NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NSC tasks sports officers on vision to transform sector
Sports

NSC tasks sports officers on vision to transform sector

95 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has called on sports officers across the country to align with the Commission’s renewed vision to transform the sector.

Dikko gave the charge  while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop for sports officers organised by the NSC in Abuja on Tuesday.

The workshop, with the theme “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance,” aims to create a more vibrant and economically viable sports industry in the country.

He stressed the importance of collective responsibility and commitment in achieving the Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

 “You are the fundamental key drivers of this vision. If you fail to align, the task becomes much more difficult.

“You are among the most competent, forward-thinking, and valuable assets within the Commission. If we work together, success is guaranteed,” he said.

The NSC boss reiterated the importance of returning to grassroots sports development as a foundation for international success.

He emphasised the need to key into the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the “Nigeria First” policy, which pioritises the development of internal capacity and local services.

“For the first time, the commission has a targeted budget focused on delivering the right infrastructure to enable you to perform better.

 “We are working on the concessioning of facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Bauchi to ensure they are fully optimised,” he said.

Dikko  commended the Secretaries-General of the various Sports Federations for their efforts but,  urged them to push their respective federations to be more responsive and results-driven.

“We must change the negative narrative about the commission. We aim to create three to four million jobs through sports,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, urged the sports officers to adopt a proactive approach and work as a unified team to achieve greater results.

“As stakeholders of this commission, you must be bold, proactive, and never allow yourselves to be intimidated.

“The commission is fully behind you,” Olopade said.

The Director, Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), NSC, Olumide Bamiduro, said the workshop was designed to recognise and empower the officers, who are the key drivers of the sector.

“Your diligence and hard work are crucial for the progress of sports in Nigeria.

“I encourage you to take full advantage of this retreat to implement the commission’s new policies and vision,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had sessions on “21st Century High Performance Management Strategies for Podium Success in Sports”.

The sports officers were also engaged in sessions such as ‘Mastering Communication Excellence” and “Remodelling Sports Governance and Development in Nigeria”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Joseph Edeh

Customs integrates Form M into B’Odogwu portal
Economy/Business

Customs integrates Form M into B’Odogwu portal

98 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully integrated the Form M process into the B’Odogwu Trade Portal through a pilot scheme across three commands.

The pilot scheme was implemented at Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command.

Spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

He explained that these sites were selected to enable strategic testing, close monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and effective performance evaluation.

During the pilot, 544 Form M entries were processed. Out of these, 283 were registered, 10 validated, and 26 stored for future action.

Also, 41 entries were submitted, 120 returned for corrections, 11 queried, 14 had PAARs locked, and 39 were recommended for approval.

Maiwada said the figures show strong testing and learning across all participating commands during the pilot exercise.

He added that 37 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) were generated from the Forms M processed during the pilot.

Of these, seven PAARs were registered, 12 had their SGDs processed, and two were fully approved.

Eight PAARs were recommended for further review, four submitted for processing, and four were queried.

He said the outcome confirms B’Odogwu’s capacity to support complete trade documentation during live operations.

Maiwada noted the initiative marks a major milestone in the NCS’s tech-driven reform agenda to modernise trade processes.

He stated that the Form M pilot success indicates the start of a nationwide shift in Customs operations.

According to him, the transition aims to simplify documentation, improve transparency, and reduce cargo clearance timeframes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the pilot’s success, carriers are now advised to begin transmitting manifests to the B’Odogwu platform.

“To enhance trade facilitation, NCS urges all carriers, including shipping lines and airlines, to adopt the new platform,” Maiwada stated.

He emphasised the need for stakeholder readiness, particularly among banks and traders, ahead of full implementation.

Maiwada described the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, as a forward-thinking leader focused on strategic service automation.

NAN also reports that the Trade Modernisation Project introduced the B’Odogwu platform.

The platform automates trade operations and enables traders to track transactions from initiation to final delivery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NSA seeks effective mechanism to tackle IEDs usage by terrorists
Defence/Security

NSA seeks effective mechanism to tackle IEDs usage by terrorists

142 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for development of effective mechanisms to enhance the ability to prevent and counter the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups in West Africa.

Ribadu made the call at the opening of the Stakeholders meeting on Consolidating Collaborative Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Acquisition and Use of IED by Terrorist Group in West Africa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He was represented by Mohammed Sanusi, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), at the event organised by the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF).

