Badagry, once Nigeria’s largest slave port, remains a powerful symbol of the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly taken between the 16th and 19th centuries. Today, its historic sites preserve the memory of that era, as renewed global debate, including at the United Nations, raises questions about reparations, with many in Africa remaining skeptical about meaningful outcomes.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
UN resolution revives focus on slavery legacy in Nigeria’s Badagry
Badagry, once Nigeria’s largest slave port, remains a powerful symbol of the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly taken between the 16th and 19th centuries. Today, its historic sites preserve the memory of that era, as renewed global debate, including at the United Nations, raises questions about reparations, with many in Africa remaining skeptical about meaningful outcomes.
Nigerian airline joins global ticketing network, eyes wider reach
United Nigeria Airlines has been admitted into a global airline network that allows passengers to connect across multiple carriers on a single ticket, a move that could significantly expand its reach beyond Nigeria.
The airline announced its admission into the Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement (MITA) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, on Thursday.
MITA is a framework used by airlines worldwide to collaborate on ticketing and passenger connections, enabling travellers to move seamlessly across different airlines without needing separate bookings.
For a carrier that has largely focused on domestic routes, the development signals a shift towards deeper participation in international travel networks.
“This is more than just a regulatory approval; it is a gateway to the world for United Nigeria Airlines,” the airline said.
It added that the framework would allow it to enter partnerships with other IATA-member airlines, making it easier for passengers to access global destinations through connecting flights.
“Admission into the MITA network validates our operational standards and aligns us with global best practices in aviation,” the airline added, noting that passengers would benefit from “seamless, single-ticket itineraries, unified baggage check-ins, and smoother connections.”
An aviation analyst, Nura Ahmad, said the development reflects a strategic approach to growth, particularly in a challenging operating environment.
“For an airline like United Nigeria, this is a smart way to grow without overextending itself. You may not see them flying to London or Dubai immediately, but this kind of arrangement means their passengers can get there more easily through partnerships,” he said.
He added that beyond convenience, the move also strengthens the airline’s credibility within the global aviation space.
“Being part of that system shows they’ve met certain standards. It builds confidence, not just for passengers, but for potential partners as well,” he noted.
The airline highlighted that the arrangement would enable it to collaborate more easily with other carriers within the IATA network, potentially improving connectivity for its passengers.
By Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman, Premium Times
The airline announced its admission into the Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement (MITA) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, on Thursday.
MITA is a framework used by airlines worldwide to collaborate on ticketing and passenger connections, enabling travellers to move seamlessly across different airlines without needing separate bookings.
For a carrier that has largely focused on domestic routes, the development signals a shift towards deeper participation in international travel networks.
“This is more than just a regulatory approval; it is a gateway to the world for United Nigeria Airlines,” the airline said.
It added that the framework would allow it to enter partnerships with other IATA-member airlines, making it easier for passengers to access global destinations through connecting flights.
“Admission into the MITA network validates our operational standards and aligns us with global best practices in aviation,” the airline added, noting that passengers would benefit from “seamless, single-ticket itineraries, unified baggage check-ins, and smoother connections.”
An aviation analyst, Nura Ahmad, said the development reflects a strategic approach to growth, particularly in a challenging operating environment.
“For an airline like United Nigeria, this is a smart way to grow without overextending itself. You may not see them flying to London or Dubai immediately, but this kind of arrangement means their passengers can get there more easily through partnerships,” he said.
He added that beyond convenience, the move also strengthens the airline’s credibility within the global aviation space.
“Being part of that system shows they’ve met certain standards. It builds confidence, not just for passengers, but for potential partners as well,” he noted.
The airline highlighted that the arrangement would enable it to collaborate more easily with other carriers within the IATA network, potentially improving connectivity for its passengers.
Nigeria imports 70% of its medicines – why local manufacturing doesn’t meet demand
Nigeria imports at least 70 per cent of its medicines. This is striking for a country of over 230 million people and at least 120 active pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Domestic manufacturing is largely concentrated in lower-end medicines that require relatively simple production processes. The more complex and higher-value pharmaceutical products continue to be imported.
This pattern has persisted for decades. It reflects two things. First is the limited impact of policies aimed at reducing import dependence. The other is the entrenched interests across pharmaceutical companies. An incentive structure that favours imports over local production.
I recently completed my doctorate studies focusing on the political economy of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria, with comparisons to Uganda, Bangladesh and India. My research looked at how the industry had evolved and analysed how the distribution of organisational power and manufacturing capabilities has made it difficult for reforms to work.
