Control In Nigeria Research Articles

Malaria Prevention and Control in Nigeria: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Current Strategies

Malaria has been a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. Despite all efforts made to control and prevent malaria, Nigeria continued to bear a disproportionate share of the global malaria burden. This review critically evaluated the effectiveness of current malaria prevention and control strategies in Nigeria, including the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), chemoprevention, and public health education campaigns. The methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and data from international health organizations to assess these strategies. The review identified gaps in the implementation of these strategies and explored innovative approaches that could enhance their impact. It also discussed the role of environmental management, community engagement, and the integration of technology in malaria control efforts. The findings suggested that while existing strategies have made significant progress in reducing malaria transmission, challenges such as resistance to insecticides, inconsistent use of preventive measures, and limited healthcare infrastructure hindered their overall effectiveness. The review concluded by proposing recommendations for strengthening malaria prevention and control efforts in Nigeria, with a focus on sustainability, scalability, and community involvement. Keywords: Malaria Control, Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), Chemoprevention, Environmental Management.

Susceptibility status of female anopheles’ mosquito to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in market environs in Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Malaria remains a serious public health problem and is still responsible for death of individuals globally with the female Anopheles gambiae established to be one of the major vectors which aid the transmission of this disease. This study examined the susceptibility and resistance of An. gambiae to carbamate and organophosphate which has not been frequently used in vector control in Nigeria. The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) bottle bioassay was employed to measure the susceptibility of An. gambiae to insecticides. The procedure involved 2–5-day old An. gambiae adult mosquito populations starved from blood. In this study, we employed a diagnostic time of 30 minutes to administer doses of 12.5µg/bottle of Bendiocarb and Propoxur (Carbamates) and 20µg Pirimiphos-methyl (Organophosphate) to Anopheles spp. populations. The knockdown effect of the three insecticides indicated that bendiocarb and propoxur (carbamates) had a mortality of 98% while pirimiphos-methyl (organophosphate) had 81% at 30 minutes, regarded as the HUH for measuring resistance/susceptibility of insecticides. Further exposure at 60 minutes yielded 100% mortality for both bendiocarb and propoxur while 98% mortality was applicable in pirimiphos-methyl insecticides. An. gambiae was susceptible to bendiocarb and propoxur insecticides and resistant to pirimiphos-methyl. Invariably, vector control decision-making in the area will be influenced by the result of the study being that it is a baseline data/information. It is paramount that before any vector control strategies are implemented, sufficient susceptibility/resistance data be taken into thought

Characteristics and Skills of Forensic Accountants for Effective Financial Fraud Control in Nigeria

The study examined forensic accountants’ relevant characteristics and financial fraud control and investigated the extent to which traits, characteristics, core skills, and enhanced skills of forensic accountants are effective in fraud control. The study adopted the survey method and placed emphasis on the public and private sectors in Delta and Edo states in the south-south of Nigeria, where potential forensic accountants, academics, and users of forensic accounting services were considered respondents through a well-structured questionnaire. A total of 250 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to these respondents, while 214 copies were successfully retrieved. The successfully retrieved questionnaire was also subjected to a pre-test using Cronbach-Alpha test. The collected data were tested and analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, correlation matrix, descriptive statistics, and tables. Based on the outcome of the test and analysis, the traits, core, and enhanced skills of forensic accountants have a significant positive effect on financial fraud control. These traits and core and enhanced skills include analytical proficiency, detail orientation, deductive analysis, strategic thinking, analyzing and interpreting financial statement information, interviewing skills. We recommended among others, that the government approve the practice of forensic accounting in Nigeria to aid government agencies in fighting fraud.

