NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria, India seek stronger trade ties
Economy/Business

Nigeria, India seek stronger trade ties

441 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Representatives from Nigeria and India have explored ways to strengthen their long-standing friendship and bilateral trade partnership while identifying new areas of cooperation.

This was the focus of the Nigeria-India Bilateral Business Meeting held in Lagos on Thursday.

Mr Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), stated that Nigeria and India share a rich history of economic and cultural ties that have developed over decades.

Idahosa, who was represented by Mr Leye Kupoluyi, Deputy President of the LCCI, stated that as both countries navigate a rapidly changing global economic landscape, it is essential to strengthen and diversify their bilateral engagements.

He noted that in the fourth quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s total merchandise trade stood at N36.6 trillion, reflecting a significant increase of 68.32 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Idahosa added that this growth reflects the resilience and potential of the Nigerian economy, driven by strong demand for foreign goods and services across various sectors.

“India has consistently been one of Nigeria’s top trading partners, reflecting the deep economic interlinkages between our nations.

“In Q4 2024, India emerged as Nigeria’s fourth-largest export destination, with exports valued at N1.60 trillion, accounting for 7.98 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports.

“On the import side, India was Nigeria’s second-largest source of imports, with goods worth N1.90 trillion, representing 11.43 per cent of Nigeria’s total imports.

“This bilateral trade relationship is characterised by the exchange of vital commodities and services that are essential to the growth and development of both economies,” he said.

The LCCI president said the energy, agricultural, pharmaceutical and machinery sectors are strong components of the trade dynamics of both countries.

Idahosa, however, noted that in spite of the strong bilateral trade, there were significant opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

He said diversifying trade beyond crude oil and raw agricultural products to include manufactured goods, technology services, and value-added products would foster a more sustainable economic relationship.

“Furthermore, Indian investment in Nigeria’s industrialisation, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing and technology, can generate employment and boost economic development.

“Joint knowledge exchange programmes in education, research and technology transfer, renewable energy and biotechnology will further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“As we look ahead, it is evident that the Nigeria-India bilateral business relationship holds immense promise.

“By leveraging our respective strengths, addressing existing challenges, and fostering a spirit of collaboration, we can unlock new opportunities that will benefit our economies and societies,” he said.

Ms Vartika Rawat, Acting Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, noted that India and Nigeria had achieved significant milestones since establishing diplomatic relations in 1958.

Rawat stated that India, in its development journey, not only focused on itself but also opened its growth story for the global good, extending assistance to its neighbours and friends around the world.

She said that the country, currently at the forefront of fighting climate change, also provided capacity-building assistance under ITEC/e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) to over 160 countries.

Rawat noted that since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1958, education and capacity building had been the focus areas of the relationship.

“One of the major requirements for developing relations between two countries is direct connectivity to ease the movement of people and goods.

“While Air Peace started operating direct flights from Lagos to Mumbai in March 2023, I understand that it has been suspended due to logistical reasons.

“Indian airlines have also requested permission from Nigerian Authorities for starting direct and code share flights from India to Nigeria.

“I am sure these developments will give a new impetus to our relationship and increase the people-to-people contact,” she said.

She stressed the need for both countries to drive development partnerships and cultural cooperation, while opening new vistas in trade and economic relationships.

Rawat said that while there was a tendency to follow known paths and traditional methods of doing business, Nigerian companies should look at the strengths of India in various futuristic fields.

She said areas like financial technology, Artificial Intelligence, health – including vaccine manufacturing, digital and green growth were critical to be adapted to the needs and requirements of Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Okeoghene Akubuike/Christiana Fadare

Chamber inaugurates committee on women empowerment to drive business growth
Business

Chamber inaugurates committee on women empowerment to drive business growth

376 total views today

 

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of commerce and Industry (ACCI) has inaugurated a joint action committee on women economic empowerment to drive policy reforms and business growth.

 

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President, ACCI, who inaugurated the committee on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the effort was to advance gender-responsive policies and eliminate barriers for Women-Owned Businesses (WoBs).

 

Obegolu said that the ACCI collaborated with policymakers, business leaders and women entrepreneurs to ensure that women entrepreneurs have equitable access to finance, market opportunities, and regulatory support.

