Tosin Kolade - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
May, Sun, 2025

Quitting Nigeria won’t clear Meta of liability – FCCPC

100 total views today

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has stated that WhatsApp’s threat to exit Nigeria following a recent regulatory order will not absolve the company from any legal consequences.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, stressed that Meta and its subsidiaries must comply with Nigerian laws.

Ijagwu described the threat as a calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.

He said the recent affirmation of FCCPC’s final order by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal required Meta Parties to stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards consistent with international best practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ijagwu said the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal had awarded 220 million dollars against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp LLC as an administrative penalty for the violations.

NAN recalls that the tribunal further awarded 35,000 dollars to the FCCPC as cost of investigation.

”The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

”The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA (2018) and the NDPR.

”These infringements include denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation.

”Others are discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies,” he said.

Ijagwu said that Meta had been fined for similar breaches in Texas (1.5 billion dollars ) and only recently was asked to pay 1.3 billion dollars for violating European Union (E.U.) Data Privacy Rules.

He said that Meta had faced penalties in India, South Korea, France and Australia for similar breaches.

According to him, Meta never resorted to the blackmail of threatening to exit those countries rather, they obeyed.

Ijagwu said that FCCPC remained committed in its pursuit of consumer protection and data privacy toward ensuring a fairer digital market in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

Tosin Kolade
May, Sun, 2025

Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

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By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nigeria introduces e-Visa, digital entry system

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

General News

Nigeria introduces e-Visa, digital entry system

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By Ibironke Ariyo

Nigeria has introduced the fully digital e-Visa regime and an automated landing and exit card system as part of major reforms under Nigeria’s 2025 Visa Policy.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, (NIS), Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday in Abuja.

The NIS said that the initiative was a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The service said that the new development aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and took effect from May 1, 2025.

It added that the e-Visa application system is an end-to-end online platform designed to enhance national security, streamline application processes, and eliminate visa-on-arrival arrangements.

“The new e-Visa platform introduces 13 categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV) class. The full details are available on the official portal: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng,”.

The NIS said that applications would be processed within 48 hours or less, and successful applicants would receive e-Visas and QR codes via their registered email addresses.

The service also announced that the Visa on Arrival policy would be discontinued from May 1, 2025, and that visas issued under that policy remain valid only until May 30, 2025.

The service said the e-Visas were non-extendable, urging applicants to apply for visas that best match the duration and purpose of their visit.

“The new policy also introduces strict overstay penalties, effective September 1, 2025 and a daily fine of $15 will apply for all overstays.

“Foreigners who overstay for three months and above will incur a $15/day fine and a five-year entry ban.

“Also, those who overstay for one year and above will face the same fine plus permanent blacklisting from entering Nigeria.

“In addition to the e-Visa rollout, the government is replacing the manual embarkation and disembarkation forms with a fully automated landing and exit card system, available at: https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng.

“All inbound passengers, except Nigerians, are required to complete the electronic landing card online before boarding, while outbound passengers must complete the exit card before departure,” it said.

The NIS explained that the exit card system was synchronized with the Visa Processing Centre to enforce penalties, including automatic visa bans for non-compliance.

To ease the transition, it said, a three-month window period from May 1 to Aug. 1, 2025, has been granted.

“During this period, foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired visas may return to their home countries without incurring any penalties.

“We urge all stakeholders to comply with the revised immigration policies and timelines.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to implementing a more efficient, transparent, and secure immigration system that aligns with global best practices. ”(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Environment

World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria

113 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Nigeria through its $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

This reaffirmation came during a roundtable discussion on disability inclusion in WASH sector on Friday in Abuja, in collaboration with sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

The meeting was aimed at assessing progress, identifying gaps, and proposing inclusive solutions within the SURWASH implementation framework.

Ms Awa Diagne, the World Bank’s SURWASH Task Team Lead, stressed that the programme is not a one-off intervention but a systemic, performance-based platform designed to strengthen national delivery systems across the country.

