Headlines
NAFDAC, PCN direct pharmaceuticals to stop supply to medicine dealers in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) have issued a joint warning to manufacturers, importers, company representatives, and distributors, instructing them to cease supplying pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other regulated medical products to facilities or companies in Niger Street, Sabon Gari market, Kano, or elsewhere outside the coordinated wholesale centre in Dangwauro, Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that this warning comes in the wake of a Federal High Court judgment last Friday, which ordered medicine dealers in Kano to vacate Niger Street/Sabon Gari market and relocate to the coordinated wholesale centre at Dangwauro.
According to the joint statement released by NAFDAC and PCN on Sunday, emphasized the need for proper distribution to prevent substandard and falsified medicines from circulating in the market. Companies found violating this directive risk losing site licenses and product licenses.
The court ruling dismissed a suit filed by the Nigerian Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), challenging their relocation to the coordinated wholesale market at Dangwauro economic city on the outskirts of Kano.
Justice Simon Amobeda held that the suit lacked merit, and the plaintiffs had no standing to challenge the relocation order by PCN, the body empowered to regulate their business. The court ruled that NAPPMED lacked the standing to institute the suit and emphasized that the relocation order is in line with proper regulation and distribution practices.
Ruling in the case which has lingered since February last year, Justice Amobeda held that the suit lackedmerit and the plaintiffs have no locus standi to challenge the relocation order by PCN, a body empowered to regulate their business. The court ruled that the suit is an abuse of court process as there has been an earlier case which the court decided on the 30th June 2023 in favour of the defendants.
Justice Amobeda ruled NAPPMED lacks the locus standing to institute the suit as it is not the body that can grant licence to wholesalers of pharmaceutical products. It deals mainly with over the counter sellers, the court ruled.
The court further ruled: “That the allegations of threatened arrest is unsubstantiated and vague.
“On whether the members cannot do business freely, the plaintiff and its members need to obey their parent body as there is no ploy to hamper their rights to trade.
“Whether the constitution is supreme to the PCN Act, the court held that the PCN Act is not in anyway in conflict with the provisions of the constitution. The question needs not arise as there is no provision that goes against the constitution.
“Whether the plaintiff is not entitled to the reliefs sought. The suit lacks merit. The suit was wholly dismissed.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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