 

The ACCI president was represented by the 1st Deputy President of the Chamber, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.

 

“In a landmark move to foster inclusive economic development, the ACCI, in collaboration with key government agencies and development partners, inaugurated the committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment.

 

“The establishment of this committee is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a structured platform dedicated to policy reforms, advocacy and the creation of an enabling environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive.

 

“The chamber stands shoulder to shoulder with you and will provide unwavering support,” he said.

 

Obegolu reiterated the ACCI’s dedication to championing women’s economic agenda.

 

He also appealed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their full cooperation, as the effort would boost business in the country.

 

He expressed hope that more MDAs within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would align with this vision to support, not only ACCI women, but other women across the country.

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative in strengthening Nigeria’s economic landscape.

 

Wike was represented by Mr Simon Kato, Director of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public-Private Partnership Secretariat of the FCT.

 

“This committee is not merely symbolic. It is a commitment to fostering synergy and driving actionable reforms that will create an enabling business environment for women entrepreneurs across the country.

 

“Our administration remains dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment and ensuring gender-responsive procurement in the FCT,” he said.

 

The FCTA Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, highlighted the secretariat’s ongoing efforts in empowering women and the progress made so far.but

 

She said this is the right time to take action, and the committee serves as a crucial pathway to defining and addressing women’s needs to ensure their economic growth.

 

“The future is not just about feminism; it is about connection. We need both genders to work together towards a holistic and locally implemented agenda.

 

“A collaborative approach is necessary to drive progress,’’ Benjamins-Laniyi said.

 

Mrs Roseline Nwosu, the Chairperson of the committee, expressed her gratitude and determination to lead it toward impactful policy reforms.

 

Nwosu outlined the committee’s key objectives, including advocating for gender-inclusive governance and institutionalising a standardised definition for WoBs.

 

She said that the objective of the committee would also driving affirmative procurement policies that enhance women’s participation in business.

 

Nwosu said that the inauguration marked a crucial step toward breaking systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive business environment for the benefits of all.

 

She was represented by Mrs Chioma Njoku, Chairperson of the ACCI Women in Business Trade Group.

 

She said that the initiative had strong backing from the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, a key development partner supporting policy innovation for women’s economic empowerment.

 

“Their continued collaboration with ACCI underscores the global recognition of women as critical drivers of economic growth,” she said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria have the tools and support needed to thrive. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Nigeria Customs to partner with entrepreneurs in recycling used tyres
Economy/Business

Nigeria Customs to partner with entrepreneurs in recycling used tyres

371 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is partnering with indigenous entrepreneurs focused on recycling used tyres as part of its contribution to promoting environmental sustainability.

The Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this at the official inauguration of the NCS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Unit, Customs Cares, at the Government Secondary School (GSS) Wuse, Zone 3 Abuja, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS recently established its CSR Unit, Customs Cares, to spearhead programmes aimed at supporting the eight presidential priority areas and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adeniyi said that environmental sustainability forms the fourth pillar of its CSR initiative and remains a cornerstone of the approach.

“As you might know, used tyres form the majority of our seizures in different areas of operations. Under this initiative, we will transform potentially harmful waste materials into useful items such as sandals, school bags and ties.

“I am happy to announce that some of the products from these disciplined efforts are those we will be presenting to our school children today.

“These recycled products will be strategically redistributed under our educational support programmes.

“It will be utilised in our rehabilitation works, creating a circular economy that addresses environmental challenges while supporting both our educational and infrastructure development goals,” he said.

The initiative, he said, would drive tree-planting activities designed to create a greener and safer environment for the present and future generations.

He explained that the CSR was focusing on six key pillars comprising education, healthcare, social investments, environmental sustainability, food security and the creative economy.

The C-G said that under the healthcare module, the initiative plans to conduct medical outreaches, deploy mobile clinics, and implement anti-malaria campaigns to improve community health standards, particularly in underserved areas of its operations.

Adeniyi said custom social investment would initiate water borehole projects, support electricity infrastructure development, and facilitate skills acquisition programmes to enhance community livelihoods and promote economic self-sufficiency in its areas of operation.

