Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resubmitted her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, this time signed by her constituents.

During the plenary, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law, to which she insisted it was not.

Following protocol, she was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.

The Ethics committee chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report back to the Senate.

This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegations in the chamber following a previous petition that was dismissed on Wednesday, owing to procedural irregularities.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has endorsed about N10.3 billion for the procurement of antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other essential health commodities.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, who briefed State House correspondents on the approvals, noted that the move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of health commodities, and health services, by Nigerians.

“A few weeks ago, we approved the first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now we are putting forth resources, almost N997 million worth of contract, to procure the third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected.

“I believe you will understand the importance of this, given the changes in global health financing and the shift towards domestic financing to ensure Nigerians continue receiving the treatment they require,” he said.

According to Pate, the second category of the approved contracts includes the procurement of locally manufactured diagnostic kits for diabetes.

“Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest-growing segments. We have lots of our population suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have it,” he stated.

He further stated that a private company based in Lagos has been commissioned to manufacture diagnostic test kits.

“So, government is procuring the diagnostic kits, the on-point blood glucose monitoring system that is manufactured here in Nigeria. This is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging local manufacturers,” Pate said.

Monitoring devices will also be distributed across primary healthcare centres, and health workers will be trained to assist patients in tracking their blood sugar levels.

Pate noted that the president had previously emphasised the need for a medical relief program to reduce the cost of medical commodities.

In line with this directive, he said N4.5 billion would be allocated for the procurement of antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications—beyond the test kits—to help lower costs.

He also highlighted that the test kits were manufactured in Nigeria as part of efforts to support local production.

Additionally, the minister disclosed that N2.1 billion had been approved for the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

He explained that the upgraded facility would enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making the hospital a referral centre not only for Bauchi State but also for the broader region.