The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, has charged community health practitioner in the country to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
Salako stated this in Abuja, at the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) 5th Induction/Oath-Taking for 930 health officers.
He emphasised the critical role community health practitioners play, as the first line of care in the nation’s healthcare system.
“You are the face of healthcare in many communities. Your service, integrity and professionalism can make the difference between life and death.
“Uphold the ethics of this noble profession and ensure that you leave a positive impact in every community you serve.”
Echoing the minister’s remarks, the Registrar of the Board, Dr Bashir Idris, urged the inductees to maintain high standards of practice at all times.
“You are now an ambassadors of the board, and more importantly, custodians of community health; let excellence and compassion be your guiding principles,”
Onwe Sunday-Eze of Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Cross River State, receiving his award at the occasion.
A standout moment at the event was when Onwe Eze, a student from Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Cross River, was named the Overall Best Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), Student, in the country.
The Provost of Boki College, Prof. Martin Ekpang, expressed delight at the recognition, stating that the award would help spotlight the institution, given its rural setting.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which has as its theme “Enhancing Excellence: A New Journey Begins”, will also recognise exceptional achievements, with special awards presented to distinguished graduates across various categories. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) confirmed Shell’s liabilities will transfer to Renaissance Africa Energy after its acquisition of SPDC.
NOSDRA Director-General, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit by Renaissance Africa Energy’s Managing Director, Tony Attah.
Renaissance, a consortium of independent oil firms, has completed the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company in Nigeria.
The acquisition gives Renaissance control of Shell’s onshore assets across the Niger Delta region.
Woke said Renaissance must address environmental issues resulting from Shell’s past operations and honour all liabilities incurred.
He assured the agency’s continued collaboration with Renaissance, particularly on projects like the Bodo cleanup and related efforts.
“As regulators, NOSDRA ensures oil operations align with international environmental standards and national laws,” Woke emphasised.
He added, “This acquisition does not exclude Shell’s responsibilities — they are now Renaissance’s to bear.”
He urged Renaissance to prioritise environmental sustainability and energy security while complying with all regulations.
He also noted the significance of abiding by the Polluter Pay Principle and addressing oil spills caused by third-party activities.
Earlier, the Renaissance MD clarified the company is not replacing Shell, but has a distinct mission.
“Our aim is to lead Africa in clean energy generation and security,” Attah stated.
He promised a viable partnership with NOSDRA and strong commitment to environmental preservation.
Attah identified energy poverty, environmental conservation and regulatory adherence as key industry challenges.
He outlined Renaissance’s focus on clean, affordable energy, especially natural gas, to fuel Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The company seeks NOSDRA’s partnership in achieving its goals while ensuring regulatory compliance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has identified inadequate digital infrastructure as one of the several technical challenges impeding customs operations across West and Central Africa (WCA).
Adeniyi made the disclosure at the opening of the fourth World Customs Organisation (WCO) Donors Conference for the West and Central African region on Wednesday in Abuja.
The C-G said that the digital gap was affecting seamless processing of declarations and risk management in their operations, while limited interconnectivity between national customs systems was obstructing effective information exchange.
According to him, insufficient technical capacity to implement advanced customs procedures, such as post-clearance audits and authorised economic operator programmes, is also among the technical challenges the region is experiencing.
“We (WCA) have challenges in effectively implementing technical aspects of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin and other trade facilitation instruments.
“Technical barriers to implementing coordinated border management with other regulatory agencies, fragile borders and the fast-paced evolution of e-commerce,” he said.
He noted that the technical challenges were impeding effective trade facilitation and revenue collection but could be addressed with the right technical support and partnerships.
The C-G stated that Nigeria has made significant progress in addressing these challenges through its various interventions.
“Our experience offers valuable insights into the impact of targeted modernisation initiatives.
“We have successfully deployed the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform, enhancing our digital capabilities for customs processing.
“We have established technical interfaces with other government agencies involved in trade, facilitating coordinated border management.
“We are deploying advanced scanners at our major ports, significantly enhancing our non-intrusive inspection capabilities,” he said.