“SURWASH is not a project, it is a programme that aims to strengthen national systems to deliver WASH services to everyone, with special consideration for people living with disabilities,” she said.

Diagne explained that SURWASH integrates disability inclusion into its performance-based financing model and supports the development of context-specific policies and guidelines to improve service delivery.

“We are not just financing infrastructure; we are helping states design policies that embed inclusion and resilience from the start, a major focus of the discussion was the importance of inclusive design that goes beyond physical infrastructure.

“Accessibility must go beyond ramps and handrails, it must reflect the full spectrum of disabilities, mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, and must begin with meaningful engagement of stakeholders from the outset”.

She added that disability inclusion must be viewed not as an add-on, but as an essential part of design, planning, and implementation.

She further called on state-level implementers to take the outcomes of the roundtable back to their respective regions and translate discussions into action.

“We need to be more conscious of who we consult, and what we mean by disability inclusion,” she urged, adding that monitoring, evaluation, and accountability must be strengthened to ensure inclusive outcomes.

Also speaking, Cindy Ikeaka, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist, noted challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing essential services in Nigeria.

She cited statistics indicating that more than 25 million Nigerians live with disabilities, many of whom are excluded from public services due to inaccessible infrastructure and weak enforcement of inclusion policies.

“We have children with disabilities who cannot go to school simply because the buildings are not designed to accommodate them,” she said.

Ikeaka underscored the need for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2019.

“While some states have domesticated the law, enforcement remains inconsistent, it is not enough to pass a law, there must be mechanisms to ensure it is enforced,” she said.

She also pointed to other inclusive development efforts by the World Bank, such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which promotes inclusive education, including for girls living with disabilities.

She stressed the importance of participatory engagement in all phases of development programmes.

“A person with a disability understands the barriers better than someone without one. If we want to ensure accessibility in schools, water points, or health centres, we must engage those directly affected.

“Inclusion is not optional but essential to achieving sustainable development and equitable service delivery,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, reiterated that disability inclusion in Nigeria’s WASH sector is both a development priority and a legal obligation.

He referenced the 2019 disability rights law, which mandates inclusive public services and infrastructure.

“Disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it is enshrined in Nigerian law,” he stated.

Gwaram noted that inadequate planning and design continue to limit access to water and sanitation for persons with disabilities, undermining their dignity and well-being.

He explained that the SURWASH framework incorporates inclusive principles to address this gap, but stressed the need to decentralise the initiative.

“We now have partnerships with key stakeholders like the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, but we must take these conversations to the states and local governments to ensure real impact,” he said.

Also contributing, Mr Tony Agwuna, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, called for greater disability inclusion in WASH programming across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said inclusive WASH must encompass participation, non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, accessibility, staff training, and effective monitoring.

He recommended the disaggregation of programme data to reflect the experiences of people with disabilities and ensure their inclusion from planning through to implementation.

“All MDAs should institutionalise the needs of people with disabilities in their programmes,” Agwuna added.

“Inclusive WASH is a human rights issue and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that SURWASH programme is being implemented in seven states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Katsina. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

P-CNGI enforces 40% fare reduction on CNG commercial vehicles

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

P-CNGI enforces 40% fare reduction on CNG commercial vehicles

103 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has begun the enforcement of 40 per cent public transport fare reduction on CNG converted commercial vehicles.

The P-CNGI made this known in Abuja on Friday, while marking the official public announcement of 40 per cent reduction on fares on routes serviced by NURTW CNG-converted vehicles.

Speaking at the event which took place at the Area 1 Park, Garki, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, P-CNGI Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director, said the aim was to execute President Bola Tinubu’s mandate on affordable transportation for Nigerians.

Oluwagbemi, represented by Mr David Idakwo, Regional CNG Expansion Coordinator, North, said the event was designed to showcase real-world CNG impact, reaffirm the commitment to cleaner and affordable transport and demonstrate practical implementation of CNG adoption.

“The intention is to as much as possible reduce the price of transportation for the general public.

“We have worked hand-in-hand with the NURTW, we have converted a lot of their vehicles and based on the agreement that we have with them, it’s for them to reduce the prices for the general public, so that the effect of the fare subsidy will be felt by Nigerians.

