September 17, 2024

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1 FG reaffirms commitment to consumer empowerment through standardisation

2 Firm calls for inclusion of GIS in primary, secondary school curricula

3 India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy

4 Young innovators advocate digital revenue systems

5 National Identity Day: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to digital infrastructure

Defence/Security

Why local defence production remains low in Nigeria– Balogun

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The failure of Nigeria to use the capacity of its Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 60 years has hampered the nations journey into self-sufficiency in defence capabilities.

 

This position was made known by the Chairman, Equipment and Protective Applications Nigerian Limited (EPAIL), Kola Balogun, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

 

Balogun, who is also the Secretary, Defense Industrial Association of Nigeria (DIAN), said the journey DICON after 60 years has not been impressive in terms of output.

 

“Now, looking backward, 60 years down the line of DICON journey to where we are today, has not been impressive by virtue of what has been their output.

 

“Output is the sense of what have they been able to come out with compare them with their counterpart in China and Brazil.

 

“I am very sure they set up Nigeria’s DICON and Brazil almost at the same time and if you look at what Brazil has been able to do with its own, it is very, very impressive.

 

“It is mind-blowing that they are producing helicopter, they are producing so many parts of defense target across the world and, we are supposed to have the similar threshold with that same organisation in Brazil.

 

“But however, the reverse is the case. One of those things I have realised is that some of us don’t believe in ourselves that we can do it, that we have what it takes to develop ourselves,’’ he said.

 

Balogun said that Nigeria had started realising that it must be decisive and determined to change things, adding that there were certain levels of sacrifice that everyone must make.

 

According to him, 60 years down the line, Nigeria is not producing helicopter or any major arsenal of war, which are things it must have to change its games plan.

 

“My exposure has revealed to me that we cannot trade with the whole world and get it right.

 

“We have to choose few partners while we come back home and define our standard and define a framework of licensing those who are going to be responsible for production of arm and ammunition and some other gadgets.

 

“We must introduce license in order to create a streamline of monopoly and the monopolies aspect of it is to create markets for them.

 

“It’s not a market for everyone. It has to be from the willingness to partake in the defence industry, must have financial capability; must be knowledge based; have footprint of what defence is all about’’ he added.

 

The expert said that Nigeria must be able to record astronomical growth in the next 10 years with the new DICON law that had birthed another private sector driven defence industry.

 

He commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the act into law, adding that Nigeria must harness the opportunities to develop its defence capabilities locally. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

Nigeria getting it right in defence capabilities– Expert

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman, Equipment and Protective Applications Nigerian Limited (EPAIL), Kola Balogun, says the rising of local players in Nigeria’s defence industries, will be a game changer in enhancing its military’s fighting power.

 

Balogun, who is also the Secretary, Defense Industrial Association of Nigeria (DIAN), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

 

He said the local players understood the place of knowledge transfer as well as methodology of getting knowledge across the borderline.

 

According to him, indigenous defence producers had made giant strides in infrastructure that supports growth and the intuition of knowing the peculiarity of the kind of threats bedeviling the country.

 

He said that EPAIL was positioned to produce more advanced lethal and non-lethal weapons and ammunition for the country with government collaboration.

 

According to him, EPAIL has been able to produce light armoured vehicle, anti-mine, tactical walking talky, drones, ballistic helmet and vest, as well as protective guard boots.

 

“Now, the game changer is the fact that we are now producing weapon holders that save the lives of our personnel from snipers.

 

“Those are the improvisation and we are now putting a bit of sophistication so that we can have a higher maneuverability in all our vehicles when they are on the frontline operation.

 

“So, those are the domestication I was explaining to you. With local industry we will be able to know what is good for us.

 

“By doing what is good for us, we will be able to conquer the enemies. You can’t administer a vehicle made for Europe to come and work in Nigeria. It doesn’t match.

 

“And those are the kind of thing that we are trying to change the narrative,’’ he said.

