Ismail Abdulaziz - News Agency Of Nigeria

FG opens up four new countries for TAC engagement

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Fri, 2025

Foreign

FG opens up four new countries for TAC engagement

By Maureen Okon

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) says it has open up four new countries for Technical Aid Corps (TAC) engagement to bridge both the educational and professional gaps in Africa.

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director General (D-G) of NTAC, made this known at a media parley to commemorate his two years in office on Friday, in Abuja.

Yakub named the countries as Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan and Zanzibar.

Yakub said that apart from the four countries requesting for volunteers, NTAC is already preparing some other countries for the TAC programme.

The D-G said that in the last two years, he had introduced a new initiative to help fight illegal migration, which engages young Nigerians to travel through illegal means.

He said that there was an initiative to turn NTAC into a hub for exporting Nigeria’s man-power to countries in need

According to him, such manpower will serve as salary earners in countries in need of their skills and their professional knowledge.

“In the past two years we have open up TAC engagement in Grenada in the Southern Caribbean, and we have Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan and Zanzibar.

“These are the new countries that we have open up relationship with in the past two years.

“We are preparing to deploy volunteers to these countries. But until we deploy to these countries we will not put them in our radar.

“Another new initiative is to turn NTAC into a hub for the export of our man-power not only for free but for money.

“This was done side by side with our agency’s operation and the soft power diplomacy of President Bola Tinubu,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri

Water, research agencies collaborate on water management

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Fri, 2025

General News

Water, research agencies collaborate on water management

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) are collaborating to prioritise water management in the country.

NIWRMC Executive Director, Dr Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, disclosed this when he visited the Director General of NASRDA, Dr Mathew Adepoju in Abuja.

In a statement on Thursday, the commission’s Head of Press and Public relation, Fatima Yusuf, noted that Aminu-Zaria believed the collaboration would set the tone for proper synergy in water management across the country.

He added that collaboration with NASRDA would advance key national priorities of water management in areas of climate resilience, reducing disaster risk and ensuring water and food security.

“NIWRMC and NASRDA are pivotal in addressing various challenges related to water management and resource sustainability of water regulations, catchment management and the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) strategies.

“By sharing data and insights, these agencies can create more informed policies that take into account the multifaceted interactions between water resources, climate change and food production systems.”

Aminu-Zaria stated that the use of satellite imagery to monitor changes in land use and water bodies would enhance droughts or flooding prediction, and enable proactive measures to mitigate them.

He noted that working with NASRDA would also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for the country, while ensuring that the needs of communities and the environment are met in a balanced and effective manner.

Aminu-Zaria added that NIWRMC would need the expertise of NASRDA to monitor environmental changes, assess water resources and support decision making processes.

“Aligning NASRDA’s data services with NIWRMC’s regulatory needs will enhance the integration of NASRDA’s data services to ensure they effectively support the regulatory framework set forth by the National Inter-Agency Water Resources Management Committee.

‘’This alignment will involve assessing the specific data requirements of the NIWRMC and adapting NASRDA’s data collection and analysis methodologies to ensure compliance and facilitate better decision making in water resources management,” he said.

In his response, Adepoju said NASRDA would avail its resources and personnel to support NIWRMC’s mandate of ensuring effective water management which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

China to build Africa’s first insulin plant in Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Fri, 2025

General News

China to build Africa’s first insulin plant in Nigeria

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced his country’s plans to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria.

Yu disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

He said that this would transform blood glucose levels management, prevent diabetes-related complications, and end the country’s reliance on imported insulin.

“Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology.

“This project is part of the tangible benefits of China-Nigeria cooperation, alongside the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project, with a daily capacity of 480 cubic metres, which now provides clean water to nearly three million people,” he said.

Yu also highlighted China’s long-standing support for Africa’s development that fosters the cooperation model that is equal, pragmatic, and efficient.

He said that China has remained committed to supporting Africa’s integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development.

The envoy also reflected on the symbolism of both countries celebrating their national days on October 1.

“Both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day fall on the same day, October 1st. It is a shared national memory that binds our two peoples together,” he said.

He also celebrated individual stories of friendship and collaboration.

“Not long ago, as the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, Ms. Issah Fatimah Abiola, known by her Chinese name Bai Yang, was honoured with China’s “Friendship Envoy Award”, one of only six global recipients.

“Her story inspires many Nigerian women to strive for self-reliance, becoming a shining symbol of China-Nigeria friendship.

“Equally impressive is a young boy from a bilingual school in Kano, Ibrahim Ismail.

“The first time I watched the video when Ibrahim speaks Mandarin Chinese, I felt totally amazed. He is not only fluent, but without any accent. Ibrahim is with us today,” he said.

