News Agency of Nigeria
ACReSAL marketplace showcases success in restoring degraded landscape
Environment

ACReSAL marketplace showcases success in restoring degraded landscape

By Abigael Joshua

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) says its marketplace for ACReSAL project recorded and delivered huge investment through land restoration.

Dr Joy Agene, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank and Task Team Leader, ACReSAL, said this at the ACReSAL Marketplace showcase in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Agene, the marketplace for ACReSAL is where we have a huge investment that is saving millions of land in targeted watersheds.

“Marketplace is also a technology where water is conserved in dryland to ensure that we are able to produce, sell and make income.”

Similarly, Mrs Ellysar Baroudy, Practice Manager, Environment, World Bank, expressed satisfaction with the project, saying it had really been an example within the whole World Bank portfolio.

She, however, said that the World bank was faced with challenges of climate change, degradation, as well as finance.

Baroudy urged ACReSAL to be resolute in spite of the challenges being faced at the point of discharging their work.

In the same vein, Mr Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL said that the project was people-oriented and would sustain livelihoods.

He noted that the project had touched so many lives especially the down trodden in communities.

Dr Segun Babarinde, Director Water Support Services, Ministry of water Resources and Sanitation, said the ACReSAL marketplace had showcased a collaborative effort among the stakeholders.

“I want to thank all the states for being very, resolute in ensuring the achievement of this glorious idea by the government.

Mr George Stanley, Director, International Economic Relations Department, Ministry of Finance, said that there was no doubt that the project had delivered on various aspects of environment, agriculture, water resources among others.

According to him, in special terms, the project has improved the resilience and livelihood of the communities through wide range interventions carefully implemented by institutional partners.

Also, Mr Luka Ayedo, Etsu Kwali, said that the intervention of market place project was already yielding excellent results.

“The project has come to terminate hunger in our community. The intervention has impacted us for good and I want to say the World Bank has invested rightly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which showcased the project’s remarkable impacts and results since its inception in 2022, featured community representatives with notable outputs/products highlighting the project successes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Nigeria needs citizens with character, not just soldiers with weapons – Marwa
Defence/Security

Nigeria needs citizens with character, not just soldiers with weapons – Marwa

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has urged Nigerians to uphold discipline, loyalty and resilience in confronting the nation’s challenges.

Marwa made the call in Abuja on Saturday night at the 38th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Class of 1982.

Speaking as a proud alumnus, he recalled his own days in Zaria, describing NMS as a crucible where boys were moulded into men with values that have endured a lifetime.

“At NMS, no one asked who your father was, what language you spoke, or what faith you professed. We were bound by brotherhood and a common destiny as Nigerians,” he said.

Marwa hailed the Class of 1982 for producing two serving Service Chiefs, the Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Air Chief, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, calling it a historic achievement.

He praised the set’s contributions to their alma mater, noting that their projects symbolised gratitude and enduring loyalty.

“Our country today needs more than soldiers with weapons. She needs citizens with character — men and women armed with courage, loyalty, discipline and resilience,” he said.

Marwa congratulated the NMS 82 set on their 38-year milestone and urged them to continue serving, giving back, and inspiring the next generation.

In his remarks, a leadership expert and motivational speaker, Mr Fela Durotoye, charged members of the NMS Class of 82 to live up to the values of discipline, knowledge, and patriotism that shaped them in Zaria.

Durotoye drew parallels between the alumni and Africa’s liberation leaders of the 1940s, who fought for independence without titles or wealth.

“In 1945, seventy-nine young Africans, most in their thirties, gathered in Manchester with nothing but conviction.

“Without firing a shot, they toppled colonialism. That is why history calls them the Great Generation,” he said.

Durotoye told the Class of ’82 that greatness was not about what they held in their hands, but what they carried in their hearts.

“Our generation must do for the next generation what the Great Generation did for us, we must create value, and we must instill values,” he declared.

Durotoye commended the alumni’s ten pledges adopted earlier in the day, which included commitments to integrity, excellence, respect, and building a lasting legacy.

President of the NMS 82 Alumni Association, retired Lt.-Cdr. Jim Bent, said the reunion was a celebration of enduring bonds of friendship and reaffirmation of commitment to national service.

Bent said the Zaria-based institution moulded boys into men of character, discipline and resilience.

According to him, NMS is not just a school; it is a crucible where values are etched into our bones. Brotherhood for life is what has carried us to this day.

He recalled humorous moments of their school days from midnight adventures to clashes among mates, stressing that even in rivalry, they remained brothers united by discipline and shared experience.

Bent noted that the set had produced achievers in business, government and the armed forces, including two serving Service Chiefs, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

“Our story is still being written. The challenges of our nation call on us, the alumni of NMS, to stand up and be counted.

“Class of ’82, we are those men in the arena. From boys to men, from cadets to leaders, we have dared greatly and we continue to do so,” he said.

The event drew members from within and outside Nigeria, including the UK, Canada, and South Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

UNGA 2025: FG activates empowerment of 10m women
Metro

UNGA 2025: FG activates empowerment of 10m women

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government says it has activated the economic empowerment of no fewer than 10 million women to achieve its one trillion dollar economy ambition.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed this at a high-level sideline event of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, U.S.A.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event is themed: “Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment: Financing Inclusive Growth for Peace, Development, and Human Rights – Lessons from Nigeria for Women Project. “

NAN also reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday for New York to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the UNGA.

Speaking at the event, the minister said the economic empowerment is being achieved through targeted projects, initiatives, programmes, and interventions focused on women.

She said that one of the key vehicles being utilised for the empowerment is the Nigeria for Women Project, ((NFWP).

According to her, NFWP, under the leadership of President Tinubu, is currently, the nation’s most significant women’s economic empowerment platform.

“In phase one, we mobilised over 460,000 women into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across multiple states.

“These groups have collectively saved over an average of N4.9 billion of their own money and have inter-loaned significantly to expand businesses, cover health costs, and pay school fees.

” In addition, over 330,000 women have accessed livelihood grants, while thousands have been linked to formal financial institutions, national ID, and health insurance schemes,” she said.

The minister said after the successful pilot launch in six states, the ministry had scaled up and opened up to all states.

“It is critical to highlight, that while this model borrows from the most successful global experiences, we have wholly adapted it to Nigerian realities.

“The Women Affinity Groups that are created under the programme have become platforms of voice, social capital, and economic agency.

“They are changing the texture of communities, lowering household vulnerability, and strengthening our democracy from below, ” she said.

The minister told delegates and partners at the event that the ministry realised that, “investing in women’s entrepreneurship will transform not just incomes but also nutrition, education, and community stability.

She said based on that understanding, the government consolidated its empowerment approach into a single delivery architecture that integrated agriculture, clean energy, logistics, digital access, mobile services, amongst others.

“We call this the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774 (RH-SII774).

“This programme is envisioned as a transformative, gender-responsive initiative that will directly impact over 50 million women, children, families, and vulnerable persons across all 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation.

” It provides a unified national platform to tackle systemic issues such as gender inequality, family instability, digital exclusion, child vulnerability, and economic disempowerment.

” It is a full-scale transformation of how social protection and women’s economic empowerment are delivered in Nigeria,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State, said investments in women empowerment are not only a moral imperative, but an economic necessity for peace , prosperity and shared growth.

Abdulrazak, represented by Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue state, said in Nigeria and around the world, when a woman thrive, family, communities and entire communities thrive.

The governor noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) is a powerful demonstration of what sustained, target financing could achieved.

” The programme is collaboration among the Federal Government, State Ministries, the World Bank and other partners.

“It began in six states and it is now active in 15 states with commitments from 32 states in overall.

” To date, more than 46,000 women have organised into 22,000 Women Affinity Groups, saving over N4.4 billion and channelling this resources into small businesses that are transforming families and community alike,” he said

The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Tinubu for his support and unwavering commitment to women Inclusivity and youth development in Nigeria.

“So many policies and initiatives have been put in place to empower women at the national and sub-national levels on women empowerment, ” she said.

For his part, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, said his administration gave special attention to women empowerment.

He added that women were the major beneficiaries of almost all the empowerment programmes in the state.

Other dignitaries at the event included, Plateau Governor Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa and the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal.

The Charge d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Samson Itegboje, and Prof. Kabir Mato were also at the event.

NAN recalls that the President Tinubu’s administration has set a target for Nigeria to become a US$1‑trillion economy by 2030.

This goal is part of his administration’s broader “Renewed Hope Agenda’ economic plan under a policy called “Nigeria First”.

The Vice President, in April, inaugurated the Interministerial Committee to drive the process of achieving the goal. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG unveils National Energy Master Plan implementation committee
General News

FG unveils National Energy Master Plan implementation committee

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has inaugurated the National Energy Master Plan Implementation Committee (NEMiC) in a major step towards repositioning Nigeria’s energy sector.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Dr Robert Ngwu, the Minister’s Senior Special Adviser.

He quoted the minister as tasking the committee with the responsibility of spearheading the country’s transition to a cleaner, more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

The inauguration marked the beginning of the full implementation phase of the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

Nnaji, said the committee should deliver real impact to households, industries, and communities nationwide.

“The National Energy Masterplan is not just a document; it is a blueprint for transforming our energy landscape. NEMiC must fast-track the deployment of energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly.

“The work you do will directly influence Nigeria’s economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability,” the minister said.

Nnaji expressed optimism that the committee would deliver on the assignment.

“The decisions and actions taken by this Committee will define Nigeria’s energy trajectory for decades to come.

“This is a responsibility of the highest order, and I am confident NEMiC has the capacity, the vision, and the commitment to rise to the occasion,” he said.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), on behalf of members of the committee formally submitted the implementation roadmap to the Minister.

Stakeholders say the inauguration of NEMiC represents a bold, strategic move to accelerate universal energy access, drive industrialisation, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in clean energy development.

Present at the event were Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Managing Director, Presidential CNG Initiative and Jide Awolowo, Investments Facilitation Coordinator of the Initiative.

Top executives from global power and engineering companies such as Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, China Machinery Engineering Co. (CMEC), Power China International Group, and Energy China were also in attendance.

Amb. Abaka Johnson Philbert, alongside representatives of international development organisations, including UNIDO and UNDP, attend the event, among other.

NEMP is a comprehensive framework designed to guide Nigeria’s energy diversification, strengthen energy security and align national development with global climate action goals.

Constituted on Oct. 17, 2024 by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), NEMiC is tasked with mobilising funding and investing in renewable energy infrastructure.

It is also has the responsibility of accelerating the deployment of technologies that expand access to reliable and affordable power.

The committee would oversee projects across solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other emerging technologies.

It would do that while also advancing the operationalisation of the National Energy Fund meant to channel resources into domestic energy efficiency and infrastructure projects.

It is estimated that over 80 million Nigerians lacking reliable electricity and more than 90 per cent of households depending on biomass for cooking.

Stakeholders, therefore, say that the Master Plan offers an opportunity to close the long-standing gaps while unlocking new economic frontiers.

Edited by Uche Anunne

Clean environment vital to health – Minister
Environment

Clean environment vital to health – Minister

By Abigael Joshua

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says maintaining a clean environment is essential to public health and “gateway to sound health. ”

Lawal said this in Abuja on Wednesday at the third quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Meeting, where ministry officials outlined recent environmental policies, achievements, and ongoing public health efforts.

He said ” once you can clear the environment and make it conducive for living, you’ll reduce the risk of frequent hospital visits and disease outbreaks.”

He stated that many ailments, including cholera, typhoid, malaria, and flu, were environmentally driven, and that a cleaner environment directly reduced the chances of those diseases affecting individuals and their families.

Lawal stressed that a clean, safe environment was one of the most important foundations for a healthy population, adding that the ministry had made tangible progress over the last two years.

“The most important value of this ministry is to secure a quality environment that supports good health and well-being of people, plants, animals, and the overall ecosystem,” the minister added.

He emphasised the ministry’s responsibility to promote sustainable use of natural resources, support environmental research, and implement development initiatives that enhanced conservation and sustainability nationwide.

“We are also tasked with restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and strengthening public understanding of environmental issues by raising awareness and promoting the use of accurate environmental indicators,” Lawal said.

Earlier, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary,
Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, said the meeting aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance.

Kambari, represented by Mrs Oluwayemisi Salako, Director of the Legal Department, said the ministry had carried out numerous programmes, projects, and reforms aimed at improving environmental sustainability across Nigeria.

He noted that many of the ministry’s efforts had not been properly documented or publicised due to the lack of a structured platform to highlight achievements and collect public feedback on challenges.

“Today’s session allows us to present updates on our recent environmental milestones, highlight existing challenges, and engage directly with citizens for improved environmental management,” Kambari said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

DEPOWA President tasks soldiers’ wives on parenting, entrepreneurship, self-care
Defence/Security

DEPOWA President tasks soldiers’ wives on parenting, entrepreneurship, self-care

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has urged soldiers’ wives to strike a balance between parenting, entrepreneurship and personal well-being in order to strengthen their families and communities.

President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, gave the charge during a personal development training for members of the Defence Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wives Association (DENCOWA) on Thursday in Abuja.

She said the theme of the training, “Balancing Intentional Parenting, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Well-Being,” reflected the daily realities of women who juggle responsibilities as wives, mothers and entrepreneurs.

Musa emphasised that true empowerment begins at home and extends into business, community and nation.

According to her, empowering the wives of non-commissioned officers would not only strengthen their families but also uplift the entire Armed Forces community.

“As the saying goes, ‘If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.

“I would add that if you empower the wife of a soldier, you strengthen the very backbone of national security,” she said.

The DEPOWA president also reminded participants that self-care was not selfish but essential for effective parenting and entrepreneurship.

She commended the facilitators for their role in the programme and urged participants to take the lessons home for the benefit of their families and communities.

She said the training was informed by the realisation that a gap existed between parenting and entrepreneurship among barracks women.

According to her, many of the women felt it was okay not to engage in any productive activity.

“At the same time, some are not paying enough attention to their own well-being and if they don’t take care of themselves, they can’t properly care for their children or families.

“So, we felt it was important to bring in trainers who would help them learn and improve in these areas,” she said.

The President of DENCOWA, Mrs Nancy Ezia, thanked the President of DEPOWA for paying attention to the needs of the wives of soldiers.

She expressed optimism that many of the women who do not have businesses would take advantage of the training programme, while those who already had businesses would learn how to expand them.

“Our goal is to see growth, both personally and economically.

“I feel great. In fact, all of us feel fulfilled. You can see the excitement among the women. It has been a very impactful and intelligent training.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training featured presentation lectures on Personal Well-being for Purposeful Living; Entrepreneurship Development for Economic Empowerment and Intentional Parenting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

AU, Nigeria sign MoU on counterterrorism cooperation
Foreign

AU, Nigeria sign MoU on counterterrorism cooperation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost collaboration against terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Coordinator, PAPS, African Union Commission and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The MoU was endorsed by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.

In his remarks, Adeoye commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel.

He noted that the country’s advanced facilities and expertise at the NCTC had “greatly contributed to regional and continental security.

“The AU is proud to formalise this partnership with Nigeria, a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism.

“The NCTC’s leadership and state-of-the-art technology have set a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts in Africa,” he said.

On his part, Laka said the MoU reflected Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024 and deepening regional collaboration.

According to him, by working with the African Union, we intend to strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies and demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve in ensuring peace and security across the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU will be jointly implemented by the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.

“Areas of cooperation include real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, support for victims of terrorism, and programmes on deradicalisation and reintegration.

“It will also reinforce AU-backed initiatives such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

“A Joint Working Group will monitor implementation,” it added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NASS declares support for NG-CARES programme
General News

NASS declares support for NG-CARES programme

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Assembly has reaffirmed its strong support for the Nigeria
Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES)
Programme.

The Information and Communications Officer of NG-CARES, Malam Suleiman Odapu, in a statement, said Mr Abubakar Kusada, Chairman, House Committee on NG-CARES, declared the support during a stakeholder’s meeting held in Abuja.

Kusada described the programme as a lifeline for poor communities and a vital
instrument for building resilience among vulnerable Nigerians.

The lawmaker also reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment
to supporting
NG-CARES, stressing that oversight visits to states will form
part of the partnership between the legislature and the executive to deliver on poverty alleviation.

He emphasised that “no community should be left out” in the ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable households and businesses from
economic shocks.

According to him, NG-CARES is more than a programme, it is a lifeline. It is
about families regaining their dignity, businesses reopening
doors of opportunity and rebuilding communities for a sustainable
future.

” NG-CARES stands as one of the most ambitious and people-focused initiatives, reaching households, businesses, and communities across the 36 states and the FCT, ” he said.

The representive of World Bank, Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, commended the legislature’s involvement, noting that it was an encouraging sign of ownership
and sustainability.

” The legislature’s active participation gives confidence that NG-CARES will endure as a national instrument for poverty alleviation and
resilience, even beyond donor support,” he stated.

The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives,Tajudeen Abbas, for establishing the Committee on NG-CARES.

He stated that the establishment of the committee was a step towards complementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the agenda emphasizes inchusive growth and development,
especially for the poor and vulnerable.

Present at the event were the Commissioners for Budget and Planning from Cross River, Kebbi, Sokot0, Gombe, Ebonyi, Bauchi and
Nasarawa States.

The NG-CARES programme is a World Bank-assisted programme designed to
expand access to livelihood support and food securitv services, as well as
grants for poor and vulnerable households.

It is implemented across the 36 states and the FCT and it leverages existing government structures to deliver results for
Communities in need. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

RTEAN suspends its secretary-general over alleged misconduct
General News

RTEAN suspends its secretary-general over alleged misconduct

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Executive Council (NEC) of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary General with immediate effect.

The association’s Deputy National President Administration, Amb. Muhammad Bishara, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, and the general public that an Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was convened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at its National Secretariat.

“The meeting was in accordance with the association’s constitution and commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in leadership.

“It was presided over by the Deputy National President (Administration), Amb. Muhammad Bishara, following due authorisation in accordance with the Association’s operational guidelines.”

He said that during the meeting, the NEC deliberated extensively on matters concerning the conduct of the Secretary- General, Mr Yusuf Adeniyi.

“After reviewing available reports and hearing submissions from relevant parties, the council resolved that Mr Adeneyi’s actions constituted misconduct and a breach of trust.

“In line with the association’s constitutional provisions, and in the best interest of preserving the credibility and unity of the organisation, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary-General with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.”

Bishara further said that the NEC constituted a seven-member Investigative Committee to examine all allegations and circumstances surrounding the matter.

He said that the committee is chaired by Dr Samuel Agbede, while Mr Adamu jalaluddeen as secretary and is mandated to submit its findings and recommendations within two months.

Bishara assured all members of the association and the public of its unwavering commitment to due process, fairness, and justice in handling the matter.

He added that the association remains focused on its primary mission of promoting the welfare of its members and advancing the growth of the road transport sector in Nigeria.

In a swift reaction, Mr Adeniyi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) denied the allegations, adding that he has not been served with any letter of suspension on alleged misconduct.

” I am the National Secretary-General of the Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and till this moment as I’m speaking with you I have not been served with any letter of suspension whatsoever.

“The fact of the matter is that there was a case between us and before the judgement, I advised that we should reconcile and send our terms of settlement to the court as consent judgement.

“And my people refused and when they refused the Appeal Court proceeded and when the verdict of the appeal court came they lost the case.

“When they lost the case I tried to reach out to the other parties so that the reconciliation effort I made before can be use to reconcile the parties, so that all of us can work together.

“Even if we win or we lose, we are all members. It is all about interest and we should be able to work together, ” he said.

He, however, said that about four or five days ago, the Deputy President of the association in charge of administration, met him in the office and dragged him out of the office.

“The following day I went they said that I cannot have access to the office. That is all that I know. I don’t even know my offense and nobody has called me either through the electronic or print system or served me with any letter of suspension.

“All I know is that they denied me access to my office, ” Adeyini.(www.nannews.ng)(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria, EU chart path for sustainable cocoa trade
Agriculture

Nigeria, EU chart path for sustainable cocoa trade

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry have pledged to accelerate efforts to meet the European Union’s December 2025 deadline for compliance with its deforestation-free regulation (EUDR).

This, according to them, is with a view to safeguard the nation’s cocoa exports and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the pledge at a Roundtable on EUDR Compliance, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential villa, in Abuja.

The roundtable was convened by the Office of the Vice-President in partnership with EU representatives, cocoa-producing states, and private sector stakeholders.

It explored financing options, institutional coordination, and technology-driven solutions to ensure that Nigeria’s cocoa remains competitive in global markets and to protect the nation’s forests.

Speaking at the event, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described cocoa as a strategic lever in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

He revealed that cocoa exports surged by 606 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, rising from N171 billion in the previous year to N1.2 trillion, accounting for 29 per cent of agricultural exports and 5.6 per cent of total non-oil exports.

“Cocoa is no longer just a commodity. It is a vital contributor to our economic transformation and a driver of our green economy agenda,” Uzoma said.

He said that the EUDR compliance, which requires proof of deforestation-free supply chains, aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and opens opportunities for traceability innovations, climate-smart farming, and local processing.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria has the capacity to meet the EU’s standards since many exporters are already compliant.

Represented by Deputy Director of Cocoa, Ajayi Olutobaba, the minister emphasised the need for a harmonised national traceability and sustainability system managed by a government agency to ensure data sovereignty and ease of verification.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the compliance push was both a challenge and a transformative opportunity for Africa’s fourth-largest cocoa exporter.

With the EU accounting for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, she stressed that meeting EUDR requirements is an economic, environmental, and developmental imperative.

“Compliance is not optional. It is about Nigeria first, ensuring our land is used sustainably, supporting our farmers and investors, and hitting our one trillion dollar economy target under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Zissimos Vergos, emphasised the need for the repositioning of Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.

“The conclusion of this meeting is that the National Cocoa Board should go out there to bring a trophy to Nigeria from repositioning Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.”

Also, Dr Taiwo Osho, Sustainability Manager at Tulip Cocoa Processes L.td., called for urgent action to clearly demarcate protected areas to prevent farming in restricted zones.

He said confusion over boundaries, low productivity, and access to farmland remained a pressing challenge in spite of the renewed interest in cocoa production (www.nannews.ng) (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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