I found that policy interventions have largely failed because weak institutions cannot influence manufacturers to expand their production capabilties.
The biggest obstacles stem from how power and benefits are distributed across political, bureaucratic and pharmaceutical actors.
Any policy that does not fully take this into account will likely be resisted.
Nigerian manufacturers face:
By Efefiom Kofon, ICIR
Domestic manufacturing is largely concentrated in lower-end medicines that require relatively simple production processes. The more complex and higher-value pharmaceutical products continue to be imported.
This pattern has persisted for decades. It reflects two things. First is the limited impact of policies aimed at reducing import dependence. The other is the entrenched interests across pharmaceutical companies. An incentive structure that favours imports over local production.
I recently completed my doctorate studies focusing on the political economy of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria, with comparisons to Uganda, Bangladesh and India. My research looked at how the industry had evolved and analysed how the distribution of organisational power and manufacturing capabilities has made it difficult for reforms to work.
I found that policy interventions have largely failed because weak institutions cannot influence manufacturers to expand their production capabilties.
The biggest obstacles stem from how power and benefits are distributed across political, bureaucratic and pharmaceutical actors.
Any policy that does not fully take this into account will likely be resisted.
Factors militating against Nigerian manufacturers
Nigerian manufacturers face:
. a lack of protection and incentives to produce certain medicines
. high levels of imports of finished medicines
. pressure to import as well as manufacture
. low manufacturing capabilities.
. high levels of imports of finished medicines
. pressure to import as well as manufacture
. low manufacturing capabilities.
Weak incentive structure:
The first policy to specifically support domestic manufacturers of medicines was introduced in 2005, when the Nigerian government restricted the importation of 17 lower-end medicines. The prohibited medicines included paracetamol, aspirin and metronidazole (antibiotic) tablets.
The protectionist policy has not been expanded since then. So manufacturers have no incentive to invest in technological upgrading to make more complex medicines.
The first policy to specifically support domestic manufacturers of medicines was introduced in 2005, when the Nigerian government restricted the importation of 17 lower-end medicines. The prohibited medicines included paracetamol, aspirin and metronidazole (antibiotic) tablets.
The protectionist policy has not been expanded since then. So manufacturers have no incentive to invest in technological upgrading to make more complex medicines.
Importation of finished medicines:
At least 100 manufacturers also import medicines – including some that are produced locally. In some cases, manufacturers both produce and import the same medicine, marketing them under different brand names.
Two medicines illustrate this. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin (tablet form) is currently imported by at least 93 registered pharmaceutical companies, even though 21 domestic producers make it too.
A similar pattern is evident for artemether-lumefantrine, a widely used antimalarial medicine. Fewer than 30 pharmaceutical companies produce it locally. More than 200 import it – including some established manufacturers.
At least 100 manufacturers also import medicines – including some that are produced locally. In some cases, manufacturers both produce and import the same medicine, marketing them under different brand names.
Two medicines illustrate this. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin (tablet form) is currently imported by at least 93 registered pharmaceutical companies, even though 21 domestic producers make it too.
A similar pattern is evident for artemether-lumefantrine, a widely used antimalarial medicine. Fewer than 30 pharmaceutical companies produce it locally. More than 200 import it – including some established manufacturers.
Manufacturers as producers and importers:
Many companies combine local manufacturing with importing finished medicines as a way of managing risk.
This creates commercially attractive, lower-risk revenue streams for manufacturers. They are likely to resist policy or reforms that would limit imports in favour of expanded local production.
Many companies combine local manufacturing with importing finished medicines as a way of managing risk.
This creates commercially attractive, lower-risk revenue streams for manufacturers. They are likely to resist policy or reforms that would limit imports in favour of expanded local production.
Low manufacturing capacities:
Nigerian pharmaceutical companies have low manufacturing capacities. And the learning process involved in complex manufacturing is time consuming, costly and risky.
It is also difficult to compel a company to do something where governance is weak.
In the absence of adequate and sustained policy support, many manufacturers rely on political networks to protect their interests or challenge policies that threaten them.
An example is the modification of a regional tariff in 2016 because it threatened locally manufactured medicines. The regional trade policy had imposed zero duty on essential finished medicines and up to 20% on the raw materials used in medicine manufacturing. This was to increase the availability and affordability of essential medicines across the region. Nigerian manufacturers exerted pressure on government to reject it.
In the absence of credible policy support for upgrading into technologically sophisticated medicines, manufacturers continue to rely on imports. Similarly, they continue to influence policy decisions that could disrupt existing revenue streams.