 

Balogun said the local players would leverage on the population and harness intelligence to be able to manage the confrontation of the foreign influence that would not allow Nigeria to develop its defence capabilities.

 

According to him, Nigeria must come out to show that it is ready to move forward in its defence needs.

 

“It has to be purposeful and it has to be well determined and the sound must resonate across all the formation.

 

“Army, Air Force, Navy, all of us must prepare and say yes, 60 years down the line, okay, it doesn’t matter, 10 years from now, we know what we are going to accomplish.

 

“We are not confronting anybody but we want to maintain peace within our territory, we want to maintain peace within our region.

 

“Peace means you fortify yourself, put all the structure in place and we reduce our level of complacencies because we need to ensure that foots on the ground all the time, stand firm when necessary,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

VON partnering China to broadcast in Mandarin- D-G

By Mark Longyen

The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Ndace, says the organisation is currently working in partnership with China to begin broadcasting in Mandarin, China’s official language.

 

Ndace disclosed this at a dinner organised by Southern African Development Community (SADC) group of ambassadors and High Commissioners on Saturday in Abuja.

 

He said that the initiative would enable VON to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between Nigeria, China and Africa.

 

According to him, it will also go a long way to consistently tell positive stories about Nigeria and Africa, as well as promote a positive narrative about the nation and the continent.

 

“I am currently exploring opportunities for VON to begin broadcasting in Mandarin, courtesy of our partnership with the Chinese government.

 

“This collaboration will enable us to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between our nations.

 

“Let us take control of our narrative and let the world respect us.We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

 

Ndace suggested the establishment of a partnership between SADC countries and VON, stressing that Africans share a common destiny, and should acknowledge and work towards it.

 

He said that by working together, they could collectively create a unified narrative that would showcase the best of Africa.

 

The D-G said he was willing to offer VON’s platform to all SADC countries willing to work with it, so as to consistently tell positive stories about Africa.

 

“We can offer our platforms to journalists from SADC countries to share their stories, and vice versa.

 

“We can work together to promote positive narratives about our continent, encourage travel within the African continent, and foster cultural exchange.

 

“We need to promote cultural exchange programmes, educational initiatives, and economic partnerships that foster cooperation and understanding,” he said.

 

The VON boss noted that  Africa was replete with abundant beauty and diversity, which should be leveraged by its people and showcased to the world.

 

He urged Africans to celebrate their diversity, cultures and achievements, and define themselves by their strengths, resilience, and beauty.

 

“We are not defined by our challenges; we are defined by our ability to overcome them.

 

“Let us unite in our efforts to promote a positive narrative about our continent, celebrate our common future and work towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans,” Ndace said.

 

Also speaking, Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria José Zau said that the bloc’s 32nd anniversary was a reminder of the strong bonds of solidarity and cooperation that existed among its 16 member-states.

 

Zau said that it also marked the transfer of SADC’s chairmanship from President Joe Mrosso of Mozambique to President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

 

He said that Mnangagwa’s chairmanship would focus on promoting innovation, which he described as crucial to unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.

 

The ambassador said that over the years, SADC had faced numerous challenges, including the fight against apartheid in South Africa, the consolidation of independence, and the implementation of democratic systems.

 

According to him, it has made significant progress in promoting economic growth, social justice, and human development, through the collective efforts of its members.

 

He expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation which SADC had received from Nigeria, saying that the bloc looks forward to strengthening ties with other countries.

 

“We will continue to work towards achieving lasting peace and security in the region, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique.

 

“As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of our partnership with other regions and countries, including Russia.

 

“Our mission is clear; to promote sustainable, equitable growth and socioeconomic development through regional cooperation, deep integration, good governance, and lasting peace and security.

 

“We are committed to creating a better future for the people of Southern Africa, and we are making steady progress towards achieving our goals,” the envoy said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 16-member SADC is a strong African subregional bloc,  which focuses on industrialisation, food security, adventure tourism, emerging as a stable and effective bloc in international relations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

U.S. committed to security cooperation with ECOWAS- Envoy

 

By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government is committed to deepening bilateral security cooperation with ECOWAS.

