NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

NOSDRA restates commitment to curbing oil spillage

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By Diana Omueza

Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), has restated the agency’s commitment to curbing oil spillage in the country.

Woke said this on Thursday, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the agency and F1 Consulting in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU is also aimed at providing oil spill training for members of staff of NOSDRA by F1 Consulting.

Woke, who expressed the agency’s readiness to implement the content of the MoU, said that the outcome would yield positive results that would boost the agency and safeguard oil host communities.

He urged all oil companies and stakeholders to contribute their quota and support the agency to deliver on its mandates.

“NOSDRA is an agency established by the Act of the parliament of Nigeria and we are not in any way going outside our mandate.

“With the establishment and signing of this MoU, we believe that this will go a long way in solving the problem of pollution and oil spillages in our various communities,” he said.

Woke also sought the support and cooperation of other agencies of government and the oil companies that were in the oil host communities to prevent and manage spillage.

He said that stakeholders must be more responsive in relaying information of spillage to NOSDRA and not hoard information from the appropriate authority.

In his remarks, Mr Jude Ndubisi, Lead Consultant of F1 Consulting, said the essence of the MoU was to institutionalise the national oil spill contingency plans directly to host communities.

“The national spill contingencies plan is the primary document that talks about spill response strategies as a country.

“This document for a very long time has not been institutionalised down to the host communities.

“So, we are trying to build a partnership and synergy with NOSDRA to bring the provisions of the national spill contingency plan down to the communities where the oil installations exist,” he said.

According to him, the oil spillage contingencies will train, guide and hold communities and individuals responsible for spillage.

He called for partnership with stakeholders and holders of oil licensing operations to train and create awareness to preserve the community and environment.

Mrs Katherine George, Director of Legal services of NOSDRA, said that the MoU was in line with the mandate of the agency

“We have looked at the establishment Act of the agency and we believe that this MoU is in tandem with the mandate of our agencies

“We believe that this MoU will accomplish the goals and mission of NOSDRA to zero tolerance for oil spillage,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deji Abdulwahab

General News

Coy trains 100 almajiris on skills in Kaduna

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By Sani Idris

A firm, Nutriment Investment Hub Ltd, on Thursday began a three-month training of 100 teenage Almajiris on various skills in Kaduna.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company is a subsidiary of Nutriment Feeds and Nutriment Holdings.

The Almajiri children would be trained on alternative farming, which is sack farming and gardening, livestock, poultry farming, shoe cobbling, soap and pomade making, among others.

Mr Dauda Oche, the Group’s Head of the company, said they organised the programme tagged, “Almajiri Lets Farm”, as a corporate social responsibility.

Oche said that the firm had realised that there were a lot of things that they needed to do as a company.

He explained that the programme was a community-based initiative designed to empower the almajiri children with practical agricultural and life skills through practical training.

According to Oche, the programme seeks to provide the almajiri children with sustainable
 skills that could enhance their food security, self-sufficiency and long-term livelihood opportunities.

He, therefore, said the programme was aimed at introducing the children to agriculture and enhancing their self-sufficiency.

This is by providing life-long skills, encouraging environmental sustainability and
 fostering community involvement.

Oche emphasised: “The aim is not for people to come as aid to support the Almajiris, but to collaborate with the stakeholders for a sustainable outcome for the future of the Almajiris.

“For us, we are not saying that philanthropists should come and give us money for free, that era is over.

“We want to see an era of collaboration, because we believe that the almajiris have dignity, talents and intelligence.”

Speaking further, Oche said they met some institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic where they sought for 70 hectares of land for cultivation based on the training of the almajiris.

He said that they have had some training on precision agriculture where they could farm sorghum, maize, millet and soybeans.

Oche disclosed that the organisation was looking for the possibilities of empowering about 10, 000 almajiris in the nearest future.

He said, according to the World Health Organisation, about 8.5 to 10 million almajiris constitute 70 per cent of the out-of-school children.

Oche said, “If you empower that number, you can imagine the food security that will come instead of running about in the streets going from one place to the other.