“The burden will also be reduced.

“So, in conjunction with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, we have come here to start enforcing the price reduction,” he said.

He said that after meeting with the NURTW, it obtained and jointly analysed the transport fares charged from Area 1 to different destinations when they were running on petrol, and achieved a 40 per cent reduction in the fares.

“Area 1 to Gwagwalada when they were on fuel was going for N1, 500; we have been able to reduce it to 900,while Area 1 to Bwari/Dutse is also reduced from N1, 500 to N 900.

“Area 1 to Kuje is reduced from N1, 200, to N720; Area 1 to Galadimawa is reduced from N500 to 300; Area 1 to Mpape is reduced from N1, 000 to N600; while Area 1 to Zuba also reduced from N1, 500 to N900.

“Area 1 to Lugbe reduced from N700 to N420; Area 1 to Jabi has also been reduced from N700 N420; Area 1 to Wuse is reduced from N400 down to N240, while Area 1 to Nyanya has been reduced from N700 to N420.

“Area 1 to Kabusa reduced from N800 to N480, while Area 1 to Apo was reduced from N500 to 300 Naira,” he said.

“So, at the moment, these are the reductions we have achieved at Area 1 Park. The reduction project will continue. More cars have been converted and we are going to other parks within Abuja, and eventually the country,” he said.

Speaking on how the passengers would identify the converted vehicles, he said all the vehicles that have been converted must have P-CNGI stickers pasted on them for easy identification by passengers.

The P-CNGI boss said the NURTW had thousands of registered commercial vehicles, and that it had converted over 50 per cent of them in collaboration with the union’s leadership.

“Even right here, we still have our members taking records of those cars that are yet to be converted and the conversion will continue.”

He said the Federal Government was already engaging the private sector on the need to invest in gas infrastructure to ensure availability of CNG at various fuel stations to reduce the disturbing queues witnessed in many refilling stations.

In order to enforce compliance with this new process, he said it had a task force made up with some members of the union and P-CNG officials, while passengers were obliged to report any non-compliance through P-CNGI customer service numbers (07000000264) or send message to info@pci.gov.ng.

“So, we sent out mystery shoppers into the field to board some of these buses and see if they comply. If they don’t comply, such a driver would be reported to the task force and be disciplined,” he said.

According to him, having converted over 70 per cent of airport shuttle cars, and met with the operators on the modalities for fare reduction, they will soon announce the reduced fare for airport shuttle cars.

Oluwagbemi, while reaffirming the government’s efforts in tackling high transport and energy costs, urged the media to amplify public awareness and encourage further CNG adoption.

Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Jubril, Secretary, Garki Branch, NURTW, lauded the president on his effort to reduce the suffering of Nigerians by reducing the price of transportation through the P-CNGI.

“When the programme was inaugurated, the NURTW and other sister associations were all invited and were all given the opportunity, as it stands today, a lot of our members’ vehicles have been converted, and conversion is still ongoing for many.

“When we noticed that most of the vehicles are being converted, we put a taskforce in place in order to checkmate vehicles that are already being converted, so that we can be able to reduce their prices.

“Part of our strategy is that vehicles that have been converted, must have a price tag written on them, so that passengers going to Gwagwalada, Nyanya, will notice that the vehicle is converted.

“We are there to protect the interests of our passengers and to enjoy the benefit of this programme,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

BoI disburses N2.25bn to Gombe MSMEs

115 total views today

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry (BoI), has disbursed N2.25 billion to support 16,696 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gombe.

Dr Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BoI, confirmed this during a town hall meeting held in Gombe on Friday.

The meeting aimed to sensitise the Gombe business community about the N200 billion Federal Government Loan Scheme for MSMEs and manufacturing enterprises.

Olusi said the Federal Government, through BoI, had disbursed over N107 billion to nearly 900,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

“Out of this, over 16,696 beneficiaries, valued at N2.25 billion, are from Gombe State,” he said.