 

Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), West Africa Coordination Element Lead, Department of Defence, stated this in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable was for Ekman to explain the purpose of his visit to Nigeria and the outcome of his engagements with government officials.

 

He stressed that the U.S. shares the bloc’s concerns about spiraling violent extremism and democratic governance decline in the subregion.

 

“With regards to how ECOWAS proceeds, as they proceed, the U.S. military and broader, the U.S. government, do share the concerns that they have expressed.

 

“That is, with regards to the decline in democratic governance that is playing out particularly in the Sahel, which ultimately comes down to ECOWAS.

 

“Where we can help ECOWAS, however they choose to proceed, is bilateral security cooperation with ECOWAS members, so that’s our approach,” he said.

 

The U.S. Air Force General explained that countering terrorists militarily was tantamount to merely addressing the symptom of a problem.

 

According to him, the best approach is to identify and deal with the underlying causes and the foundational reasons that cause terrorism to exist and perpetuate.

 

He listed some of the causes to include issues of governance all the way down to the local level, access to services, competition for limited resources, and climate change.

 

“The military component of what we do here with our partners sits on a solid foundation of U.S. diplomacy, of U.S. mutually beneficial trade and investment, and on top of development humanitarian assistance, which continues throughout.

 

“And so, when you look at the AES, the so-called AES states in the Sahel, although they are currently being led by coup governments, there’s been no reduction in our humanitarian assistance going to the people in those countries.

 

“That’s just reflective of our continued commitment to work on the underlying causes,” he said.

 

Ekman said that following the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Niger Republic, his country was working to address the challenges by redistributing them among other ECOWAS member states.

 

“And then for us, the reason I’m here talking to you today and the reason that we’re redistributing U.S. forces in West Africa is because we remain committed to West African security.

 

“Countries where we’re having conversations, countries where we have started putting some forces, include Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, we have some U.S. forces there now.

 

“I’m going to Accra (Ghana) next. I’m keenly interested in what their authorities have to say. It’s got to be right for the partner.

 

“And then I was just in N’Djamena (Chad) a couple of weeks ago and we talked about the next phase for the posture of U.S. forces.

 

“In all cases, we’re starting with just small elements, small special operations teams that provide advice and assistance and training to the host nation forces,” he said.

 

Responding to a question on why the scourge of violent extremism had surged in Africa in spite of the establishment of AFRICOM since 2007, he said it was not about security per se as there was a broader demographic trend.

 

“The insecurity is a result of underlying conditions, and I’ve named some of those. And so that is my view on why the trend has been the way it is.

 

“I can confidently say that U.S. presence and partnership does not exacerbate the violent extremist organisation problem in Africa.

 

“And, increasingly, the epicentre, the global epicentre of violent extremist organisations is shifting to Africa,” he noted.

 

Ekman explained that AFRICOM’s operational headquarters was sited in Stuttgart, Germany, instead of Africa because there was no existing infrastructure for it and significant concerns were raised about how it would over-militarise the continent.

 

“In principle, I think it would be great to have the AFRICOM headquarters on the African continent,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

Shippers’ Council recovers N31.1bn through ERPP in 6 months

 

By Aisha Cole

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has saved the Federal Government N31.1 billion through the Electronic Regulatory Port Portal (ERPP) between January and June 2024.

 

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr Pius Akutah, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali to the Council’s Headquarters in Lagos on Friday.

 

According to Akutah, the council has saved the economy a lot of money that would otherwise have been repatriated.

 

ERPP is an activity the NSC carries out for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to confirm the reasonableness of Charter Party fees

 

The executive secretary said that the council conducted a quality assurance test between January and June 2024 to confirm the demurrage applications, which he said had yielded significant results.

 

Akutah said the test revealed that out of total requests of N50.8 billion, N19.6 billion requests were validated as reasonable for payment.