“We realised that they will be more productive to the society and to themselves.

“If an almajiri can farm 22 tubers of yam, it could take care of the carbohydrate requirements for 365 days which is sufficient for the almajiri.

“If we put eight to 10 million Almajiris into such production, it will solve 10 to 20 per cent of carbohydrates requirements of the nation,”he said.

Oche said that a country like Brazil that has a population of 220 million people, earns about 100 million metric tonnes of grains from farming.

He, therefore, said Nigeria, which has a population of about 230 million people and an average of production of 11.5 million metric tonnes, showed a lot of deficits.

“The size of arable lands that we are utilising is less than 50 per cent. with this initiative, I believe we can do much more,”he explained.

Earlier, the Chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Mahmoud Lawal, commended the organisation for empowering the almajiris.

He restated the government’s commitment to supporting such programmes, ensuring that almajiri children acquired skills for self-sufficiency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training’s duration is for three months.

It will take place simultaneously at Unguwar Rimi, Badarawa, Babban Saura, Rigasa and Badiko.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Nigeria needs disruptive strategy to make significant progress – Nwala

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By Philip Yatai

A lawyer and policy strategist, Dr Oracle Nwala, says Nigeria needs a disruptive strategy to achieve its governance and development goals for the benefits of all citizens.

Nwala stated this at the official unveiling of his book entitled, “Disruptive Strategies: Unveiling Personal Definitive Strategists”, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The author, an eminent member of the global legal community with over 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s legal and policy space, said that disruptive strategy would move the country forward.

Nwala, a member of the Senior Executive Course 43, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, defined disruptive strategy as essentially doing something the way it works with no regard to laid down procedures.

He added that it also entails looking at a system and taking decisions that work to get the needed results.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had disrupted Nigeria’s economy with the removal of fuel subsidy on the day he was inaugurated as president of the country.

Nwala said that the action was paying off with the economy gradually picking up and things getting better by the day.

According to him, what Nigerians need is continued disruption.

“Let us disrupt things that are not working; let’s disrupt things that are not helping us. The philosophy, the ideas and everything we have thought about and are not working let’s jettison them.

“Artificial Intelligence has disrupted the technology space and now young people are doing much more than we have ever done – this is disruption,” he said.

At a personal level, the author said that the book unveils the untapped potential within each individual to chart a unique path to success and fulfilment.

He added that by advocating a paradigm shift, the book underscores the importance of prioritising personal strategy alongside traditional business approaches to succeed.

“Disruptive Strategy empowers readers to confront life’s challenges with confidence and resilience, unlocking their full potential and achieving lasting fulfilment.

“Serving as a roadmap for those ready to break free from the ordinary, transcend limitations and embrace a life of purpose and achievement, the book is an invitation to seize control of your personal journey and thrive in the modern world.

“Whether redefining your personal or professional path, disruptive strategy combines real-world insights, practical tools and a deeply personal methodology to help you build resilience, think strategically and dominate your niche,” he said.

The book reviewer, Prof. Ahmed Okene, Provost, National Defence College, Abuja, said that disruptive strategy was simply querying existing norms or methods to achieve results.

Okene said that the book, made up of 12 chapters and 331 pages, provides a step-by-step guide on how to adopt disruptive strategy to achieve personal, governance, entrepreneurship, economy and other goals.

“In terms of governance and leadership, applying disruptive strategy means you will have to question the existing status quo to achieve desired results.

“People are used to doing things in a certain way; the way it is done but with disruptive strategy, you will have to query what you see; disorganise the system to reorganise it for it to work.

“In governance, you will have to think from a perspective that others have not thought of before,” he said.

One of Nwala’s coursemates at the National Institute, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, described the book as an eye opener in governance, leadership and personal life.

Galadima, the Director of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said: “What the book is simply saying is, don’t always follow protocol. Whatever will give you results, do it.

“The most important thing is getting the desired results.

“The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, my boss, is applying this disruptive strategy and you can see the results,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

FCT residents laud Wike for opening Karmo District Market

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By Joshua Olomu

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Minister of the FCT, Nyesome Wike  for opening the newly constructed Karmo District Market for business.

