NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Be gender responsive in your policies – Women Engineers tell govts, industry leaders
Metro

Be gender responsive in your policies – Women Engineers tell govts, industry leaders

181 total views today

 

By Angela Aatabo

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has called on governments at all levels and industry leaders to be gender-responsive in their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) policies.

The President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, made the call at an event to mark the 2025 International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme for this year’s day is “Together We Engineer: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Engineering”.

Osim said the call was imperative in order to promote inclusion in tandem with this year’s theme.

Quoting the UNESCO’s 2023 Science Report, Osim said only 28 per cent of the world’s engineering graduates are women, and even fewer rise to leadership roles.

She added that in Nigeria, the figure is lower. Specifically, from the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria 2022 data (COREN 2022), about 15 per cent of registered engineers are women,

She explained that the low number of women in engineering was not due to lack of talent, but as a result of systemic barriers, stereotypes, and a lack of enabling structures.

“So, the question before us is: How do we change that? How do we, together, give women engineers a better path?

“It can be done through mentorship and sponsorship. Every woman is a mentor-in-waiting. Let us take deliberate steps to lift others as we climb.

“Another way is through policy and advocacy.  We must continue to engage with policymakers to make STEM education accessible to girls.

“I call on government and industry leaders to support gender-responsive STEM policies and fund women-led engineering innovations.”

Osim underscored the need to leverage digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, stressing that the future of engineering is digital.

She advocated for women engineers to be equipped with AI, automation and data analytics skills.

The president also advocated that work-life integration should be supported, so that leadership would not come at the cost of well-being.

“APWEN is exploring flexible work programmes and wellness initiatives for our members, because we believe that a supported woman leads better,” she said.

Osim, therefore, encouraged women and men to continue to create awareness on equipping girls in STEM and mentor one more student.

The National Vice Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), Temitope Aboyeji in a presentation titled “Engineering Inclusion: Building Gender-Balanced Leadership Teams for a Sustainable Future” called for enforcement of gender policies.

According to Aboyeji, this would support diversity, equity and inclusion of women in leadership pipelines.

According to her, engineering inclusion is the intentional effort to ensure that individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to contribute to the engineering profession.

She said this involved removing biases, ensuring access, and building a culture where everyone regardless of gender, race, or background can thrive.

She said it combines diversity, equity, and belonging into the engineering profession.

“The future of engineering depends on inclusion. For too long, the field has struggled with gender imbalance, limiting innovation and sidelining valuable perspectives.

“Engineering inclusion means more than just increasing numbers- it means creating environments where women and men contribute equally, lead confidently, and collaborate effectively.

“Gender-balanced teams are proven to be more creative,’’ she said.

Aboyeji said women engineers bring unique insights that enhance the relevance and effectiveness of engineering solutions.

“To build such teams, we must break down systemic barriers through targeted education policies, mentorship programmes and workplace inclusion strategies.

“Creating environments where all voices are valued, empowers more young women to pursue and thrive in engineering careers.

“Engineering inclusion is neither charity nor fairness, it is a strategic imperative, a mark of smart and forward-thinking leadership for teams and organisations, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Oil & gas coy urges removal of bottlenecks hindering upstream investment
Oil & Gas

Oil & gas coy urges removal of bottlenecks hindering upstream investment

214 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

Engr. Chichi Emenike, Acting Managing Director and Gas Asset Manager, Neconde Energy Limited (OML 42), has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the numerous bottlenecks obstructing investment in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

Emenike made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, while speaking to newsmen after a panel session at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.

She said that oil and gas operators currently grapple with nearly 500 different fees and levies imposed by various government agencies — an issue she said continues to deter financing and investor confidence in the sector.

While acknowledging government efforts in the past year to improve the ease of doing business, she stressed that the sheer volume of levies and regulatory hurdles were making it increasingly difficult to attract the private capital needed to drive industry growth.

“The truth is, if you look at the oil and gas industry today, while the government is still figuring out how to attract financing on its end, most of the funding moving the industry forward is coming from the private sector.

“When finance is brought into an ecosystem, it must yield profit to remain viable.

“When we talk about ease of doing business, we are referring to the operational bottlenecks that must be unbundled, if we are truly serious.

“The minister mentioned that there are about 273 fees and rents, but I beg to differ. There are far more; you deal with one agency, then another, and another.