Ribadu said that the threat of terrorism knows no bounds, adding that it was through collaborative efforts by critical stakeholders that they could effectively confront and defeat the menace.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussion, get ideas and work towards solutions that would help them on how counter terrorism could affect communities in West Africa.

He commended the partners for their dedication in strengthening their collective efforts in combating terrorism.

“This regional meeting serves as a platform for us to share knowledge, best practice and experiences in addressing the threats of IEDs by bringing together representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies in Nigeria, as well as experts from the West Africa region, member states, and other relevant stakeholders.

“We aim to develop effective mechanisms to enhance our ability to prevent and counter the use of IEDs.

“The recommendations that will emerge from this meeting are vital in sharing and shaping our strategies and initiating to safeguard our communities from IEDs,” he said.

The Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, said that African countries must be able to take adequate measures to make the fight against terrorism effective.

These measures, he said concern not only the prevention and dismantling of IEDs, but also proactive and preventive actions that aim to deconstruct them and seek a provision to promote coordination and cooperation.

He said the measures would also help in adapting to new threats driven by technological progress.

According to him, the use of these explosive devices remains one of the most potent tools used to carry out terrorist attacks in the interior, against the states of West Africa and the countries of the Sahel region.

He called for an integrated approach by combining security measures and initiatives to prevent use of IEDs, and consolidating the sustainable development approach.

“It is also worth recalling, on a broader point, the debate at the United Nations Security Council on the fight against terrorism in Africa.

“It served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the alarming rise of terrorism in Africa and to reaffirm the urgent need to live it in the global interest and to revive international momentum to address this crisis that now threatens security and development in our continent at this time.

“The efforts of our group to strengthen West African capacities take into account local and regional realities and require the reaffirmed commitment of the international community and its determination to combat the use of improvised explosive devices.

“It is in this context that the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 79-53 of 2024, emphasised the importance of training and the implementation of regional strategies,” he said.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, represented by the Head of Political Division, Mathias Dold, said the global trend of weaponising commercial drones tended to jeopardise much of the impressive progress that many countries had made in bringing back stability.

He said the agenda of the meeting was built on the Working Group’s regional meeting of 2023, which emphasised the need to strengthen national and regional counter-IED expertise, disrupt the supply chains of IED components, and turn intelligence into the core of the scientific evidence.

According to him, these insights resulted in the formulation of the Lome Recommendations.

He commended the Government of Nigeria for hosting the event,adding that the German Government and the European Union had continued to support numerous activities that contribute to non-kinetic efforts to preventing and countering violent extremism, such as the integrated border stability mechanisms for West Africa.

He said that Germany had also been supporting the regional stabilisation facility in the Lake Chad region and contributed to counter-IED activity.

“The German Government and the European Union support these initiatives and contribute resources for a simple reason.

“Security and stability in the Lake Chad Basin, in the Sahel, and in West Africa in general, are in our own interest.

“Together with Nigeria and other West African countries, we share a mutual interest in a secure, stable, and prosperous sub-region, a sub-region that is Europe’s immediate neighbour.

“Thus, we believe that a comprehensive approach, under African leadership, accompanied by international support, and based on the rule of law and human rights, is key to successfully addressing the terrorist threat in the region,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FG authorised Mustapha’s re-appointment as D-G—– NBRDA
Science & Tech

FG authorised Mustapha’s re-appointment as D-G—– NBRDA

196 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA, says the reappointment of it’s Director General (DG) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha for a second tenure was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the NBRDA boss.

Omozuwa said that the attention of the NBRDA was drawn to a news article published in one of the national dailies online edition raising concerns and casting doubt on the legitimacy of the renewal of appointment of the director general.

“We find it necessary to correct the misleading narrative and reaffirm the objective and verifiable facts and legality of Prof. Mustapha’s renewed appointment.

“Contrary to insinuations in the report, the renewal of the appointment of Prof. Mustapha was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10(1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.

“This presidential approval was conveyed through a formal letter signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, dated Nov. 6, 2024 with reference number SGF.51/S.4/T./84,” she said.

According to Omozuwa, it is critical to emphasise that the SGF acted as an authorised channel in communicating the decision of the President.