 

“Consequently, the council achieved a substantial saving of N31.1 billion over the six-month period.

 

“Notably, this represents a remarkable 400 per cent improvement in savings compared to the preceding year from January to December 2023 where the total savings amounted to N6.7 billion.

 

“This substantial enhancement is attributed to the innovative automation solutions developed by the Council to streamline the confirmation process,” Akutah said.

 

He said that the ERPP had demonstrated a significant impact on operational efficiency and cost optimisation.

 

The NSC boss said that ERPP applications were expected to save approximately 80 per cent of outflows from the Nigerian economy as well as block leakages, over-invoicing and minimise capital flight.

 

He said that by leveraging technology, the NSC aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in the port sector, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

 

Akutah said that NSC developed the innovative digital platform, the Electronic Regulatory Process Portal, to enhance its regulatory functions and promote port efficiency.

 

He said that the platform served as a channel of accessibility to all council’s regulatory functions in the pursuit of port efficiency.

 

“The ERPP provides platform for submission, centralisation and e-monitoring of operational KPI of all regulated service providers in Nigeria for the purpose of planning and research.

 

“Other provisions by the platform are the annual tariff filing by the stakeholders in the port sector; Voyage Management System; Airfreight Cargo Throughput Data Submission by ground handlers.

 

“Submission of requests for review of tariffs, rates and charges by the Regulated Service Providers. ERPP platform also provides gateway authentication to other council’s applications like CRD portal for confirmation of reasonableness of demurrage, freight rates and charter party payments,” Akutah said.

 

“NSC undertakes the implementation of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) assignment in line with the revised Foreign Exchange (FOREX) manual of 2018, Memorandum 13, Article 3.3 which stipulates “confirmation of reasonableness” by NSC as a pre-condition for granting approval for requests for foreign exchange for the payment of freight rates, charter party fees and demurrage remittance,” the executive secretary said.

 

He said the council had developed a web-based multi-functional application to eliminate the work of calculating and confirming the summary sheet of demurrage charges, freight rate and charter party fees submitted by shipping companies, shippers and vessel charterers via their banks.

 

Akutah said that all requests were submitted, processed and approved on-line.

 

He commended NAN for providing news contents within and outside the country

 

Akutah pledged to collaborate with NAN for more awareness and stressed the need for stakeholders to patronise the Inland Dry Ports to reduce costs of doing business in Nigeria.

 

“We completely align with you when you say that no one knows Nigeria like NAN

 

“We know the quality of news and programmes that NAN has.

 

“We believe that a partnership with NAN will further promote our activities,’’ he said.

 

Speaking earlier, Ali said that NAN was delighted with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday between the Council and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

 

Ali said that the operations of the Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Kano and Kaduna were testimonies of what Akutah had achieved in less than one year of his coming into office.

 

“We in NAN want to partner with NSC because No One Knows Nigeria Like NAN.

 

“We have offices all over the 36 states, the districts, foreign countries and there are plans to open some foreign offices soon.

 

“In terms of visibility, we will ensure that Shippers’ Council is unbeatable. You talk to NAN, You talk to all,” the NAN managing director said.

 

He said that the agency’s Unique Selling Point was to report fairly, objectively and respect the objectivity of the profession.

 

Ali thanked the NSC management for profusely accepting to receive the NAN management.

 

The NAN boss stressed the need for the NSC to patronise the NAN Bulk SMS, Photo archives and PR wire service. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Foreign

U.S. not planning to establish military base in Nigeria- Envoy

 

By Mark Longyen

The United States government on Friday said that it was not planning the establishment of any military base in Nigeria.

 

Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), West Africa Coordination Element Lead, Department of Defence, made this known during a media roundtable with select journalists in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable was to enable Ekman explain the purpose of his visit to Nigeria.

 

“Now, coming here and into the Nigerian context, I want to tell you upfront that there are no plans for a U.S. base here in Nigeria.

