NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Oil & Gas

Nigeria’s CNG conversion capacity increases by 2,500% – NMDPRA

85 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said that the country’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion capacity increased by over 2,500 per cent in 2024.

Mr Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said this on Thursday in Abuja, at the inaugural Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum, organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Ahmed said that NMDPRA supported the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) by stimulating 186 new conversion centers which triggered the county’s conversion capacity.

“The NMDPRA will continue to collaborate with the PCNGI to ensure deployment of CNG infrastructure in major cities of Lagos and Abuja, up to 100,000 conversions, while collaborating with states to develop Nigeria Gas Vehicles (NGVs) in other areas.

“The development of CNG as a viable alternative to Petrol has been incentivised.

“These conversions alongside new buys have raised the Nigerian Gas Vehicles population to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 vehicles and trucks, and it continues to grow daily.

“With over 400 million dollars attracted for investment in 86 and 65 new daughters and mother stations under construction respectively, Nigeria refueling capacity has therefore risen from 20 to 56,” he said.

Ahmed said that the collaboration between PCNGI, NMDPRA and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) led to the development of standards and the NGV Monitoring System expected to be inaugurated this year.

“The NMDPRA also collaborates with the SON, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the National Institute of Transportation Technology (NITT) in ensuring that our mobility CNG growth is achieved in a safe and sustainable manner,” he said.

The NMDPRA boss, however, listed some challenges facing the initiative to include establishment and operation of petroleum handling facilities without proper licensing, permits and authorisations.

He listed other challenges to include poor collaborations for Open/ third party access to facilities and lack of cooperation of some operators for an effective regulatory oversight, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provisions.

“We implore the industry to adhere to all regulatory requirements, especially as they relate to safety, efficiency, best practices, sustainability, consumer protection and community participation.

“As we progress into 2025, the NMDPRA will continue to consolidate on its successes for enhanced regulatory oversight.

“This will include the upgrade of our laboratories for enhanced product quality analysis and referencing, inter-agency collaborations, automation and sustainability in the industry,” Ahmed said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Health

West Africa steps up lassa fever vaccine efforts

91 total views today

By Abujah Racheal

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and national task forces from five countries met on Thursday to advance efforts in developing a Lassa fever vaccine.

The inaugural meeting and launch of the Lassa Fever Coalition Governing Entity (LFGE), hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, marked a significant step toward addressing the recurring threat of Lassa fever in the region.

The coalition’s goal is to develop, equitably distribute, and deploy an effective Lassa fever vaccine, while also addressing immediate needs such as public awareness campaigns, equipping health workers, and ensuring access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable populations.

Dr Melchior Aissi, Director General of WAHO, described Lassa fever as a zoonotic disease that had plagued West Africa for over 50 years, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among health workers.

“In spite of therapeutic interventions, the absence of a preventive vaccine has made the disease a recurring challenge,” he said.

Aissi stressed the importance of fostering scientific collaboration, raising awareness among political leaders, and ensuring vaccine affordability and accessibility.

He also lauded the support of ECOWAS Heads of State and development partners in advancing WAHO’s agenda, which included strengthening health systems, enhancing epidemic preparedness, and promoting investment in research and innovation.

“Efforts are underway to mobilise resources, ensure fair allocation of health products, and build a resilient healthcare workforce capable of addressing both emerging and existing health challenges,” he added.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, highlighted significant progress since the Lassa fever vaccine programme began in 2018.

“Nigeria has always been central to these efforts as the epicentre of Lassa fever due to its high number of cases,” he said.

Hatchett revealed that Phase II field trials were now underway in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with earlier trials conducted in Ghana.

He stressed the importance of understanding the epidemiology of Lassa fever across the region to target vaccine trials effectively.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasised the coalition’s focus on advancing vaccine development and strengthening public health measures.

He highlighted the need for equity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, children, and health workers benefited from the coalition’s efforts.

“Sustained collaboration among national, regional, and global partners is essential to building inclusive and resilient health systems,” Pate said.