Nigerian pharmaceutical companies have low manufacturing capacities. And the learning process involved in complex manufacturing is time consuming, costly and risky.
It is also difficult to compel a company to do something where governance is weak.
In the absence of adequate and sustained policy support, many manufacturers rely on political networks to protect their interests or challenge policies that threaten them.
An example is the modification of a regional tariff in 2016 because it threatened locally manufactured medicines. The regional trade policy had imposed zero duty on essential finished medicines and up to 20% on the raw materials used in medicine manufacturing. This was to increase the availability and affordability of essential medicines across the region. Nigerian manufacturers exerted pressure on government to reject it.
In the absence of credible policy support for upgrading into technologically sophisticated medicines, manufacturers continue to rely on imports. Similarly, they continue to influence policy decisions that could disrupt existing revenue streams.
Why the problem persists
When some pharmaceutical companies manufacture medicines locally while others import the same products, it weakens collective action. It’s harder to mobilise around shared policy demands.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, an influential trade association, illustrates this challenge. One of its objectives is to lobby for increased market protection for locally produced medicines. But member firms have differing commercial interests in locally manufactured and imported medicines. This often works against policy objectives.
It impedes how member firms form alliances to support or oppose policies. It also affects influence over them.
Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines has less to do with the commonly cited capability constraints. It is the outcome of a policy vacuum that has made it more attractive to import products.
This dynamic is also evident in some other African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Manufacturers similarly import more complex medicines and produce simple medicines locally. There is limited support for domestic manufacturing of more complex medicines.
When some pharmaceutical companies manufacture medicines locally while others import the same products, it weakens collective action. It’s harder to mobilise around shared policy demands.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, an influential trade association, illustrates this challenge. One of its objectives is to lobby for increased market protection for locally produced medicines. But member firms have differing commercial interests in locally manufactured and imported medicines. This often works against policy objectives.
It impedes how member firms form alliances to support or oppose policies. It also affects influence over them.
Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines has less to do with the commonly cited capability constraints. It is the outcome of a policy vacuum that has made it more attractive to import products.
This dynamic is also evident in some other African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Manufacturers similarly import more complex medicines and produce simple medicines locally. There is limited support for domestic manufacturing of more complex medicines.
Moving forward
High levels of imports limit the rewards for expanding manufacturing capabilities and any credible path to competitiveness. The significant revenues generated from imports also weaken incentives to invest in learning how to produce more complex medicines.
Recognising this matters for policymakers and international development organisations.
The challenge is not simply increasing financial support or political commitment. It is designing policies that reconfigure current benefits. They need to make it worthwhile to invest in more complex pharmaceutical manufacturing.
High levels of imports limit the rewards for expanding manufacturing capabilities and any credible path to competitiveness. The significant revenues generated from imports also weaken incentives to invest in learning how to produce more complex medicines.
Recognising this matters for policymakers and international development organisations.
The challenge is not simply increasing financial support or political commitment. It is designing policies that reconfigure current benefits. They need to make it worthwhile to invest in more complex pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Nigeria begins mass trial of 500 terrorism suspects
Nigeria has begun the prosecution of more than 500 people accused of involvement in militant attacks in one of the country's largest ever terrorism trials.
The suspects face charges linked to aiding and abetting terrorism, particularly in the north-east where an insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamist group began 17 years ago.
Since then insecurity has spread to many other areas of the West African nation, leaving communities, often those in rural areas, at the mercy of mushrooming militant groups and gangs that kidnap for ransom.
The mass trial opened on Tuesday at a high court in the capital, Abuja, where 227 suspects were arraigned before 10 judges, according to the attorney general.
Hundreds of people have lost their lives in bombings and various attacks across Nigeria this year alone.
Very few people are ever prosecuted over terror attacks - and suspects are often detained and spend years in custody without facing trial.
According to the AFP news agency, gunmen killed at least 20 people on Wednesday in the western state of Niger. Residents say the attackers raided villages in Shiroro district, an area where kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants are known to operate.
Security was tight during the court session on Tuesday, with suspects transported in heavily guarded convoys under military, police and intelligence supervision.
International observers, including human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association, were also present in court.
The defendants are alleged to have taken part in attacks mainly in northern Nigeria, while others face charges of supporting militants through funding, supplying arms and logistics.
Five of the accused have already been given varying jail terms - from seven to 20 years - after pleading guilty to charges that included selling livestock, supplying food and information to militant groups.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi said the scale of the operation showed the government's resolve to deal with the matter.