“There is a multiplicity of fees, including some that must be paid in dollars. It can become stifling and discouraging for any businessperson,” Emenike said

She commended the current administration of President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of some policies, reforms and initiatives, noting that they signaled a shift in approach and could yield positive results if sustained.

Emenike, who shared the panel with Executive Vice President (Gas, Power & New Energy) Olalekan Ogunleye and Managing Director, Nigeria LNG, Philip Mshelbila, also advocated the removal of the price cap on gas supplied to the power sector.

According to her, lifting the cap will boost investment and improve gas supply to power plants.

She cautioned that, unlike crude oil, natural gas had limited market flexibility and lowered margins, emphasising the need for policies that enable market-driven pricing.

“Allow investors to do their business; bring in gas and develop upstream assets.

“For all the resources we have, much of it is still untapped. Officially, we stand at 210 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas reserves, and that figure hasn’t moved in a long time.

“Some major projects have been signed recently. We must give them the space to grow. The power sector which consumes over 60 per cent of our gas must be unbundled and made viable.

“The illiquidity in the value chain must be addressed. Tariffs must be cost-reflective. When I borrow money, it must be repaid.”

She noted that operations at OML 42 have expanded significantly since its acquisition 13 years ago, growing from a shut-in asset to one currently producing over 50,000 barrels of oil per day. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

BCDA to execute life-changing interventions in 250 border communities
Metro

BCDA to execute life-changing interventions in 250 border communities

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By Philip Yatai

The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) says it has concluded plans to intervene in more than 250 border communities with life-changing services within the year.

The Executive Secretary, Dr Dax George-Kelly, disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2025 African Border Day, in Abuja.

The event was organised by the National Boundary Commission with the theme, “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross Border Cooperation”.

George-Kelly told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the event, that the interventions would cover water supply, education support and construction of schools.

He said others include provision of health services, empowerment programmes, agricultural inputs and social welfare.

He explained that there were over 3,000 border communities spread across 21 states and 105 local government areas in the country.

The secretary added that the population of the border community was more than 20 million people, representing about 14 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

According to him, the people, for a long time, have been neglected.

He, however, said that President Bola Tinubu has brought renewed hope to border community dwellers with the planned interventions in more than 250 border communities this year.

George-Kelly said that the intervention would be spread across 21 states covered by the agency.

“That is something that has never happened before in the history of this country and so, a lot will be happening.

“Like I have always said, to transform border communities requires inter-agency collaboration, especially in terms of security.

“That is why we are here today and that is what we are going to be doing going forward,” he said.

The executive secretary acknowledged a lot of ungoverned spaces in border communities, stressing the need to invest in infrastructure in the areas.

This, according to him, will make the border communities’ dwellers to feel government presence.

“Otherwise, they will be more loyal to smugglers who provide them with some form of amenities.

“This is a matter of emergency because access to most border communities is difficult; access to water is difficult, while access to education and health remain a problem.

“So, for us, we are in a hurry to intervene in all these communities,” he said.

George-Kelly disclosed that the agency would soon conclude partnership with China to change the socio-economic status of some border communities, beginning with Maigatari in Jigawa.

He explained that the partnership, when concluded, would attract Chinese investment, and would lead to the export of cattle from some border communities to China.

He added that the export would be more than 20,000 metric tonnes monthly, amounting to 240,000 metric tonnes annually.

“We are also going to be looking at potentials of all border communities,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Sandra Umeh

Let national interest guide you, Oyetola charges NIMASA board
Economy/Business

Let national interest guide you, Oyetola charges NIMASA board

432 total views today

 

By Diana Omueza

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has charged the inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to be guided by national interest.

Oyetola gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the board.

He said that the new board was part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to reform institutions, enhance trade facilitation, and unlock the potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the board is chaired by Mr Yusuf Abubakar, while other members include Mr Babatunde Bombata, Mr Emmanuel Igbinosun, and Rear-Admiral Patrick Nwatu.

Other members are Mr Yinusa Yakubu, Mr Fidelis Lorkoso, Ms Iroghama Blessing-Ogbeifun, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Mr Chudi Offodie, Mr Fatai Taye-Adeyemi and Mr Jibril Abba.

The minister said that the board was expected to deepen governance of the agency and ensure Nigeria was well positioned to harness significant economic opportunities from shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.

“This bold initiative aims to provide dedicated focus and strategic leadership in the development, regulation, and promotion of the country’s ocean-based economy.

“I must emphasise that the decisions and policies of this board must be guided by national interest and directed towards the betterment of Nigeria and the advancement of our economy.

“As board members, your role is to provide strategic direction; while your duty is to guide, question and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and national service which this administration is fully committed to.

“You are to support the management team of NIMASA while holding them to the highest standards of performance,” he said.

The minister stressed that the primary responsibility of the board was to provide oversight and strategic direction, not to micromanage.

He reiterated the non-executive nature of the governing board and cautioned against interference in the day-to-day management of the agencies.

Oyetola assured that the ministry would actively support the board and ensured that NIMASA got the necessary institutional backing and conducive environment to carry out its functions effectively.

Earlier, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that the establishment of the board was to reposition the Agency for greater efficiency, impact, and alignment with national economic objectives.

“With your appointment, a great deal of trust has been placed in your collective capacity to provide policy direction, oversight, and strategic guidance,” he said.

Responding, Abubakar, thanked Tinubu and Oyetola for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work in total alignment with the policy trust.

He also promised that the board would work in synergy with the management to foster transparency, accountability and efficiency of the agency.

“The task is clear, and the board is fully aware and prepared, we are resolute and committed to oversight of NIMASA and we will work with the management to foster transparency and enhance performance,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Deborah Coker

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 
Metro

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has expressed excitement over the engagement of indigenous contractors in the delivery of roads and other projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu gave the nod in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the development as remarkable and worthy of celebration.

He said that the road projects being inaugurated were awarded to an indigenous contractor, adding that the decision by the administration was deliberate.

“It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity; we are creating jobs; we are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.

“Above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.

“This project, therefore, is not just a success story of development; it is a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence,” he said.

Tinubu noted that for too long, the journey between Ushafa and the War College and Army Checkpoint had been a test of endurance.

He added that every commuter, every trader, every student and every health worker, who has travelled this road had borne the burden of delay and difficulties.

“That story changes today. With this project, we have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity.

“The dualised and upgraded roads would not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighbouring communities.

“Beyond the concrete and asphalt; beyond the tar and steel, this project, like the others we have commissioned across the nation, is a tangible expression of my administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.

From left: FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the inauguration of dualized Ushafa to War College/ Army Checkpoint Roads and other ancillary roads in Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Wednesday.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for his commitment to ensuring that no community in the territory was left behind.

He said that Wike’s vision of an integrated capital city, where development was not confined to the city centre but extended to the suburbs and satellite communities, aligns perfectly with his “Renewed Hope agenda”.

“I am convinced, and I believe you too, that we cannot truly build a modern, functional capital city unless we ensure that every district, every council, every ward is connected and empowered.

“No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing.

“It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works, and indeed, Abuja is working,” he said.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 16.4-kilometre road project was awarded to Abdul Val Construction Company in line with Tinubu administration’s directive to encourage local contractors.

“I agree with Mr President; we must build our own,” he said.

The minister said he was sceptical about the capacity of the contractor to deliver, adding, however, that after about 15 inspection visits, the contractor had delivered on time and within expected standard.

He commended Tinubu for identifying with residents of satellite towns through execution of various life-impacting projects.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s support had continued to open up new corridors of growth and development across the FCT.

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration would work tirelessly to bring more dividends of democracy to every part of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike meets area council chairmen, NUT, NANs over teachers’ strike 
Metro

Wike meets area council chairmen, NUT, NANs over teachers’ strike 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, will meet with chairmen of FCT area councils, leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANs) on Thursday.

The meeting, according to a statement by NANs in Abuja on Wednesday, is to finalise modalities for the reopening of all public primary schools in the FCT.

The statement was signed by NANs National President, Olushola Oladoja and the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa.

The association explained that it had earlier resolved to stage a mass protest Wednesday morning at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat.

It added that its leadership was invited to a high-level engagement at the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters, where the issues at hand were thoroughly discussed in the interest of national security and students’ welfare.

It said that the first meeting at the DSS paved the way for a second strategic meeting with the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara.

NANs said that the engagement revealed the root causes of the ongoing industrial action by the NUT and the efforts made thus far by the Wike-led FCTA.

It added that a third meeting was held with Wike on Tuesday, where the minister explained the issues at hand.

“That the FCT remains the only unit of the federation operating full local government autonomy, hence all salary payments, including that of primary school teachers, are the sole responsibility of the area councils.

“The FCT Administration is not directly responsible for the backlog of teachers’ salaries and therefore should not be held solely accountable for the inadequacies of the area councils.

“In a show of responsibility and commitment to resolving the crisis, Wike intervened by proposing a bailout—with FCTA offering to pay 60 per cent of the outstanding arrears while the area councils cover the remaining 40 per cent.

“When it became clear that this arrangement was not yielding desired results, the FCT minister withheld the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the months of May and June, with a plan to utilize these funds to make up the 40 per cent requested of area council to clear the outstanding arrears owed to teachers.

“That based on this intervention, it was expected that the two-month arrears withheld be ready before the end of the week,” it said.

The association said that based on the productive engagements and emerging progress, it hereby suspends the planned protest while keeping close tabs on the implementation of all resolutions reached.

“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian students and ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to governmental lapses,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja
Metro

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has barricaded the slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange, Abuja.

The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, said during the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the move was to prevent vehicular movement due to recurrent flooding on the road.

Mohammed explained that the road was usually flooded every rainy season, adding that the water level on the slip road was already building up.

According to him, barricading the road is part of being proactive to ensure that no life is lost to flooding on the road, thereby saving lives and property.

“Recalled that heavy floods on the slip road in 2019 claimed the life of Director of Finance of the FCT High Court, Mr Tony Okecheme.

“We decided to close the slip road to vehicular movement today due to the rising water level, posing a serious danger to motorists.”

He appealed to residents of the FCT for their understanding, and urged motorists to seek alternative routes.

He further appealed to residents against driving through a pool of water but wait for it to recede, calling on residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Reps restate commitment to optimising sustainable immunisation financing
Health

Reps restate commitment to optimising sustainable immunisation financing

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By Ikenna Osuoha

The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to optimisation of sustainable immunisation financing model in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Rep. Amos Magaji stated this at a multi-stakeholder’ technical workshop on optimisation of sustainable immunisation financing model in Nigeria, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Magaji said that the financing model in the country was crucial for maintaining high immunisation coverage and preventing outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as donor-funding had declined.

“Indeed, optimising a Sustainable Immunisation Financing model in Nigeria is crucial for maintaining high immunisation coverage and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as donor funding declines.

“Laudably, Section 5(I)(i) of the National Health Act of 2014 provides that children from zero to five years old and pregnant women are immunised with vaccines against infectious diseases,” he said.

According to him, the legislative provision underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure that vaccine-preventable diseases do not become the bane of a decent society.

The lawmaker expressed regret over what he called the under-funding of the immunisation financing model in the country, saying that domestic allocation to the health sector was inadequate, without donor financing.

“Whilst this poses a threat to a healthy society and the goal for universal health coverage, it is Important to highlight some of the key challenges,” he said.

He identified the country’s heavy reliance on external donors over the years as one of the challenges, saying that it had created a culture of neglect for immunization.

Magaji, however, called for government’s increase domestic budgetary allocation to immunisation through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as well as private sector and innovative financing.

He further stated that optimising sustainable immunisation financing in the country would require a multi-sectoral, multi-level approach combining public investment, private sector innovation, community involvement and legal safeguards.

The lawmaker said that the transition from donor-dependency to sustainable domestic financing must be guided by evidence, accountability and inclusive planning.

“This can only be achieved starting with workshops and conversations such as this,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ipalibo Harry, said it was unacceptable for Nigeria to be in the list of countries with the highest burden of low immunisation of children under five years.

Harry called for collaboration of all stakeholders to find ways of addressing the burden of low immunisation in the country.

She commended the House of Representatives committee on healthcare for the workshop which, she said, was timely.

In her remarks, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

Anas said that the workshop was in line with Tinubu’s vision of leaving no one behind, especially children and women in immunisation administration.

The Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Diseases, Sen. Tony Nwoye, called on all Nigerians to see immunisation as a first-line charge.

Nwoye, who described immunisation as the beginning of a journey toward a robust and resilient healthcare system, said it remained one of the most cost-effective and life-saving interventions.

The senator commended the government for the progress made in reducing the burden of vaccine preventable diseases in the country, saying, however, that the progress was being threatened by over-dependence on external funding sources.

He, therefore, advocated for building a domestic sustainable financing framework to guarantee uninterrupted access to vaccine and immunisation services across the country.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Mrs Chika Offor said only predictable and sustained funding would  reduce the number of zero-dose children.

Offor expressed satisfaction with the commitment of all stakeholders to immunization administration as their first- line charge.

“What it translates immediately is that we are now going to have fundings.

“As I am talking to you now, there is a diphtheria outbreak, and it will continue that way because the vaccines are not available,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT
Metro

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT

166 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continued support to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue delivering life-impacting projects in the territory.

Tinubu made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN-8 (Asuquo Okon Street) and other connected roads in Dakibiyu District.

The road stretches from Arterial Road N-5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Jabi District, to the Arterial Road N-1 (Olushegun Obasanjo Way) in Dakibiyu District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said this administration remained steadfast in its support for the FCT Administration.

He commended Wike’s efforts, “whose sense of urgency in the execution of projects is well known to Nigerians”.

Tinubu said: The capital of this nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home.

“We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.

“We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards.

“Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone.

“So, as we commission this road, let it be a symbol not just of connectivity but of commitment, not just of movement but of momentum”.

The President stressed that there was no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities.

He added: “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.

“Infrastructure, after all, is not just about concrete and steel. It is the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, of order, and of vision.

“A modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.

“That is why today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road, it is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built”.

The president said that, for too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of communities in Dakibiyu District.

He added that the newly constructed roads would breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen and long waiting to be served.

According to him, the dividends of the project are immediate and enduring.

“Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and most critically, livelihoods will thrive.

“Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope; not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact; not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.

“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria,” he said

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council for approving the project which began in October 2024.

He explained that the project became necessary due to the terrible state of the road leading to several government institutions in the area.

“Your Excellency, I thank you for your continued support, and we will continue to solicit for more,” he said.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has continued to bring tangible transformation to the FCT.

Mahmoud described the project as, yet another testament to Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive urban growth. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Chairman victory for Nigeria, Africa  – Edoh
Economy/Business

Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Chairman victory for Nigeria, Africa  – Edoh

234 total views today

By Diana Omueza

Dr Raymond Edoh, says the appointment of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) is a glory and victory for Nigeria and Africa.

Edoh, a stakeholder in the maritime sector, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the WCO Council, the global decision-making body on customs administration, formally endorsed Adeniyi as Chairperson, effective July 1.

“The WCO plays a pivotal role in establishing international customs standards and practices, fostering global trade, and promoting economic development,” Edoh said.

“Adeniyi’s appointment is a glory and victory for Nigeria and Africa, and a monumental step toward strengthening our role on the global stage.

“The resounding confidence shown by WCO member states in electing him underscores his commitment to enhancing international customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and effective border management,” he added.

Edoh noted that the historic appointment not only affirmed Adeniyi’s exemplary leadership within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), but also highlighted Nigeria’s rising stature in global affairs, particularly in trade and customs administration.

He emphasised that with Adeniyi at the helm of the WCO, strategic advancements in Nigeria Customs operations would align more closely with global standards and objectives.

Edoh also stressed the importance of maximising the potential benefits of the appointment for Nigeria and the African continent.

He called on the government to consider extending Adeniyi’s tenure as Comptroller-General to facilitate deeper collaboration between the NCS and WCO in pursuit of economic growth and regional security.

“There is a pressing need for digital transformation in Nigeria’s customs procedures to effectively combat illicit trade and foster sustainable practices.

“Extending Adeniyi’s tenure is crucial. He is a beacon of hope for Nigeria to address critical challenges with comprehensive and collaborative support from the WCO,” he said.

Edoh further stated that Adeniyi’s leadership would significantly enhance the capacity of Nigerian customs administration in promoting legitimate global trade.

“This is a valuable opportunity for the Nigerian government to strengthen international customs cooperation.

“Strong leadership at the helm of customs is essential to ensure unhindered trade flows and maintain Nigeria’s position as a global trading partner,” he added.

He urged all stakeholders to support Adeniyi’s leadership at the WCO by contributing expertise, technical knowledge, and innovative collaborations to protect and sustain the organisation and the Nigeria Customs.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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