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CNN Credits Nigerian Scientists with Developing Cheaper, Faster Covid-19 Test Kits

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Scientists in Nigeria have developed a cheaper and faster Covid-19 test kit that will enable testing to be ramped up in a place that has faced kit shortages and chronic under-testing of a massive population, according to the country’s health authorities.

CNN Credits Nigerian Scientists with Developing Cheaper, Faster Covid-19 Test Kits

According to CNN, the e new test is cheaper than other PCR tests — the most common type of test — and can give results in less than 40 minutes, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) said.

The diagnostic test kit will cost less than $25 and samples can be analyzed using a mobile machine that can be operated by low-skilled personnel with minimal training, the agency said.

“We saw the need for more testing outfits, especially one that can give results in a short time because hospitals were refusing to treat patients without Covid-19 results,” Babatunde Salako, the director of NIMR, told CNN.

“The machine we use is not the common PCR one. We bought the machine and adapted the kit that we developed to work with this machine. It is meant for diagnosis of other pathogens,” Salako said.

Although Salako added that the detection rate of the NIMR test kit is “a bit lower than the PCR, but for the point of care, we believe it is good enough for now.”

Testing challenges

Nigeria currently imports PCR test kits from China and has faced challenges in getting enough kits to test most of its population of 200 million.

“We thought this one was very important as it will diversify the way testing is done. With this one, all the people in villages and remote areas can be tested by moving the machine to those villages,” Salako, who has headed the agency since 2016 said.

So far, Nigeria has recorded more than 59,000 cases of Covid-19 and more than 1,000 deaths as of October 2, according to figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Health authorities also report a declining number of cases, with treatment centers, known as isolation centers, being closed in the country.

Nigeria has Africa’s largest population and has tested only about 500,000 people, according to figures from local health authorities. The PCR test is the most widespread and accurate diagnostic testfor determining whether someone is currently infected with coronavirus.

However, the tests require specialized supplies, expensive instruments, and the expertise of trained lab technicians, which has led to shortages and a testing gap globally.

While testing in Nigeria is free in state-owned laboratories, there are few such facilities and they are only in major cities. And sometimes, health officials have had to transfer samples to other states to confirm results because of a shortage of kits.

“It has always been my concern and passion to see that Nigeria doesn’t have to take samples outside to diagnose. We have scientists who are capable of this if they have the necessary support. That was what led to a visit to Senegal and China, We had collaboration to train our people in pathogen detection, even before Covid started, we went in August and September 2019 to train our scientists.”

Salako said the test kits will be mass-produced once validated by the regulatory authorities — the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. “We do not expect the validation to take so long.

“The only limitation is that we have to produce more samples of these kits and acquire some new machines that are key to our work. Once that is done, we can mass produce with government support and serve markets in all of Africa.”

In a separate announcement this week, the World Health Organization, working with several regional partners and donor agencies, said it had concluded plans to supply 120 million “affordable” and high-quality Covid-19 rapid tests to low- and middle-income countries, including in Africa.

The antigen rapid diagnostic tests, the agency said, would sell below $5.

Nigeria is not the first country to produce testing kits on the continent. In March, Senegal’s scientists worked with a UK-based laboratory to create a diagnostic test for coronavirus that can produce test results within 10 minutes.

 


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NFIU Seeks Advanced Technology to Combat Financial Crimes in Nigeria

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The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is ramping up efforts to combat financial crimes through advanced technology and enhanced collaboration as part of its drive to remove Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

Speaking at a high-level conference organized in partnership with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Risk Intelligence, in Lagos on Thursday, NFIU’s General Counsel, Felix Obiamalu, revealed that the agency had established a special unit, “Emerging Technologies and Innovations sector” dedicated to integrating cutting-edge tools into its operations.

Obiamalu explained that the NFIU was automating processes and developing software to monitor and track financial crimes. “Criminals continuously exploit gaps in the system, but we are upgrading our capabilities and working with global software developers to stay ahead,” he said.

“The LSEG Risk Intelligence also have sophisticated technology tools that we can also leverage on to combat these financial crimes. That is the essence of such collaborations as the fight cannot be won in isolation,” he added, highlighting the role of partnerships in addressing the nation’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) challenges.

Since being greylisted in February 2023 due to deficiencies identified during FATF’s mutual evaluation process, Obiamalu stressed that relevant stakeholders were working relentlessly.

“This conference is part of efforts to improve interagency cooperation, enhance information sharing, and ultimately build a sustainable AML/CFT framework,” he said, noting that the focus is not only on exiting the grey list but also on creating a system that can effectively address future challenges.

Che Sidanius, the Global Head of Financial Crime at the London Stock Exchange Group, highlighted the broader economic implications of Nigeria’s greylisting. “Being greylisted has a significant impact on foreign direct investment and how Nigeria is perceived internationally.

However, the commitment from both the government and private sector to address these challenges is clear, and that is the first and most critical step,” Sidanius remarked. He emphasized the need for capacity building, robust data utilization, and actionable strategies to strengthen existing frameworks.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, earlier in her address stressed that a coordinated approach is vital for success. “No single organization, public or private, can tackle the myriad financial crime challenges we face in isolation. Only through structured cooperation can we succeed,” she said.

Bakari pointed to the Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiative, partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and commercial banks among other measures as an effective example of PPPs bolstering Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.

“We, at the NFIU, recognize that gatekeepers in the financial and designated non-financial sectors are often the first to become aware of emerging trends and typologies. They have a wealth of intelligence and information that can contribute to more effective law enforcement responses across a variety of predicate crimes.

“It is therefore critical that we ensure a properly joined up approach, and this is reflected as a priority in our National AML/CFT/CPF Strategy. Therefore, our gathering today could not have come at a better time,” she added.