Dr Catherine Cooper, Chief Medical Officer in Liberia, revealed that enhanced surveillance had uncovered an expansion of Lassa fever cases across multiple regions in the country.

She stressed the importance of regional coordination in ensuring a comprehensive approach to vaccine development and survivor care.

In Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, discussed progress in enhancing laboratory capacity for quicker diagnosis of suspected cases.

However, he noted challenges in rural areas, including delays in sample transport and result dissemination.

“Community sensitisation programmes have been pivotal in educating the public about preventive measures, such as proper food storage and sanitation, to reduce exposure to infected rodents,” Vandi said.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, emphasised the importance of collaboration with institutions and researchers to stimulate interest and government support for scientific research.

He noted that public health activities were research-based, involving data collection and expert collaboration, which were crucial for finding solutions to health challenges.

He underscored the need for equitable sharing of benefits arising from global scientific efforts, ensuring that all regions, including Africa, have fair access to innovations, technologies, and products.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coalition represents a united effort to combat Lassa fever in West Africa, combining scientific innovation with a commitment to equitable healthcare delivery.

While challenges remain, the collective efforts of national governments, regional organisations, and international partners offer hope for a healthier and more resilient future for the region.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Judiciary

PPDC unveils initiative to reduce prison congestion

72 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has launched an initiative aimed at reducing prison congestion and promoting access to justice for indigent inmates in Nigeria.

The initiative, named, “Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project,” was introduced by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Abagi.

She made the announcement during a visit to law clinics at the University of Abuja and Philomath University, in Abuja.

Abagi explained that the project was designed to addressed the issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in custody.

She said the initiatives supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, involved deploying law clinicians to prisons to provide free legal services such as legal counselling, court representation, and advocacy for inmates.

Abagi highlighted the pressing issue of prison congestion in Nigeria, noting that over 60,000 inmates were currently awaiting trial.

She stressed that the initiative was designed to reduce this backlog by providing legal services to indigent inmates.

“The programme also aims to train law students and young lawyers to offer pro bono services, further increasing access to justice.

“The training of law students and young lawyers is critical to expanding the pool of legal support for inmates.

“The initiative, which will run until 2026 with the possibility of extension, is set to be implemented in 10 locations across five states, including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Lagos, Abuja, and Adamawa,” Abagi said.

Abagi called for support from the government and other stakeholders, urging them to contribute to the initiative’s success.

She believed the initiative would make a significant impact on thousands of inmates and contribute to the reform of the Nigerian justice system.

“We urge the government and other stakeholders to support this cause, as it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of inmates across the country.

‘”By working together, we can promote access to justice and reduce prison congestion in Nigeria,” Abagi urged.

The Vice Chancellor of Philomath University, Prof. Gylych Jelilov, speaking during the event, commended the initiative and assured that donated items would be used effectively at the Kuje Custodial Centre and across Nigeria.

Similarly, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja, lauded the PPDC and the American Embassy for their donations.

He noted that the equipment would aid in providing justice to inmates who previously lacked access to legal assistance.

“The equipment they donated to us is coming at the nick of time, and as we all know, Nigeria needs access to justice more than any other country in Africa.

“Our law clinics have been working hard, but we faced many constraints. However, with this equipment, it will go a long way in ensuring that those who need intervention receive it. We are going to do more,” he assured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event saw the deployment of various items, including computers, furniture, printers, cameras, files, and solar facilities, which will support the initiative’s legal services.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Aviation

Aviation: stakeholders advocate aircraft maintenance, repair in Nigeria

80 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Some Nigerian stakeholders on Tuesday in Dublin, Ireland, canvassed for the establishment of aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in Nigeria.

They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sideline of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global, holding in Dublin, Ireland.

NAN reports that the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event commenced on Jan. 12 and is expected to end on the 15.

The event, which is part of Airline Economics Week, focuses on the latest developments and trends in the global aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the finance and leasing of aviation assets.

