The Government of Cross River State has reported an occurrence of COVID-19 in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, made the announcement at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital.

According to him, the first reported case of the outbreak involved a Chinese national who worked with Lafarge and flew into the country on March 17 before falling ill.

The commissioner stated that the Chinese’s condition became worse at the medical facility under his office and had to be taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Health workers under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have staged a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, voicing strong opposition to the proposed Health Sector Regulatory Bill currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria.

The demonstrators argue that the bill, if passed into law, would place all health professions under the authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), effectively stripping other professional bodies of their regulatory independence.

According to the protesting workers, various healthcare professions already operate under established regulatory councils, and the proposed legislation could reduce non-medical practitioners to subordinate roles within the sector.

The protesters described the move as unjust and discriminatory, warning that it could undermine the structure and balance of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The unions also revealed plans to proceed to the National Assembly complex, where they intend to formally present their concerns to lawmakers.

More details are expected as the situation unfolds.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Sunday said it uncovered a warehouse stocked with banned, substandard, and unregistered cosmetic products in Lagos.

In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) page, NAFDAC disclosed that the products, valued at over ₦3 billion, were discovered at the APT Trade Fair Complex.

The agency said the facility was concealed within an uncompleted building.

“NAFDAC has uncovered a warehouse stocked with banned, fake, and unregistered cosmetic products valued at over ₦3 billion at the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.

“Items recovered include 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and Extract Gold whitening soaps, which are products banned by the Federal Government,” the statement read.

The agency further stated that additional items, including assorted perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils, were also found and placed on hold for further regulatory assessment.

It added that all seized products had been evacuated to prevent distribution, while the warehouse manager has been invited for further investigation as enforcement actions continue.

NAFDAC warned that the sale and use of such products pose serious health risks.

“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the agency added.