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Autism in Nigeria

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Autism in Nigeria

I won’t be surprised if you are hearing or reading about autism for the first time; this is because it is rarely talked about. It is possibly one of the country’s most ignored healthcare concerns. In Nigeria, there is a lack of awareness campaigns on autism just as there are no adequate resources for early detection and treatment of the neurodevelopmental disorder. As a result, children born with autism are refused vital care because their families are unable to afford the financial burden that such a health condition comes with. Due to the stigma associated with having a kid with autism, some people with autism are also isolated and locked up by their families.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism is a diverse set of neurodevelopmental disorders marked by varying degrees of social communication and interaction difficulty, repetitive behaviours, and limited language abilities. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, and the effects and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person. People with autism frequently have co-occurring disorders such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as other challenging behaviours. One of the most widely held misconceptions about autism is that it is a disease. Some people believe that it can be treated as an illness with medication and that autistic people are thus “sick.” None of it is correct because autism is a neurological problem, not a mental illness.

According to experts, there is no single aetiology for the spectrum disorder. Given the disorder’s complexity and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, several causes are plausible. The causes can be traced to both genetics and the environment. In certain children, autism spectrum disorder might be connected to a genetic illness such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Genetic variations (mutations) may raise the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in other children. Other genes may influence brain growth or communication between brain cells, or they may influence the severity of symptoms. Some genetic mutations appear to be inherited, while others appear to happen by chance. On the environmental causes, it has yet to be confirmed whether viral infections, medicines, pregnancy complications, as well as air pollution, play a role in the onset of autism spectrum disease.

A growing prevalence of the disorder has been recorded globally. According to the WHO data, one out of every 100 children in the world has Autism, having been diagnosed in 135 million people around the world. Although there is no reliable data on autism in Nigeria and Africa, a 2014 study found that 54 of the 2,320 children in Nigeria tested positive for the disorder. According to the findings, it is more common in males than in females, with 45 males and nine females diagnosed. Despite the lack of contemporary statistics on autism in Nigeria, the majority of people with autism do not have access to medical, psychosocial, or financial assistance.

Nigeria currently lacks a policy for neurodevelopmental disorders, most of which are hidden, even though they affect people of all social classes and economic statuses. In Nigeria, there are significant gaps in information about autism and the care of affected children, as well as burdens on the families of autistic people. The availability and accessibility of screening and diagnostic tools, the cultural determinants of health-seeking behaviour, the availability and spread of facilities where children can receive care, and the support available to children and families with autism-related conditions are all urgent issues that must be addressed. Filling these gaps and resolving associated concerns will require a national policy and strong political commitment.

The protection of the rights and well-being of children living with autism, the empowerment of their families to make the best-informed decisions, and the provision of the most appropriate framework for government at all levels to support the care of affected persons physically, medically, educationally, and psychologically to maximize whatever potential they possess should be the primary objectives of a well-conceived and well-articulated national policy. Even though there is no known cure for the disorder yet, specialist education and structured support can help a person with autism maximize their skills and reach their full potential in adulthood.

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Africa

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

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Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

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Africa

Ann-Kio Briggs Faults Tinubu for Scrapping Niger Delta Ministry

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Prominent Niger Delta human rights activist and environmentalist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta, describing it as ill-advised and detrimental to the oil-rich region.

Briggs expressed her concerns during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.

“The Ministry of Niger Delta was created by the late (President Umaru) Yar’Adua. There was a reason for the creation. So, just removing it because the president was advised. I want to believe that he was advised because if he did it by himself, that would be terribly wrong,” she stated.

President Tinubu, in October, dissolved the Ministry of Niger Delta and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development, which is tasked with overseeing all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North-West Development Commission, and North-East Development Commission.

Briggs questioned the rationale behind the restructuring, expressing concerns about its feasibility and implications. “But that’s not going to be the solution because who is going to fund the commissions? Is it the regions because it is called the Regional Development Ministry? Is it the states in the regions? What are the regions because we don’t work with regions right now; we are working with geopolitical zones,” she remarked.

She added, “Are we going back to regionalism? If we are, we have to discuss it. The president can’t decide on his own to restructure Nigeria. If we are restructuring Nigeria, the president alone can’t restructure Nigeria, he has to take my opinion and your opinion into consideration.”

Briggs also decried the longstanding neglect of the Niger Delta despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy since 1958. “The Niger Delta has been developing Nigeria since 1958. We want to use our resources to develop our region; let regions use their resources to develop themselves,” she asserted.