Some of the stakeholders opined that establishing MRO in Nigeria would help reduce Forex required for overseas maintenance by local airlines as well as create jobs for some unemployed.

According to Mr Herbert Odika, a MRO in Nigeria will reduce foreign exchange (Forex) required for overseas maintenance by the local airlines.

”The convention currently going on is an opportunity for Nigerian carriers to have the opportunity to negotiate for dry lease agreements.

”Airlines, banks, insurance companies, regulators, and the legislative arm of government are present here to ensure the lessors are able to reach agreements with some carriers.

”However, the question for Nigeria is, if given the opportunity, will the maintenance culture be invoked to ensure compliance? Will the banks be strict enough to withhold funds meant to service agreements?

He noted that having the MROs in Nigeria would be beneficial to the airlines irrespective of the risk assessments that would be carried out.

He added that some carriers in Nigeria had proven to be credible when it comes to keeping to agreed terms.

Similarly, Mrs Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, told NAN, that prioritising MRO establishments would create jobs and save cost in Nigeria.

Usman, represented by Mr Hendrix Odigie, Delivery Manager, Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) at the event, described MRO as a critical component of the aviation industry which ensures that the aircraft remain safe, reliable, and operationally efficient.

”For Nigeria, developing a strong local MRO capability is essential as the country looks to expand its aviation sector, particularly with plans to adopt dry leasing arrangements with Boeing.

”Dry leasing allows airlines to lease aircraft without crew or operational support, making local MRO services indispensable for maintaining and managing these aircraft efficiently.

”A robust MRO industry in Nigeria would reduce the reliance on foreign facilities, cutting down the demand for foreign exchange (Forex) required for overseas maintenance,” she said.

She added that building a local MRO would save costs for airlines, as well as enhance operational efficiency, and support the local economy by creating jobs and building technical expertise.

The special adviser also said that strengthening local MROs aligned with the broader goal of reducing capital flight and fostering self-reliance in the aviation sector.

She commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for streamlining regulatory frameworks to attract investment into MRO facilities, as well as foster partnerships with global aviation leaders like Boeing.

”As we discuss dry leasing, it is important to discuss MRO next. These policies of the minister are very good and put the Nigeria Aviation sector in the right place.

”These efforts aim to establish Nigeria as a hub for MRO services in Africa, providing the infrastructure needed to support dry leasing operations, while reducing costs and boosting local capacity.

”CDCU is putting modalities in place to sustain policies like this so that we do not go in circles after the President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Foreign

China’s ice-snow sector ’ll exceed 1trn RMB value in 2025 — Official

88 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The National Alpine Skiing Centre of China has predicted that the country’s ice-snow sector would exceed one trillion RMB value in 2025.

The Ski instructor at the centre, Xin Dawei, made this known on Wednesday at a global virtual news conference organised by the centre.

He described 2025 as the busiest snow season.

Xin lauded China for capturing both domestic and international investments to become the world’s fastest-growing winter sports market.

He said that, although the world was undergoing a plateau phase, China recorded huge increments for international businesses.

“Two months ago, China released guidelines to boost the ice and snow economy with the aim to grow it into a 1.2 trillion-yuan industry by 2027,” he said.

According to him, the number of instructors at the centre has grown this year to meet the fast-rising demand.

He added that hiring was still going on.

Xin further said, “Youngsters venture into the snow fields inspired by Winter Olympic super idols, such as Eileen Gu and Yiming Su; many are also driven by their skilful friends or partners.

“Riding the Olympics wave, China’s ice and snow sector is expected to exceed the mark of 1 trillion RMB this year, up from 970 billion RMB in 2024.

“In 2015, when China won the bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, the figure was 270 billion RMB.”

He identified JD.com as an e-commerce platform for Chinese device buyers, sales of ski-related gears in 2024, which recorded remarkable growth with sales of ski goggles.

Others, he said, are snowshoes and snowboards, which have increased by not less than 80 per cent year-on-year.