According to the C-G, the NCS has trained more than 5,000 officers in specialised technical areas such as valuation, classification, rules of origin, and post-clearance audit.
He stated that the interventions had yielded measurable results: reduced clearance times, a 90 per cent increase in revenue collection (exceeding targets by 20 per cent), and improved compliance rates.
Building on the NCS’s experience and the WCO’s regional needs assessment, the C-G highlighted five priority initiatives that warrant support, including regional interconnectivity and a competency-based human resource management system.
Others include technology-driven illicit trade detection, AfCFTA implementation support, and regional single-window integration.
According to him, the technical challenges faced by customs operations in WCA require a collaborative approach.
The C-G urged all participants at the conference to identify practical, scalable solutions that could be sustained through local capacity building as they engaged in discussions at the conference.
He described the theme of the conference ‘Partner mobilisation around the priority projects of the WCO’s WCA Region: A genuine pledge to meet the modernisation goals and performance targets of member customs administrations’ as apt.
He said that the theme reflected a shared commitment to transforming customs operations through strategic technical interventions, supported by development partners.
In his remarks, Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted that the conference aligns with the government’s efforts to mobilise resources for programmes and activities aimed at enhancing customs operations within the region.
The conference, he said, provided a valuable platform for the region to not only highlight its needs but also reinforce its commitment to the effective and transparent use of donor resources.
Edun urged all participating customs administrations to engage actively in the discussions, clearly articulate their strategic priorities, and be ready to implement the resulting recommendations with dedication and accountability.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the WCO, Mr Ian Sanders, said that the primary objective of the conference was to strengthen the network and dialogue between the WCO customs administrations and development partners.
Represented by the Deputy Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Mr Ebenezer Tafili, Sanders added that the conference also aims to raise awareness within the region’s customs administrations on the priorities, initiatives, and approaches of the development partners operating in the region.
According to him, the conference also seeks to coordinate the development of regional and national project initiatives and mobilise funding for their implementation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) says it will soon introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) for seamless operations and delivery of its activities.
Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, said this on at the pre-convocation news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
Peters said most of the activities carried out in the institution were now be driven by technology.
“There is no university in sub-Saharan Africa, that deploys technology, the way we do it at NOUN,” he said.
According to Peters, the quest for technology has led the institution into establishing a Software Development Directorate, to push them deeper into technology.
“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance our efficiency and boost support services.
“Perhaps, one of the greatest things we have done in the last one year is the establishment of a Directorate of Software Development.
“What this directorate has done is to assemble the IT staff that we have and challenge them with solutions to the administrative processes that will perform most of the task in the university.
“Very soon all what we will be looking out for, is to be using our smart phones to receive and listen to lectures, and even do examinations, if it is possible.
“What our university is doing now is to encourage personalised learning through the use of artificial intelligence.
“Our university is extremely strong in that line, and we hope to deploy artificial intelligence and the ethics of its usage to the fullest, to ensure that our students get the best of technology,” Peters said.
He noted that the software directorate with about 350 IT staff had rolled out a lot innovative mechanisms that enhanced operations in the university.
The VC added that NOUN success story had led to the licensing of four private open universities in the country.
“Even conventional universities are now using technology in the form of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to teach their students.
“I can tell you that about 29 universities are also doing ODL to increase the accessibility of our citizens to university education, no matter where they are.
“If NOUN is not doing well, the Federal Government will not have licensed four private open universities and put them under our guidance.
“It is a testament to how we have delivered our lectures, treated our students and met our mandates.
“These four private universities have been put under our initial mentorship after which they will get their so-called ‘freedom’ from NOUN,” Peters added.
On the university’s 14th convocation scheduled to hold on April 12, in Abuja, the vice-chancellor said that 17,420 graduands, comprising 51 inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, had completed their task of learning.
He said out of the total graduating students, 40 are PhD graduands, 4,310 Masters holders and 2,103 Postgraduate Diploma students.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President, African Development Bank (AfDB) and Mr Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker, House of Representatives, will be conferred with an honorary doctorate degrees.