Some of the residents, especially those living around the Karmo district, including traders, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the official commissioning of the market on Wednesday in Abuja.

The market was built under Public-Private Partnership by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Rural Homes and other partners.

According to the residents, opening the market, which took over seven years of construction, is a commendable feat by the Wike-led FCT administration, as it will boost economic activities in the area.

Mr Francis Adamu, a dealer on fabrics, expressed joy that  finally, the Karmo market was officially inaugurated.

“This means that more developmental activities will spring up here.

“I think we need to thank the FCT minister for working to ensure that the long wait is over, and other  partners, especially the Rural Homes must also be commended,” Adamu said.

A dealer on electronics and furniture, Mr Ike Ekeka,  said: “I have bought a shop here because of the uniqueness of the market  and proximity to my home.

“There is no doubt that Rural Homes and the AICL have built a world class market here in Karmo, and we are especially grateful to ‘Mr Project’, the FCT minister.”

On her part, Mrs Rahab Isa, a resident in the area, said that Karmo was a developing area, adding that the market would surely boost economic activities here.

“We will no longer have to go to other markets in Wuse and Garki and that is why we are happy that the minister is formally opening the market today,” she said.

While commissioning the market, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who represented Wike, said  the  project was part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth in the territory.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering businesses, and creating a conducive environment for trade and commerce in the city of Abuja.

“Markets are the heartbeat of every community, they are not just centres for buying and selling, they represent the strength of our local economy and the resilience of our people.

“This district market is designed to serve as a hub for business activities, providing traders with modern facilities and ensuring the residents have access to quality of goods and services.

“The integration of this market would undoubtedly boost local commerce, creating employment opportunities for our youth, and enhance the livelihood of our people in line with the renewed hope agenda of  President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

The minister expressed optimism that the market would contribute significantly to revenue generation for the FCT.

“It’s my conviction that the market will contribute significantly to the revenue generation for the FCT and improve the business environment in the district.

“While we celebrate this achievement, I wish to urge all traders and residents to make proper use of this facility by ensuring cleanliness, orderliness, and mutual respect remains our word,” she said.

Sa’adatu Aliyu, Managing Director of Rural Homes said the market is developed on 9.9 hectares of land, with over 2,500 units of well-organised shops for different categories of goods and services.

She said the market sections include the cold room and meat sections of the farmers’ market, with over 150 stalls and over 100 enclosed units.

“We have duplexes here for offices, including banks, clinics and fire service, and all of these make it a complete business hub.

“The shops here are very affordable because before we started this project, we went around Abuja to see how this market is going to tally with other developments, and we have done that consistently over the period.

“We discovered from our findings that our shops are priced lower than other markets, and there are flexible payment plans available,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Metro

Foundation urges unity ahead of 2025 Global Disability Summit

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By Ahmed Musa

The Albino Foundation Africa (TAF Africa) has called on Nigerian disability community to remain united while presenting its commitment towards fostering disability-inclusive development at 2025 Global Disability Summit in Germany.

Mr Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer of the group, made the call on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that the summit, which is scheduled to be held between April 2 and 3 in Berlin, Germany, is organised by the International Disability Alliance and the governments of Germany and Jordan.

”We have to ensure that the disability community go there with one voice and the position of the Nigerian Community of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) as well as that of government is well articulated.

”We have to determine what will be our position so that we don’t go there and everybody is speaking across purpose, there is a need for us to have one voice that resonate in the conference.

”A voice that will speak to specific issues that would address the yearnings and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities especially the need to advance our social inclusion” Epelle said.

The TAF Africa CEO also explained that the focus of the summit would be the commitment of stakeholders especially on the areas of need to PwDs.

”Commitment is part of the summit because it is designed to get individuals, organisations, countries to send in their commitments.

”If your commitment is on inclusion, if your commitment is on women empowerment or engaging critical stakeholders, you have to detail that commitment and it has to be read on the floor of the Summit.

”Nigeria has not been part of the co-sponsors of the summit and I think we should be calling for Nigeria to be recognised as the Co-Sponsor like Kenya and Ghana,” he said.

Epelle therefore, expressed the need for Nigeria to cosponsor the next Global Summit on Disability to showcase the country’s commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.

The aim of the Summit is to draw countries commitment to fostering disability-inclusive development, galvanise global efforts to achieve disability inclusion around the world (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Economy/Business

FG seeks donor support to revive steel industry

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By Martha Agas

The Ministry of Steel Development is seeking technical and financial assistance from donor agencies to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

Its Minister, Prince Shuaibu Audu, made this appeal during a meeting with donor agencies in Abuja.

Audu stated that the ministry’s primary focus was the revitalisation of publicly owned steel assets, particularly ASCL and NIOMCO.

“Our objective is to prepare these institutions for privatisation by upgrading their infrastructure and operational capabilities, transforming them into robust engines of local production.

“This initiative aims to boost domestic steel output, reduce dependence on imports, and generate valuable foreign exchange,” he said.

He emphasised that achieving this goal required technical expertise, financial resources, and strategic guidance.

“These are crucial for bridging the gap between our ambitious vision and the practical realities of implementation.

“Your partnership can accelerate the modernisation of our steel assets, build essential infrastructure, empower our workforce with future-ready skills, and strengthen regulatory frameworks,” he said.

He urged donor agencies to collaborate in creating a sustainable legacy of development, job creation, and industrial innovation for future generations.

According to Audu, supporting the revitalisation of key steel assets and infrastructure, investing in capacity development, and advocating regulatory and trade reforms would contribute to national progress.

He stated that donor commitment would unlock Nigeria’s steel sector’s full potential, reduce reliance on imports, foster local innovation, and position the country as an industrial leader in Africa.

“Together, we can build a future where Nigeria’s steel industry drives economic growth, creates jobs, and anchors our economic diversification,” he said.

The minister described the vision outlined in the 2025 capital budget as ambitious yet necessary, stressing that its success depended on strong partnerships.

He noted that transforming a capital-intensive industry like steel required significant financial resources, but funding gaps remained a major challenge.

“Additionally, achieving these objectives demands institutional reforms that extend beyond government efforts alone,” he said.

He expressed confidence that donor support would pave the way for a thriving steel sector, powering Nigeria’s industrial growth and securing a prosperous future for all.

According to him, Nigeria is on the brink of major industrial progress and hopes that partnerships will help expand the scope of its projects.

He added that the ministry would establish technical teams and appoint desk officers to coordinate with donors for mutual benefit.

Responding, Dr Osuji Otu, Nigeria Country Representative for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), acknowledged the ministry’s vital role in driving industrialisation.

He stated that UNIDO would soon unveil its 2024–2028 country partnership programme to support the ministry’s initiatives.

Other partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian High Commission, assured the ministry of their support in providing technical assistance for its projects. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Entertainment

Advocate urges Africans to focus attention on addressing poverty, underdevelopment

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By Abiemwense Moru

Founder of Loretta Health Initiative, an NGO, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has called on Africans to shift their attention from celebrity fashion to addressing issues of poverty, conflict and underdeveloped infrastructure.

Ogboro-Okor, made the call in Abuja while reacting to the global debates surrounding Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori controversial appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Censori attended the grammy’s red carpet in a transparent nearly naked dress, igniting varied reactions from some Africans who celebrated it while others described it as “shameful”.

Ogboro-Okor, an aspirant in the 2024 Edo governorship election, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that celebrity fashion was simply a “distraction” from the real issues.

“My concern is not the spectacle itself, but how it overshadows the urgent issues Africa is grappling with.

“Our focus had remained on a celebrity moment. This should be the least of our concerns when there is war in Congo, economic distress in other African countries with millions suffering from poverty and conflict.

“The ongoing conflict in Congo, where millions have been displaced was in contrast with the obsession over celebrity fashion and material wealth.

“Africa should not be consumed by the spectacle of global celebrity culture, which often distracts us from addressing the continent’s most urgent challenges,” she said.