Xin further quoted Mr Xie Jinhong, an official of winter sports sales at JD.com, as saying that Southern China sales had surged by over 100 per cent in Fujian, Anhui, Guangxi, Hunan and Guangdong provinces.

He also said that the current snow season was estimated to attract not less than 500 million visitors to ice and snow resorts, up from 385 million last season.

Xin quoted Mr Benny Wu, Vice-President of Beijing Ski Association and author of 2023-2024 China Ski Industry White Book, as saying that youngsters make up a significant portion of the winter sports participants.

“Winter camps are attracting tens of thousands of students in Chongli, one of the host locations of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, when compared to less than the past.

“Skiing schools are also burgeoning in China; China has become the world’s largest indoor ski market, home to over half of the world’s total and six out of the ten biggest ones globally.

“Breaking the limits of terrain and season, indoor venues offer convenient, round-the-year choices for city dwellers, especially in places where there are few mountains to develop,” Benny said.

Xin further quoted Lisa Zhang, General Manager, Marketing Department, Bonski, the largest indoor ski resort in Southern China, as saying that indoor skiing has been integrated into citizens’ lives.

“Sales of family tickets hiked by 66.5 per cent in the past five years with the number of preschoolers escalating 20 times,” Lisa said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Defence/Security

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

237 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned scavengers from operating in the territory.

The Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu announced the ban while briefing newsmen after the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Disu said that the scavengers were allowed to operate only on dumpsites located in the outskirts of the city and the suburbs.

“All security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that this order is enforced, beginning from Jan. 14,” he said.

The commissioner added that the committee also banned the operation of pantaker markets for two weeks, beginning from Tuesday across the FCT.

Pantaker is a market for the sales of fairly used items and scrap iron, including furniture and home appliances.

He explained that the two weeks suspension was to allow security agencies to profile the pantaker operators.

This, he said, would ensure that only legitimate operators operate in Pantakers across the FCT.

He said that the committee had concluded that everybody arrested for vandalising public infrastructure would be charged to court and tried for economic sabotage and if possible, attempted murder.

He noted that because the punishment for such offences was usually community service or fine, the offenders return to commit more crimes.

“The punishment given to them is so menial that we notice that we are recycling these criminals.

“The activities of the vandals are enough to kill residents of the FCT because when they remove manhole covers on the road, it can cause the death of people driving at night,” Disu said.

According to him, anybody vandalising public infrastructure is vitalising the joint property of all residents of the FCT.

“Numbers have been given out; if you see anything, say something.

“Let’s join hands to ensure that we protect all government infrastructures.” (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Metro

How Wike’s road project promotes socio-economic activities in FCT community 

139 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Residents of Saburi I and II communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council, have described the recently constructed road in the community initiated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a “game changer.”

Some of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, that the road project had significantly improved socio-economic activities in the area.

NAN correspondent alongside other members of the Ministers’ Press Corps, visited the  community to assess the impact of road projects on FCT communities.

NAN recalled that Wike had on Jan. 21, 2024, inaugurated the construction of a 5-kilometre access road, connecting Saburi 1 and 11 and Dei Dei International Market.

The minister had said that the road, from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Dei DeI International Market, was designed to ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the wet season.

The residents told NAN that the road had improved their businesses and triggered enormous socio-economic activities and other developmental strides in the area.

One of the residents, Mr Emmanuel Ogboh, a shop owner, said that businesses in the community had improved owing to the increased vehicular movement since the construction of the road.

The visibly excited Ogboh thanked Wike for extending his developmental agenda to Saburi community.

Also, Mrs Justina Ocheche, who sells beans cake, popularly known as Akara, said that her business had improved since the completion of the road.

Ocheche said that when the road was not completed her akara business suffered due to heavy dust particularly during the dry season and mud during the raining season.

“However, since Wike happened, there is no more dust or mud; people are now moving freely and we are experiencing significant patronage.

“God will bless Wike and his generation yet unborn because of what he did for us in Saburi and Dei Dei,” She said.