She noted that spurious assertions by third parties or interest groups, such as the Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW), and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions(ASURI), do not override the legal powers vested in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the law.

She added that the claim that the renewal of appointment violated extant regulations was inaccurate and unfounded.

She disclosed that Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Secretary General of ASURI applauded the reappointment in a congratulatory letter with reference number ASN/NBRDA/CM/1124/o1, on Nov. 18, 2024.

”Your reappointment is a bold testament to your superlative performance during your first tenure, which brought stability to NBRDA and showcased your exemplary administrative acumen and visionary leadership.”

”By emerging as a top choice after a rigorous and competitive search process during your initial appointment, you set a precedent of excellence, which you have consistently upheld.

“We particularly commend your mentoring role to the growing cadre of young and budding researchers at NBRDA, fostering a culture of innovation, dedication and professional growth,” she quoted Ndubuaku as saying in his congratulatory letter.

Omozuwa said she therefore wondered why, after the congratulatory letter, the ASURI scribe would contradict himself by now questioning the legitimacy of that same reappointment.

According to her, if, as he affirmed, the first tenure was marked by excellence and institutional stability, it is difficult to reconcile such high commendation with a sudden appeal for a change in leadership, especially when such a shift risk disrupting the very stability he once applauded.

“One must ask is this about national interest or something else entirely.”

She emphasised that the director general’s reappointment for a final five-year term, effective Oct. 31, 2024, was grounded in legal conformity, merit, and continued institutional progress.

She noted that under Mustapha’s leadership, NBRDA had made notable strides in enhancing indigenous pharmaceutical production and advancing research capacity.

“We urge the media to exercise due diligence in verifying facts and avoid disseminating speculative or misleading information that could undermine public trust in government processes,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Restructuring: Don urges Nigerians to focus on attitudinal change
Education

Restructuring: Don urges Nigerians to focus on attitudinal change

114 total views today

By Chidi Opara

Prof. Kamal Bello, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has urged Nigerians to look beyond restructuring and channel their efforts towards behavioural and attitudinal change.

Bello spoke as a Lead Discussant, at the first Dialogue Series of the Faculty of Social Sciences, NOUN, at the weekend in Abuja.

The programme had the topic “Nigeria: To be Restructured or Not to be Restructured”.

The don said that for Nigeria to be great, everyone must contribute to its success.

He described restructuring as a cumbersome process that needed to be conceptualised in the Nigerian context as to what needed to be restructured.

“The word restructuring is not new. Nigeria must understand the concentration of the country’s resources before true restructuring can take place.

“People look at the contemporary things in restructuring; people are seeking true federalism.

“Nigeria must know the concentration of her resources before it can be restructured. Most of Nigeria’s problems are how to share the cake, but not how to bake it.

“What should be on every Nigerian’s mind should be the question of how to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and not the question of creation of more states or local government.

“It is our mindset that needs to be restructured, not the structure itself. Nigeria’s problem starts on an individual level. We should shun discrimination,” he said.

Bello added that at this critical time, the question shouldn’t be about whether to restructure or not to restructure but to shun nepotism, corruption, and ethnicity.

“We need to look at Nigeria as a nation that everyone must contribute to its success. The teachers and the lecturers should be role models,” he said.

The dean thanked the university management for making the dialogue possible.

He also thanked the Standing Committee on Seminar, Conference, and Public Lecture under the chairmanship of Dr Adeola Adams for ensuring that the dialogue was a success.

Speaking, Prof. Hussaini Tukur of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said the legal framework should be taken into cognisance before the question of why restructuring and for whom.

“The legal issues surrounding restructuring should be considered.

“When you understand the purpose and the legal entity of restructuring you will realise the issues involved as there are several guidelines to restructuring,” Tukur said.

In his remarks, the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, noted that the dialogue was novel and innovative.

He said that the topic was apt due to the recurring nature of the debate.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Isaac Butswat, the VC said that the Faculty organised the dialogue to make an input.

He said it was also to decide on which way Nigeria as a country should go on the issue of restructuring.

The VC, however, expressed optimism in the crop of discussants drawn from various higher institutions of learning across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

He urged the participants to pay attention to the discussants for a better and more useful understanding of the dialogue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Sanwo-Olu pledges collaboration with ECOWAS Court for justice access
Foreign

Sanwo-Olu pledges collaboration with ECOWAS Court for justice access

134 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has assured the ECOWAS Court of Justice of the state’s commitment to support it in providing access to justice for the people of the subregion.