ENHANCING MEDICATION QUALITY CONTROL IN NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Medication quality control in Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges rooted in regulatory inefficiencies, infrastructural limitations, and systemic inadequacies. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of these challenges while proposing pragmatic solutions to bolster the quality control framework in the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector. Drawing upon extensive literature review and expert insights, the research identifies key regulatory challenges impeding effective medication quality control in Nigeria. These challenges encompass inadequate regulatory capacity, inconsistent enforcement mechanisms, rampant substandard and counterfeit medications, and limited access to essential medicines. Additionally, infrastructural deficiencies such as inadequate laboratory facilities and insufficient human resources further exacerbate the problem, leading to compromised patient safety and public health risks. In response to these challenges, the study proposes a multifaceted approach to enhance medication quality control in Nigeria. This includes strengthening regulatory frameworks through legislative reforms aimed at bolstering enforcement capabilities and harmonizing standards with international best practices. Moreover, improving regulatory capacity through training programs and investment in state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure is essential to enhance surveillance and detection of substandard medications. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers is imperative to streamline supply chains and ensure the integrity of medications from production to distribution. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives play a pivotal role in empowering consumers to make informed decisions and report instances of substandard medications. By addressing these regulatory challenges and implementing comprehensive solutions, Nigeria can significantly enhance medication quality control, safeguard patient health, and foster a conducive environment for pharmaceutical innovation and growth.
 Keywords: Medical, Medication, Drugs, Quality Control, Nigeria, Regulations, Review.

Impact of Treasury Single Account on Public Finance Management in Nigeria. Pre and Post Implementation Analysis

This study examined the impact of Treasury Single Account (TSA) on the public finance management in Nigeria. The study investigated how the implementation of TSA in Nigeria affected revenue collection, public cash management, federation account allocation and corruption control in Nigeria. The paper used secondary data collected from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and transparency international from 2010-2014 (pre adoption period) to 2015-2019 (post-adoption period). T-test statistical technique was employed to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that TSA has a negative and insignificant effect on government revenue, public cash management, federal account allocation, as well as corruption control in Nigeria. The study recommends that government should strengthen the system of implementation of TSA in Nigeria and all resources of leakages to total government revenue should be investigated forensically and such loopholes filled. Moreover government should devise other means of cash management and reduce so much reliance on TSA implementation.

Geospatial Mapping of Malaria in the Lowland Forest Ecological Zone of Ondo State, Nigeria

Purpose: This study analyzed the spatial and temporal patterns of malaria occurrence in Ondo state, Nigeria, and to identify the major factors influencing the disease transmission and control.
 Methodology: The research collects primary data from questionnaires administered to hospital staff and workers in areas with high malaria cases while secondary data were sourced from the State’s ministry of health malaria cases gazette. The data was sorted, processed, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS 10.2 software to produce maps and graphs showing the malaria occurrence and trends in the study area.
 Findings: The study analyzed the malaria occurrence and trends in Ondo State, Nigeria, from 2011 to 2018, using questionnaires and secondary data. The result revealed that mosquito, blood group, poverty, and communicability were significant factors for malaria incidence (p < 0.001), while seasonality, time of day, and immunity status were non-significant (p > 0.05). Result shows that malaria could be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth (p=0.008), but mortality was non-significant in the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) studied (p = 0.166). In addition, malaria cases and attack rate declined significantly from 2015 to 2018, due to the improved health facilities and preventive measures implemented by the State government and health authorities 
 Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: The study contributes to the existing knowledge and literature on malaria epidemiology and control in Nigeria, by providing a comprehensive and updated spatial and temporal analysis of the disease occurrence and factors in Ondo state. The study also provides useful recommendations for the state ministry of health and government to conduct further studies and develop strategies to interrupt malaria transmission in low susceptible settings, and to achieve the goal of malaria elimination in the state in line with global setting.

Characterization and Quantification of Vehicular Emissions in Abuja Municipality-Implications for Public Health.

