NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG lauds gender milestones in TRIMING project
Environment

FG lauds gender milestones in TRIMING project

140 total views today

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Federal Government says it has recorded significant progress in gender mainstreaming and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) under the World Bank-supported Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this known on Wednesday at a dissemination workshop in Kano, themed “From Tradition to Transformation, Led by Women”.

Utsev was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah.

He said the workshop was convened to share success stories and celebrate milestones in equity, inclusion, and protection of vulnerable groups across participating states.

He said the TRIMING project, designed to enhance irrigation infrastructure, also focused on integrating gender and social safeguards into water resources governance.

“The TRIMING project has moved from rhetoric to real action. Women, girls, youth, and other disadvantaged groups now participate actively in irrigation governance through Water Users Associations (WUAs),” he said.

According to him, some of the key achievements include the institutionalisation of Gender-Based Violence Action Plans across all project sites, widespread community sensitisation, and provision of survivor support mechanisms.

The minister noted that the initiative had enabled the emergence of women leaders within traditionally male-dominated Water Users Associations, significantly improving their role in decision-making.

“Women have not only gained access to irrigated plots but have also risen to leadership positions within WUAs. This has contributed to their social and economic empowerment,” he added.

He said that through behaviour change campaigns, gender sensitivity training, and grassroots partnerships, the project had helped to shift entrenched cultural attitudes towards gender-based violence.

Utsev emphasised that the TRIMING interventions aligned with global best practices and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards, positioning the project as a model for future development efforts.

“Through radio programmes, dialogue sessions, and storytelling in local languages, the project has helped reposition GBV as a public concern rather than a private matter,” he said.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for providing an enabling policy environment for the implementation of the TRIMING project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also appreciated the World Bank, the National Project Coordination Unit, implementing agencies, and community stakeholders for their sustained collaboration.

“As the TRIMING project winds down, I urge all stakeholders to integrate these gains into state and local government programmes,” he said.

Utsev further called for the replication of the project’s achievements in other water and agricultural development programmes, along with relevant policy reforms to institutionalise gender equity.

“The journey to a society free of gender-based violence is not a sprint but a marathon that demands courage, commitment, and compassion,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, reiterated the importance of gender inclusion in development planning.

Represented by the Deputy Director of Irrigation, Mrs Hauwa Sadique, he noted that gender equality and social inclusion were central to the design and delivery of the TRIMING project.

He said the project had contributed to improved community resilience and livelihoods and stressed the need to institutionalise its gains and scale up successful models.

He urged stakeholders to recommit themselves to promoting gender justice and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator of TRIMING, Mr Ipinlaye Olaiya, said the initiative had achieved notable results in promoting gender-responsive approaches and preventing violence.

He outlined the workshop as an opportunity to showcase how the project had transformed communities and empowered target groups across participating states.

“Women, girls, youth, and disadvantaged groups now play significant roles in water management and agriculture, with robust mechanisms in place to ensure their protection and participation,” Olaiya said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the TRIMING project aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve water governance by rehabilitating and expanding irrigation infrastructure in selected regions across the country. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders advocate climate justice education in schools
Environment

Stakeholders advocate climate justice education in schools

112 total views today

By Abigael Joshua

Stakeholders in the climate justice sector have called for the integration of climate justice into the Nigerian secondary school curriculum to empower young people and promote environmental sustainability.

The call was made during a national consultative workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, organised by the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), with the theme “Integrating Climate Justice into the Secondary School Curriculum”.

Dr Samson Ogallah, Head of the Climate Change Unit at the African Union, stressed the importance of embedding climate justice in education to ensure that future generations are equipped to confront climate-related challenges.

“Climate justice is rooted in the principle that the impacts of climate change are disproportionately felt by marginalised communities, those who have contributed the least to global emissions yet suffer the most,” he said.

He noted that in many African nations, including Nigeria, economies depend heavily on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, making the issue even more pressing.

Ogallah emphasised that education must go beyond climate science to include developing resilience, leadership, and a sense of justice among students.

“Integrating climate justice into the curriculum will empower our youth with critical knowledge and innovative skills. Geography lessons can focus on local ecosystems, while arts can be used to express visions for a sustainable future,” he added.

He also recommended the inclusion of case studies from communities affected by drought, flooding, and desertification to contextualise learning.