"The federal government is committed to ensuring that due process is followed while bringing those involved in terrorism to justice," he said.
Security expert Bashir Galma, a retired army major, told the BBC that the trial, which is expected to continue in phases, was a "positive development" and a "significant milestone" in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.
"For years Nigerians have been complaining about why they keep these suspects [in custody] instead of making them face the law for what they are suspected of doing," he said.
"This will bring some level of peace for people whose loved ones were killed or injured."
The trial would also dispelled rumours that suspects were routinely released after arrest "so that they can go back to their terrorism business", the analyst added.
However, he predicted that some of the accused could be released soon, given that they were arrested many years ago - a factor he said the judges would likely take into consideration.
By Mansur Abubakar and Chris Ewokor, BBC
The suspects face charges linked to aiding and abetting terrorism, particularly in the north-east where an insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamist group began 17 years ago.
Since then insecurity has spread to many other areas of the West African nation, leaving communities, often those in rural areas, at the mercy of mushrooming militant groups and gangs that kidnap for ransom.
The mass trial opened on Tuesday at a high court in the capital, Abuja, where 227 suspects were arraigned before 10 judges, according to the attorney general.
Hundreds of people have lost their lives in bombings and various attacks across Nigeria this year alone.
Very few people are ever prosecuted over terror attacks - and suspects are often detained and spend years in custody without facing trial.
According to the AFP news agency, gunmen killed at least 20 people on Wednesday in the western state of Niger. Residents say the attackers raided villages in Shiroro district, an area where kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants are known to operate.
Security was tight during the court session on Tuesday, with suspects transported in heavily guarded convoys under military, police and intelligence supervision.
International observers, including human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association, were also present in court.
The defendants are alleged to have taken part in attacks mainly in northern Nigeria, while others face charges of supporting militants through funding, supplying arms and logistics.
Five of the accused have already been given varying jail terms - from seven to 20 years - after pleading guilty to charges that included selling livestock, supplying food and information to militant groups.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi said the scale of the operation showed the government's resolve to deal with the matter.
"The federal government is committed to ensuring that due process is followed while bringing those involved in terrorism to justice," he said.
Security expert Bashir Galma, a retired army major, told the BBC that the trial, which is expected to continue in phases, was a "positive development" and a "significant milestone" in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.
"For years Nigerians have been complaining about why they keep these suspects [in custody] instead of making them face the law for what they are suspected of doing," he said.
"This will bring some level of peace for people whose loved ones were killed or injured."
The trial would also dispelled rumours that suspects were routinely released after arrest "so that they can go back to their terrorism business", the analyst added.
However, he predicted that some of the accused could be released soon, given that they were arrested many years ago - a factor he said the judges would likely take into consideration.
US expands Nigeria travel warning, lets embassy staff leave Abuja
The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria and authorised the departure of non‑emergency U.S. government employees and their families from the embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Africa’s most populous nation.
In an updated advisory late on Wednesday, the State Department kept Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, but added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to states Americans were warned not to visit. That brings to 23 out of 36 the number of states under the “Do Not Travel” category.
The U.S. highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the northeast, criminal gangs in the northwest and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil‑producing regions.
Last month, Washington warned of a “terrorist threat” against U.S. facilities and affiliated schools in Nigeria.
The U.S. reviews the advisory several times a year and has kept Nigeria at Level 3 or Level 4 for much of the past decade due to persistent insecurity.
The U.S. military has multiple MQ-9 drones operating in Nigeria alongside 200 troops to provide training and intelligence support to the military, which is fighting Islamist militants across the north.
By MacDonald Dzirutwe, Reuters
U.S. travel advisories often shape how investors, international organisations and airlines assess country risk. The move to allow staff departures signals heightened concern in Washington as kidnappings, banditry and attacks on security forces persist, particularly in northern Nigeria.
In an updated advisory late on Wednesday, the State Department kept Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, but added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to states Americans were warned not to visit. That brings to 23 out of 36 the number of states under the “Do Not Travel” category.
The U.S. highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the northeast, criminal gangs in the northwest and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil‑producing regions.
Last month, Washington warned of a “terrorist threat” against U.S. facilities and affiliated schools in Nigeria.
The U.S. reviews the advisory several times a year and has kept Nigeria at Level 3 or Level 4 for much of the past decade due to persistent insecurity.
The U.S. military has multiple MQ-9 drones operating in Nigeria alongside 200 troops to provide training and intelligence support to the military, which is fighting Islamist militants across the north.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)