Air pollution from vehicular emission and other sources accounts for over seven million global deaths annually and contributes significantly to environmental degradation, including climate change. Vehicular emission is not prioritized for control in Nigeria, thus undermining public health and the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11 and 13. This study aims to characterize vehicular emissions in Abuja municipality and quantify exhaust air pollutants of commonly used vehicles. Cross-sectional exhaust emissions study of vehicles in Abuja Municipal Area Council. Information on the type and age, fuel type, purchase and use category of 543 vehicles on routine Annual Road Worthiness Test at the Computerized Test Center, Abuja. Exhaust levels of CO, CO2 HCHO and PM10 were measured using hand-held devices. IBM SPSS version 26.0.0.0 (2019) statistical software. Toyota brand comprised 52.5% of the vehicles. Over 80% were older than 10 years; 85.5% preowned and 87.3% used for private purposes. PMS was the dominant fuel used (91.1%). Except PM10, older vehicles emitted higher levels of the measured pollutants than newer ones. The differences were significant for CO and HCHO. Diesel-fueled and commercial vehicles also emitted higher levels of CO, HCHO and PM10 compared to PMS-fueled and private vehicles respectively. Strong regulatory policies that discourage over-aged vehicles; speedy adoption of the ECOWAS guidelines on cleaner fuels and emission limits; and coordinated implementation of effective Inspection & Monitoring programme by relevant government agencies are required to safeguard public health and the environment. We also recommend the introduction of vehicles powered by alternative energy, use of bicycles, designation of one-way traffic and pedestrian zones. Reducing the threats to the public's health from vehicular air pollution in Abuja municipality requires strong policy and coordinated monitoring programs for effective control.

Vaccine hesitancy under the lens: Nigeria's struggle against the worst diphtheria outbreak in decades.

The resurgence of diphtheria in Nigeria, culminating in an outbreak surpassing previous records, has spotlighted the critical imperative for robust immunization policies amidst a milieu of vaccine hesitancy. This commentary delineates the multifaceted dimensions of the current diphtheria outbreak, which started in May 2022, juxtaposed against historical outbreaks, with a focal examination of the pervasive vaccine hesitancy and its underpinning sociocultural and systemic determinants. The discourse extends to a meticulous evaluation of Nigeria's public health response, underlined by the synergy with international organizations, reflecting a global collaborative ethos in combating the diphtheria menace. A critical appraisal of the prevailing immunization policies unveils a necessity for strategic amendments to invigorate vaccination uptake, essential for curbing the diphtheria outbreak and enhancing public health resilience. The reflections herein advocate for a comprehensive, culturally resonant, and sustainable public health paradigm, encompassing a synergistic approach of policy fortification, community engagement, and international collaboration to navigate the challenges posed by vaccine-preventable diseases epitomized by the ongoing diphtheria outbreak. Through a synthesis of historical lessons, contemporary challenges, and global solidarity, this piece contributes to the broader discourse on enhancing immunization coverage and infectious disease control in Nigeria.

Intelligence Gathering and Sustainable Crime Management in Nigeria

Nigeria has witnessed different categories of crime and unimagined attacks such as terrorism attacks, insurgency, proliferation of arms and ammunition, transnational organized crimes, drug trafficking, bandit’s attacks, kidnapping, abduction, violence attacks on individuals and robberies, cybercrimes, trading on illicit drugs and dealing on contraband goods. Crime in the society today has become a recurring daily discussion that is bordering all manner of individuals and group living in the society. There is therefore every need to take proactive measures at ending this menace that has become an enemy not only to the growth and development of the society but the entire existence of humanity. The study focuses on the application of intelligence gathering in crime in management Nigeria. This study delves into the relevance of the intelligence gatheringapproach in crime management within the Nigerian context, while exploring the nature of intelligence gathering and its application in Nigeria. This research investigates the practical implementation of intelligence gathering and its impact on crime management and control in Nigeria. The study uses qualitative data that allows for the identification of emergent themes and patterns of criminality in Nigeria. Findings indicate that the intelligence gathering approach holds relevance in adapting to dynamic criminal trends in Nigeria. This study contributes to the discourse on modernizing law enforcement strategies in Nigeria by examining the practical relevance of the intelligence gathering in crime control. The study’s outcomes aim to inform policies and practices that enhance the effectiveness of intelligence-driven approach in addressing crime challenges, offering insights for strategic decision-making in the realm of law enforcement.