“Let us commit to this transformative effort. Through education, we can redefine the climate change narrative and create a more just and sustainable world,” he stated.

In his remarks, Mr Atayi Babs, former National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, said the initiative aimed to build the next generation of climate justice advocates through early engagement.

“To ensure sustainable activism, we must carry the next generation along. Involving children is the most effective succession plan,” Babs said.

He added that introducing climate justice into school curricula would deepen advocacy, particularly because Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by climate change.

Dr Onuche Unekwu, Senior Lecturer at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, outlined the workshop as a timely step to sensitise secondary school students on the implications of climate change and how to mitigate its effects.

“What we need to do is introduce the concept now so they can begin to tackle the negative impacts and help sustain the planet,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Alausa seeks timely release of feeding funds for unity colleges
General News

Alausa seeks timely release of feeding funds for unity colleges

97 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has called for urgent financial interventions from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, to improve the operations of Unity Schools and enhance ministry-wide efficiency.

Alausa made this call in Abuja on Wednesday when he hosted the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, on an official visit.

The Minister raised concerns over the delay in overhead payments and school feeding allocations to unity schools.

He noted that the last overhead release to the Federal Ministry of Education was in March, and the last school feeding budget received was for April, leaving schools financially strained.

“We’re going through a rough patch. Principals are under pressure from contractors who are blackmailing them over unpaid contracts.

“In fact, I had to delay school resumption in some Unity Schools due to fears of insufficient food supply,” Alausa disclosed.

He urged the AGF to help fast-track payments and proposed a quarterly release model to provide schools with a stable financial runway.

Additionally, the minister raised issues about unpaid contractors and recommended that the AGF streamline the government’s bottom-up cash plan to boost efficiency.

While voicing strong support for the policy, the minister called for the decentralisation of financial approvals, suggesting that transactions under ₦500 million be processed at the ministry level, and those under ₦100 million at the agency level.

“What I would suggest, because you’re having to deal with a big country like ours, 220 million people, and in any country, the federal government of that country is the big contributor to the economy.

“So rather than all payments, even as low as 1 million coming to you, I think you should look back and see which one you can domicile at the ministry and the agencies level,” he said.

Responding, Ogunjimi acknowledged the concerns and pledged to work closely with the ministry to find practical solutions.

Ogunjimi pledged to prioritise funding for the Federal Ministry of Education, particularly for Unity Schools and overhead releases, acknowledging the ministry’s strategic national role.

He aligned with calls to release funding on a termly basis, rather than monthly, and requested that the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) submit a formal request to enable timely disbursement.

“We will prioritise the releases of overhead to the ministry and make sure that, even if others are not getting it due to funding constraints, the Ministry of Education gets theirs on time,” he said.

He acknowledged ongoing challenges with the current bottom-up cash management policy.

This, he said, is a reform introduced to allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to begin implementation of appropriated budgets as soon as the National Assembly passes the budget.

While describing the intent of the policy as progressive, he admitted it had placed enormous pressure on government financial systems due to the country’s existing fiscal constraints.

“The fund is not our problem. Had it been that we didn’t have the fiscal challenges that we’re having, it would have been a better policy for us.

“But because of the deficits that we’re having, so it makes the policy very difficult,” he said.

Ogunjimi disclosed that the Minister of Finance had already set up a high-level committee to review the merits and shortcomings of the bottom-up approach, with a harmonised and more practical policy expected in the coming weeks.

He also revealed that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) had been overwhelmed by the volume of budget documentation being uploaded by agencies due to the centralised system.

“Our capacity has been overstretched because all agencies are required to upload all their documents.

“So, we continually have to go and expand and dig for this.

“Whereas, like you also said, most of these contracts that are less value can be handled at the MDA level so that we don’t have to populate those documents on our system,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production
Agriculture

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

133 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa Government to boost sugar production and enhance self-sufficiency in the sector.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa on a courtesy visit.

Utsev said the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at accelerating food production, job creation, and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

He outlined the proposed partnership as strategic in making life more meaningful for citizens and pledged to undertake a working visit to the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation.

The visit, he noted, would enable the ministry to determine possible areas of intervention to enhance the factory’s viability and ensure optimal benefit for the people.

Earlier, the governor said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to ensure consistent water supply to the sugar factory.