While Adesina is expected to receive honorary doctorate degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters, Tajudeen will be conferred with honorary doctorate degree of Business Administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the executive and the legislative arms of government to push for the enactment of a whistleblowing law, to strengthen the fight against corruption in the country.
The CSOs – African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) and Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at a one-day capacity development workshop on public interest disclosure and accountability.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in partnership with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Dr Chido Onumah, Coordinator, AFRICMIL, said the call for a whistleblowing law had become expedient considering the increasing level of corruption in the society, especially in the public service.
“Our goal is to support the government to produce citizens who embrace whistleblowing as a permanent transformative culture and use it to expose corrupt practices and other illegalities that are harmful to public interest,” he said.
Onumah said that they were already working with different partners in the six geo-political zones of the country to ensure that the goal of enacting a whistleblowing law was achieved.
“We are now working with MDAs to get them up to speed with the whistleblowing policy of the Nigerian government that was introduced in December 2016.
“So much happened between when that policy was introduced and today; we don’t have a whistleblower law and a lot of whistleblowers face retaliation when they make public interest disclosures in their MDAs.
“So we are here to have a robust conversation with the MDAs and get them acquainted with what the policy is all about, and what it requires to push the campaign for a whistleblower legislation.
“If we have a law, civil servants who report irregularities and corruption in the public service will be protected, and this is a conversation on the future of whistleblowing in the country,” Onumah said.
According to Onumah, the biggest incentive to people speaking out (whistleblowing), is the law.
“We did a survey five years ago, to know why the zeal people have in speaking up dropped, after huge disclosures, when whistleblowing was introduced, we discovered that the more people reported, the more they faced retaliation in their offices.
“So, people felt that self interest was the most important thing; they won’t want to report wrongdoing and then get punished for that.
“I think that the way to go is to have a whistleblower law in the country, so that people are protected and confident to speak up, so that they don’t get sacked when they see something and say something.
“If you don’t provide security for whistleblowers, nobody will stick out their neck to report anything,” he added.
He regretted that out of about 500 MDAs in the country, only about 20 have whistleblowing policies.
Mr Abdul Mahmud, President, Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), urged MDAs to set up a whistleblowing desk, for workers to make disclosures.
He called for stiffer punishments of anyone who retaliated against any worker who made disclosures against any corrupt individual.
“We have seen people who see things and publish them online, and they become victims of cyber-stalking.
“We are dealing with massive public thievery of our resources, and it is good that we reform the institutional framework of the state, but if we do not reform ourselves, there is little or no result that we can achieve,” Mahmud said.
Earlier, Mr Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General, BPSR, said that the call for a legislation for a whistleblowing law underscored their commitment to entrenching transparency, accountability and good governance within the public sector.
Arabi said that the workshop was convened pursuant to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, a landmark legislation that empowered citizens, promoted openness in governance and ensured access to public information.
“BPSR has over the years played a pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector.
“However, we recognise that in spite of the progress made, challenges persists in the full realisation of the FOI Act.
“Public interest disclosure is a crucial element in the fight against corruption and maladministration. It empowers public servants and citizens alike to expose unethical practices and mismanagement without fear of reprisals.
“As such, fostering a safe and enabling environment for whistleblowers, backed by appropriate legal framework, is imperative,” Arabi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has called on the global community to collectively address the menace of hate speech and genocide ideologies, which could trigger devastating genocidal conflicts.
Bazivamo stated this on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of 31 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka 31).
The commemoration had has its theme:”Remember-Unite-Renew.”
He warned that ignoring the red flags of hate speech and genocide ideologies, or failure to address them, could lead to a tragic repetition of history.
The High Commissioner stressed that vigilance and proactive measures were crucial to combating narratives that incited division and violence.
Reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda which resulted in the loss of over a million lives, Bazivamo said the world must learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities in the future.
“The scars of genocide run deep and linger long after the dust has settled.
“We must recognise that hate speech does not manifest in isolation.