Sanwo-Olu pledged the support when he received the ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, who led a delegation of the community court on a courtesy visit to him in Lagos.

He acknowledged the court’s efforts in addressing cross-border issues and expressed readiness to support it, a statement issued on Saturday by the court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

The Governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the principles of justice and the rule of law, assuring that it would participate in all the court’s forthcoming activities in Lagos.

Earlier, the ECOWAS Court President called for stronger collaboration with the Lagos State Government in the enforcement of the Court’s decisions, which he said remained one of its key institutional challenges.

Gonçalves explained that the visit was part of the court’s preparations for its external court session and public sensitisation campaign scheduled to hold later in May in Lagos.

He expressed appreciation to the state government for hosting the court’s activities and called for continued cooperation in promoting access to justice and respect for the rule of law within the subregion.

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, in a remark, lauded the court for planning to hold its upcoming external court session in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forthcoming ECOWAS Court’s Lagos outreach aims to bring justice closer to the people of the subregion and strengthen ties with national institutions.

It also aims to raise public awareness about the court’s mandate, its role in regional integration, and how citizens can access its services.

Gonçalves was accompanied on the visit by the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma, the Chief Registrar, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, and other senior officers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

NCS records 69 currency declarations with deployment of e-CDF
Economy/Business

NCS records 69 currency declarations with deployment of e-CDF

133 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has recorded a total of 69 currency declarations with the deployment of its Electronic Currency Declaration Form (e-CDF) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The spokesman of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

‘During the pilot period, the e-CDF system recorded a total of 69 currency declaration transactions.

“Outbound declarations accounted for 51 transactions with a total declared value of $1,200,281.22

“ Inbound declarations stood at 18 with a total declared value of $177,786.88,” he said.

Maiwada described the deployment as part of NCS’s ongoing digital transformation and modernisation initiatives aimed at strengthening border controls and enhancing transparency in financial disclosures.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NCS had stated it would deploy e-CDF as part of its anti-money laundering measures for travellers carrying cash into and out of Nigeria.

According to the spokesman, the implementation of the pilot scheme started on April 9 without issues, demonstrating the system effectiveness.

“It showcased the system’s effectiveness in digitally capturing both inbound and outbound currency declarations, offering a more secure, efficient, and accountable process for cross-border travellers,” he stated.

The epokesman explained that the e-CDF platform was developed to align with the best international practices in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) protocols.

He highlighted that the form provides real-time data that supports intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation.

Maiwada stated that the NCS was determined to leverage on technology to enhance its operations and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s borders

“The NCS under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi , remains committed to leveraging technology to improve compliance, facilitate legitimate travel and trade, and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.

“Following the success of this pilot phase, plans are underway to replicate the deployment of the e-CDF system at other international airports and border posts across the country,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

U-20 AFCON: Nigeria edge Tunisia in group opener
Sports

U-20 AFCON: Nigeria edge Tunisia in group opener

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a flying note with a 1–0 victory over Tunisia in their opening Group B match on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tightly contested fixture took place at the 30,000-capacity 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

A decisive first-half strike from Auwal Ibrahim of Akwa Ibom FC proved the difference, as the Flying Eagles held firm against a determined Tunisian side.

Ibrahim found the net in the 38th minute, calmly finishing from close range after a precise assist from Odinaka Okoro.

Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and created multiple chances, but the Tunisian defence remained resolute.

Tunisia came close to equalising late in the game, with Omar Ali and Anis Doubal threatening the Nigerian goal.

Their best opportunity came in the 87th minute, but Doubal’s effort was comfortably saved.

Midfielders Divine Oliseh and Clinton Jephta played a pivotal role in maintaining Nigeria’s control for much of the match.

However, the second half was scrappier, with both sides committing frequent fouls.

Six yellow cards were issued evenly between the teams, underlining the physical and competitive nature of the contest.

Tunisia, semi-finalists in both the 2021 and 2023 editions, pushed forward in the closing stages with a series of corners and long-range efforts, but were unable to breach the solid Nigerian defence, anchored by Daniel Bameyi and Adamu Maigari.

The victory earns Nigeria three crucial points in Group B, which also features Morocco and Kenya.