Namadi noted that steady production at the facility would add value to the state’s economy and contribute to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria produces only a small portion of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports in spite having large refining capacities.

This dependence makes the sector vulnerable to global price changes.

States like Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been identified for sugar production, with major investments underway, especially in Nasarawa.

These efforts aim to boost local production and reduce import reliance.

Improving sugar output requires stronger government support in irrigation, land access, and policy implementation.

With coordinated efforts, states like Jigawa can play a vital role in achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Adebiyi tasks engineers on professionalism, excellence
General News

Adebiyi tasks engineers on professionalism, excellence

108 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Mr Olofunsho Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, has called on engineers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in the execution of road projects in Nigeria.

Adebiyi made the call at a three-day training for Highway Engineers, Technologists and Technicians from the North-Central region, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The permanent secretary emphasised the crucial role engineers play in delivering quality infrastructure that meets international standards.

He stressed the need for excellence and professionalism in the discharge of the mandates of the ministry.

Adebiyi noted the importance of capacity building and training for staff members to improve their skills and knowledge the delivery of high-quality jobs.

“Excellence is not something one jumps at, you must work to achieve it.

“So, let us go back and look at the highway rudiments faithfully; let us ask questions where we don’t know, in order to get it right.

“Let us sit down and do what we are trained to do, because if you successfully supervised a project and it is completed, there is a measure of pride a sense of fulfillment you feel,”he said.

Adebiyi encouraged the engineers to uphold the ethics of their profession, build their knowledge and operate in tandem with international standards.

The permanent secretary, who advised engineers against stagnation, urged them to move round and build knowledge.

“There is a system error we have observed, where an officer is recruited in Sokoto and has been there all his life.

“It is not correct. We want to make sure that we post members of staff across the nation to have a comprehensive experience because the soil texture in Bayelsa is totally different from the soil texture in Sokoto,”he said.

Adebiyi explained that the ministry would start transferring members of staff across departments to gain more knowledge in order to function optimally when they become senior officers.

He also disclosed that promotion would be based on performance management system and called on members of staff of the ministry to up their game.

Earlier, Mr Yiltony David, the Director of Highway Planning and Development of the ministry, said that the training was timely.

He said that the training would stimulate quality work and high productivity from engineers in providing services to Nigerians.

“So we expect that from here we will see engineers who are more committed to their jobs.

“People who see what they are doing as service to Nigeria, those who see it as an opportunity to add value to this country,” he said

Also speaking, Mr Femi Oyekanmi, who retired from the ministry, stressed the need for mentorship, adding that retirees should be mentors to those who are still in service.

Oyekanmi, who decried the dearth of professionals in the ministry, called on the Federal Government to employ more hands.

“The engineers in the ministry are overwhelmed, there is need to recruit more engineers and technical assistants for the ministry,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Nigeria’s emerging tax regime responsive to taxpayers’ concerns- Minister
Economy/Business

Nigeria’s emerging tax regime responsive to taxpayers’ concerns- Minister

129 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Nigeria is building a tax administration that will be effective in revenue mobilisation and also responsive to challenges faced by tax payers.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the TaxADR Roundtable, with the theme “unlocking Revenue and Strengthening Dispute Resolution: A Roadmap to Tax ADR in Nigeria”.

The minister was represented by Mrs Ndidi Chineyolum, a director in the ministry.

According to her, Nigerians are living in a time when the imperatives of economic reform, inclusive growth and sustainable public finance demand more innovative and operative approach.

She said that collaboration in the resolution of tax disputes captured the essence of what is required to build an efficient tax administration.

“It speaks directly to the fundamental values that underpin a modern progressive tax system, mutual trust between taxpayers and the authority, procedural fairness in enforcement and administrative efficacy in resolving disputes.

“More than just a slogan, this theme challenges us to reflect on how we can bridge the gap in understanding, reduce adversarial interactions and foster a culture of dialogue and accountability.

“It underscores the need for us all, especially the government, and other stakeholders to create a system where disputes are resolved not through prolonged confrontation, but through seizing and raising a timely consensus,” she said.

The minister said that as a nation striving to broaden its non-oil revenue base, tax compliance remained both a strategic priority and an existing challenge.

“With the global shift away from commodity dependence, Nigeria must strengthen its domestic revenue capacity to sustain national development.

