could suffer losses if some banks fail to complete the process successfully. The National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Moses Igbrude, described the recapitalisation exercise as encouraging, highlighting the strong participation of investors and instances of oversubscription as evidence of confidence in Nigeria’s capital market. He noted that banks unable to meet the highest capital category should consider operating under lower licence tiers, adding that government-owned banks should be recapitalised through the CBN and later privatised to recover public funds and deepen market participation. Igbrude urged banks that are lagging behind to explore all available options, including private placements, mergers, and acquisitions, warning against complacency as the deadline approaches. Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Bisi Bakare, called on banks to act swiftly, advising those struggling to meet the requirements to pursue mergers, strategic realignments, or acquisitions rather than risk regulatory sanctions. The Chairman of the Ibadan Zone Shareholders Association, Ayoola Gilbert, also called on the CBN to develop and communicate clear contingency plans to protect the integrity of the banking system as the deadline nears. He stressed that the recapitalisation policy goes beyond balance sheet expansion, describing it as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s drive toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030. According to him, banks must be strong enough to absorb domestic and global shocks while providing the scale of credit required to support national development, MSMEs, and key economic sectors. Gilbert pointed to banks such as Access Holdings, Zenith Bank, and Wema Bank as examples of institutions that have successfully raised significant capital, demonstrating that recapitalisation is achievable and market-rewarded. He urged bank boards and management to act decisively, while calling on the CBN to clearly outline an orderly consolidation framework well ahead of the deadline. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, expressed confidence that most banks would meet the CBN’s deadline. However, he warned that banks unable to do so should seek mergers or acquisitions early, noting that liquidation remains the likely outcome for those that fail to recapitalise—an outcome that would disproportionately affect shareholders. The CBN had earlier announced revised minimum capital requirements, setting thresholds at ₦500 billion for international banks, ₦200 billion for national banks, ₦50 billion for regional banks, and between ₦10 billion and ₦20 billion for non-interest banks.

Public concern is growing nationwide following an alert by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the recall of Indomie Noodles, Vegetable Flavour, after undeclared allergens were discovered in the product. NAFDAC warned that the affected noodles contain milk and eggs, which were not listed on the label and could cause serious or life-threatening reactions in people with allergies or intolerances. In a notice titled Public Alert No. 041/2025, the agency explained that the recall was prompted by information from France’s food safety authority, Rappel Conso, which flagged the product for failing to disclose the presence of the allergens. The recall applies to all batches of Indomie Noodles, Vegetable Flavour, with a best-before date of February 6, 2026. The country of origin was not specified. NAFDAC noted that Indomie noodles are widely consumed in Nigeria and elsewhere due to their affordability and convenience, especially among children and young adults. Although the Federal Government has banned the importation of noodles, the agency stressed the need for vigilance to prevent illegal entry or circulation of the recalled product. While the official risk of the noodles entering Nigeria is considered low, NAFDAC said the possibility of acquisition through online shopping or international travel could not be ruled out. It has therefore directed zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify nationwide surveillance and immediately remove the product if found. Distributors, retailers and consumers were advised to avoid the sale, distribution or consumption of the recalled noodles. Consumers were urged to discard the product and report any sightings or suspected sales to the nearest NAFDAC office or via its hotline. The agency also encouraged the public to report any adverse reactions linked to the product as part of efforts to protect public health. The alert has sparked widespread reactions on social media platforms such as X and Instagram, with many Nigerians questioning how the product could still reach the country despite the import ban. Concerns were particularly raised about children, who are among the highest consumers of instant noodles, while others called for tighter border controls, routine market inspections and closer monitoring of online marketplaces. Amid speculation, Indomie Nigeria distanced itself from the recalled product, stating that it does not produce, import, distribute or sell any noodle variant known as Vegetable Flavour. In a statement, the company described reports linking it to the recall as misleading, noting that the product was recalled in France in August 2025 and that NAFDAC’s alert was precautionary. Indomie Nigeria assured consumers that all noodles produced locally by Dufil Prima Foods meet safety and regulatory standards and are safe for consumption. It also dismissed images of the recalled product circulating online, saying the packaging does not match its approved branding and labelling. The company reminded the public that noodle importation into Nigeria is prohibited and urged consumers to be cautious of unfamiliar or unapproved products.