Forum Issues in the Enforcement of Regulatory Obligations of Nigerian Public Companies

Jurisdictional conflict between judicial fora is often a common issue in countries that use a mix of specialist and regular Courts to resolve civil and criminal cases. In Nigeria, owing largely to lack of clear guiding principles, this conflict reflects presently in the judicial determination of the regulatory obligations of the country’s public companies.This paper focuses on this conflict. It examines statutory and case law rules at the centre of the jurisdictional conflict between the Federal High Court and the Investment and Securities Tribunal, in relation to the enforcement of reporting obligations of Nigerian public companies. As a contribution to regulatory clarity and law reform, it proposes and discusses normative principles for the resolution of this perceived jurisdictional conflict.Keywords: regulation, jurisdiction, banking, public companie

The Nigerian financial crisis: A reductionist diagnosis

The crisis in the Nigerian financial system from 2008 to 2009 triggered an explosion of scholarly debates on the  legal and institutional inadequacies of the Nigerian financial regulatory system that contributed to its inability to anticipate or prevent the financial crisis. Many of the analyses however have yet to consider closely the part  played by suboptimal enforcement of financial laws and regulations before the crisis and how this created opportunities for the crisis. This paper argues for a supervisory failure account of the Nigerian financial crisis. It conceives this failure as an incidence of supoptimal enforcement of regulatory norms, induced by low or weak regulatory accountability and which largely provides opportunities for a financial crisis. Through a  normative analysis of the indicators public sector and financial regulation accountability, it demonstrates how the crisis could have been prevented. In doing so, the paper partly examines the legal and institutional  problems of financial regulation in Nigeria; how the Nigerian financial system fared during the financial crisis of 2008 to 2009; and what could have been done to prevent the crisis

Psychiatric morbidity in two urban communities in Nigeria

Background: There is a welter of evidence for an inverse relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and mental health. The relationship is grossly under researched in the developing countries. Objective: To ascertain rates of gross psychiatric morbidity and some demographic correlations in two communities with different socio-economic standards. Design: A cross-sectional community based study. Subjects: Random samples of two socio-economically dissimilar communities (N1 = 189, N2 = 148) were assessed for psychiatric morbidity. Results: Rates of psychiatric morbidity obtained for the lower status community (Ajegunle) and the higher status community (Victoria Island/Ikoyi) on the GH Q-12 were 26.5 and 14.2 respectively and the corresponding figures on the SRQ (non-psychosis) were 41.8 and 18.2 and on the SRQ (psychosis) 61.5 and 31.7. A large number of positive socio-demographic correlations between cases and non-cases were obtained on SRQ and GHQ-12 in both communities. Family history of psychiatric illness significantly differentiates cases from non-cases on all measures of morbidity. Conclusion: The socio-economic inequality demonstrated should be minimised by evolving a social welfare policy in Nigeria and other developing countries that is responsive to the survival needs of the populace and ensures equitable distribution of resources across socio-economic strata. There is dire need for further research into the complex bearings of the link between social status and psychological wellness in the developing world.East African Medical Journal Vol. 85 (8) 2008: pp. 368-37

Awareness of childhood pneumonia in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Mortality from pneumonia can be prevented by prompt recognition of symptoms of pneumonia by caregivers at home and appropriate seeking for medical care in a health facility. Active participation in pneumonia control by caregivers is dependent on the extent to which the members of the community are aware of  features of pneumonia and recognising that the child needs medical attention.Objective: To document the knowledge of community members about pneumonia using traders (market women and men in a popular market in Benin City, Nigeria).Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.Setting: Edaiken market, Benin City, Nigeria.Subjects: All traders, women and men in Edaiken market Benin City Nigeria.Results: Of the 1374 respondents, 1220(88.8%) about pneumonia. Of these 1220, 57.9% correctly identified that pneumonia affects the lungs and exposure to breeze was the risk factor of pneumonia (86.7% of respondents). Knowledge score for  pneumonia was generally low with most respondents 1140(93.5%) scoring < 10 (Poor); and 79(6.5%) had scores 10 – 14 (Fair). Only one person (0.1%) had a score ≥ 15 (Good knowledge). Married individuals were five times more likely to have fair knowledge of pneumonia when compared to the unmarried individuals (OR = 5.0, p = 0.01). Also statistical significant proportion of respondents with presence of an under-five year old in the household had fair knowledge of childhood pneumonia when compared with household with no child younger than five years (p = 0.00).Conclusion: General knowledge of the traders in Benin City about childhood pneumonia was poor. There is need for improved public awareness on childhood pneumonia in this community