 

“I want to address that with you because I think that is a popular concern.

 

“I recognise that the presence of U.S. forces comes with costs and benefits, depending on the context.

 

“I’m here to talk about how regional security problems affect Nigeria.

 

“This is because Nigeria has such a capable military, and is such a dominant leader in West Africa,” he said.

 

Ekman emphasised that no discussions were held between Nigeria and the U.S. over the establishment of a military base as was speculated after the announcement of their withdrawal from Niger.

 

“I am not aware of any discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on placing a U.S. base in Nigeria as a result of the Niger withdrawal.

 

“I want to be perfectly clear on that and I’m not surprised that some people assumed that there were discussions going on about this,” he said.

 

He explained that AFRICOM and the Department of Defence had been supporting the three main objectives of democracy, government, and human rights in Africa.

 

According to him, the support also includes mutually beneficial trade and investment, human capital development, and working with authorities on security, stability, and prosperity.

 

“While our objectives haven’t changed, that is, the shared objectives between the United States and our African partners, they have become harder to achieve.

 

“The U.S. AFRICOM, as we function here in West Africa, we do nothing by ourselves. Everything that we do is through partner-led, U.S.-enabled operations.

 

“So we don’t do it for our partners. We help them do it and do it better.

 

“It’s about exercises, it’s about training, it’s about grant security assistance.

 

“And then all of this builds on a strong foundation of security cooperation,” he said.

 

David Greene, US chargé d’affaires in Nigeria, had also in May said no plans to set up any base in the country.

 

“I am not aware of any such conversation, and I am not really sure whose purpose it serves to agitate on this point.

 

“We will continue our very strong security cooperation with the Nigerian security services, the Nigerian military, and the Nigerian government, and that will always be in a spirit of partnership and respect for each other.”

 

Similarly, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, has refuted allegations of any plans for a U.S. military base in Nigeria.

 

“The federal government is not in any such discussion with any foreign country. We have neither received nor are we considering any proposals from any country on the establishment of any foreign military base in Nigeria.

 

“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Idris said in a statement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

We’ll deploy technology to fight corruption – EFCC

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to deploy technology- driven facilities and avenues to fight economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

 

The EFCC Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, said this at the inauguration of an electronic learning management studio at the EFCC Academy in Abuja.

 

Olukoyede said that the studio would help to boost the intellectual strength of the commission’s workforce and promote distance learning.

 

While stressing the importance of technology in the fight against corruption, Olukoyede pointed out that the studio would add value to the productivity of staff and help develop capacity.

 

“As you are all aware, our mandate is now technology- driven.  In those days, you get to go to the bank; you fill vouchers, fill everything, collect your cash, put it in your boot and drive it home

 

“But today, at the press of a button, you move money across the world

 

“So, if they have advanced in the way they move money, we are also advancing in the way we checkmate them, and that is the essence of this project,” he said.

 

The Commandant, EFCC Academy, Mrs Chinwe Ndubeze, said that the academy had statutory capacity-building mandate for the EFCC workforce and staff of other law enforcement agencies.

 

According to her, it is also the designated training Academy for the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions of West Africa (NACIWA).

 

“The EFCC Academy is the designated training Academy for NACIWA. You will be delighted to be part of launching our E-Learning system.

 

“It is a demonstration that, not just the EFCC, but NACIWA is moving forward and not lagging behind with trends relating to the digital era.

 

“It is clear that, indeed, education must go digital. We are in the digital era and it is staring us in the face,” she said.

 

The commandant said that the Academy had been leading in the area of training and education.

 

“We are delighted that we are moving our training from the mundane, the regular to the innovative, and of course, you know that when it comes to E-Learning, it is more inclusive,” she said.

 

Head, External Corporation Unit of the EFCC, Aliyu Wali, said that the potential and possibilities of the studio were enormous.

 

According to him, it will open doors of endless possibilities for growth, learning and innovation for officers of the EFCC, Nigerians, sister agencies and other stakeholders.

