Hon Akume, great politician with eyes on nation building
By Modestus Umenzekwe:
The role being played by women in nation building, be it in business, education, health, or politics, cannot be overstressed.
It is on record that women have exhibited better leadership qualities in governance systems in various climes, a clear example is the former British Prime Minister, Margret Thatcher, while the role played by the former Director General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) the late Doctor Dora Akunyili readily comes to mind also. The great strides by the pride of the country, Prof Ngozi Okonji Iwuala is not taken for granted, these are women who at various times have made or are still making their country proud.
Today Nigeria appears to be witnessing what many called leadership crisis in all fronts, but one woman stands out as a beacon of hope, this is Hon Regina Akume, wife of the former Governor of Benue State and now Secretary to the Federal Government, His Excellency George Akume, she represents Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC. Hon Akume is among the 13 women that are in the 10th Assembly.
Of course, since the inauguration of Nigeria’s 10th assembly in June 2023, female legislators like Regina Akume, have been making remarkable progress, transforming the political landscape and advocating for inclusivity, development, and social justice.
Although Nigerian politics has traditionally been male-dominated, these female legislators have risen as influential leaders, addressing critical issues that reflect the diverse needs of the nation.
Known for her characteristically humane and humble mien, Hon. Akume is known to be a very highly versatile woman who has served in different political capacities at the grassroots level in the past. She has served as women leader in her constituency and across Benue State.
Though a First term member of the House, Hon Regina is the chairman, House Committee on National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) where she has brought her wealth of knowledge to bear making far reaching decisions that have reformed, transformed and restructured the food and drug agency into what it has become today.
As Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Hon Akume has taken several actions, particularly regarding NAFDAC’s policies and financial transparency.
Key actions taken by Hon. Regina Akume include suspension of NAFDAC’s ban on sachet alcohol: Citing the prevailing economic hardship and potential job losses (estimated at 500,000) that would result from the ban, she directed NAFDAC to suspend its ban on the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and small pet bottles. She advocated for implementing strict regulations and access control measures, such as establishing licensed liquor stores/outlets and enforcing laws against selling to minors, rather than an outright ban.
Demands for financial transparency: Akume expressed dissatisfaction with NAFDAC’s financial reports, which she described as “incomplete”. She directed the agency to provide a comprehensive, market-by-market breakdown of the N2.5 billion generated from raids and fines in locations like Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba, including details of inflows, expenditures, and withdrawals.
Advocacy for local production: She has reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting the local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and excipients in Nigeria to enhance the healthcare value chain and ensure better regulation of drug markets across the country.
Oversight on NAFDAC operations: She leads the committee in its oversight function, holding interactive sessions with NAFDAC officials and other stakeholders to address various concerns, including perceived leniency towards traders in certain regions and the need for better enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
Focus on public safety and economic impact: Akume has consistently balanced the need for public health protection (especially for the youth) with the economic implications of regulatory actions, seeking solutions that do not exacerbate unemployment or stifle businesses.