Reflecting on the various bodies established to address the region’s development, Briggs lamented their failure to deliver meaningful progress. She highlighted the Niger Delta Basin Authority, the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), and the NDDC as examples of ineffective interventions.

“NDDC was created by Olusegun Obasanjo…There was OMPADEC before NDDC. OMPADEC was an agency. Before OMPADEC, there was the Basin Authority…These authorities were created to help us. Were we helped by those authorities? No, we were not,” she said.

Briggs further described the NDDC as an “ATM for failed politicians, disgruntled politicians, and politicians that have had their electoral wins taken away from them and given to somebody else.”

Her remarks underscore the deep-seated frustrations in the Niger Delta, where residents continue to advocate for greater control over their resources and improved governance.

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Securing the Digital Frontier: Global and Nigerian Cybersecurity Landscape

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Securing the Digital Frontier: Global and Nigerian Cybersecurity Landscape
“Cybersecurity is much more than a matter of IT; it’s a matter of national security.”
Pauline Neville-Jones, former UK Minister for Security
By Ernest Ogezi

As the digital landscape rapidly expands, the global cybersecurity situation has reached a critical juncture. In an increasingly interconnected world, the scale and frequency of cyber threats continue to escalate, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. October, designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, serves as a stark reminder of the growing importance of cybersecurity and the collective responsibility we all share in securing our digital spaces.

Globally, the numbers paint a grim picture. According to a 2024 report by IBM Security, the average cost of a data breach has soared to $4.88 million, marking the highest figure ever recorded. This staggering figure underscores the severe financial implications of cyber incidents. Additionally, the number of data compromises worldwide in the first half of 2024 rose to 1,571, a 14% increase from 2023. These statistics highlight the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the pressing need for more robust defenses. Ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) continue to dominate the threat landscape, with attackers constantly evolving their tactics.

The situation in Nigeria mirrors global trends but presents its own set of unique challenges. As Africa’s largest economy and a rapidly growing digital hub, Nigeria has experienced a surge in cybercrime activity. In 2022 alone, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) recorded over 60,000 cyberattacks on financial institutions, amounting to billions in losses. The rise of digital banking, e-commerce, and the widespread adoption of mobile devices have made the country a prime target for cybercriminals. In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government has taken significant steps to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) playing a pivotal role.

NITDA, the agency responsible for regulating and promoting Nigeria’s IT ecosystem, has been at the forefront of the country’s cybersecurity efforts. In line with its mandate to foster a safe and secure digital environment, NITDA has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness, promoting best practices, and strengthening the country’s defense against cyber threats. The agency’s role in cybersecurity is multi-faceted, focusing on policy development, capacity building, and public-private partnerships.

One of NITDA’s key contributions has been the development of Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines the country’s approach to combating cyber threats. The strategy emphasizes the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding personal data, and building cyber resilience. It also focuses on creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of society. NITDA has been instrumental in implementing this strategy by working with stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness.

In October 2024, as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, NITDA launched a nationwide awareness campaign to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of cybersecurity. The campaign, which aligns with the global theme “Secure Our World,” emphasizes the shared responsibility of all Nigerians in protecting the digital landscape. Through workshops, webinars, and educational materials, NITDA is working to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their digital assets.

A key focus of NITDA’s efforts has been the protection of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, including the financial, energy, and healthcare sectors. Cyberattacks on these sectors can have devastating consequences, not only financially but also in terms of public safety. In response, NITDA has collaborated with both national and international organizations to enhance the cybersecurity frameworks of these industries, ensuring that they are equipped to defend against evolving threats.

Beyond its focus on critical infrastructure, NITDA has made significant strides in fostering a cybersecurity-conscious workforce. Through its Cybersecurity Awareness Program, the agency has trained thousands of IT professionals, law enforcement officers, and government personnel on the latest cybersecurity trends and defense techniques. This capacity-building initiative is crucial for ensuring that Nigeria has a skilled workforce capable of responding to the ever-changing threat landscape.

Despite these efforts, the scale and complexity of cyber threats continue to grow. The rise of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing schemes poses significant risks to both the public and private sectors. NITDA recognizes that cybersecurity is not a static field but one that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. The agency is therefore committed to continuously improving Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture through policy updates, enhanced defenses, and ongoing education.

 

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