Geotechnical investigation of soil bearing capacity a case study of Nile university of Nigeria

Geotechnical investigation was conducted within Nile University soil with the aid of the master plan showing areas awaiting future developments. This is as a result of the university planning for infrastructural expansion due to such in student’s population. Each time a building construction is to be taken place, the university management spent another set of money on conducting geotechnical investigation. There are no comprehensive geotechnical information of the soil bearing capacity that can represent the whole of Nile university space/area of 1,153,208,008?2. In-situ and laboratory test were carried out. Three boring point were established using map at a regular interval and drilled to a depth where basement was encountered. In each test sample were collected at 1.5m interval. The standard penetration procedure consist of split spoon and u-tube as set forth in ASTM-1990. The test involves counting the number of blows required to drive a spoon sampler by 300mm, using a weight of 64kg hammer with a free fall of 76mm on the anvil of a rod arrangement. An initial penetration of 150mm is allowable on the sampler known as sitting blows before counting the subsequent blow for the required 300mm. another six trial pit were evenly spread at regular interval at different location within the university. It was manually excavated by hand, undisturbed and disturbed sample were extracted by hand auger and shovel. Sample were extracted at 1.5m depth, properly labelled and taken to laboratory. The laboratory test of the extracted soil sample include moisture content, grain size distribution, liquid limit, plastic limit, consolidated drained test and unified soil classification system was adopted. It was observed that the results obtained from Standard Penetration test indicates variance in allowable bearing capacity with depth, between 0.0-0.5m is 56??⁄?2, 0.6- 1.0m is 112??⁄?2, 1.5- 2.0m is 215??⁄?2, 3.0 – 3.5 is 279??⁄?2, 4.5 – 5.0m is 273??⁄?2. The soil type were predominantly medium dense to very dense inorganic silty sand with clay content less than 5%. Point of refusal was encounter at 6m depth, boring was then terminated. The Direct shear box test analyses obtained from site BC and CH gave the allowable bearing capacity values of 250??⁄?2 at pit one, 211.2??⁄?2 at pit two, 798.1??⁄?2 at pit three, at pit four, 798.1??⁄?2, at pit five, 918??⁄?2 , at pit six 960.5??⁄?2, but with the results obtained from oedometer test show that we cannot adopt this allowable bearing capacity value due to it high settlement rate beyond the acceptable settlement rate set by Development Control in Nigeria, which is 100mm. therefore based on the result from oedometer test the allowable bearing capacity of 120??⁄?2 was adopted with a safe consolidated settlement of 52mm at site BC. While an allowable bearing capacity of 100??⁄?2 with safe consolidated settlement of 55mm was adopted for site CH. Site BC is predominantly underlain by Sandy Silt. While site CH the predominant soil type was Clayey Sand. Pad footing at 1.5m depth and 210??⁄?2 allowable bearing capacity should be adopted. It is recommended that for both site BC and CH pad foundation at 1.5m having maximum individual column load less than 600??⁄?2 with a ground beam adopted.

True Federalism, the Panacea for Resource Control in Nigeria

True Federalism, the Panacea for Resource Control in Nigeria

Ascorbate and Alpha-Tocopherol Mitigate Toxic Pathological Changes in Adult Wistar Rats Exposed to Cypermethrin