“It germinates from ideologies that seek to dehumanise and divide, ultimately paving the way for violence,” he said.
He noted that current rising global polarisation and the weaponisation of digital platforms spread hateful narratives reminiscent of the environment that led to the genocide.
The envoy, therefore, called for urgent collective global action to curb the menace of hate speech and genocide ideologies.
“This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it is a challenge that demands the attention and concerted effort of the entire international community,” he emphasised.
Bazivamo further called for a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in international human rights treaties, including the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
He urged nation-states to not actively combat genocide ideologies but also fulfill their obligations to prevent hate-driven violence.
The High Commissioner also expressed concern over the existence of denialism and revisionism surrounding the events of the genocide.
According to him, such narratives perpetuate hatred and undermine Rwanda’s ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation.
Bazivamo encouraged all stakeholders, governments, civil society, and individuals to engage in open dialogue, promote education on the dangers of hate speech, and uphold the values of truth and justice.
“As we gather today to remember the victims, let us also commit to being vigilant against divisive ideologies that threaten our humanity.
“We must ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not merely a slogan, but also a principle that guides our actions,” he said.
Also speaking, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, referred to the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres message which highlighted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as a premeditated act, not a spontaneous outburst of violence.
Represented by Mrs Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Fall noted that majority of victims were Tutsis, besides Hutus and others who opposed the genocide.
“As we reflect on the events that unfolded, we must draw parallels to current societal divisions,” he stated.
He cautioned against the rising narrative of “us versus them” that exacerbates societal polarisation.
Fall noted that the weaponisation of digital technologies promoted hate, which further sowed division, and spread falsehoods.
He urged states to fulfill the commitments they made in the global digital compact to address online violence and hate, and societal obligation under international humanitarian law.
The Resident Coordinator also called on countries to promptly sign the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the Federal Government has instituted a mechanism to assess, monitor, and enhance the performance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Nigeria.
Edun made this known at the inauguration of the Corporate Governance Scorecard, organised by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) in partnership with the World Bank, on Monday in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Ensuring Value Creation in State-Owned Enterprises Through Better Corporate Governance.”
According to the minister, the initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
He added that the newly implemented mechanism would focus on evaluating SOE performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing reforms to boost productivity.
“State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) form a critical component of the national economic framework.
“They wield considerable influence across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services.
“However, their potential to drive economic expansion, job creation, and industrial growth has often been limited by inefficiencies, poor financial management, and, in some cases, governance shortcomings.
“The question, therefore, is not whether SOEs should continue to exist, but rather how they can be repositioned to better fulfill their mandates.
“In this context, corporate governance assumes an indispensable role,” he said.
Edun explained that for SOEs and government-linked entities, a robust governance framework was essential to ensure public resources were properly managed, financial discipline was maintained, and operational efficiency was achieved.
“The government, through MOFI, recognises this and has embarked on strategic reforms to reposition SOEs for value creation.
“MOFI is tasked with serving as an active asset manager for the Federal Government, ensuring the professionalisation, optimisation, and efficient administration of government-owned enterprises.
“With the MOFI corporate governance scorecard initiative, the government is putting in place a mechanism to assess, monitor, and enhance the performance of its SOEs,” Edun said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, noted that SOEs played a central role in delivering public services, creating value, and supporting economic development.
Adelabu, however, said that the evolving complexities of Nigeria’s economy, technological disruptions, and increasing public expectations had highlighted the urgent need for transformation, particularly in how these enterprises were governed.
“The transformation of state-owned enterprises, particularly in how they are governed, is a critical agenda.
“For us in the power sector, this imperative is neither abstract nor optional,” the minister stated.
“It is urgent, necessary, and already underway.
“One of the most significant structural reforms in recent times has been the unbundling of the transmission company of Nigeria into two distinct operational entities.
“This move is not merely administrative; it reflects our commitment to fostering operational clarity, transparency, and ultimately, value creation through better corporate governance,” he said.
The minister emphasised that to deliver on these mandates effectively, each entity must be governed with integrity, independence, and accountability.
According to him, sound corporate governance will not only ensure operational excellence but also boost investor confidence, facilitate regulatory compliance, and safeguard the public interest.
Adelabu further said that the launch of the corporate governance scorecard and the pilot assessment represented important steps toward building a culture of performance and transparency across the public enterprise landscape.
He noted that good corporate governance was essential for national competitiveness, financial sustainability, and inclusive service delivery in Nigeria’s power sector.
The Chairman of the MOFI Board, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, said that all board members and management had adopted a corporate governance code of ethics and professionalism.
“It insists that we must not allow personal interests to interfere with our work. Every member of the board and management have signed this undertaking.
“We have put in place measures to ensure transparency and boldness in our approach. This is significant, as it lays the foundation for strong corporate governance,” he said.
Usman added that the details of how the scorecard would be used and how assessments would be conducted would be handled by independent third parties.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Ndiame Diop, noted that SOEs not only played critical roles in high-risk private investments but also support the acceleration of economic transformation.
“It is truly fortunate that Nigeria possesses a large portfolio of strategic assets that can be leveraged to achieve development goals.
“In Nigeria, SOEs are active across many sectors, including power, agriculture, and financial services.
“Given their presence in these sectors, they have the potential to significantly boost economic growth.
“At the same time, they contribute meaningfully to government revenue,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for dynamic, proactive, and relevant strategies to effectively counter the threats posed by the activities of extremist groups.
Ribadu made the call at the Pre-Review Workshop for the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Nigeria, held on Monday in Abuja.
Ribadu was represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Hajiya Idayat Hassan, at the workshop organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in collaboration with its foreign partners.
He said that Nigeria, like many nations, faced the devastating consequences of violent extremism including loss of lives, destruction of communities, and erosion of the social fabric of the nation.
According to him, these effects serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective strategy to counter these threats and provide actionable solutions.
“However, the fight against violent extremism is not static; it demands constant vigilance, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to address evolving threats.
“Extremist groups continue to evolve, adapting their tactics and exploiting new technologies and online platforms to spread their ideologies.
“To effectively counter these threats, our strategies must remain dynamic, proactive, and relevant.
“This review also presents an opportunity to critically assess past interventions, identifying successes and areas that require improvement to refine our approaches and incorporate best practices,” he said.
Ribadu said it was essential to align the efforts with national security priorities and international obligations, ensuring that the strategies remain consistent with global standards and contribute to broader regional and international security objectives.
He commended the stakeholders for the inclusive methodology adopted for the review, describing it as transparent and data-driven.
”The broad spectrum of stakeholders engaged spanning government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, religious and community leaders, and international partners reflects our commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to preventing and countering violent extremism.
“Let me state that this review must focus on key areas such as enhancing community resilience, countering online radicalisation, and improving rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
“Empowering communities to resist radicalisation and addressing the root causes of extremism are critical.
“Similarly, given the increasing use of digital platforms by extremist groups, it is imperative to develop effective strategies to counter online radicalisation, amplify counter-narratives, and enhance digital literacy.
“Rehabilitation and reintegration must also be approached comprehensively, providing former extremists with pathways back into society while addressing community concerns.
“Additionally, there is a need to improve inter-agency coordination to enhance intelligence sharing and operational effectiveness,” he added.
He added that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework would ensure accountability and track progress.
The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the review underscored the need to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of extremism, adding that the threats would undoubtedly continue to evolve.
Laka said that responses must remain dynamic, proactive, and effective in countering emerging challenges.
He explained that the workshop would provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework, identify strengths, and address any gaps.
According to him, the expertise, insights and recommendations of the stakeholders will be invaluable in ensuring that the revised framework is comprehensive, responsive, and reflective of current realities.
“We recognise that this fight cannot be waged in isolation; it requires the concerted efforts of government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, religious leaders, community representatives, and international partners.
“I urge everyone to approach it with an open mind, a spirit of collaboration, and a firm commitment to strengthening our national resilience,” he said.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said that both the EU and Nigeria were members of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
”The workshop is another excellent example of how efforts between governments, members of the GCTF and organisations inspired by it, can effectively work together in addressing the drivers of violent extremism and terrorism and the factors that enable them, Mignot said.
He said that the emergence of terrorist groups in Northwest Nigeria and other parts of the country underscored the importance to invest further in preventing and fighting the scourge of terrorism.
According to him, the ripple effects are far-reaching, highlighting the urgency of coordinated, innovative responses.
“The EU commends the efforts made by the government of Nigeria to tackle the threat of terrorism both at national and regional level but we are aware that there is need for further work and investments.
“In this context, taking the time to sit down, reflect and consult to update strategies and policies is a very necessary endeavour, especially when it comes to a phenomenon so complex and detrimental like extremism, we know this also in Europe.
“The EU is proud to be supporting Nigeria in these efforts, in particular through a number of interventions to prevent and counter violent extremism working with government, civil society organisations and traditional and religious leaders, but also more broadly,” he said.
Mignot said the EU would launch projects worth 300 million Euros in grants for the Northwest and the Northeast, most affected by extremism.
According to him, this package of projects covers challenges like quality education and skills development with a particular focus on girls and out-of-school children.
“It also covers access to reproductive and adolescent health, support to IDPs and the poorest and most vulnerable in communities affected by insecurity and climate change, by creating economic opportunities.
“In the Lake Chad Basin, in particular, in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, we are supporting the economic recovery, resilience and social cohesion of communities affected by conflict.
“We are also supporting the development of the pastoral economy and the transboundary water management of the basin,” he said . (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
An economic expert, Dr Onuoha Nnachi, has advocated a robust energy and agricultural infrastructure financing to position Nigeria on the path of economic development.
Nnachi made the call on Monday in Abuja during a news conference to awaken the consciousness of individuals and the government to invest in agricultural and energy infrastructure for economic development.
This, he said, would be tailored in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, achieving sustainable energy and agricultural infrastructure development requires investment.
Nnachi, who is the Managing Partner of Deutsch Partners Holding, said there was the need to invest heavily in agriculture which had become the source of economic development of many western countries.
“Ukraine is known for wheat production, and their war with Russia has affected supply of that all over the world.
“We live in a time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge. The global demand for energy is rising, yet we must meet it in ways that preserve our environment for future generations.
”At the same time, agriculture, which is essentially the backbone of economies worldwide, faces pressures from climate change, population growth, and then, the need for greater efficiency.
“These are not separate issues; they are deeply interconnected. Sustainable energy powers modern agriculture, and thriving agriculture fuels economic stability.
“Together, they form a vital cycle that can lift societies out of poverty, create jobs, and drive innovation,” he said.
According to Nnachi, there is already a plan to stage infrastructure dialogue with focus on “Financing Sustainable Energy and Agricultural Infrastructure for Economic development”.
He said the dialogue would ensure the establishment of knowledge transfer, infrastructure entrepreneurship scheme, train the trainers scheme, sustainable structure and policy recommendations, among others.
He said speakers at the dialogue would include the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and his counterpart at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, among others.
“Addressing Nigeria’s energy and agricultural infrastructural deficit requires bold, strategic financing that bridges the gap between ambition and action.
“I will not say open Nigerian border for continuous importation of solar-related matters.
“You begin to draw it down, but not only will you reduce the number of importation, you must also invest in growing the capacity, for the production to start.
”If you don’t invest in that production plant for it to be established locally, and the government injects capital into it in the form of grants, and takes up equity in those production plants, you have opened a floodgate for smuggling, and it will affect the economy.
“So, for it to work, there should be a gradual phase-out that should be equated to the manufacturing capacity of the nation. So, it has to be backed with data.
“We live in a time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge. The global demand for energy is rising, yet we must meet it in ways that preserve our environment for future generations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria and Sweden on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through enhanced trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement was reached during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Princess Victoria, is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.
Shettima said Nigeria would continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons.
According to him, both countries are poised for a partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
Shettima described the Crown Princess’s visit to Nigeria as opening doors to deeper institutional relations and greater cultural exchange between both nations.
He noted that the visit was not only a continuation of dialogue but also a new chapter for both nations.
“This moment opens the door to deeper institutional ties, stimulates business-to-business collaboration, and fosters greater cultural exchange.
“We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion.
“These are areas where Sweden has much to offer, and Nigeria is eager to learn,” the VP said.
The vice-president recalled his high-level engagement in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in October 2024, when he represented President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed out that the visit marked a turning point in the bilateral relations between both countries.
” From the warm hospitality extended by the Swedish government to the visionary discussions we had with Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the captains of Swedish industry.
” We returned to Nigeria energised by a new momentum—one that has since translated into tangible outcomes for both our peoples.
“Our meetings in Sweden in 2024 were not ceremonial; they were catalytic.
” They opened doors to strategic collaborations and renewed our commitment to making Nigeria a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
“One of the most consequential outcomes of that visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Ericsson to support 5G innovation across our country.
“Beyond the digital frontier, Swedish enterprises continue to invest in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development.
“We applaud SchoolTry, the Swedish edtech company, for its continued work in transforming educational outcomes in Nigeria.”
Shettima told the Crown Princess that the aforementioned partnerships were “building blocks in a broader architecture of cooperation.
” This positions Sweden as a key partner in Nigeria’s journey towards digital inclusion, educational reform, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition.”
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
Earlier, Princess Victoria expressed optimism about deepening relations between Sweden and Nigeria, stating that the current era called for enhanced collaboration.
“It would be wonderful for Sweden to have a physical trade office in Nigeria.
“This is something that should have been done long ago,” she said.
Mr Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing.
Also speaking, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Andreas Carlson, praised the growing partnership between the two countries.
“We see numerous opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in innovation, the tech sector, and other areas where we can learn from each other.
“This collaboration will help shape a better future for our people,” Carlson said.
He announced that Sweden’s trade office in Nigeria was set to officially open Tuesday (tomorrow), further solidifying a bilateral relationship that had spanned over 65 years.
“There has also been a strong business relationship between both countries. The MoU signed during your visit to Stockholm is a testament to this,” he added.
Carlson highlighted that Sweden had established five innovation hubs across Africa, with the largest located in Lagos.
“There is great potential in sectors like health, agriculture, and more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, also spoke about ongoing discussions with the Crown Princess.
According to him, they touch on trade and investment, agriculture, green energy (including solar and green hydrogen), ICT, and business outsourcing, particularly in relation to employment for skilled Nigerian workers.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Technical Aid Corps, planned to collaborate with countries interested in hiring Nigerian workers in a structured manner to reduce irregular migration.
In a related development, vice president Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Swedish tech giant, Ericsson, by swiftly operationalising the MoU signed earlier in 2024.
Shettima made this known while receiving a delegation from Ericsson to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The team was led by Mr Patrick Johansson, the company’s Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
He noted that Ericsson had been part of Nigeria’s digital evolution, recalling the firm’s pioneering role in the early stages of the country’s tech ecosystem.
“She has remained a faithful partner in progress and a collaborator in our transformation journey,” Shettima said.
He commended Ericsson for its investment in innovation hubs and support for small businesses in Nigeria, calling it a testament to the firm’s enduring partnership with the country.
“We cherish our relationship with Sweden and your company,” Shettima added.
“We are a large nation with a tech-savvy population. Many of Africa’s tech unicorns are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria.”
On his part, Johansson emphasised the importance of deepening Ericsson’s partnership with Nigeria through grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, Mr Majda Lahlou Kassi, the company’s Vice President and Head of Customer Units, West and South Africa at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, said Nigeria occupied an important place in the company’s history.
He said Ericsson believed in Nigeria’s potential and was proud of the existing relationship, especially the possibilities for growth in the local market and entrenchment of a digital culture among the citizenry.NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
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