Represented by Mr Mohammed Maina, North East Regional Manager of BoI, Olusi described the fund as a landmark initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that the initiative aims to empower MSMEs and revitalise Nigeria’s manufacturing sector as part of a broader economic growth strategy.

According to him, the scheme represents a strong investment in Nigeria’s future and a commitment to unlocking the business sector’s potential.

“MSMEs bring life to the local economy. They create jobs, provide livelihoods, and drive innovation across sectors,” Olusi noted.

He added that MSMEs account for 96 per cent of Nigerian businesses, 84 per cent of employment, and nearly half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Olusi said President Bola Tinubu envisions an economy where local industries thrive, meet global standards, and every enterprise is empowered to succeed.

BoI, he said, is working to ensure the scheme becomes a catalyst for jobs, innovation, and prosperity, especially among young entrepreneurs.

He commended Gombe State Government’s support and urged MSME owners, community leaders, and youth groups to champion the intervention.

Mr Abdulwahab Sabo, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya on MSMEs, praised President Tinubu for positively impacting Gombe’s local economy.

Sabo stated that MSMEs remain the backbone of the state’s economy by creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship, especially among women and youths.

He said the Yahaya-led administration is committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and youths while encouraging business growth.

Abbas Abdul, Chairman of the Tea and Bread Association in Gombe, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the financial support.

Abdul, who received N50,000 six months ago, said his business has grown to N300,000, and he now plans to open a mini restaurant.

Adamu Abubakar from Dukku LGA, who engages in fabrication and welding, said the intervention saved him from high commercial bank interest rates.

Abubakar received a N5 million loan at nine per cent interest per annum and now plans to expand and employ more young people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the town hall included a question and answer session on accessing loans and challenges faced by MSMEs. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Health

Gavi announces $191m to boost Nigeria’s health system, immunisation

119 total views today

By Abujah Racheal

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a new 191 million dollars Health Systems Strengthening (HSS-3) grant to Nigeria aimed at improving immunisation coverage and reaching underserved populations.

The initiative targets 1.8 million zero-dose children, those who have never received any routine vaccines and aims to raise immunisation coverage to 84 per cent by 2028.

Dr Alex de Jonquières, Gavi’s Director of Health Systems and Immunisation Strengthening, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja.

He described the grant as one of Gavi’s largest ever, emphasising its scale and significance.

He noted that it was the result of an inclusive planning process led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, development partners, and civil society.

“The investment will support health system expansion, particularly at the sub-national level.

“Nearly 80 per cent of the funds will be allocated to states, and more than 10 per cent will go directly to civil society organisations to reach the most underserved communities,” said de Jonquières.

He lauded Nigeria’s progress, citing more than 62 million children vaccinated, two million deaths averted, and the successful introduction of nine new vaccines, including those for HPV and malaria.

He added that Gavi had invested more than 2.4 billion dollars in Nigeria since 2000.

“This support has enabled the renovation of 493 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of 3,683 health workers, and procurement of cold chain equipment and logistics vehicles to strengthen immunisation delivery,” he said.

However, de Jonquières also noted that Nigeria still bear the world’s highest burden of zero-dose children, calling for increased domestic investment, stronger accountability, and deeper collaboration.

“As we launch this new phase, we stand at a transformative moment. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” he said.

He also announced an additional 100 million dollars investment for a nationwide measles-rubella campaign in 2025, which aimed to protect more than 100 million children, Gavi’s largest campaign in Nigeria to date.

“This support aligns with Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and broader health sector reforms to drive systemic improvements and sustainable progress in child health outcomes.”

Ms. Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, urged stakeholders to view health as a public investment rather than expenditure.

She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable health systems.

“There is a need to expand the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), improve transparency in resource use, upgrade healthcare worker training and conditions, strengthen global partnerships, and scale up digital health solutions.

“These efforts must be seen as long-term investments in a healthier future for all Nigerians, especially children,” she said.

Dr Walter Mulombo, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health system through a rights-based approach grounded in governance, transparency, and partnerships.