He also lauded steps by Nigeria to add Chinese language to the new curriculum of senior secondary school.

“I think this is wonderful news. It will serve as an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship,” he said.

Also, Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, conveyed greetings from President Bola Tinubu to China and praised their transformation journey and contribution to strengthening relationships between the two countries.

Jibrin, represented by Sen. Babangida Hussaini, stressed Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen cooperation with China in critical sectors.

“In recent decades, the relationship between Nigeria and China has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

“ It is a partnership defined not only by the signing of agreements, but also by tangible outcomes in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defence, trade, and investment.

“As legislators in Nigeria, we are committed to providing the enabling environment, legal frameworks, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that these partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for the benefit of future generations,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Thu, 2025

Foreign

Saudi lauds growth in ties with Nigeria

By Maureen Okon

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has celebrated its 95th National Day and expressed satisfaction with its remarkable growth in the bilateral ties with Nigeria.

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja commemorated the Day on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Saad Almarri, the Charge D’ Affaires of the Embassy recalled the significance of the occasion that marked the 95 years since King Abdulaziz Al Saud unified the Kingdom.

Almarri expressed happiness at the remarkable journey of growth and development that followed.

According to him, the ambitions and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 reflects the aspiration to build a prosperous economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation.

Almarri said that the bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria had witnessed growth in various fields.

The envoy listed these fields to include trade, education, and combatting drug trafficking.

He said that the trade volume between the two countries had exceeded 600 million dollars, while hundreds of Nigerian students had received scholarship from Saudi Arabia.

The Charge D’Affaires expressed Saudi’s deep appreciation to the people and government of Nigeria.

He said that the shared commitment between both countries to progress towards broader horizon of partnership and integration was paramount.

He further applauded the Kingdom’s successful bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”.

“Expo 2030 stands as a testimony of our country’s international stance and its capability to organise and host major global events,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Think-tank backs CBN’s decision to ease monetary policy rate

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Thu, 2025

General News

Think-tank backs CBN’s decision to ease monetary policy rate

By Lucy Ogalue

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has welcomed the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27 per cent.

Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI Chairman, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Akinsiju said that the decision aligned with the position IMPI’s analysts had taken in its recent policy statement.

He said that the reduction, which was the first in five years, signalled the beginning of a monetary easing cycle expected to continue in the next three quarters.

According to him, the decision is well guided by data on inflation and exchange rate movements, reflecting that the apex bank correctly read the economic barometer before easing its hold on interest rates.

He said the group’s policy paper, published earlier, projected that the CBN would soon cut interest rates, following five consecutive months of decline in headline inflation and a stronger Naira.

“The IMPI had forecasted a five per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2025, higher than the 3.4 per cent growth projected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“Tuesday’s announcement is an affirmation that appropriate initiatives are in place to ensure that monetary policies align with fiscal policies,” he said.

The IMPI boss said that the decision would lower borrowing costs for businesses, improve the operating environment, and eventually reduce prices of goods and services in the economy.

He further said that with reduced interest rates, its projection of a further decline in headline inflation from 20.12 per cent to 17 per cent by December was more realistic.

Akinsiju urged federal authorities to sustain the deployment of appropriate policies to keep the economy on a positive growth path.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Leadership fellows charge women on impact journalism

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Thu, 2025

General News

Leadership fellows charge women on impact journalism

By Franklin Ohaegbu/Florence Onuegbu

The Wole Soyinka Centre for lnvestigative Journalism (WSCIJ) ReportWomen 2025 Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) fellows have called on female journalists to delve on impact Journalism.

The fellows made the call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the ReportWomen 2025 FRLP 6th Fellowship Induction and Award on Wednesday in Lagos.

Aisha Gambo, a Senior Correspondent at NAN, urged female journalists to make impact in the society through the stories they publish for public consumption.

Gambo said that all that was needed from the women was the zeal and determination to change the society for better.

“Female journalists should build capacity, dare to dream and also give your voice, so that you can make impact in the society,” she said.

The FRLP fellow described the programme as tasking and and interesting, but promised to report issues around women and amplify their voices.

Also, Mrs Christiana Alabi-Akande, the Managing Editor at DevReporting, said she was able to go through the programme with commitment and passion to push through.

Alabi-Akande thanked the mentors for their assistance at shaping the female journalists to take the profession with zeal.

“Every journalist should practice ethical journalism.

“We shouldn’t just go after brown envelopes, but our journalism practice should be impactful, should bring succour to the people, that will bring solutions to the problems bedeviling us as a nation,” she said.

Rasheedat Iliyas, the Manager, News and Current Affairs at Harmony FM, called on female journalists to always tell their stories, as no one would tell such for them.

“The men cannot understand us better than ourselves, they can only try.

“So,we need to go out there, tell the stories of women, women that are winning, women that are in the background, bring them to the fore.

“Issues of women should be put to the fore, we should have conversations, so that women voices will be heard, so that they will be listened to.

“So, I advise them to go all out there and let the representation be balance ,” Iliyas said.

Jemilat Nasiru, a Staff Writer at The Cable, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be selected for the training, which she described as a springboard for her career, especially as an investigative journalist.

Nasiru urged female journalists to build confidence, have capacity and build competence, so as to deliver on journalism practice.

“You should build competence, capacity, so you can have confidence to stand in positions that are really important in the newsroom.

“There are some stories that you cannot tell except you are a woman, and it is very important for women to tell such stories so that they are properly told,” she said.

NAN reports that the ReportWomen! 2025 FRLP fellows include Aisha Gambo (NAN), Bilkis Abdulraheem (Bond FM), Chigozie Victor (Big Cabal Media), and Christiana Alabi-Akande (DevReporting).

Others are: Dana Zagi (Daily Trust), Gloria Attah (ClearView TV), Jemilat Nasiru (The Cable), Juliet Buna (Crest FM), Mary Agidi (The Hope), Melody Ishola (The Punch), Rasheedat Iliyas (Harmony) and Temitope Obayendo (Pharmanews).

NAN reports that Alabi-Akande won the first prize of laptop and N200,000 cash, Iliyas came second with a laptop and N100,000 cash, while Nasiru came third with a laptop and N50,000 cash. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Dangote Refinery reviving moribund companies in Nigeria, says manufacturers

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Thu, 2025

Economy/Business

Dangote Refinery reviving moribund companies in Nigeria, says manufacturers

The Kano-Jigawa branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has hailed the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals for its role in revitalising struggling companies in Nigeria.

According to the Association, the refinery’s intervention through the reduction of diesel prices and the steady availability of petroleum products has provided significant relief to manufacturers grappling with high energy costs.

Muhammad Bello Umar, branch Chairman of MAN, Kano and Jigawa states, said this on the sideline of the ongoing Annual Products Exhibition in Kano.

He said that these measures are already helping “dying companies come back to life” by reducing production expenses, stabilising operations, and sustaining jobs.

Umar said that access to affordable diesel was critical to the survival of many small and medium-scale industries in Nigeria, particularly those outside the national grid or in areas plagued by inconsistent power supply.

“By improving supply and easing cost pressures, the Dangote Refinery is not only supporting the survival of existing firms but also laying the foundation for industrial growth and competitiveness in the region,” he said.

He reiterated the association’s commitment to partnering with the refinery and other stakeholders to strengthen the manufacturing sector.

Umar described the Dangote Refinery as a game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for industrial sustainability and self-reliance.

He said Dangote Refinery continues to inspire confidence in the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

The Dangote Industries Limited is one of the major sponsors of the 2025 MAN Exhibition in Kano.

Umar said the exhibition brought together top manufacturers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers in a showcase of innovation, quality, and resilience in the nation’s economy.

The MAN chairman disclosed that the association was already exploring areas of partnership with the Dangote Refinery to enhance energy supply and strengthen industrial growth nationwide.

He commended the Dangote Group for its partnership and contribution to the growth of the Association and the country’s economy.

The chairman noted that the Dangote Group has been a consistent partner with the association for over five years, describing the company as an indispensable stakeholder in the industrial sector.

The theme of this year’s Exhibition is Made in Nigeria: Revitalizing Local Industries for Economic Growth.

According to him, no exhibition or trade fair organised by MAN is complete without the presence of Dangote products, which remain some of the most affordable, qualitative, and dependable in the market.

A major feature of this year’s show was the commanding presence of the Dangote Group, whose diverse range of products has become a household name across Nigeria and beyond.

Dangote products displayed at the event include:Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasoning, Dangote Fertiliser, among others.

Participants at the event also highlighted the role of Dangote Group in job creation, infrastructure development, and its contribution to government revenues through taxes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

During the opening ceremony, Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State, said the occasion was not just an exhibition of goods and services, but a bold statement that Nigeria’s future lies in production, innovation and self-reliance.

Yusuf, represented by commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, said that the exhibition affirmed the state’s central role as the industrial hub of northern Nigeria.

He commended MAN for sustaining an “important platform where local producers and entrepreneurs come together to showcase their ingenuity, resilience and creativity.”
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG orders clampdown on fake certificate, issues enforcement deadline

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Thu, 2025

General News

FG orders clampdown on fake certificate, issues enforcement deadline

Enforcement
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2025 (NAN) The Federal Government has announced a nationwide enforcement of the national policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) on academic credential verification.

