🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria reaffirms commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India during a meeting with Abhishek Singh, the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria. The discussion, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, focused on deepening ties ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for May 2026 in New Delhi. Ahmed highlighted both countries as strategic partners sharing democratic values and aspirations for sustainable development and South-South cooperation. He emphasized the importance of upcoming BRICS and India-Africa Forum engagements for multilateral cooperation among developing countries. Nigeria expressed interest in increased Indian investments in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and local value addition, as well as strengthened collaboration in security and counter-terrorism through technological cooperation and defense capacity building. Singh briefed Ahmed on preparations for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from May 14 to 15 in New Delhi, and noted Nigeria's strategic importance in India’s foreign policy engagement with Africa. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Africa Solar Facility, including proposed renewable energy investments and enhanced developmental partnerships with Nigeria.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Kwara State Government has expressed significant concern following the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria's discovery and closure of 724 illegal drug premises across the state. Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, stated that while the enforcement exercise is commendable, the sheer number of illegal outlets is alarming and highlights the scale of unregulated medicine distribution. He noted that many of these premises are operated by individuals lacking the necessary pharmaceutical training, leading to risks such as improper drug handling, treatment failures, and serious health complications for residents who unknowingly patronize them. Malik emphasized that the findings should prompt the Kwara State Pharmaceutical Inspectors Committee to strengthen its surveillance and enforcement strategies. He recommended leveraging Community Health Committees in 46 communities to improve grassroots monitoring and reporting of illegal drug outlets and support public awareness campaigns on the dangers of unauthorized medicine vendors. The government aims for a significant reduction in illegal drug premises during future inspections, underscoring public health protection as a top priority and calling for stronger regulatory vigilance.
Two students opened fire inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte province, resulting in the deaths of three teenagers and injuries to seven others, according to police. The alleged shooters, aged 15 and 14, fired "randomly," causing panic among students. A social studies teacher, Irvin Nogar, described hearing gunshots and instructing students to hide. A video verified by AFP showed children screaming and crying during the incident. The mother of one of the slain students called for accountability for those who provided the guns. Police Lieutenant Evalyn Diaz stated that "bullying was the motive" and that the alleged shooters were being interrogated. The police are investigating the origin of the firearms and how they were brought into the school. The Department of Education described the situation as "high-alert" and is coordinating with law enforcement. While school shootings are rare in the Philippines, a knife attack injured seven students last month in Cavite province. President Ferdinand Marcos's spokeswoman, Claire Castro, expressed the president's sadness and mentioned that measures are being taken to ensure safety in public spaces. Legal gun ownership is strictly regulated in the Philippines, but a significant black market for firearms exists.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down, with UK media indicating a potential announcement as early as Monday. This comes as Andy Burnham, who recently won a by-election, is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament, clearing the way for a leadership challenge. Starmer's office has not confirmed any decision or press conference timings, though junior education minister Jacqui Smith stated Starmer was reflecting on what is best for the country. Speculation about Starmer's resignation intensified following Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield constituency. Under Labour rules, the party leader must be an MP. If Starmer resigns, it would mark Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade. The Guardian reported that Starmer is expected to announce his resignation due to pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Burnham. The BBC also noted growing signs of Starmer's potential resignation. US President Donald Trump predicted Starmer's departure, citing failures in immigration and energy policies. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor since 2017, has expressed his intention to lead the Labour party. Starmer, who took office in July 2024, has faced a tenure marked by missteps, policy U-turns, scandals, and ministerial resignations, including a near ousting in March over the appointment of Peter Mandelson. Recent local and regional poll losses further intensified pressure on Starmer, leading to the Makerfield by-election that allowed Bu