NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
UNICEF hands over 4,290 cartons of nutrition supplements to Adamawa
General News

UNICEF hands over 4,290 cartons of nutrition supplements to Adamawa

377 total views today

By Talatu Maiwada

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has supplied over 4,290 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS) to the Adamawa Government to combat malnutrition and related diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supplements were funded by donors, including the UK Government, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Through UNICEF’s Children Nutrition Fund, a 1:1 match-funding modelenables governments to double their investment in nutrition, improving malnutrition prevention, detection, and treatment.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, presented the supplements at a handover ceremony on Thursday in Yola.

Rafique stated that the 4,290 cartons of SQLNS contained approximately 2.57 million doses, expected to benefit at least 85,000 children in the state.

NAN reports that SQLNS is a specially formulated food supplementdesigned to prevent undernutrition and support child survival, growth, and development.

It helps address stunting, wasting, and anaemia by providing essential proteins, energy, and 23 vital vitamins and minerals.

Commending the Adamawa Government for its commitment to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) mechanism, Rafique acknowledged the support of various donors and UNICEF’s role in managing the fund.

“You are among the first states to take advantage of this matching grant opportunity to support mothers, children, and vulnerable groups.

“Malnutrition remains a major challenge in Adamawa, and these supplements will play a crucial role in ensuring that children are not malnourished,” she said.

Rafique expressed gratitude to the state government and donors, acknowledging their contributions in reaching the most vulnerable children in Adamawa and across Nigeria.

Mr Felix Tangwami, Adamawa Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, praised UNICEF and donor partners for their commitment to tackling malnutrition.

He attributed the rise in malnutrition to insurgency and insecurity, which have greatly disrupted farming activities and reduced access to nutritious food in the state.

“Our farmers no longer have the same level of access to farmlands, which has led to a decline in the availability of quality nutritional foods.

“Despite limited resources and competing demands, the governor continues to prioritise the health sector, because a healthy society is key to a healthy future,” Tangwami said.

He assured that the supplements would be properly distributed and utilisedto reach the intended beneficiaries.

Dr Bashir Sulaiman, Executive Chairman, Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency, commended the state government’s commitment and swift action in securing funding.

He revealed that the governor released ₦100 million for the matching grant for SQLNS procurement and further committed ₦300 million for the current year to sustain the fight against malnutrition.

Sulaiman called for continued collaboration with UNICEF to improve nutrition and overall health outcomes for women and children in the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Christiana Fadare

Counsel file several objections to charge against Otudeko, others
Judiciary

Counsel file several objections to charge against Otudeko, others

477 total views today

By Sandra Umeh

Counsel in the case of alleged fraud preferred against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, on Thursday, filed several preliminary objections to the suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The preliminary objections are from Otudeko and others charged along with him.

The applications included those challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case, those asking for stay of arraignment, and those seeking quashing of the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred a 13-count charge against Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc., Olabisi Onasanya.

Also charged is a former member of the board of Honeywell Group, Soji Akintayo, and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

The N6.2 billion fraud charge is marked FHC/L/20C/2025 and before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

NAN reports that the case was scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 20, but the defendants were absent on the grounds that the EFCC had not served them with the charge.

Their counsel had argued that they only got “wind” of the case on the pages of newspapers.

The court consequently directed service of the charge by substituted means, and adjourned the case.

On Thursday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for EFCC and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) announced appearance for Otudeko, while Mr Olasupo Shashore (SAN) appeared for Onasanya.

Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for Akintayo, while Mr Ade Adedeji (SAN) aanounced appearance for Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

Mr Babajide Koku (SAN) announced appearance for the nominal complainant, First Bank of Nigeria.

Olanipekun informed the court of an application he filed on behalf of Otudeko and dated Jan. 28 which, he said, was served on EFCC on Jan. 29.

He also told the court that there was an affidavit dated Feb. 1 which gave details of Otudeko’s absence in court.

Other defence counsel briefly introduced their applications before the court.

In response, EFCC counsel, told the court that he had complied with the court’s directive on substituted service of the charge on the first, third and fourth defendants and had attached a proof of service.

He also told the court that he received processes from Olanipekun confirming that Otudeko was not within the court’s jurisdiction.

Oyedepo added that he received a “harvest of motions” from defence counsel in the suit, objecting to the suit.

He said it was important to know when the parties could return to the court for arraignment of the defendants since the first defendant was absent.

In response, Olanipekun informed the court that he had served an application on the prosecution on behalf of Otudeko, adding that EFCC had seven days to reply.

He argued that a court had to, first, decide whether it had jurisdiction to entertain the case.

He urged the court to give a date for hearing of the defendants’ applications.

In response, Oyedepo argued that the arraignment of the defendants ought to be taken first before any applications.

He cited the Court of Appeal’s decision in the case of Yahaya Bello as well as the provisions of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He submitted that the court should adjourn the case for arraignment of the defendants.

In further response, Olanipekun argued that it was important for the parties to refrain from “pulling cases by a strand of hair”.

Citing judicial authorities decided after the enactment of the ACJA, including Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) versus Idahosa and Shema Ibrahim versus FRN, he argued that the court dispensed with the appearance of the defendants in both cases.

On his part, counsel to the third defendant, Ogunwumiju, also argued that it was important for the court to first take the objection by  defence in the interest of justice.

Citing the provisions of Edet versus State as well as Section 412(3) of the ACJA, he submitted that arraigning the defendants before hearing their objections would be prejudicial.

In the same vein, counsel to the second defendant, Shashore, urged the court to hear the applications of defence.

According to him, the fourth defendant seeks an application staying arraignment, and another quashing the charge.

He argued that it would be unfair to insist that the court would take the  defendants’ pleas to a charge that might be quashed.

He added that it was important for the court to first decide whether there was merit in doing same.

Counsel to the fourth defendant, Adedeji, argued on the authority of Nwadike versus FRN that court processes must not be made to oppress citizens.

He argued that the case of Yahaya Bello as cited by prosecution was not relevant to the suit, neither was the provisions of Section 396(3) of ACJA.

Adedeji said that the defendants ought not to face fraud trial for a civil transaction.

In reply, Oyedepo said that the cases as cited by defence counsel were out of context and did not reflect the charge.

He urged the court to make an order directing Otudeko to be present in court on the next adjourned date.

At this point, Olanipekun informed the court that Otudeko was under medical review and was advised to remain in the United Kingdom until a comprehensive review and medical advice.

He urged the court not to make such an order, but to adjourn the case for hearing of the applications.

The judge adjourned the case until March 17 for ruling on the arguments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Ijeoma Popoola

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy
Agriculture , Food Security

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy

608 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mr Vincent Egbe, Managing Director, GB Foods, has called on the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation of the National Tomato Policy to enhance development of the tomato ecosystem and support its competitiveness.

Egbe made the call during a three-day industrial tour by the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Tomato Policy (2022–2026) is designed to cut down on post-harvest losses.

It will also curb import of tomato concentrates through increased import tariff from five per cent to 50 per cent and an additional $1,500 levy per metric tonne.

The GB Foods Managing Director said that Nigeria had a shortfall in tomatoes supply in spite of being the 13th largest producer of tomatoes in the world.

He said that, to be fully self-sufficient, Nigeria should be producing a total 10 to 12 million metric tonnes of tomato annually.

Egbe said the company would continue to embrace innovations targeted at celebrating local tomato flavours.

He, however, noted some shortfalls that had plagued the tomatoes industry, such as low production levels, poor infrastructure, weak market linkage and poor access to finance.

He emphasised the need to address the sector’s key challenges and secure essential support for its progress.

This, he said, could be achieved by stopping disruptions from regulatory authorities, providing incentives and fiscal support for local manufacturers and infrastructure support.

“One hundred per cent of everything done in Nigeria is manufactured in Nigeria with 55 per cent local sourcing of Nigerian ingredients.

“We would continue to invest to feed the consuming population, seeing that government is looking to grow the production base of manufacturing.

“We would continue to key into the agenda of government to accelerate contributions to the country’s economy,” he said.

Egbe also revealed the company’s plan to establish Nigeria as an industrial hub for West African markets with ongoing tomatoes distribution and logistics investments, and tomato processing expansion.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability by fostering right nutrition, preserving environmental balance and investing in local communities’ prosperity.

“We see Nigeria as the future driver of a prosperous Africa, and so we are investing here on a rate of 7:3 i.e. seven here in Nigeria and 3 in other parts of Africa.

“What we are doing in Nigeria is consistent with who we are and we would continue investing in tomatoes backward integration to develop the tomatoes ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.

Responding, the minister said that the company occupied a critical space in the food industry.

He said that while Nigeria might be passing through a phase, it still had opportunities.

Enoh assured that the Federal Government would continue to support local manufacturers and made in Nigeria goods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FG to revive textile industry, promote made in Nigeria goods -Minister
Economy/Business

FG to revive textile industry, promote made in Nigeria goods -Minister

351 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to revive the textile industry, its value chains, as well as promote made in Nigeria goods.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh made the pledge on Wednesday in Lagos, during his visit to Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., on a three-day industrial tour.

Enoh noted that key agendas of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, included economic growth, through manufacturing and job creation.

The minister said that several years ago, the textile industry, competed almost fairly with government, in terms of employing Nigerians.

He commended the textile company for weathering the storms the country had faced, through the years, and assured that the current government was committed to  development of the sector.

“When you say that about two million jobs can be created, that is a bit conservative, and when you talk about 300 containers coming into this country and not officially accounted for, that is not right, and would be addressed.

“The next door country, Benin Republic have a flourishing textile garment industry, and their target is the Nigerian market.

“I have the immediate mandate, in terms of the programme of the ministry, to promote made-in-Nigeria goods and services, and my visit here is to assure you that this is a government that is going to, and is able to change this situation of things,” he said.

Mr Alok Bhardwaj, Managing Director, Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., said the company made use of everything Nigerian; from its people to cotton, wool, threads and yarns, in its production processes.

He noted that the industry, between 1985 to 1990, had 250,000 employees, with more than 250 companies, producing textiles in Nigeria, and today, had dropped to close to 10,000 employees.

“You would be surprised to know that we import $6 billion every year of textiles into Nigeria, and Nigeria consumers by doing that, employs 750,000 Chinese and Indian workers in their countries to clothe ourselves,” he said.

Bhardwaj noted that threats facing the textile industry include the smuggling of second hand clothing into the country,  which he said, affected the tailoring end among others, of the textile value chain.

According to him, close to one million five hundred thousand Nigerian tailors were affected because of the amount of second-hand clothing, coming into the country unabated.

He called for a level playing field that will put Nigeria goods first, to uphold and protect the country’s manufacturing industry.

“The employment of our people has a multiplying effect in the economy, and to achieve the growth targets of government, it is very important that we employ our people to do our things for ourselves,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola and Benson Iziama

FG advocates private sector collaboration to improve sanitation
Environment

FG advocates private sector collaboration to improve sanitation

379 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for greater private sector involvement in improving access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigeria.

Utsev made this call at the opening of the National Retreat for States on the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign in Abuja on Wednesday.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering market-driven solutions and attracting investment in sanitation infrastructure.

“We are focused on strengthening the role of the private sector in driving market-based solutions and creating business opportunities for sanitation entrepreneurs, such as Toilet Business Owners.

“We are also exploring innovative financing models and expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment in sanitation infrastructure and services while leveraging technology and innovation”.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2030, in line with the revised implementation strategy of the Clean Nigeria Campaign (CNC).

He stated that 142 local government areas (LGAs) across 20 states had achieved open defecation-free (ODF) status as of January 2025.

He however acknowledged persistent challenges, including financial and human resource constraintsat state and local government levels, which have hindered progress.

Utsev urged state governments to develop clear, time-bound ODF Action Plans aligned with the campaign’s 2025–2030 strategy and to establish dedicated implementation teams to accelerate efforts.

He also announced plans to introduce a national performance scorecard to assess and rank states based on their sanitation efforts, with incentives for high-performing states.

The minister praised states making huge ODF progress, urged others to follow, and called for stronger collaboration with development partners to achieve an ODF Nigeria by 2030.

He noted that while the SURWASH initiative is currently being implemented in seven states, plans are in place to expand it following an ongoing evaluation.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2030, urging stakeholders to intensify sanitation efforts.

Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Reforms, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, described the retreat as a key platform for evaluating progress and strengthening implementation efforts.

“This gathering marks another significant step in our collective commitment to ending open defecation and improving sanitation across the country.

“Our goal may seem ambitious, but it is achievable through strong political will, strategic collaboration, and sustained action at all levels,” he stated.

He commended stakeholders’ commitment to sanitation and urged them to share best practices and innovations.

Pheelangwah expressed hope that the retreat would strengthen state-level commitment and accelerate the campaign’s rollout nationwide.

He assured attendees that the retreat’s communiqué would provide clear guidance for advancing the initiative at the state level.

“Achieving a Clean Nigeria goes beyond policy, it requires behavioural change, community mobilisation, and long-term solutions”.

The CNC National Coordinator, Mrs Chizoma Opara said the retreat aimed to assess its five-year progress, saying only 142 local government areas across 20 states had achieved ODF status.

Opara called for greater collaboration to achieve the goal of making Nigeria ODF by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Gombe State Water Resources Commissioner, Mohammed Saidu, pledged to develop a five-year roadmap to achieve the ODF target.

Stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, WaterAid, UNICEF, and others delivered goodwill messages.

The two-day retreat gathered water commissioners from all 36 states, the FCT, and key sector partners.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of new information materials and a SURWASH programme logo to enhance awareness and engagement in the sector. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS President urges Turkey to boost bloc’s anti-terrorism efforts
Foreign

ECOWAS President urges Turkey to boost bloc’s anti-terrorism efforts

375 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commision President, has called on Turkey to step up its support to the subregional body’s efforts toward curbing the scourge of terrorism in West Africa.

Touray made the plea when the outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Hidayet Bayraktar, paid him a farewell visit at the commission’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, Turkey is ECOWAS’ privileged partner, Africa’s major partner, and a global power, hence should continue stepping up its efforts to support peace, unity and security in West Africa.

“Turkey is a major partner of Africa and a privileged partner of ECOWAS.

“Its leadership is hailed and appreciated throughout the African continent,” he said.

Touray recalled the multifaceted approaches, which ECOWAS and the UN had embarked on, aimed at combating insecurity and terrorism in the sub region, stressing that West Africa’s greatest challenge was insecurity.

The commission’s president lauded the Turkish ambassador’s commitment and support to ECOWAS throughout his tour of duty, as well as his country’s role in the development of West Africa.

He, however, noted that there was the need to engage in deliberate, collaborative efforts toward promoting peace and security, which he described as indispensable to the development of the subregion.

“ECOWAS’s major challenge is insecurity, and none of its member states can face it alone.

“If we are not united, we cannot combat this threat.

“Unity and collective collaboration are essential to preserve peace and stability in West Africa”, Touray added.

Speaking earlier, Amb. Bayraktar reiterated Turkey’s commitment to deepen its support for ECOWAS’ efforts in tackling the challenges of violent extremism and terrorism, as well as promote peace, security and stability.

The Turkish envoy also lauded the prevailing excellent cooperation between his country and ECOWAS, and appreciated Touray’s contributions and efforts which, he said, helped to deepen the cooperation.

Bayraktar noted that there was the need for further collaborative efforts to explore other avenues of effectively combating the scourges of insecurity and terrorism within the ECOWAS subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit marked the end of Bayraktar’s tour of duty as Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria with concurrent accreditation to ECOWAS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

NDLEA seeks laws to curb drug-related online misinformation
Science & Tech

NDLEA seeks laws to curb drug-related online misinformation

443 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to enact and enforce laws that would curb drug-related online misinformation.

Oyutu Obiageli, an assistant commander in NDLEA, said this at the workshop on ‘Safer Internet Day’ organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Abuja Chapter and Young Innovators Nigeria (YIN).

The theme of the event was: ‘Creating a safer Digital World Empowering Youths Against Cybercrime’.

Obiageli said Tech companies should strengthen their commitment to content regulation and misinformation detection.

“Educational institutions and parents must equip young people with digital literacy skills to differentiate facts from falsehoods.

“The public must take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content.

“The public must also take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content,” she said.

Obiageli called for the need for young people to be equipped with digital literacy skills to critically analyse drug-related content online.

“We must establish fact-checking initiatives and collaborate with influencers who promote factual drug education.

“Strengthening legislation to regulate online drug-related content is important. Technology alone is not enough.

“Strong legislation and enforcement mechanisms are crucial in holding digital platforms accountable for the content they host,” she said.

The chairman of Abuja Chapter of NCS, Mr John Odumesi, said the digital space had become an indispensable part of learning process, communication and innovation.

He said the interconnected world also presents significant risks, especially for young people, often susceptible to online predators, cyber bulling, misinformation and other forms of cybercrime.

“The workshop is timely and relevant; it highlights the urgent need to equip our youth with knowledge, skills and resources necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

“We must empower them to become responsible digital citizens,” Odumesi said.

The Founder of YIN, Mr Andrew Agbo, said there was need to enlighten youths on the dangers  and opportunities associated with the internet.

He said the emergence of the internet had made it possible for people to access tons of digitised information at their convenience.

Agbo said it had enhanced communication, improved business transactions, and expanded access to information, adding that in the education space, students can work interactively and unrestricted without worrying about time and the usual physical constraints.

He said the programme would improve the knowledge of young innovators as they can use the internet to create new ideas, develop new technologies and address local issues.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central Zone (NCS) , Mr Bayo Onimode, said  the Day was an important initiative that helps inform the public on how to use online resources safely and responsibly.

He advised Nigerians to be careful on the various online platforms they follow, saying some of them could be an avenue for cybercrime. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Valentine’s Day: NACA urges safety against HIV, STIs
Health

Valentine’s Day: NACA urges safety against HIV, STIs

399 total views today

By Justina Auta

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged Nigerians to prioritise their safety by making informed choices to protect themselves against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Dr Temitope Ilori, the agency’s Director-General, gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja ahead of the Valentine’s Day celebration.

The NACA boss noted that HIV remains a major public health concern, even though it is preventable.

“Engaging in risky behaviours such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, or substance use that impairs judgment increases the chances of HIV transmission.

“As the season of love approaches, this is to remind Nigerians that true love goes together with responsibility.

“During Valentine’s Day, let us celebrate affection with wisdom by making informed choices that protect us and our partners from HIV and other STIs,” the official said.

The NACA boss stressed the need for people to know their HIV status.

“People should engage in regular HIV testing; they should take proactive steps to stay safe, as this is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.

“The first step to protection is knowing your HIV status. Regular HIV testing is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and ensures you can take proactive steps to stay safe.

“We want Nigerians to enjoy Valentine’s Day while making choices that safeguard their health.

“HIV is preventable; we have the tools to stop its spread. Love responsibly, get tested, and make informed decisions”. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Stop impersonating COAS on social media – Army warns
Defence/Security

Stop impersonating COAS on social media – Army warns

321 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has warned those impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on social media to stop or face the consequences.

The warning is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Sunday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the army had been inundated with complaints of an increasing number of impostors, claiming to be COAS on various social media platforms.

He said the impostors had continued to perpetrate the mischief using the official portrait of the COAS, as profile picture on their various social media platforms.

According to him, it is imperative to state that this is not the first time impostors have attempted to impersonate the person of the COAS on social media platforms to dupe unsuspecting members of the public in one form or the other.

“A new trend observed however, is the fixing of online/ virtual meetings on zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook and other online engagements with demand that participants share specific numbers which appear on their screens during such meetings with which the impostors then engage individually with the participants and subsequently defraud them.

“So far, the Nigerian Army has identified the following numbers as being frequently used by the fraudsters.

“These are: 09033949238, 09075323836, 09074272745, 08169257155, 08064561495, 08054138812, 09161521558, 09026515718, 09020898622, 08131333263, 09077188584, 08084529752, 08147409236, 09136497898, 09024627712, 07010119398, 09138997224, 09061549129, 08163593764, 07035272009, 09018150412, 08093524443 and 08088120581.

“While the Nigerian Army, like other sister services of the Armed Forces, have peculiar ways of communication known to all officers and soldiers, members of the general public must be wary of the danger posed by these impostors.

“You are therefore urged to refrain from engaging in any online meeting organised on social media platforms especially using the official portrait of the COAS as the display picture.

“Members of the general public are enjoined to report such mobile phone numbers used to fix such online or virtual meetings through the Nigerian Army toll-free call centre number 193 for appropriate follow-up actions,” he said.

Nwachukwu also urged personnel and non-personnel alike to be circumspect in engaging in any social media online, virtual meeting, or call, as official means of communication with the army hierarchy.

He added that established protocols and procedures should be relied on while being vigilant against the wiles of scammers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Yakubu Uba

IFC invests m in Lagos free zone to boost Nigeria’s industry
Economy/Business

IFC invests $50m in Lagos free zone to boost Nigeria’s industry

371 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced an equity investment of 50 million dollars in the Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZ) to support Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic diversification.

Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, made this known at an official signing on Friday in Lagos.

Khalifa said the investment was to support the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep sea port based in the Lagos Free Zone.

She noted the investment was designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

The IFC director stated that the funds would support the first phase of the 860-hectare Lagos Free Zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities, and logistics infrastructure.

She noted that the facility owned by Tolaram, a diversified multinational group with operations across Africa, Asia, and Europe, would provide an integrated industrial ecosystem.

This, she said, would drive efficient import and export operations, serving as a gateway for Nigeria’s integration into global value chains.

Khalifa noted that with Nigeria’s economy projected to grow by 3.7 per cent by 2026, investments in infrastructure were vital to ensuring sustainable growth.

“When fully occupied, Lagos Free Zone is expected to create approximately 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) upon completion.

“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“Lagos Free Zone is poised to become a transformative hub for industrial activity, driving job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in building the infrastructure necessary to attract global and local businesses, enabling Nigeria to achieve its full economic potential,” she said.

Khalifa added that the investment in Lagos Free Zone also reflected IFC’s commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on green infrastructure.

She noted that approximately 15 per cent of the investment was earmarked for climate-related initiatives, including Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE)-certified buildings and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Commenting, Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director, Lagos Free Zone Company, noted that IFC’s support represented a positive recognition of the vision to establish Lagos Free Zone as a world-class industrial hub.

She said the investment allowed the company to scale up existing infrastructure to attract more foreign and local tenants while promoting sustainability and creating economic opportunities for Nigeria.

Ladoja said the Lagos Free Zone integrated with Lekki Deep Sea Port, facilitated ease of doing business in Nigeria and supports the Federal Government’s drive for economic diversification.

“We look forward to driving growth and delivering lasting impact through this transformative collaboration with the IFC.

“This investment aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and IFC’s strategic frameworks which prioritise economic diversification, development of competitive clusters, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

“By addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and enhancing connectivity, IFC’s investment in Lagos Free Zone will unlock new opportunities for businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional economic leader,” Ladoja said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

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