This enforcement is scheduledto take effect from Oct. 6.

This is contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, dated Aug. 8, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

Akume directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as all higher institutions in Nigeria to commence the implementation of a structured verification of academic credentials of all staff and prospective staff.

This is to be done through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) of the NERD programme.

He added that no appointment would be confirmed without an NCVS clearance affirming the authenticity of academic qualifications presented.

“Effective from the Oct. 6, 2025, all Ministries, Department and Agencies as well as all higher institutions in Nigeria, whether civilian, military, private or public, are to commence the implementation of an intensive but structured verification.

“The academic credential of all staff and intending staff through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) of the NERD programme and thereafter ensure compliance for each new recruitment by obtaining an instant NCVS clearance.

” This, affirming the authenticity of each academic credential presented anywhere within the Federal Republic of Nigeria before confirmation of appointment,” he said.

He noted that each clearance would carry a National Credential Number (NCN) and ancillary security codes for record purposes.

According to him, the reform implies that every certificate, diploma, honour or award presented in Nigeria must be earned from an accredited institution and must be identifiable, traceable, verifiable, and validated at the click of a button.

He said the move departs from the former reliance on institutions to verify credentials, stressing that the new system entrenches a national quality assurance mechanism insulated from compromise.

The policy invokes Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, 1985, assigning enforcement responsibility to the NERD, proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2023.

Additionally, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who had earlier introduced the NCVS in March after FEC approval, described the scheme as a systemic quality assurance check to curtail academic fraud, fake degrees and bogus honours.

In a statement, Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for the NERD programme, confirmed that the agency’s services were ready for nationwide deployment.

She urged MDAs, post-secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and the private sector to enrol their NERD Focal Persons and Digitisation Officers via the agency’s website.

“NERD is a federation initiative and the federal standard for higher education digitisation, designed to protect national security and prestige, ensure education integrity, and digitally enhance the economic value of Nigeria’s education for global competitiveness,” Galadima stated.

She added that NERD’s mandate also includes administration of the NSN, NCN, and National Document Number (NDN), as well as hosting a National Database of Resource Persons for instant verification of genuine honours.

“The federal government has created the nation’s official one-stop shop for data consistency.

“Each system remains autonomous, NERD facilitates organic cooperation and coordination of decentralised systems in the national interest,” she explained.

Galadima further disclosed that the NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, comprises the leadership of the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, National Library, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and the committees of vice chancellors.

Others are rectors, and provosts across the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG deploys 20 TAC volunteers to Liberia, debriefs 14

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Wed, 2025

General News

FG deploys 20 TAC volunteers to Liberia, debriefs 14

By Maureen Okon

The Federal Government on Wednesday deployed 20 volunteers to Liberia under the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, at the ceremony held in Abuja, 14 volunteers who returned from the same country after their two-year service to humanity and Nigeria were debriefed.

Speaking at the event, Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General (D-G) of NTAC said the volunteers had been doing exploits in their host communities and raising Nigeria’s flag high.

He admonished the new volunteers to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and maintain the reputation of their predecessors in their host community.

Yakub specifically lauded the retuning volunteers for making a huge impact in their host community, especially in books publication, among other notable achievements.

He recalled the significant impacts of TAC volunteers in their assignment in African, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries.

The NTAC D-G gave the example of the previous batch sent to the Gambia.

According to him, two of the volunteers were appointed by the Gambian President to fill the position of Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor in one of that country’s universities.

“Before that set, we also had some set of volunteers who were also appointed as vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor. in their host country’s University of Technology.

“I encourage the volunteers going out today, to also fly our flag high, so that they will serve humanity, the blacks in Africa and portray the image of Nigeria very well out there,’’ he said.

Yakub thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving special attention to the initiative immediately he came into power.

“This initiative is working not only for Nigerians but for all blacks in Africa in the ACP countries.

“In Nigeria we have great people with great population of over 250 million,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Zakari Usman, the Director of Programme, recalled when NTAC officials visited the volunteers in Liberia early in the year, and some of the volunteers had authored some books.

He underscored the great impact the volunteers had made in that country’s educational sector.

Usman also admonished the new volunteers going to Liberia to be worthy Ambassadors of Nigeria.

Adeleke Roland, a Physicist and the Team Lead of the retuning volunteers from Liberia thanked the federal government for the opportunity given to them.

“The 14 of us had made significant contributions to Liberia’s education system in our respective fields of endeavour.

“Liberia witnessed notable improvements in West African Senior School Certificate Education results due to our efforts,’’ he said.

For his part, Ismail Babatunde, the Team Lead for the deploying volunteers, promised that they would showcase their skills and abundance of the human resources that Nigeria has in their host community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi