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RDI urges FG to endorse alcohol labelling at CODEX discussions
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has urged Nigeria’s Codex National Contact Point to endorse alcohol labelling at the 49th session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL49) holding on the 13th of May 2026 in Ottawa, Canada.
Codex is the joint FAO/WHO body that sets international food standards. Public health advocates continue to advocate the need for the body to begin substantive work on labelling provisions tailored to alcoholic beverages owing to scientific findings confirmed by the WHO in January 2023 that there is no safe limit of alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is a Group 1 human carcinogen — classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer since 1988. It causes at least seven cancers. Yet, it is the least labelled product with no warning labels in most countries of the world.
RDI and other member groups of Movendi International insist that standardised, evidence-based labels are the most direct, fairest way for governments to honour people’s right to know about the risks linked to alcohol consumption.
In a statement released in Lagos, RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor said:
“The CODEX discussions present an opportunity for the Nigerian government to take a firm stand in support of labels on every bottle. Consumers have the right to information about products they buy and use to enable them make informed choices. The absence of clear and legible labels on alcohol bottles is no longer tenable”.
Jakpor said that Nigeria must no longer be a playground of the alcohol industry but instead, it must support lifesaving decisions at global levels that would also translate to national legislations that prioritise health over profits.
He revealed that Movendi International, the largest independent global movement for development through alcohol prevention has released a policy brief which serves as guide in decision making for governments participating in the discussions, including Nigeria.
Nigeria and other country focal points are encouraged to support following:
- Initiation of a new work on alcohol labelling, as proposed in document CX/FL 26/49/8 (paragraph 14a) — to amend or revise the three Codex texts that today treat alcohol as an ordinary food (CXS 1‑1985, CXG 2‑1985, CXG 23‑1997).
- Establishing the Electronic Working Group, chaired by Tanzania, open to all interested Members and Observers, to draft amendments for consideration by CCFL50.
- Affirming, in the discussion, that people have the right to information about products they buy and use; that alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen and a causal factor in at least seven cancers; and that health warnings — including cancer warnings — should be part of the work programme.
- Resisting any attempt to defer the work, restrict its scope to alcohol strength alone, defer to alcohol industry-aligned bodies as principal standard-setters, or allow QR codes and e-labels to replace on-pack health information.
News
Two APC states reschedule governorship primaries
PRESS STATEMENT
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the rescheduling of its Governorship Primary Elections in Bauchi State and Kwara State to Friday, May 22, 2026.
In the same vein, the party has approved a new date for the State House of Assembly Primary Elections in Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies of Zamfara State, which will now hold on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The decision was ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC) after consultations with critical stakeholders as part of efforts to guarantee a transparent, peaceful, orderly, and credible primary election process.
The party reiterated its commitment to upholding internal democracy and ensuring the successful conduct of all primary elections ahead of the forthcoming polls.
Signed:
Felix Morka
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
News
Abia moves closer to energy independence
The Governor of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy independence and expanding access to reliable electricity across the state following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The governor disclosed this after receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, alongside members of her management team during a courtesy visit to his office.
During the meeting, the governor praised the successful revival of the Alaoji Power Plant in Aba, describing the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to guarantee stable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the state.
According to him, the restoration of operations at the plant represents a critical milestone in strengthening power generation and supporting industrial growth, particularly within the Aba economic corridor.
He revealed that the Alaoji Power Plant currently dispatches approximately 375 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, while expansion plans are already underway to increase output capacity to nearly 800 megawatts, with long-term projections targeting up to 1,100 megawatts.
The governor noted that electricity remains central to his administration’s broader economic transformation agenda, stressing that sustainable power supply is essential for industrialization, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and overall social development.
He explained that since assuming office, his government has implemented strategic reforms aimed at repositioning the power sector within the state. These reforms include the ring-fencing of the Aba industrial cluster to ensure more efficient electricity management and the ongoing process to acquire the Umuahia electricity axis of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
According to the governor, the measures are designed to place electricity generation, regulation, and distribution substantially under the control of the state government, thereby enabling faster decision-making and improved service delivery.
He expressed optimism that deeper collaboration between Abia State and NDPHC would make it possible to wheel electricity directly from the Alaoji facility to the remaining eight local government areas outside the Aba corridor.
The planned expansion, he said, would ensure that homes, schools, hospitals, and industries across the state gain access to reliable and affordable power supply.
The governor further emphasized that improved electricity infrastructure would significantly boost economic productivity, attract investors, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, he declared that Abia State is prepared to lead Nigeria’s push toward subnational energy independence through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and sector reforms.
He added that the state government remains committed to building a power ecosystem capable of driving industrial production, supporting innovation, and sustaining long-term prosperity for the people of Abia.
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