The akara seller, however, called on the FTC administration to tackle the epileptic electricity and portable water supply in the community.

“Sometimes this community stays two weeks without water supply due to epileptic power supply,”she decried.

Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo

A furniture maker, Mr Nicholas Emmanuel, said that the dust that before now emanated from the road had affected furniture business in the community.

He explained that furniture  made of fabrics accumulates dust, making it unattractive to prospective buyers.

He added that residents were always putting on nose masks to protect them from the dust and prevent catarrh.

“Now the dust is over and so is our catarrh.

“We thank God that the minister remembered us in Saburi and we pray that God will keep him to continue the good work he has started,”he prayed.

For Mr Akin Akinwande, a car wash owner in the community, said that the road network was a game changer for his business.

“Before now, you barely see 20 cars pass through this community in a day, but now more than 100 ply this road daily.

“This is good for our businesses and we thank Wike and President Bola Tinubu for this gesture,” he said.

Mr Emeka Oduma, a truck driver, said “I am very impressed with what Wike did for us in this village; I am happy and everybody is happy that our minister is doing a good job.

“I have been in Saburi 1 for close to 10 years and the road was in terrible state, but thank God for Wike who is setting a good example for others to follow,”he said.

Describing Wike as a “good man” , Oduma urged the minister to continue with the good works by opening more roads in rural communities of the FCT.

The Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo, who could not hide his joy, described the road project as its “new bride.”

“This road is like someone who has never gotten married and when he finally does, he feels like the whole world belongs to him.

“We have suffered a lot due to the absence of a good road in Saburi, but we are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears,” he said.

The village head also commended the minister for the ongoing construction of a Police Station and a hospital in the community.

NAN reports that the 5-kilometre Saburi to Dei Dei road is among several road projects awarded by the Wike-led FCT Administration in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Defence/Security

Go after criminals wherever they enter – CDS charges troops

140 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged troops to intensify efforts in combating criminal activities across the nation, stressing the importance of pursuing and neutralising threats wherever they may hide.

He made the call during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Social and Award Evening for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen in Abuja on Sunday.

Musa emphasised the need for a more proactive approach in addressing security challenges, adding that the military must make a significant impact in operations against insecurity in 2025.

“We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil.

“Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. I have encouraged all our commanders this year that we must make a great difference in all our operations.

“We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them,” said Musa.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reinforced the military’s crucial role in ensuring peace and stability and reminded the troops of their oath to serve the nation with loyalty and resolve.

“We must go wherever lawfully sent by land, sea, or air.

“We must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” said Oluyede.

Oluyede also emphasised the importance of supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, noting that the military’s commitment was crucial in achieving national aspirations.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, reassured Navy personnel of the military leadership’s commitment to their welfare and operational readiness.

He revealed plans to introduce new assets and enhance surveillance capabilities to improve operational efficiency and boost troop morale.

“We will continue to rejig our operations, introducing new assets and improving surveillance capabilities to support our personnel in overcoming the enemy,” Ogalla said.

The Chief of the Air Force (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Administration, AVM Idi Sani, lauded the troops for their resilience and loyalty to the armed forces and the nation.

He emphasised that the military’s responsibilities went beyond defending territorial integrity to include maintaining stability, fostering unity, and driving the nation’s progress.

“In spite of the dynamic nature of our security challenges, your unwavering commitment ensures that our nation remains secure and strong,” said Abubakar.

He also highlighted the success of collaborative efforts among the services, which have led to significant achievements in counterinsurgency operations, disaster response, and other national missions.

Abubakar reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force was committed to the welfare, training, and operational readiness of its personnel, recognising that a highly motivated and well-trained force was the backbone of military success.

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

WTO supports UNIZIK to offer master’s programme in international trade

145 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

Nigeria is set to inaugurate a Master’s programme in International Trade through the support of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), at  Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, confirmed this when the Nigerian Ambassador to the WTO led a delegation to visit her on Monday in Abuja.

Oduwole said the programme would be executed under a four-year endowment of 200,000 Swiss Francs from the WTO to UNIZIK.