 

“Today, as we launch this E-learning studio and platform, we are not just unveiling a facility; we are opening the doors to endless possibilities for growth, learning, and innovation.

 

“This platform will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of our officers and staff.

 

“It will provide them with the tools they need to excel in their duties and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” he said.

 

The inauguration of the studio was graced by members of NACIWA, representatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), MacArthur Foundation, ECOWAS, USAID, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

FG to prosecute foreigners funding banditry

 

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government says it will prosecute foreign nationals associated with funding banditry for economic sabotage and waging war against the Nigerian state.

 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stated this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Thursday in Abuja.

 

Alake said that the warning followed preliminary reports of non-Nigerians involvement in the mining business as funders of such operations.

 

The warning is also in response to reports of 12 miners allegedly killed by bandits in the Ungwan-Magro community of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State.

 

He urged embassies in Nigeria to monitor the activities of their nationals in the sector as allegations of criminal conduct could pose serious threats to bilateral relations.

 

He said that mining operations in the area have been banned as part of measures to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.

 

“No form of mining will be allowed to occur at the scene of the attack until security agencies have concluded investigations into the attack,” he said.

 

The minister condemned the act and vowed to avenge the deaths of the miners, stating that security agencies were already on the trail of the perpetrators and would soon bring them to justice.

 

He further assured that security agencies would not rest until mining sites across the country were secure.

 

According to the minister, the agencies are determined to address the incursion of bandits and criminal elements seeking to seize mineral-rich areas for illegal mining through violence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Defence/Security

Video: FRSC, NAN partner to tackle crashes

 

 

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed with his management team and the Managing Director, NAN, Ali Muhammed Ali

 

 

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is intensifying its partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to tackle Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) across the 36 states and the FCT.

 

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this when he led his management team on a courtesy visit to NAN headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Mohammed said that the aim of the visit was to harness the existing collaboration between the two agencies for effective road traffic management across the country.

 

He said that the partnership also aimed to leverage NAN’s wide reach to educate and enlighten the public on road safety measures, thereby reducing the incidence of RTCs.

 

He also said that the target was to reduce road crash to the barest minimum in the country while urging the agency to support the Corps in that direction.

 

The FRSC boss noted that in spite of a 12.5 per cent reduction in road crashes in the first half of 2023, with over 5,000 RTCs, 16,000 injuries, and close to 3,000 deaths, there was a need to shift emphasis from drivers to commuters.

 

He commended NAN’s wide reach and influence, saying that partnering with the agency would amplify the FRSC’s public enlightenment and education efforts.

 

“We have realised that commuters have a crucial role to play in reducing road crashes. They should have a say in who drives them and ensure that drivers adhere to safety measures.

 

“With this, we felt the emphasis should not just be on drivers and we should also go to commuters to assist us. Passengers much have a say on who drives them and who controls them to reach their destination.

 

“We believe that, if we include commuters in our crusade, sensitisation, enlightenment and education together with NAN, the whole country have the news already.

 

” And that is why we are here to collaborate so that together, we can be able to reduce RTCs and the attendant fatalities that is claiming the lives and property of the citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

The FRSC Corps Marshal further expressed confidence that the collaboration would yield positive results, stressing that the FRSC does not need to engage other media outlets if it had NAN’s support.

 

Speaking further, the FRSC boss announced that the Corps would be launching a phone application that would show black spots and alert crash portions while travelling on highways on Sept. 5.

 

Mohammed said the phone application would be a one-stop shop where all FRSC products and directives could easily be accessed.

 

“The app will show and give significant information about road black spots, and alert of any crash spot ahead while travelling.

 

“The app system will inform and remind the users of due dates to renew their driver’s licence, service their vehicles and other notable information,” he said.

 

Responding, NAN Managing Director, Mr Ali Muhammed Ali congratulated Mohammed on his well deserved appointment as the Corps Marshal of the FRSC.