He highlighted governance as a critical pillar of health systems strengthening and commended Nigeria’s progress with the SWAp.

He underscored urgent priorities, including reducing zero-dose children, expanding malaria and HPV vaccinations, and introducing the measles-rubella vaccine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HSS-3 initiative, supported by Gavi and global partners, aims to improve healthcare access for women and children, particularly in underserved areas.

Running from 2025 to 2028, the programme will address resource gaps, strengthen leadership and oversight, and expand primary healthcare services across Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Abiemwense Moru

FG inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Environment

FG inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

103 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management Teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja on Friday, Utsev congratulated the appointees and emphasised their role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the appointees to prioritise performance, integrity, and innovation by setting clear strategic directions and fostering collaborative, respectful relationships with executive management to achieve results.

The minister emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, adherence to regulations, and a thorough understanding of the River Basin Act and Water Resources Master Plan.

He stressed that effective management of water resources and the expansion of irrigated farming are key to achieving national food security.

“Appointees have been urged to fully understand the ethical rules and regulations guiding public office in order to promote integrity, accountability, and respect in their conduct.

“They are also expected to familiarise themselves with the River Basin Act, the Water Resources Master Plan, and relevant policies to help shape strategic direction and introduce innovative ideas that will transform the sector.

“Furthermore, the Federal Government emphasised the need for a strong commitment to expanding irrigated agriculture across all River Basin Development Authorities, with the goal of supporting all-season farming and enhancing national food production”.

The Minister with the newly appointed Board Chairmen of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities

Utsev also highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the partial commercialisation of RBDAs and youth empowerment programmes, aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

He encouraged the new leadership to explore alternative funding sources and public-private partnerships to enhance financial sustainability.

“As a strategic extension of the ministry, you must uphold high standards to deliver on national priorities. Synergy, innovation, and commitment will be crucial to your success,” the minister said.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, described the induction retreat organised for the board members as crucial in repositioning the sector for national development.

Pheelangwah congratulated the appointees and stressed the need for strategic leadership, collaboration, and financial discipline to achieve core mandates in food security, irrigation, clean water access, and rural development.

The Minister with the newly appointed MDs of River Basin Development Authorities .

He noted that the retreat would foster synergy and deepen governance understanding, urging participants to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Abubakar Malam, Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, responded on behalf of all 12 River Basin Managing Directors and management teams.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for their appointments as key actors in the nation’s food security and rural development efforts.

Malam also praised Utsev for his leadership and acknowledged the support of the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors.

He reaffirmed the river basins’ commitment to promoting food security, rural development, and economic empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the agencies’ collective role in grassroots transformation through agriculture, infrastructure, and poverty reduction will strengthen the sector.

Malam assured stakeholders that the river basins would work collaboratively to fulfil their mandates and justify the confidence placed in them. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FEPSAN pledges affordable fertiliser supply for 2025

Tosin Kolade
Apr, Fri, 2025

Agriculture

FEPSAN pledges affordable fertiliser supply for 2025

193 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has assured Nigerians that sufficient quantities of high-quality and affordable fertilisers will be available nationwide to boost food production and strengthen food security.

Mr Abubakar Kassim, President of FEPSAN, gave this assurance at a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Value Proposition for the 2025 Fertiliser Season”.

He stated that the industry, in collaboration with key government partners, is putting measures in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2025 farming season.

Kassim commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its continued support in promoting investment in the sector.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that farmers have timely access to affordable and quality fertilisers to boost productivity and food security.

Kassim stressed that it provides essential nutrients required by the soil to produce sufficient food for the nation, calling it ‘a critical component of agriculture’.

He noted the need for enhanced support to sustain the industry.

“The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) has been the main support system for the industry, helping to catalyse local capacity by supplying production plants with critical raw materials.

“Our stock position for the commencement of the farming season is about 400,000 tonnes of NPK, while available raw materials at various plants across the country currently stand at about 80,000 tonnes.

“We assure Nigerian farmers, all tiers of government, regulators, financial institutions, and stakeholders across the distribution value chain that there will be adequate, high-quality, and cost-effective fertilisers available in the country,” he said.