She stressed the need for a collective focus on tackling systemic problems such as poverty, conflict, underdeveloped infrastructure and other pressing issues facing the continent.

Ogboro-Okor pointed out the disconnection between the celebrity culture that dominated the online space and the severe crises affecting millions across the continent.

She lamented the growing competition for luxury and a lifestyle that many could not afford, while millions lack access to basic necessities.

According to her, this fixation with fleeting trends highlights Africa’s misdirected priorities.

“No one will love us more than we love ourselves as Africans,” she said, urging fellow Africans to focus on family, community, and nation-building rather than materialism or fame.

“While the continent is rich in resources, it continues to be exploited and distracted by external validation. Africa must look inward to achieve real progress.

“It is time for Africans to take control of their future and focus on self-sufficiency, building stronger communities, and addressing systemic issues that hinder development.”

She urged Africa to stop being passive observers of its own destiny and start prioritising what truly matters.

She said, “the time for meaningful change is now. We must act collectively to transform Africa’s future”. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Aviation

FG to advance technology towards safer skies – Keyamo

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government says it will engage more technologies to improve efficiency, passenger experience and safer skies in the aviation sector.

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said this on Saturday in Abuja, at a symposium to mark the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The theme of the symposium was ” Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviators”.

Keyamo, who was represented by Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that such technological advancement would play a vital role in shaping the  future of aviation in the nation.

He expressed optimism that technological advancement would lead to economic improvement, as well as an exceptionally safe and secure aviation industry.

“The NCAA Silver Jubilee Anniversary Lecture aims to emphasise the importance of maintaining aviation safety as the foundation of the industry’s growth and development.

“While the NCAA has achieved remarkable success over the past 25 years, sustaining these accomplishments requires a deliberate focus on strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of innovative practices.

“Aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement.

“With advancements in technology, rising passenger demands, and increasing globalisation, the dynamics of aviation safety are evolving rapidly,“ he said.

Keyamo said that the symposium demonstrated collective resolve of rebirthing, rejuvenating and repositioning Nigerian aviation and air transportation in the context of the nation’s social-economic and political landscape.

According to him, the symposium promises to provide lasting solution kits for a new era of the air transport industry.

The Director-General. NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that the agency had played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the aviation sector, ensuring safety, regulatory excellence, and fostering growth within the industry.

Najomo said that the symposium indicated collective commitment to strengthening aviation standards, enhancing collaboration, and shaping the future of air transportation in Nigeria.

“Right from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to the current NCAA which we are celebrating, our journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and innovation.

“NCAA was built on the growth achieved by its predecessor organisations through remarkable transformations, from regulatory reforms to advancements in aviation safety and service delivery.

“As we celebrate current achievements, we must also look ahead to embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will elevate our aviation industry to even greater heights,” he said.

Najomo said that the NCAA was faithfully guided by the minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasised infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.

“NCAA will ensure a robust regulatory framework, foster a healthy business friendly environment for investors, and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s aviation sector in line with global best practices.

“To our esteemed stakeholders, your contributions have been invaluable in shaping NCAA’s success. To our dedicated staff, your unwavering commitment has been the foundation of our achievements.

“As we chart the course over the next 25 years and beyond, let us reaffirm our resolve to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and global best practices,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Metro

Public service: FCTA builds leadership capacities of young civil servants

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a capacity building programme to nurture leadership abilities of young civil servants for effective public service.

Mr Grace Adayilo, Head of FCT Civil Service stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the opening of the1st Cohort of the FCT Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (FCT LEAD-P).

Adayilo explained that the FCT LEAD-P was one of three core training programmes established under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), 2020 to 2025.

She said that the programme specifically targets civil servants on grades level 10 to 14, made up of highly talented individuals deemed essential for the succession planning and transformation of the civil service.

According to her, the programme is strategically designed to attract, recruit, and nurture these individuals through a comprehensive array of training activities.

“LEAD-P is regarded as a pivotal element for the future of public service, with its guidelines informed by the FCSSIP, policies governing leadership management and succession planning in the civil service.