“Over the past decade, the landscape of tax disputes has become increasingly complex, both in volume and in nature of issues arising from a growing business model and regulatory framework.

“The adversarial nature of traditional litigation often results in prolonged resolution timings, escalating legal expenses and strained relationships between taxpayers and revenue authorities,” she said.

She said that the situation not only delayed revenue collection, but also brought in a climate of uncertainty and tension within the tax equity play.

“Such friction undermines more than just revenue modernisation.

“It weakens investor confidence, erodes public trust, disrupts the foundation of a stable and predictable fiscal environment ” she said.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said that it was imperative for Nigeria, like any other country to expand its revenue base through taxation.

Fagbegbi, who was represented by Oloyede Hussein, Special Adviser to the President on Arbitration, Drafting and Resolution, said it was important to enhance compliance and build public trust in the country’s tax systems.

“But we must not do so through coercion or confrontation, but by fostering a tax culture rooted in fairness, dialogue and accountability.

“This is where the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) comes in.

“In international context, ADR has long been recognised for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ability to preserve relationships. These are the very values we must infuse into our tax system,” he said.

He urged taxpayers to always expect these arguments to arise, they can explore dialogue and a commitment to resolution over conflict.

“This roundtable offers us an opportunity to learn from the international best practices,” he said.

Mr Lateef Yusuff, the Founder and Convener of the TaxADR roundtable said that the gathering brought together stakeholders from across governments, the private sector, academia and the international community.

Yusuff said that the purpose was to consider how best to embed ADR into Nigeria’s tax landscape.

“This roundtable is especially timely, coming on the heels of several landmark developments ” he said.

He cited the recent reform of Nigeria’s tax legislation, the enactment of the Arbitration and Mediation Act and the National ADR policy as instances of such landmark developments.

“Together these developments provide a strong legal and policy foundation for the integration of ADR into Nigeria’s tax system, ” he said.

Anita Erinne, the Coordinating Secretary. Tax Appeal Tribunal, expressed the readiness of the committee to improving access to justice in tax disputes.

Delivering a keynote address on new tax reforms and the role of ADR, Erinne said that tax disputes affected the bottom line of government, and also the livelihoods of citizens and the fortunes of businesses.

“We will encourage collaborative tax administration. We will now contribute a great deal to the rule of law, economic stability and national development.

“I also recognise the fundamental role of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in championing a more responsive and modern tax system.

“The FIRS has shown willingness to engage in reforms, and I commend the Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, for sharing this vision and supporting the implementations of tax ADR in Nigeria,” she said.

Erinne said that Nigeria was undergoing a digital transformation of its tax system.

According to her, the tax rate is currently at about 13 per cent.

“A tax system is built on both taxation and collaborative action, flexibilities in efficiency and public responsibility,” she said. (NAN)

Edited Ese E. Eniola Williams

2027 elections: Stakeholders advocate stronger tech infrastructure
Politics

2027 elections: Stakeholders advocate stronger tech infrastructure

134 total views today

By EricJames Ochigbo

Some stakeholders have called for increased efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technological infrastructure to enhance the credibility of future elections.

The stakeholders, who are advocates of democracy, made the call at a policy dialogue on “Election and Technology: Opportunities and Challenges”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to commemorate June 12.

In his remarks, Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said in spite the promise of the BVAS and IReV, their implementation had received numerous criticisms.

Sulaiman said that during the 2023 general elections, numerous reports of glitches in some polling units were recorded, adding that this led to delays and, in some cases, disenfranchisement of voters.

“While technology holds immense potential to revolutionise our electoral processes, more is to be done to ensure effective, inclusive and transparent tech-driven elections.

“As Nigeria navigates a critical period of electoral reforms, we believe it is imperative to convene stakeholders to critically examine the intersection of electoral technology and democratic integrity.

“This is view a view to putting into cognisance the deployment of election technologies at the 2023 general election and the electoral outcome,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Dantalle, said that many Nigerians assumed that their votes would not be counted in the overall results.

Dantalle said that those with such opinions preferred to stay at home instead of dissipating their energy participating in elections with predetermined outcomes at a time justice was for sale in the court.

“This is where technology comes in. We are in a technological era; the need for innovation in the conduct of credible elections cannot be over-emphasised.

“From voter mobilisation, voter education, voter registration, electronic accreditation and IReV, technology will continue to play a pivotal role in the electoral process as obtainable in advanced democracies.

“This will drastically reduce the human factor errors and manipulations that impede the nation’s democratic journey.

“Improved technology will bolster public trust in the process and uphold the sanctity of the ballot box to safeguard popular choices.

“This is what June 12 symbolises – a credible election. Nigerians yearn for free and fair polls for sustainable democracy and development,” he said.

According to him, IPAC demands the adoption of electronic voting system in future elections and urges the National Assembly to consider its proposal on this in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Act amendments.

Dantalle listed the merits of these to include: efficiency, accuracy, accessibility, security and cost-effectiveness, saying that they would go a long way in consolidating constitutional rule and democratic governance.

“We must be ready to surmount all challenges in the quest for a strong, virile, united, prosperous, equitable and just society.

“This dialogue affords us yet another opportunity to assess, evaluate and appraise the role of technology in advancing the nation’s democracy, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Adebayo Balogun (APC-Lagos), said the stressed the importance of the use of technology, adding, however, that it must be used with caution and expertise.

Balogun said though Nigeria had adopted technology in the conduct of elections, there was the need for Nigerians to have trust in the system and in the handlers of election.

He noted that technology would not work in isolation and that people must also take responsibility and be punished for glitches.

In his keynote address, a don, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, said that attention should not be placed only on use of technology on election day but in the build-up to the election as well.

Ibeanu said that Nigerians had continued to demand more use of technology on election day without paying much attention to the earlier processes. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Speaker urges FOI digitalisation in MDAs
Politics

Speaker urges FOI digitalisation in MDAs

134 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Speaker of House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for digital mainstreaming of Freedom of Information (FOI) compliance frameworks in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Tajudeen made the call during a two-day FOI strategic stakeholders’ training workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the workshop has as its theme: ‘Upholding Accountability and Transparency in Governance: A Comprehensive Review of FOI Law for Public  and Corporate Organisations’.

“We must move beyond paper-based information alone and get into integrated digital ecosystems.

“Every MDA should maintain an interactive FOI dashboard, publicly accessible and regularly updated by displaying the number of requests received, the time taken to respond and the nature of disclosure made,” he said.

Tajudeen, who was represented by the House Committee Chairman on Agricultural Institutions and Allied Centres, Akinlade Isiaq, said that the digital transition would enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic delay and empower civil society actors.

According to him, embedding transparency into digital architecture can be sustained over time.

Tajudeen said that the 10th House should consider FOI compliance as a condition for budgetary considerations for the MDAs that were reluctant in complying with the act.

“Any institution that habitually fails to honour its obligations under the FOI Act should face consequences in the form of budgetary conditionality.

“When transparency becomes a prerequisite for accessing public funds, it elevates the value of compliance from a procedural formality to a fiscal obligation.

“By aligning financial incentives with governance behaviour, we can foster a new era of institutional responsibility across all tiers of government,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Freedom on FOI, Yusuf Miga, said that FOI had been convened to celebrate and promote the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.

He said that the event was aimed at empowering citizens by exploring the mechanisms of obtaining information, challenges and opportunities for advocacy.

Miga described FOI as the cornerstone of democracy, enabling citizens to hold government accountable, foster trust and participate actively in the democratic process.

He said that understanding and utilising FOI laws was crucial in the present information age.

“The right to know, empower citizens, foster transparency and hold government accountable is a tool for democracy, ensuring that voices are heard and that decisions are made in the light of public scrutiny.

“Today, we face the challenges that threaten this vital right. Misinformation, falsification and bureaucratic obstacles can hinder our pursuit of transparency.

“However, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding and promoting freedom of information,” he said.

Moga stated that the house’s agenda for the workshop and over the coming days as well as its workshops in the six geo-political zones of the country  wpuld focus on several key areas to strengthen the legal framework.

He said that they would also provide a robust legislation that would protect the rights of  access to information.

The lawmaker, who said that education was crucial, stressed the need to  empower citizens with knowledge about their rights and the processes available to them.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on FOI, Obordor Mitema, said that FOI Act had served as a powerful tool for empowering citizens and exposing the inner workings of government to public scrutiny.

“The insights gathered from this workshop will shape our legislative oversight and institutional support strategies to ensure transparency remains a living and working principle in governance, not just a policy aspiration,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

U.S. ambassador pledges to prioritise commercial, investment partnership with Nigeria
Foreign

U.S. ambassador pledges to prioritise commercial, investment partnership with Nigeria

179 total views today

By Mark Longyen

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills says his top priority is to enhance bilateral commercial and investment ties with Nigeria to foster economic growth, and create beneficial opportunities for their citizens.

Mills made this known at the official unveiling of a meeting of working groups of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the working groups, which will focus on agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure, comprise senior U.S. and Nigerian government representatives, and private sector leaders.

The CIP, which Memorandum of Understanding was earlier signed in July 2024, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities for people from both countries.

According to the ambassador, he has identified the CIP as a top priority of his tenure because it underscores the U.S.’ government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.

“The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. the Ambassador to Nigeria.

“The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties.

“It will foster economic growth, and create opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations,” he said.

Mr Thomas Bruns, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle-East and Africa, described CIP as reflecting the shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding business opportunities in both countries.

He said the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, being the government’s private sector voice, was proud of its work to foster international commerce.

Bruns explained that by strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both countries including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy, adding that he was thrilled to witness it.

“We can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long-term,” he said.

NAN also reports that participants nominated group leads to identify non-tariff barriers to trade and investment aimed at fostering job creation, encouraging private sector engagement, and addressing key challenges in the prioritised sectors.

Four senior officials from both sides comprising Mills; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Amb. Nura Rimi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary; Julie LeBlanc, U.S. State Department, Commerce, led the dialogue.

The quartet agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation, while the next CIP formal meeting is scheduled to hold later in the year. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Senate urges FG to investigate Mokwa flood, others
Environment , Politics

Senate urges FG to investigate Mokwa flood, others

131 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to investigate the flood in Mokwa, Niger recently and similar incidents in other parts of the country.

This, according to the upper chamber, is with a view to providing long-term solutions, including improved and sustainable flood control infrastructure and early warning systems to forestall future occurrence

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate’s resolutions were sequel to a motion moved by Sen. Peter Jiya (PDP-Niger) and co-sponsored by no fewer than 20 senators during plenary on Tuesday.

The motion was titled: “Catastrophic Flood Disaster in Mokwa, Niger state and Need for Proactive Action to Forestall Future Occurrence.”

NAN also reports that the senate observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives to the flood.

The upper legislative chamber also urged the federal government to prioritise prompt execution of the relief packages promised during the visit of the vice-president to the flood scene.

Moving the motion, Jiya recalled that on May 29 and May 30, a devastating flood swept through the town of Mokwa in Niger after a heavy rainfall.

“This resulted in unprecedented loss of lives and widespread destruction of private and public properties worth more than N10 billion.

“From the casualties recorded from the disaster, over 700 people lost their lives, including pupils from four Islamic schools but only about 300 bodies were physically accounted for.

“Critical infrastructure were not left out of the disaster, as the rail line uprooted two bridges, collapsed roads,” he said.

Jiya said that he had, in the early days of the present administration in 2023, written the Ecological Fund Office on the need to carry out urgent works on the inactive river ways in Mokwa and Kutigi towns which were prone to flooding.

“But the fund is yet to make progress in this regard in spite of earlier warnings issued by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) of imminent heavy rainfall and flooding in vulnerable parts of the country, including Niger state,” he said.

The senator further stated that in spite of the warnings, the measures put in place by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to forestall the occurrence was not significantly felt.

He said that the Federal Government had responded and intervened through the visit of the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), among others.

“However, due to the magnitude of the disaster and the massive casualties recorded, the resources provided have been overwhelmed, hence the need to scale up relief intervention measures to alleviate the sufferings and hardships faced by affected victims,” he said.

Contributing, Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) described the flood as “a very monumental tragedy to all of us as a nation.

“Mr President, this was a disaster that was to come based on warnings, as contained in this motion paper and people left what they should do.

“And this flood now came and swept away lives and property in this monumental proportion”.

According to Umeh, the situation calls for preparation by the concerned agencies to begin to put measures in place as the rains may be high in July.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, expressed sympathy to the government and people of Niger over the disaster. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

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