Traders’ Perception of Cooking Smoke as a Risk Factor for Childhood Pneumonia

Background: Childhood pneumonia is the foremost killer of under-fives. Indoor air pollution by smoke from cooking fuel is a major risk factor for childhood pneumonia. The knowledge of caregivers about risk factors can facilitate the practice of appropriate preventive measures. This study set out to evaluate the perception of traders about cooking smoke as a risk factor for childhood pneumonia.Methodology: A researcher administered, questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was carried out at a major market in Benin City prior to a market rally to celebrate World Pneumonia Day 2014. The respondents were traders. Information on biodata, place of cooking, fuel for cooking and presence of under-fives in the cooking area of homes of respondents was sought.Results: There were 1374 respondents of which 1192(88.5%) were females. Only 67(4.9%) respondents considered smoke from cooking fuel a risk factor for pneumonia while 99(7.2%) considered avoidance of smoke as a method for preventing pneumonia. Firewood (biomass fuel) was utilized by 272(19.8%) respondents. Respondents with no education were significantly more likely to use firewood (p<0.000). All respondents with under-fives reported having them in the cooking area. Having a child who had suffered pneumonia in the past was not significantly associated with knowing that smoke was a risk factor for childhood pneumonia p>0.05.Conclusion: There is poor awareness of smoke as a risk factor for childhood pneumonia while the use of unclean fuel is significant. As part of health education on childhood pneumonia, smoke as a risk factor should be emphasized. Government should make cleaner fuels more available, accessible and affordable.Keywords: Traders, Cooking Smoke, Ris

Effect of training on knowledge about cervical cancer and Human Papiloma Virus vaccine among health care personnel in Benin City

Background: Although the HPV vaccine is available for a fee in Nigeria it is not yet in the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) which is free. Health care workers can play an important role in improving uptake of the vaccine and in advocating for its inclusion in the NPI. However, this role may be limited by lack of knowledge. This study assessed the effect of training on health care workers’ knowledge of HPV, its relationship with cervical cancer and the role of HPV vaccine in prevention.Methods: This quasi-experimental study examined the responses to pre and post test evaluation of the knowledge and practice of health care workers from Benin City with regards to HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccines at a workshop organized to create awareness on the subject matter.Results: Of the 53 health care workers at the training, 46 (85%) knew that HPV was the causative agent of cervical cancer while only 13 (28.9%) and 15 (32.6%) knew that it was associated with oral and vaginal cancer, respectively. Majority of participants had heard about the HPV vaccine but only 15 (30.6%) had encouraged its use and 7 (14.3%) had prescribed it. Post test result showed marked improvement in most areas evaluated.Conclusion: The less than satisfactory knowledge of health care workers about HPV and its relationship with anogenital cancers was markedly improved by training. Training of health care workers should be done to address the dearth of knowledge prior to the deployment of the vaccine nationally.Keywords: Knowledge; Healthcare workers; HPV; HPV vaccine; Cervical cancer 

Potentially toxic elements in urban soils from public-access areas in the rapidly growing megacity of Lagos, Nigeria

Rapid urbanization can lead to significant environmental contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This is of concern because PTEs are accumulative, persistent, and can have detrimental effects on human health. Urban soil samples were obtained from parks, ornamental gardens, roadsides, railway terminals and locations close to industrial estates and dumpsites within the Lagos metropolis. Chromium, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry following sample digestion with aqua regia and application of the BCR sequential extraction procedure. A wide range of analyte concentrations was found—Cr, 19–1830 mg/kg; Cu, 8–11,700 mg/kg; Fe, 7460–166,000 mg/kg; Mn, 135–6100 mg/kg; Ni, 4–1050 mg/kg; Pb, 10–4340 mg/kg; and Zn, 61–5620 mg/kg—with high levels in areas close to industrial plants and dumpsites. The proportions of analytes released in the first three steps of the sequential extraction were Fe (16%) < Cr (30%) < Ni (46%) < Mn (63%) < Cu (78%) < Zn (80%) < Pb (84%), indicating that there is considerable scope for PTE (re)mobilization. Human health risk assessment indicated non-carcinogenic risk for children and carcinogenic risk for both children and adults. Further monitoring of PTE in the Lagos urban environment is therefore recommended