Kassim noted that Nigeria has greatly expanded its fertiliser production capacity, growing from just seven blending plants about eight years ago to around 92 today.

“Nigeria has moved from having two urea manufacturers to three, increased its capacity to deliver over six million metric tonnes of finished urea fertilisers, and has become a net exporter of urea.

“In terms of other fertiliser blends, we’ve increased production from just one million tonnes to over 12 million tonnes annually.

“This is sufficient to meet the soil nutrition needs of farmers not only in sub-Saharan Africa but also in other parts of the world that import fertiliser, especially urea from Nigeria”.

Kassim noted that three years ago, fertiliser consumption in Nigeria, especially for NPK, ranged between 650,000 and 750,000 tonnes.

“For 2025, the organisation is targeting one million tonnes in production.

“We currently have the necessary raw materials in-country, in the hands of fertiliser blenders, so we will be able to meet all the demands.

“The initial demand for fertiliser this month stands at around 600,000 metric tonnes, and we are confident in our ability to meet that,” he stated.

The FEPSAN president added that the industry, in partnership with research institutions, has made progress in developing special fertiliser blends that are crop-specific, soil-specific, and cost-effective.

“This is to ensure that farmers receive value for their money,” he said.

Kassim explained that the objective of the conference was to inform the public about the current status of the fertiliser industry and to brief the media on FEPSAN’s plans for the 2025 farming season, in support of government initiatives on food security.

“The fundamental issue is to make the public aware that fertiliser will be available in Nigeria and will be delivered in a timely manner, as and when needed by the farming community”.

He described the media as the custodian of information on policies and programmes that can positively impact citizens’ lives.

“It is crucial for the media to have accurate information in order to properly inform and educate the public,” he said.

Mr Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended FEPSAN for its efforts to ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable fertilisers across the country.

He, however, urged the organisation to work towards eliminating substandard fertilisers from the market to ensure that agricultural produce remains nutritious and safe for consumption. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

ECOWAS solicits support for standby force following Bénin terrorist attack

Tosin Kolade
Apr, Thu, 2025

Foreign

ECOWAS solicits support for standby force following Bénin terrorist attack

187 total views today

By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS has solicited the full support of member states for the operation of its regional counter-terrorism initiative, the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), following the recent terrorist attack on Bénin Republic.

ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, made this known in a statement issued by the commission’s spokesman, Joel Ahofodji, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 54 soldiers were killed in the terrorist attack in northern Benin on April 17, according to Beninese government spokesman, Wilfried Houngbedji.

Touray, who condemned the attack, described the incident as a “barbaric, cowardly and heinous act”, which aimed at sowing the seed of terror and destabilising the subregion.

According to him, the attack underscores the urgent need to enhance the collaboration and support of member states, by pooling security resources together to effectively tackle the menace.

“It is with profound dismay and shock that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has learnt of the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated on 17 April 2025 in the Republic of Benin, which resulted in the loss of human lives and several injuries.

“ECOWAS condemns in the strongest terms this barbaric and cowardly act, which once again seeks to sow terror and destabilise our Member States.

“The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, on behalf of all the institutions of the Community and all West African citizens, extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

“He also extends condolences to the Government and people of Benin, and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.

Touray emphasised ECOWAS’ unwavering support and full solidarity with the President of Bénin Republic, the Government, and the people of the country amid the ordeal.

The commission’s president said that ECOWAS stood firmly by the Beninese authorities in their determination to combat the scourge of terrorism and ensure the security of their citizens and territory.

“In view of the persistence and complexity of the terrorist threat in our region, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for essential and enhanced cooperation among all Member States, particularly those that share common borders and are directly confronted with this scourge.

“Pooling efforts in the area of security is more essential than ever, if we are to mount a collective and effective response to the terrorist groups that threaten the peace, stability, security and development of our region.

“ECOWAS remains resolutely committed to working alongside the states of the region in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy, including the operationalisation of its Standby Force, and calls on all partners to support regional and national efforts to eradicate this scourge,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru