NAFDAC Orders Immediate Recall of Dove Beauty Bar Soap Due to Health Risks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall for Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap following the discovery of a chemical impurity in the product.

According to a statement released on NAFDAC’s X account, the recall involves the soap batch number 81832M 08, which was manufactured in Germany. The product contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), a substance commonly known as Lilial. This chemical is banned in cosmetic products due to its potential health risks, including reproductive harm and skin sensitization.

NAFDAC emphasized that BMHCA has been prohibited in cosmetics due to its adverse effects on the reproductive system and potential harm to unborn children. The substance is also known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

The statement detailed, “NAFDAC is alerting the public to the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany. The product is non-compliant with Cosmetic Products Regulation due to the presence of Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which poses risks of reproductive harm and skin sensitization.”

The agency further noted that several Dove products have faced recalls or bans in various countries due to BMHCA. However, the recalled products, including Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, and others, are not listed in NAFDAC’s database.

NAFDAC has advised the public to be vigilant to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of these products. The agency has urged anyone in possession of the recalled soap to stop using it immediately and return it to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Additionally, NAFDAC encourages healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effects related to regulated products via its E-reporting platforms or the Med-safety application available on Android and iOS stores.

Suspects’ Arraignment Delayed Due to Lawyers’ Absence in N4bn Arms Case

Ten individuals implicated in the illegal importation of firearms and ammunition valued at N4 billion have been remanded in the custody of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, was set to arraign the suspects on Monday. However, the proceedings were postponed until September 12 due to the absence of legal representation for two of the defendants.

The accused are Ali Ofoma, Okechukwu Charles, Kingsley Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Segun, Augustine Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo. They were apprehended in June for allegedly importing 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunition from Turkey.

The consignment, concealed within a 40-foot container, was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt. The firearms and ammunition were hidden within items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.

On Monday, eight of the defendants had legal representation, while the 6th and 7th defendants did not. Despite offers of free legal aid from activist Deji Adeyanju and lawyer George Ogala, the two defendants chose to seek their own legal counsel.

The 6th defendant informed the court that the charges were only served to him the previous night, which hindered his ability to secure a lawyer in time. Justice Nwite has adjourned the arraignment to September 12 and ordered that all defendants remain in IRT custody.

The prosecution accuses the defendants of conspiring to illegally import prohibited firearms and ammunition and of altering shipping documents to conceal their activities. These charges are in violation of sections of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Huawei Debuts World’s First Triple-Folding Phone

Chinese tech titan Huawei has introduced the Mate XT, claiming it as the world’s first triple-folding smartphone. The announcement came on Tuesday, shortly after Apple revealed its latest AI-driven iPhone.

Huawei executive Richard Yu presented the Mate XT at a keynote event in Shenzhen. The phone, designed with a sleek red and gold finish, has already garnered significant interest, with over three million pre-registrations. It will be available for purchase starting September 20, with prices beginning at 19,999 yuan ($2,800).

Yu highlighted Huawei’s commitment to advancing foldable phone technology, stating, “Huawei has always been a leader in the foldable phone industry.” He emphasized the extensive efforts made to address challenges related to mass production and product reliability.

The launch of the Mate XT follows Apple’s unveiling of its iPhone 16, which is geared towards generative AI and aims to maintain its competitive edge in the tech market.

Huawei, currently China’s fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer, has seen a resurgence despite previous setbacks from US sanctions. The company, which was once the largest domestic smartphone maker, has been recovering with domestically-produced chips and remains a leader in the foldable phone segment in China.

Analysts suggest that while the Mate XT solidifies Huawei’s position as a foldable phone leader, its impact on Apple’s premium market share may be limited due to its high price and initial supply constraints.

Enugu Government Warns Against Sale of Diseased Meat

The Enugu State Government has issued a stern warning to butchers and poultry farmers to halt the sale of animals and chickens that have died from unknown causes.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday by the Commissioners for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, and Agriculture, Mr. Patrick Ubru, the government threatened sanctions for anyone involved in the practice. The warning comes after reports from the public that diseased animals, including those that died from flu, were being sold in local markets.

To address the issue, the government has activated public health, veterinary, and disease surveillance units to investigate. The commissioners emphasized that selling and consuming such meat poses severe health risks, including the transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans.

