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NAFDAC: There is no mercury in vaccines given to children.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has denied allegations that foreign organizations have recommended a vaccination for Nigerian children that includes 40% mercury.
The agency announced this in a press release that was signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, its Director General, and made accessible to our corespondent on Sunday by Sayo Akintola, the agency’s resident media consultant.
There have been claims in various media outlets claiming that multi-dose vaccines with 40% mercury, which were prohibited in Europe and the United States more than 20 years ago, are still being given to Nigerian youngsters.
However, according to NAFDAC, mercury is a metal and is not utilized as an element or as a component of vaccines.

It said the basic components of vaccines are Antigens, adjuvants to improve immune response, antibiotics to prevent contamination during manufacturing, preservatives and stabilizers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The statement read in part, “Thimerosal a mercuric compound which is a preservative used in multi-dose vaccines contains a different form of mercury called ethyl mercury. As a vaccine preservative, thimerosal is used in concentrations of 0.003 per cent to 0.01 per cent, (for example, thimerosal content allowed in the vaccine is between 30 parts to a maximum of 10o parts out of million parts of the vaccine formula). Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that has been used for decades in the United States in multi-dose vials (vials containing more than one dose) of medicines and vaccines.

“There is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site. However, in July 1999, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Paediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure.

“Nigeria still receives some multi-dose vaccines which contain thimerosal but at accepted concentration.

“However, the World Health Organisation has not proscribed the use of thimerosal as an inactivating agent and preservative in vaccines as there is a lack of evidence that thimerosal presents a risk to human health.

“The WHO has closely monitored the scientific evidence relating to the use of thimerosal as a vaccine preservative for over 10 years, especially through the independent expert advisory group, the Global Advisory Committee on vaccines. The committee has constantly reached the same conclusion.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the amount of thimerosal used in vaccines poses a health risk.

“Other expert groups the U.S.  Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Paediatrics, the United Kingdom Committee on Safety of Medicines, and the European Agency for Evaluation of Medicinal Products have reached similar conclusions.

“NAFDAC follows WHO approved protocol before issuing out lot release certificates before any human vaccines can be used in Nigeria, which is done after laboratory analysis and summary lot protocol review.”

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Economy

Govt Calls on International Oil Companies to Increase Investments for Energy Growth

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) to increase their investments in the country’s oil and gas sector, emphasizing the favorable investment climate created by the nation’s fiscal policies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, made the appeal during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting in Florence, Italy, organized by IOCs operating in Nigeria. The meeting aimed to address challenges, expectations, and strategies to enhance Nigeria’s contribution to regional energy needs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser, Nneamaka Okafor, the minister highlighted that the President Bola Tinubu administration had implemented investment-friendly policies, including incentives for deep water investments. Lokpobiri stressed that while IOCs face challenges related to engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, these obstacles can be overcome if IOCs make strong, strategic investment decisions.

“The ball is in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make the investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” the minister said, emphasizing the government’s role in creating an environment conducive to investment.

Furthermore, Lokpobiri called for support from IOCs for local refining efforts, noting the government’s push to bring more refineries online, which will require a steady supply of crude oil. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing the “drill or drop” provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), aiming to ensure that idle assets are developed or redistributed to willing investors.

The minister’s remarks also encouraged collaborative measures such as resource sharing and farm-outs, particularly for underutilized assets, to promote production. He warned that the government would reclaim assets that remained underdeveloped for decades.

In response, Osagie Osunbor, Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), praised the minister for engaging directly with industry players and affirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favorable investment environment.

The Federal Government remains steadfast in fostering a thriving oil and gas industry and expects IOCs to match this commitment by making tangible investment decisions that will contribute to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.

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Economy

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Black Market Rates for March 31, 2025

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The black market exchange rate between the United States Dollar (USD) and the Nigerian Naira (NGN) for today, March 31, 2025, has been released.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reliable sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC), the exchange rate at the Lagos Parallel Market, commonly referred to as the black market or Aboki FX, shows that traders are buying dollars at ₦1,560 and selling at ₦1,580 as of Sunday, March 30, 2025.

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize or endorse the parallel market rates. Instead, the CBN advises individuals who wish to engage in forex transactions to approach their respective commercial banks.

For comparison, the official CBN rate for the dollar today shows a highest rate of ₦1,542 and a lowest rate of ₦1,520. However, exchange rates may vary depending on the provider or location.

Foreign exchange rates in the black market often differ from the official rates set by the CBN, influenced by factors such as demand and availability. As a result, forex traders and individuals looking to convert dollars to naira are advised to verify rates before making transactions.

Stay informed with the latest updates on the dollar to naira exchange rate and other economic news.

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Economy

Black Market Dollar To Naira Rate Hits New High – See Today’s Rates March 1, 2025

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Black Market Dollar To Naira Rate Hits New High – See Today’s Rates March 1, 2025Looking for the latest Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the black market (parallel market)? Check out the rates for March 1, 2025, below.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

As of Friday, February 28, 2025, Bureau De Change (BDC) sources confirm the following exchange rates at the Lagos Parallel Market:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1,495 per $1
  • Selling Rate: ₦1,505 per $1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set the official exchange rates as follows:

  • Highest Rate: ₦1,504 per $1
  • Lowest Rate: ₦1,490 per $1

⚠️ Note: The CBN does not recognize black market transactions and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through official banking channels.

Important: Exchange rates fluctuate and may vary from what is listed in this report. Always confirm from your forex dealer before making any transactions.

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