Preventive Measures Adopted by Nigerian Farmers for the Environmental Hazards in Cocoa Plantations

The study investigated the adoption of environmental hazards preventive measures among cocoa farmers in Nigeria. It specifically identified and evaluated the preventive measures adopted by the farmers against environmental hazards associated with cocoa farming. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 600 respondents from five geo-political zones where cocoa is commercially grown in the country. Results revealed that cocoa farming was dominated by male farmers (94%) with a mean age of 48.6±14.0 years, while 81.5% were literate. Fifteen environmental hazards preventive measures were adopted by the farmers, of which the highest adopted preventive measures were hygiene practices on the farm (48.8%) and use of disease resistant varieties (48%). The farmers indicated that they (61.5%) never allowed crops to be less vulnerable, 57.8% never adhered to cocoa certification procedure and55.7% never practiced integrated pest management techniques. On the whole, however, 28.8% fell into high adoption category. The study further showed that there was a significant and positive correlation between adoption of environmental hazards preventive measures and farmers’ yield at (r = 0.936; p<0.05).This implies an increase in the yield of cocoa production vis-à-vis the adoption of environmental hazards preventive measures among the Nigeria cocoa farmers

Preventive Measures Adopted by Nigerian Farmers for the Environmental Hazards in Cocoa Plantations

The study investigated the adoption of environmental hazards preventive measures among cocoa farmers in Nigeria. It specifically identified and evaluated the preventive measures adopted by the farmers against environmental hazards associated with cocoa farming. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 600 respondents from five geo-political zones where cocoa is commercially grown in the country. Results revealed that cocoa farming was dominated by male farmers (94%) with a mean age of 48.6±14.0 years, while 81.5% were literate. Fifteen environmental hazards preventive measures were adopted by the farmers, of which the highest adopted preventive measures were hygiene practices on the farm (48.8%) and use of disease resistant varieties (48%). The farmers indicated that they (61.5%) never allowed crops to be less vulnerable, 57.8% never adhered to cocoa certification procedure and55.7% never practiced integrated pest management techniques. On the whole, however, 28.8% fell into high adoption category. The study further showed that there was a significant and positive correlation between adoption of environmental hazards preventive measures and farmers’ yield at (r = 0.936; p<0.05).This implies an increase in the yield of cocoa production vis-à-vis the adoption of environmental hazards preventive measures among the Nigeria cocoa farmers

Substance Use: Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors among Undergraduate Students in a Tertiary Institution in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Substance use is a global public health problem with increasing burden among university students. This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and risk factors of substance use among undergraduate students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of undergraduate students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data collection tool was a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Statistical significance was set at p value &lt;0.05Results: The respondents’ mean age was 19.5 ± 2.0 years and all 416 (100.0%) were aware of substance abuse. The prevalence of substance use was 299 (71.9%). Alcohol 133 (32.0%) and over-the-counter drugs (29.9%) were the two most commonly used substance. Being male (p=0.017) and in 400 level (p=0.047) were associated with substance use while curiosity 112 (37.5%), peer pressure 95 (31.8%) and school stress 85 (28.4%) were reasons given. Predictors of substance use were being a female (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI=1.89-3.66; p=0.011), civil servant mother (aOR: 5.75; 95% CI=1.90-17.4; p=0.002) and mother with secondary education (aOR: 5.27; 95% CI= 2.20- 12.65; p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: There was high prevalence of substance use with curiosity, peer pressure and school stress being influencers of substance use among the study population. Predictors of substance use were being a female, civil servant mother and mother with secondary education. The University authority should institute measures to prevent access to alcohol and other substances by the students