News
Senegal Outrage Over Alleged Expired Sanitary Pads
Senegalese authorities investigate Softcare over alleged expired materials in sanitary pads and diapers, sparking public protests and safety concerns
Dakar, Senegal Public outrage is rising in Senegal following allegations that Chinese-owned Softcare used expired or unsuitable materials in the manufacture of sanitary pads and diapers, prompting protests and regulatory scrutiny.
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The Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ARP) reported late last year that Softcare possessed roughly 1,300 kilograms (2,865 pounds) of expired polyethylene film intended for its products.
The regulator instructed the company to withdraw the materials pending compliance with safety standards.
Eight days later, Softcare claimed that the materials were never incorporated into production, but inspectors maintained their findings, and social media reports circulated of users experiencing itching and irritation after using the products.
Softcare, a subsidiary of the Chinese Sunda International group operating in over 30 countries including several African nations, denies wrongdoing.
The company said the disputed batch remains in a disused warehouse awaiting destruction.
Several Senegalese health professionals highlighted the potential dangers, citing risks of irritation, allergic reactions, and infections.
Social media posts by pharmacists and users reinforced concerns, recounting personal cases of discomfort from using Softcare products.
Amid the controversy, Softcare reportedly attempted to bribe inspectors, an allegation rejected by officials, and Senegal’s health ministry has launched a joint investigation to verify claims.
A parliamentary fact-finding committee is also holding hearings on the matter.
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This scandal has revived scrutiny over menstrual product safety across Africa.
In 2025, a survey by women’s rights organisation Nguvu Collective in Kenya found widespread quality disparities among brands and insufficient hygiene compliance in several markets.
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Dauda Lawal swears in five permanent secretaries in Zamfara, urging them to follow public service rules, financial regulations and relevant laws
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has sworn in five new permanent secretaries, urging them to comply with Public Service Rules, financial regulations and other relevant laws in the discharge of their duties.
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The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Ahmad S. Zamfara, Nasiru Halilu Anka, Mu’azu Jibril Guraguri, Adamu Abdullahi Kanoma and Sani Muhammad Shinkafi.
The Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Justice Kulu Aliyu, administered the oath of office to the appointees, who pledged allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal congratulated the new permanent secretaries, describing their appointments as recognition of their experience, abilities and readiness to take on greater responsibilities.
He said their roles extended beyond personal career advancement, noting that their decisions and conduct would influence government performance and the welfare of residents.
“The Permanent Secretary is central to Government, providing administrative leadership, institutional continuity, and policy advice while implementing approved programs,” the governor said.
He added that permanent secretaries were responsible for maintaining discipline, coordinating their establishments and ensuring that public resources were used for their intended purposes.
Lawal said his administration remained committed to strengthening government institutions and improving public administration to support Zamfara’s development priorities.
He noted that the civil service played a critical role in translating government decisions into practical results, particularly in the delivery of essential services.
The governor urged the new appointees to align their work with his administration’s priorities through proper planning, realistic implementation strategies, effective supervision and continuous assessment of results.
He also called on them to maintain constructive and professional relationships with commissioners and other political officeholders.
According to Lawal, political leaders are responsible for setting policy, while career civil servants provide the institutional knowledge, technical advice and administrative capacity needed to implement it.
He stressed that mutual respect and cooperation between political officeholders and career civil servants were essential to effective governance.
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The governor urged the permanent secretaries to uphold discipline and professionalism while ensuring that their departments supported the administration’s development agenda and served the needs of the people of Zamfara.
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