The Flying Eagles, seven-time champions and the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history, have now avoided defeat in eight of their last 10 tournament openers.

Nigeria will face Morocco in their next group match on Sunday at 7 p.m., while Tunisia will look to bounce back against Kenya on the same day.

The Flying Eagles will wrap up their group stage campaign against Kenya on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

NAN reports that the top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for Sept. 27 to Oct. 19. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NILDS D-G harps on continuous training of legislators
Politics

NILDS D-G harps on continuous training of legislators

142 total views today

By EricJames Ochigbo

Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has stressed the need for continuous training of legislators for speedy delivery of democratic gains in the country.

He stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of a two-day workshop organised by NILDS for members of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was titled ‘Ethics, Privileges, Practice and Procedures for Effective Legislative Performance’.

According to the director-general, effective legislatures are built not only on laws and infrastructure but on the capacity and commitment of the lawmakers and staff members to deliver on constitutional mandate effectively.

He said that the topics for the workshop were carefully selected and were central to the overall performance of any legislature.

Sulaiman said that a firm grasp of Standing Orders, for instance, would enable members to navigate debates, motions and other legislative procedure effectively.

“Understanding the scope and limits of legislative privileges helps protect the sanctity of the institution, while avoiding abuse.

“Likewise, oversight and committee management are fundamental to ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.

“Let me emphasise that ethics and privileges are not merely matters of procedure, but are also matters of principle, as they define the moral compass of the legislature and shape public perception of democratic governance.

“Therefore, your participation in this workshop is not just a statutory responsibility, it is a moral duty; there is no doubt that the legislature remains the fulcrum of democracy.

“Its strength lies in its processes, credibility in its ethics and its compliance in adherence to due procedure,” he said.

The director-general, therefore, urged the legislators to make the most of this opportunity to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills and strengthen your capacity for impactful legislative work,” he said.

He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment in supporting state houses of assembly across Nigeria through training, research, technical assistance and institutional partnerships.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of Akwa Ibom house of assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, said that across all cultures and traditions, the importance of knowledge was universally emphasised, hence in secular terms, ‘knowledge is power’.

He quoted the book of Proverbs 4:7 which states that “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” as alluding to the importance of knowledge.

The speaker said that the thematic areas includes parliamentary business and the legislative process including personal etiquette.

This, he said, also included promoting legislative-executive relations; bill process and analysis, with a focus on judicial review of legislation as well budget and the appropriation process, among other Issues.

Otong said the workshop would improve awareness on ethical standards, privileges and responsibilities of legislators.

He said it would also enhance capacity to enforce ethical compliance and uphold legislative integrity while strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and good governance.

The speaker said that the workshop would also improve capacity to enforce ethical compliance and legislative integrity.

He said that it offered a strategic opportunity to bridge existing gaps and build the capacity of lawmakers to fulfill their mandates more effectively.

Otong urged the participants to take advantage of the unique learning opportunity and make the very best use of it. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/’Wale Sadeeq

Defence Holding Company, platform for innovation – Minister
Defence/Security

Defence Holding Company, platform for innovation – Minister

167 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru says the Defence Holding Company Ltd. is a platform for innovation and catalyst for growth.

The minister said this at the inauguration of the company on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The Defence Holding Company is more than just a collection of businesses. It is a platform for innovation, a catalyst for growth and a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

“As we move forward, it is our hope that the company will meet the expectation of our national aspiration and also strive to create value, drive growth, and make a positive impact.

“Our desire is to achieve the much-expected military-industrial complex, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of this administration,” the minister said.

Badaru said the inauguration of the company was a step in the right direction for a journey that would shape the future of the military’s contribution to economic development and non-kinetic efforts.

The minister said the company would also contribute to the welfare of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in various ways.

In his remark, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa Musa said the company and its subsidiaries were private liability companies.
He said the company was established to coordinate the business activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa said the focus was to improve the security, innovation, self-reliance and economic diversification of the defence sector of the country.

“Considering the existence of similar establishments across the services, the Defence Headquarters will serve as a platform for unified strategic direction.

“This will be in the areas of harnessing local resources, providing guidance for indigenous defence production and identifying key sectors for public-private partnerships.

“Additionally, the company, through its subsidiaries, will contribute immensely to the development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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