The government is conducting inspections of farms and abattoirs, with offenders set to face punishment. The public is urged to report suspicious activities, as the sale of contaminated meat could lead to serious health epidemics.

Hotlines for reporting are 08037178703, 08066865511, 08037431577, and 08033375344.

Telecom Services at Risk as 800 Workers Begin Strike, Threatening Nationwide Disruption

Nigeria’s telecom industry faces a potential shutdown as about 800 workers from the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN) have launched a strike, warning that services could be disrupted if their demands are not met. The union’s grievances include the reinstatement of sacked workers, recognition of the union, improved working conditions, and payment of membership dues.

The strike, which began on Monday, could impact millions of subscribers across the country. PTECSSAN Secretary-General, Okonu Abdullahi, highlighted that the striking workers play critical roles in maintaining infrastructure for major telecom service companies like IHS and Huawei. Without their intervention in managing outages, widespread service disruptions are anticipated.

Telecom operators such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile typically outsource the management of base stations and fibre infrastructure to servicing companies, which in turn subcontract the work to smaller contractors employing the striking workers. This complex outsourcing system has raised concerns about worker welfare and job security.

Despite previous government interventions, the union claims the issues persist and have escalated with more workers now participating in the industrial action. If the government and companies fail to address their demands, the union warns that it will resort to more drastic measures.

A Huawei representative denied any involvement in the strike, stating that their employees were working as usual, while also acknowledging that subcontracted field workers might be affected.

The Ministry of Labour has assured that steps are being taken to resolve the strike and prevent prolonged disruption of telecom services.

Marketers Raise Concerns Over Potential High Price of Dangote Refinery Petrol Amid Rising Landing Costs

Oil marketers have expressed concern over the delayed announcement of the price of petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as the landing cost of imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has surged to approximately ₦1,120 per litre.

Dealers fear that if the Dangote refinery sets a high price for petrol, they may need to resume importation of the commodity, given the government’s decision to open the market for competition. Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Abubakar Maigandi, stated that independent marketers are exploring partnerships with foreign suppliers to compare landing costs with Dangote’s price.

In July, the landing cost of petrol was ₦1,117/litre, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) raised the pump price last week to between ₦855 and ₦897/litre. Some independent dealers are even selling above ₦1,000/litre.

An official from Dangote Group assured that Aliko Dangote is committed to keeping petrol prices competitive and affordable, despite market challenges and the reluctance of NNPC to collaborate with the refinery.

ASUU Rallies in Protest Against Dismissal of LASU Lecturers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Lagos Zone is set to hold a rally today, September 10, 2024, in protest of the dismissal of five lecturers from Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

According to a letter made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, ASUU claims that the lecturers were unlawfully dismissed by the university’s administration. The rally, organized to show solidarity with the affected lecturers, will begin at 10 AM.

In 2019, LASU dismissed several ASUU members, including union leaders, over accusations involving the unauthorized handling of confidential documents—a claim the lecturers have consistently denied.

Naira Falls to N1,660 in Parallel Market, Shows Slight Improvement in Official Trading

The Naira depreciated to N1,660 per dollar in the parallel market, down from N1,645 last week Friday. However, in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the Naira appreciated slightly to N1,580.46 per dollar, reflecting a N12.86 gain from last weekend’s rate of N1,593.32. The dollar trading volume in NAFEM decreased by 22%, from $254.17 million to $197.37 million. As a result, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates widened to N79.54 per dollar from N51.68.

DSS Releases NLC President Joe Ajaero After Arrest Sparks Labour Union Outcry

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero on bail after his arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Ajaero was detained on his way to the UK for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference, prompting the NLC to hold an emergency meeting condemning the arrest. The NLC described the action as an attack on Nigerian workers and issued a red alert to affiliates. The union also called for a reversal of petrol prices and will hold further meetings to discuss potential actions.

Gombe Special School for Physically Challenged Faces Severe Deterioration

A Special Education Centre for physically challenged children in Gombe, Gombe State, is suffering from significant neglect and deterioration. Established 28 years ago, the school is in disrepair, with poor infrastructure, understaffing, and inadequate resources. Despite its critical role in serving over 600 students from across the North East, the centre faces numerous challenges, including a lack of maintenance, insufficient teachers, security concerns, and limited vocational training opportunities for students with disabilities. Local leaders are urging immediate government intervention to prevent further decline.