“Establishment of the FCT LEAD-P is a crucial step toward ensuring that we have a pool of highly skilled and capable leaders ready to take on the challenges of governing our vibrant capital territory.”

She disclosed that the FCT LEAD-P aims to train a minimum of 100 officers every year to cultivate a new generation of leaders.

She added that the officer would be equipped not only with the requisite knowledge and skills but also with resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to FCT’s shared vision of public service excellence.

Adayilo said that the move would establish a solid foundation for effective succession planning that fosters a culture of self-development, designed to enrich the civil service landscape.

The head of service commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for approving the programme, which demonstrated his commitment and visionary leadership.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth that lie ahead.

The Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCTA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, said that the programme marks a significant and transformative chapter in the journey toward building a dynamic and efficient civil service in the FCT.

“This programme is not just an educational endeavour; it is a gateway to self-discovery and professional growth.

“Our commitment extends beyond mere training; it is about nurturing a culture of leadership that resonates throughout every level of our administration.

“Each successful cohort of this programme will be regarded as the elite crop of civil servants, distinguished by the depth of knowledge and expertise they have acquired,” he said.

On her part, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, said that the programme was the first of its kind in the history of the FCT.

“This is the first time this is happening in the FCTA to fill the identified gaps in service delivery following a result of a baseline research,” she said.

Ahmadu Said that 975 officers applied for the programme, out of which only 100 would be selected for a 7-months training within and outside the FCT.

She said that the officers would be trained to fill the gap in the next generation of leaders when their time comes to become directors, permanent secretaries or head of service.

She explained that the officer would be trained to work in any of FCTA’s secretariats, departments and agencies, including serving as technical assistants to political appointees. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Economy/Business

Lawmakers canvass tax incentives for small businesses in FCT

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By Naomi Sharang

Some members of the House of Representatives have advocated for tax incentives for small businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to thrive.

The lawmakers made the call at the unveiling of an entrepreneurial centre, Dreamskin Luxe Empire, in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unveiling of the centre was to commemorate St. Valentine’s Day.

Rep. Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, specifically described FCT as a thriving environment for businesses.

Obika called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and others to prevail on tax administrators not to multi-tax small scale business owners.

He said that multiple taxes would discourage entrepreneurship and development in the area councils, as some of the tax administrators collected tenement rates, business premises tax and all kinds of taxes.

According to him, they should be able to harmonise the taxes in order not to put too much pressure on businesses and force them to close down.

“This is because when businesses are closed, the people who are engaged in them will fall back to the streets; and an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.

“So the area councils, it is their duty to make sure that the businesses are encouraged through tax rebates or tax reduction.

“I am appealing to the Area Council Chairmen who represent AMAC and Bwari Area Councils, to look into the way and the model they are using to tax businesses in Abuja.

“Businesses like this that have sprung up should be encouraged. Instead of taxing them more, you should give them tax incentives to encourage them to employ more people or create more businesses.

“This will help to reduce unemployment. So we should be talking to them to make sure that they don’t double-tax these small, young businesses that are springing up,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency, said that the Tax Reform Bills, when passed, would give strong encouragement to small businesses.

Ugochinyere said that they would also ensure that the tax pressure was moved to big businesses, thus limiting the impacts on small businesses.

On her part, Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife, representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, called for more public/private partnerships to tackle unemployment in the country.

Nnabuife also called for youth empowerment, saying that it would tackle restiveness and agitations.

“When you empower somebody, you are giving the person the go-ahead to explore and to be self-sufficient,” she said.

Similarly, Rep. Mohammed Jamilu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, called for collaborative efforts to tackle unemployment in the country.

“Relevant players in the private sector should partner with the government to address unemployment and ensure youth empowerment in order to curb insecurity and other social vices in the society.

Earlier, Mrs Nancy Irole, the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, said that seeing the Spa unveiled was ‘a dream come true’.

“Dreamskin Luxe Empire isn’t just a spa or a beauty lounge. It’s a place designed for Nigerians to check their wellness as they go about their normal businesses.

“It is a space where beauty, wellness and self-care come together to create an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident and completely at ease,” Irole said. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

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