Excessive and uncontrolled use of pyrethroids such as cypermethrin (CYP) for pest control in Nigeria can adversely affect humans. This study investigated the oxidative stress response to cypermethrin exposure as well as the therapeutic effect of ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol when administered singly or co-administered. Additionally, the lungs and heart of the exposed animals were histologically assessed for cypermethrin-induced cytopathic changes. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing between 180 – 200g were randomly assigned to five groups of five animals each. Group I was the unexposed control group, while Group II was the exposed untreated group that was orally administered Cypermethrin at a dose of 10mg/kg/bw. Group III – V was given cypermethrin at standard doses of 10mg/kg/bw, and orally administered with ascorbate (5000mg/kg/bw), alpha-tocopherol (3000mg/kg/bw) and co-administration of ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol (5000mg/kg/bw and 3000mg/kg/bw) respectively. Animals were euthanized after 28 days, and samples were processed for histological and biochemical studies. The results showed elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with a concurrent marked decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities (p<0.05) in the cypermethrin-exposed untreated rats, while histopathological findings revealed inflammation and congestion in the organs studied. The co-administrative treatment with ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol better restores biochemical parameters than their single administration. Conclusively, co-administration of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol ameliorates cypermethrin-induced oxidative damage better than single administration, which may be due to their synergistic antioxidant properties.

Elite Capture Syndrome and Anti-Corruption Control in Nigeria: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission in Perspective

Like many African states, Nigeria has hitherto been caught in the web of pervasive acts of grand and petty corruption. The pervasive nature of political and bureaucratic corruption in Nigeria has undeniably impoverished her economy and, as such, warranted the establishment of the EFCC and ICPC. However, anti-corruption agencies have not been able to control corruption to a minimum, as Nigeria remains poorly ranked in the global corruption index. This research takes on a critical and comparative lens to understand the nature of class politics in the fight against corruption, to examine the level of high-profile prosecutions, to identify irregularities in the institutions of law enforcement, and to consider the level of transparency and accountability for recovered loot and confiscated properties. The study finds, among other things, that powerful elites have high-jacked anti-corruption fights of the EFCC and ICPC, with low-profile convictions in Nigeria, and public accountability and transparency regarding recovered loot is almost nonexistent. The Elite Capture paradigm is employed as a theoretical guide in its narrative.

Prospects for dog rabies elimination in Nigeria by 2030.

The attainment of the global target of zero dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 depends on functional rabies programmes. Nigeria, a rabies-endemic country, and the most populous country in Africa has a very poor rabies control strategy with a score of 1.5 out of 5 based on the Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE). In this article, we report a scoping review that we conducted to highlight the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well as situational analysis of rabies control in Nigeria and suggest a timeline for key activities that are needed to ensure zero by 30. Our findings reveal that rabies is grossly under-reported as only 998 human and 273 dog-suspected rabies cases were reported across Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. Our literature review also demonstrates a paucity of information on rabies in both human and animal health sectors. A total of 49 studies on dog rabies in Nigeria, with a predominance of reports from the North Central geopolitical region (48%, n = 23) were therefore included in this study. Currently, only 16.2% (n = 6/37) of Nigerian states have available data related to the estimated dog populations, the dog ownership rates, the vaccination status of dogs or the incidence of dog bites. Based on a dog-to-human ratio of 1:16.3, we estimated that the dog population in Nigeria was 12,969,368 (95% CI: 12,320,900-13,617,836). Thus, to attain herd immunity and dog rabies control in Nigeria, at least 9.1 million dogs must be vaccinated annually. Our review reveals that, despite the strengths and available opportunities to achieve rabies control in Nigeria by 2030, the weaknesses and challenges will make the attainment of zero by 30 very difficult or impossible. Nigeria's best-case scenario by the year 2030 is SARE stage 3-4 (control-elimination) out of 5. Otherwise, the rabies control programme might not surpass SARE stages 2-3. To attain zero by 30, Nigeria must re-strategize its current rabies control programme by funding and implementing the national strategic plan for rabies control, creating a rabies desk office in the 37 states (FCT inclusive), rigorously conducting mass vaccination campaigns, providing post-exposure prophylaxis, prioritizing mass enlightenment with a focus on responsible pet ownership and conduct baseline national rabies surveillance in the animal and human health sectors.