 

Ali assured that NAN would utilise its media platforms to promote road safety awareness, stressing that the agency was committed to supporting the FRSC’s efforts to save lives and property on Nigerian roads.

 

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to reporting Africa and Nigeria to the rest of the world, adding that NAN was the largest news agency on the continent.

 

“We have offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and foreign offices and we are working to re-establish NAN presence especially in Europe.

 

“We pride ourselves on being the premier news source on Nigeria, and by extension, Africa. When you engage with NAN, you reach the entire nation,” he said.

 

“NAN and FRSC have enjoyed a long-standing and fruitful partnership over the years. We appreciate the fact that your radio content sources news from NAN, and we thank you for your patronage.

 

“As you assume leadership, we look forward to an even stronger collaboration, hoping that our relationship will accelerate to greater heights, but with caution and safety, just as you would advise against reckless driving,” he said.

 

The NAN MD disclosed plans to launch vernacular news websites in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba languages to take news to the grassroots and cater to the diverse linguistic needs of Nigerians.

 

“This initiative is part of our efforts to democratise access to information, especially in the digital era, where internet penetration is high.

 

“Our vernacular sites will go live soon, ensuring that people at the bottom of the social ladder receive news in their preferred language,” he said.

 

NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu recently approved the appointment of Mohammed as the new FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Mohammed was appointed as the 8th Corps Marshal, 3rd to be appointed from the rank and first to be appointed from Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM).(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

U.S. partners Nigeria on Chemical Weapons Convention for ECOWAS– Envoy

 

From right to left: Ms Mallory Stewart, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS) with U.S. Embassy Ag. spokesman, Brian Eubert, during a media round table with select journalists in Abuja on Wednesday at the U.S. Embassy. (NAN)

 

By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government said on Wednesday that it would work closely with Nigeria to lead a conversation on the implementation of a Chemical Weapons Convention for ECOWAS.

Mallory Stewart, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), said this during a media roundtable with select journalists in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Stewart, who is currently in Nigeria for the discussion, held the roundtable with the journalists to explain the purpose of her visit after meeting with Federal Government and ECOWAS officials.

“One of the other conversations we had was our upcoming partnership with the Nigerian government to lead a conversation for the sub-region on the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and understanding the challenges in that context.

“(That is) so that you know the Nigerian voice in explaining sometimes the concerns with respect to non-state actors; with respect to chemical security.

“How they can be important in the sub-region and how as a region – if ECOWAS member states can also work towards implementing some of these international conventions, it can be more stabilising,” she said.

Stewart said she also had engagements with officials over the serious security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea and how the U.S. could contribute to the Yaounde Architecture group’s efforts there.

She added that she explored the possibility of the U.S. providing additional capacities, communication mechanisms, and better standard operating procedures for diverse players working through an appreciation for Nigeria’s role.

“We’re working through an appreciation for the maritime centres that are based here to see if we can facilitate a better appreciation of more effective teamwork.

“We really hope to enable the capacity and enable the communication that Nigeria would bring into broader conversations, both sub-regionally and domestically,” she said.

Responding to ECOWAS’ formation of a sub-regional standby force, and how the U.S. is keying into it, the envoy gave an assurance that the experts on the issue at the embassy would follow up on that.

“I met with representatives from ECOWAS, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the Ministry of Defense.

“I look forward to meeting with the National Security Adviser later today. I met with civil society right before this (roundtable) to hear a lot of the challenges that are swirling around the sub-region.

“We focused more specifically on understanding the maritime security arena in the Gulf of Guinea and understanding how both Nigeria, specifically, and also ECOWAS, more generally, are approaching those challenges,” she said.

“So, we’re working with Nigeria, especially in the context of the international arena, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention, where Nigeria is a member of the Executive Council.

“We’re working with Nigeria to understand the angles that are important from a non-aligned country to appreciate when going into the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty conversations at the multilateral level,” Stewart added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

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