She described the award as a significant milestone for the country, as this was the first time Nigeria had secured such an endowment in its 30 years of WTO membership.

“This is a big one for Nigeria. The programme focuses on key areas such as digital trade in Africa, MSMEs, the circular economy, and women’s entrepreneurship.

“It aligns with our priorities at the ministry and will effectively strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to implement WTO and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) policies,” she said.

Oduwole lauded the efforts of Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, the lead researcher, and expressed pride in the initiative, which she described as a perfect fusion of academia and government collaboration to advance trade policy.

“I believe that with the success of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, through your programme, Nigerian universities will be able to attract even more shares from the WTO and similar institutions.

“This is what Nigerian universities need to switch a bit to the academic side,” she said.

Amb. Adamu Abdulhamid, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, highlighted the competitive nature of the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP).

“This programme is domiciled in the WTO and supports academic institutions globally to strengthen trade policy research and capacity building,” Abdulhamid said.

He explained that 27 Nigerian universities applied for the programme, with Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerging as the winner after rigorous screening.

“This initiative will run for four years, addressing digital trade in its first year, MSMEs in the second, the green economy in the third, and women’s entrepreneurship in the final year,” Abdulhamid said.

He commended the WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for her leadership and consistent support for Nigeria.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, expressed pride in the university’s achievement and pledged full institutional support for the programme.

“This project underscores our capacity for research and development and we are committed to ensuring its success.

“This includes developing a Master’s programme in International Trade, which will strengthen Nigeria’s academic and economic landscape,” Ikechebelu said.

He assured that the university’s curriculum committee would fast-track the establishment of the programme, which is expected to start by the next academic session.

Meanwhile, Egbuna, who is also the head of the Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR) at the university, described the endowment as a call to action.

“This is a great responsibility and an exciting opportunity. We are poised to deliver a hands-on programme which integrates academics, practitioners, and policymakers,” Egbuna said.

She emphasised the center’s role in regional integration and trade capacity building, adding that the initiative would position Nigeria as a hub for trade research and development.

Egbuna said that the center would collaborate with global institutions, including other universities within the WTO Chairs Programme network, to ensure impactful research and policy outcomes.

She said the programme was a significant step toward trade policy formulation, academic development, and economic capacity building for Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Features

Appraising the impact of local players in defence production in Nigeria

177 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Local players are indeed making an impact in Nigeria’s defence production.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is a key player in this sector, and it has been working to increase its local manufacturing and production capabilities.

In fact, the Nigerian government has set a target for DICON to become 40 per cent self-sufficient in local manufacturing and production of defence equipment by 2027.

DICON, established in 1964, is tasked with producing essential military hardware, including small arms, ammunition, and armoured vehicles.

This is a significant step towards reducing the country’s reliance on foreign defense imports.

Some local companies, such as E-PAIL Nigeria and Proforce Nigeria Limited are already making impressive contributions to Nigeria’s defence production.

For example, E-PAIL has produced Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and made significant milestone in bolstering Nigeria’s fight against insecurity by delivering 20 cutting-edge Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAVs) to the Defence Headquarters in the cause of the year.

The company officially handed over the LTAVs, equipped with advanced weapons and communication systems, to revolutionise military operations, enabling early detection of adversaries and effective engagement while ensuring seamless coordination.

According to E-PAIL Chairman, Kola Balogun, the presentation demonstrated the growing involvement of indigenous industries in strengthening Nigeria’s defence technology.

Speaking with NAN on the development, Balogun said the nation has a very good footprint with the new DICON law, aimed at creating an enabling environment for the local player to make significant impact in developing capabilities.

He, however, said that the implementation of the law was key to achieving the desired end by making sure that DICON remains an unbiased umpire over issuing of license, standard and compliance.

“In the process, we will now be able to domesticate global standards to domestic standards to address our peculiarity.

“However, as a company, we are already making a serious impact on the defence industry with some of our newly developed equipment like anti-mine vehicle, light armoured vehicles with so much sophistication.