Rapid implementation mapping to identify implementation determinants and strategies for cervical cancer control in Nigeria.

Cervical cancer constitutes a huge burden among women in Nigeria, particularly HIV-infected women. However, the provision and uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment is limited in Nigeria. Understanding implementation determinants is essential for the effective translation of such evidence-based interventions into practice, particularly in low-resource settings. COVID-19 pandemic necessitated online collaboration making implementation mapping challenging in some ways, while providing streamlining opportunities. In this study, we describe the use of a virtual online approach for implementation mapping (steps 1-3) to identify implementation determinants, mechanisms, and strategies to implement evidence-based cervical cancer screening and treatment in existing HIV infrastructure in Nigeria. This study used a mixed methods study design with a virtual modified nominal group technique (NGT) process aligning with Implementation Mapping steps 1-3. Eleven stakeholders (six program staff and five healthcare providers and administrators) participated in a virtual NGT process which occurred in two phases. The first phase utilized online surveys, and the second phase utilized an NGT and implementation mapping process. The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) framework was used to elicit discussion around determinants and strategies from the outer context (i.e., country and regions), inner organizational context of existing HIV infrastructure, bridging factors that relate to bi-directional influences, and the health innovation to be implemented (in this case cervical cancer screening and treatment). During the NGT, the group ranked implementation barriers and voted on implementation strategies using Mentimeter. Eighteen determinants to integrating cervical cancer screening and treatment into existing comprehensive HIV programs were related to human resources capacity, access to cervical cancer services, logistics management, clinic, and client-related factors. The top 3 determinants included gaps in human resources capacity, poor access to cervical cancer services, and lack of demand for services resulting from lack of awareness about the disease and servicesA set of six core implementation strategies and two enhanced implementation strategies were identified. Rapid Implementation Mapping is a feasible and acceptable approach for identifying and articulating implementation determinants, mechanisms, and strategies for complex healthcare interventions in LMICs.

Utilization of opportunistic cervical cancer screening in Nigeria.

While various interventions have been conducted to decrease cervical cancer's burden in Nigeria, no study has examined the trends in cervical cancer screening uptake over time. The present study sought to fill this gap in knowledge using data collected at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Nigeria. Data collected continuously between 2006 and 2016 were analyzed to identify trends in screening uptake, changes in risk factors for cervical cancer, and to identify factors for women screened at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Jos, Nigeria. Categorical analyses and logistic regression models were used to describe patient characteristics by year, and to identify factors associated with repeated screening uptake. A total of 14,088 women who were screened between 2006 and 2016 were included in the database; 2,800 women had more than one screening visit. Overall, screening uptake differed significantly by year. On average women were first screened at age 38. About 2% of women screened were women living with HIV. Most women (86%) had normal pap smear at first screening, with the greatest decreased risk of abnormalities observed between 2011 and 2014. Odds of a follow-up screening after a normal result decreased significantly between 2008 and 2016 compared to women screened in 2006 and 2007. Finally, women living with HIV had increased odds of follow-up screening after having a normal pap smear. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential social and health system barriers to cervical cancer control in Nigeria. The findings may assist policy makers to design interventions to increase access and compliance to recommended screening schedules in this vulnerable population.

Niger Delta Militants and Resource Control in Nigeria

For the past three decades, issues about the Niger Delta have attracted attention in scholarly discourse, policy cycle and global political economy as a result of the changing politics of oil exploitation and resource control in the region. There has been a wave of violent agitation by the communities in the region, with several militant groups demanding justice, equality, and socioeconomic development of their host communities. This paper examines the major cause of militant agitations in the Niger Delta region, especially from derivation principle for revenue allocation and resource control. The paper contends that militant agitations in the Niger Delta should be considered in the light of youth reactions to the prevailing decades of neglect of the region by the Nigerian state, rather than merely reducing it to youth restiveness and criminal act. The paper concludes that the issues raised by the militants over the Niger Delta crisis are very sensitive and bother on the very essence of fiscal federalism and must be resolved within the context of allinclusive national dialogue.