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LASAA Enhances Operations with New Porta Cabin Offices in Lagos

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Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has launched new porta cabin offices located in Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, Lagos Television premises and LASAA warehouse.

L-R: The General Manager, Radio Lagos, Mr Olajide Lawal; Head of Project Coordination and Local Government Affairs, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku; Managing Director/CEO, LASAA, Prince Fatiu Akiolu; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olumide Sogunle; Director of Administration and Human Resource, Lagos Television, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ayanbadejo; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on LASAA, Hon. Kunle Dabiri; and Deputy General Manager, Operations and Innovations, Mr Gbolahan Dixon during the Agency’s commissioning of new offices (porta cabins) for operational expansion in Lagos recently.

This initiative aims to bring the Agency closer to its many clients and improve the regulation of outdoor advertising landscape, ultimately optimizing revenue generation for the State.

Speaking at the launching of the new offices, the Managing Director/CEO of the Agency, Prince Fatiu Akiolu said they are extensions of the Agency’s branches across the State.

According to him, “The porta cabins launched are not just physical structures, they represent our ongoing commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.”

The MD explained that, with the rapid growth of our city and the increase in the formation of businesses, Lagos has become a dynamic hub for innovation and creativity, and with that comes the need for sophisticated solutions to manage our operations better to meet the rise in the display of business signs in the State.

In his words, “Strategically situating the offices is important to the Lagos State Government for revenue optimization as it will impact positively on the development of the State, as we demonstrate our support for Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu towards actualizing a much greater Lagos.”

He further explained that, “It has become necessary for the Agency to provide these decent portal cabins for the convenience of our staff members and by extension, for our revered walk-in clients who visit to register their business signs and make relevant enquiries.”

He averred that, “These portal cabins symbolize a major step forward in our operations at LASAA. The provisions reflect our dedication to embracing innovation and modernization to improve our service delivery. With these new facilities, we are not just upgrading our operational capabilities; we are also ensuring that our processes are more efficient, accessible, and transparent. Each facility is fitted with air-conditioners, computers, tables, chairs, bathrooms, and kitchens,” Prince Fatiu stated.

Also speaking, the Deputy General Manager, Operations and Innovations of LASAA, Mr Adegbolahan Dixon made it known that it has become imperative to open new porta cabin offices to complement the existing ones as some local governments in the State do not have spaces where they can construct new office buildings.

According to him, “We decided to approach some sister agencies with spaces within their premises to set up the porta cabin offices to reach more clients.”

He said that, “The overriding idea is to be close to our existing and potential customers instead of them going to our head office to transact business. With these offices that are close to them, they can interface with our members of staff who will guide them on how to register and obtain permits for their business signs.”

Dixon also revealed that the Agency has opened a good number of the offices this year which are effectively serving a purpose and that more will be opened for operational expansion next year.

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) was established by the Lagos State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law, 2006 and the Amendment, thereto is responsible for regulating and controlling outdoor advertising and signage displays in Lagos State.

In its commitment to excellence, the Agency plays a crucial role in shaping the visual landscape of Lagos through effective regulation and innovative solutions.


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Electricity Subsidy Soars to ₦2.4 Trillion Despite Tariff Reforms

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Federal Government’s electricity subsidy has surged by 269%, rising from ₦650 billion in 2023 to an estimated ₦2.4 trillion in 2024.

This increase comes despite the implementation of the Band A tariff service category in April, which was expected to reduce subsidy obligations by ₦1.14 trillion.

Dr Yusuf Ali, Commissioner for Planning, Research, and Strategy at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), revealed this during a presentation at PwC’s Annual Power and Utilities Roundtable in Lagos on Friday.

Speaking on “Reigniting Hope in Nigeria’s Electric Power Sector,” Dr Ali noted that macroeconomic shocks, particularly foreign exchange instability, have driven cost-reflective tariffs up by 118% between 2023 and 2024, contributing to the steep rise in subsidies.

“So right now, the best estimate that we have for 2024 is that the cumulative subsidy for the year will be ₦2.4 trillion,” Dr. Ali said.

He explained that while the government aimed to significantly reduce subsidies through tariff increases in April 2024, the challenging macroeconomic environment has hindered tariff payments.

“Without the tariff reforms implemented between 2020 and 2023, annual subsidies would have risen significantly, especially amidst the macroeconomic shocks of the past 20 months,” he added.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by his Chief Technical Assistant, Adedayo Olowoniyi, highlighted the government’s efforts to address the challenges in the power sector. He emphasized that the current administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizes energy as critical to economic growth and job creation.

“To ensure the sustainability of the energy sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented a multi-pronged approach spanning across legislation with the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, policy framework with the development of an Integrated National Electricity Policy, and infrastructure development programmes to expedite expansion,” he said.

The minister outlined additional strategies, including leveraging bilateral funding, commercializing the sector to enhance viability, and collaborating with development partners to address bottlenecks in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry value chain.

“Our successes have not been without challenges. We have recorded frequent grid disturbances and dips in supply levels due to ageing infrastructure, resource limitations, capacity inadequacies, and consistent vandalism of transmission networks,” he noted.

To address these issues, the government has implemented short-term measures, such as enhancing maintenance plans for critical substations, replacing outdated equipment, and conducting data-driven analysis to prevent disruptions.

“For long-term strategies, we are finalizing plans for a super grid project to establish a more robust and resilient grid system,” the minister added. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and bold ideas to restore confidence in the sector.

“Today’s theme reminds us that hope is not a passive sentiment but an active commitment. We must continue to innovate and implement bold ideas to deliver an energy future where every Nigerian has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power.”


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