“(This will) address our peculiarity because there are some things that you might put as a capability feature to address some of the inadequacies we have in the previous equipment.

“These efforts can only be complemented if we have sufficient support, sufficient research and sufficient patronage from all the services.

“These are things that will keep boosting our morale as private investors in the defense industry to invest more because there are people who are going to make use of it,” he said.

Balogun, who is the Secretary General, of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), said the efforts of the local players had aided remarkable victory recorded by the military in the frontline.

He said that domesticating technology was the best way to address the peculiarity of the nation’s security dynamics, adding that building local capability into the enhancement was a way to deal with such local peculiarities.

Balogun called on the Federal Government to draw a pure guideline on incentive that would enhance local capabilities in form of intervention needed for the local players to compete favourably.

He said that Nigeria could also export defence equipment to its neighbouring countries through local players if fully supported.

“We have started well by creating enabling laws, but that is not the first time. We want the government to further strengthen their deployment strategy in such a way that it will give sufficient benefit to the local investment.

“There is also the need for sufficient control so that we can become a formidable defence industry that will be second to none in the world.

“We want to encourage the government to reduce the bureaucratic bottleneck surrounding the revamping of our steel industry because the defence industry generally relies on steel.

“It is steel related right from the ammunition, arms, missiles, vehicles, everything.”

On his part, the Business Development Manager of Proforce, Mr Kayode Nariwo, said that Proforce had produced different military platforms in support of the current onslaught against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

Nariwo said that the Nigerian Army had taken delivery of several PF ARA Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAPS) vehicles as well as a few PF VIPERS.

He added that the Defence Headquarters also took delivery of 15 PF Vipers while the Nigerian Air Force commissioned Proforce’s Armoured Buffalos (IACVs) Improvised Armoured Combat Vehicles.

“The PF ARA is a 15 tonnes MRAP which was deployed to the North East at the peak of the war against Boko Haram since 2018 while the PF Vipers is a 9 tonnes MRAP and has been deployed recently in the Northwest part of Nigeria,’’ he said.

On the new DICON Act, Nariwo said the new act was meant to provide local producers with better chances and opportunities, saying their expectations were high with services chiefs’ desire to use home-made solutions.

“This is a lesson from the war between Ukraine and Russia which places more emphasis on local solutions.

“The combination of the new DICON Act and Executive Order 5 will give leverage to Local manufacturers.

“The most important thing is to make sure the platforms meet international standards. Another advantage for the Armed Forces is availability of spare parts and after sales services that local manufacturers provide.

“One major challenge is convincing the military that we have developed capacity to take on their requests. Another challenge is competing with foreign made platforms as well as the issues with typical infrastructure, cost of power and access to forex.”

He added that there were enormous prospects for local players with the current military leadership being Pro-Local producers as well as the willingness of International Organisations to partner with local firms for Technology Transfer (ToT).

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, recently presided over the inaugural board meeting of the DICON, marking a significant step toward revitalising the nation’s defence manufacturing sector.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, followed the enactment of the DICON Act 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023.

The legislation aims to modernise and expand DICON’s operations, furthering Nigeria’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production.

The board meeting brought together top military officials, service chiefs, and representatives, including those from the Nigeria Police Force, to discuss strategies for enhancing DICON’s role in national security.

In his remarks, Matawalle underscored DICON’s central role in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, saying that all DICON factories must produce towards achieving the vision of self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

He emphasised the importance of partnerships with local industries to foster job creation, employment, and enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to supporting DICON as a critical component of Nigeria’s military industrial complex.

DICON’s expanded mandate under the new law aligns with Nigeria’s goals of reducing dependency on foreign arms imports, enhancing national security, and fostering industrial growth.

Recent advancements, such as the production of armoured vehicles and personnel carriers, reflect the corporation’s increasing role in Africa’s defence manufacturing landscape as well underscores the significant role the private sector will play in this milestone. (NANFeatures)

 

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email