The Impact of Internal Audit on Improving Anti-Money Laundering (Aml) and Counter Terrorist Financing (Ctf) Controls in Nigeria

This peer review conceptual paper explores the impact of internal audit on improving anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) controls in Nigeria. The study aims to examine the role of internal audit in enhancing AML/CFT controls and to identify any limitations or criticisms of internal audit in this context. The researchers conducted a search for research papers published between 2015 and 2023 on the impact of internal audit in improving and AML/CTFT suing the Google Scholar Search Engine, EBSCO Hosts, Science Direct, JStor and Emeralds. The Selection Criteria for the relevant articles are the keywords in the theme of the research. The selected journals were reviewed, analysed and synthesized. The paper concludes that internal audit plays a crucial role in improving AML/CFT controls in Nigeria and suggests that internal auditors should be more involved in the design and implementation of AML/CFT controls. The paper recommends that the internal auditor must be equipped with the in-depth knowledge of the various schemes through which criminals launder money and the evolution of the various money laundering and terrorism financing schemes and how ICT tools can be used to deter these white collar crimes. The study further recommends a stronger need for collaboration between the internal auditors and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the AML/CTF Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for information sharing on new standards and best practices to combat money laundering and counter terrorism financing

Examining HIV Essential Medicines Access in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of South-South and North-East Regions through WHO Health Systems Framework

Availability and accessibility of essential medicines for HIV recipients of care varies across regions in Nigeria. This study seeks to compare access and availability of medicines for HIV in the South south and Northeast regions of Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 health facilities and 385 respondents using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study methodology included an exploratory sequential mixed of quantitative and qualitative methods, including facility assessments, in-depth interviews, client satisfactory questionnaire conducted amongst HIV program stakeholders and HIV recipients of care. The study found that the HIV program in the regions have made progress in improving the accessibility of essential medicines for HIV patients. The North-East had an average access rate of 87.1%, while the South-South had a slightly higher average access rate of 85.6%. The North-East had a prescription rate of 100% for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents and for the preventive treatment for tuberculosis (INH + Pyridoxine). On the other hand, access to micronutrient supplementation was higher in the South-South region at 94.7%, compared to the North-East region with a rate of 74.2%. In conclusion, this study highlights that the availability of essential medicines such as ART drugs, micronutrients and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections, medicine supply, storage and documentation has improved overtime with support from donor agencies, though still challenged with electronic management systems and need for adequate procurement, quantification, additional technical assistance, funding and supply chain infrastructure is recommended to be addressed towards achievement of HIV epidemic control in Nigeria. Keywords: Essential medicines, Health systems, HIV, North-East, South-South.

Tramadol regulation, illegal markets and consumption practices: exploring frictions of drug control in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand the complex interplay between illicit opioids trade and consumption practices and state policies that aim to reduce their misuse.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted an exploratory design. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 31 commercially oriented drug dealers in Uyo, Nigeria. The framework approach was used in data analyses, while “friction” provided the interpretive lens.FindingsAccounts revealed public concerns over the misuse of tramadol and other opioids among young people and the associated health and social harms. These concerns provided support for enforcement-based approaches to prescription opioids control, including police raids on pharmacy stores. These measures did not curtail opioids supply and consumption. Instead, they constrained access to essential medicines for pain management, encouraged illegal markets and fuelled law enforcement corruption in the form of police complicity in illegal tramadol trade.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings reveal the frictions of drug control in Nigeria, wherein enforcement-based approaches gained traction through public concerns about opioids misuse but also faced resistance due to the persistence of non-medical use and illegal supply channels made possible by law enforcement complicity. These indicate a need to prioritize approaches that seek to reduce illegal supply and misuse of opioids while ensuring availability of these medications for health-care needs.Originality/valueThe study is unique in its focus on the creative tension that exists between state control measures and local opioids supply and consumption practices.