“We will leverage the facility already established by the Customs Officers` Wives Association (COWA).

“This is the skill acquisition centre in Karu, to take care of members of our community in FCT and Nasarawa to come and learn some basic skills to keep them going,” he said.

He said that the initiative in driving food security would support agricultural extension services, coordinate food donations during emergencies, and improve market access for farmers to enhance the agricultural value chain across its operational areas.

According to him, the initiative will invest in the creative economy through targeted capacity building, equipment support, and talent development initiatives aimed at nurturing the vibrant creative sector.

He said the initiative’s first pillar, education, was demonstrated at its official inauguration at GSS Wuse Zone 3, symbolising the NCS’s commitment to investing in the nation’s future through educational support and infrastructure development.

“Our educational support programme includes adopting schools in areas of our operation following thorough selection criteria, conducting comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps, and jointly prioritising interventions in collaboration with relevant authorities.

“We provide learning materials, rehabilitate critical infrastructure, and offer scholarships to promote academic excellence and ensure no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints,” he said.

NAN reports that during the inauguration, learning aids, including books, school bags, and writing materials, were distributed to 1,300 students in the school.

NAN also reports that CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights were installed to enhance safety on the premises. (NAN)

Edited by Peter Amine

SMEDAN seeks concrete action for empowerment of women entrepreneurs
Economy/Business

SMEDAN seeks concrete action for empowerment of women entrepreneurs

433 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has called for decisive action to support women entrepreneurs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

SMEDAN Director-General, Mr Charles Odii, said this at the Unveiling of SMEDAN’s GrowHer Accelerator Programme, organised to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”.

Odii, while reiterating the need to celebrate achievements of women entrepreneurs and promote gender equality in the MSME sector, emphasised the need to move beyond discussions to real economic impact.

The director-general challenged stakeholders to transition from dialogue to implementation.

He highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, noting that they accounted for 39.65 million businesses, contribute nearly 50 per cent to the GDP, and provide 60 million jobs.

“If there are 100 businesses in Nigeria, 96 of them are MSMEs,” he said.

In spite of their contributions, he acknowledged key challenges, particularly low manufacturing output (10-15 per cent) and underdeveloped industrial jobs.

Odii called for immediate steps to strengthen MSMEs and boost industrial productivity.

The director-general, as part of SMEDAN’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, unveiled the “GROW” initiative—which stands for Guardians, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support.

“GROW is our promise to you. We will guide you with regulatory support, connect you to financial resources, and provide the opportunities you need to expand,” he said.

Reaffirming SMEDAN’s commitment to tangible solutions, Odii assured participants of direct assistance.

“Those interested in registering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), we will guide you through it today.

“We encourage women entrepreneurs to leverage international trade agreements to expand their businesses.

“The dollar standard is rising, and the solution is simple: if you start exporting, the dollar will start coming in.

“So, we urge you to take advantage of agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme to grow your businesses,” he said.

The Executive Director of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, reiterated the importance for MSMEs in the country to improve on packaging of their products which was affecting export rates.

Ayeni also urged the entrepreneurs to work in clusters and de-risk their businesses to be able to gain more support for their businesses.

“The reason you are not able to access funds is because you are not de-risking your business. No bank wants to give money when they can not see their money in a bank.

“Women, let us get together, de-risk our business, and ensure that we are able to tap into the opportunities that the environment presents,” she said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Nigeria Commodity Exchange, Mr Anthony Atuche, commended the SMEDAN D-G for his pro-women and pro-business efforts.

Atuche urged entrepreneurs to focus more on food production to help address the issue of food security and sustainability.

“This is because we have a lot of markets to feed in the country. Without even talking about the export potential.

“But then, while we also need to feed, we have some food crops that are basically export crops.

“And the exchange is actually setting up processing capacities in those regions.

“Storage capacities in those regions to help our smallholder producers to actually process those products and refine them into international standards.

He said the exchange was collaborating with NEPC and other stakeholders to address the issue of quality control and rejects of our products internationally.

Meanwhile, Olabimpe Fawale, the Head, Women and Youth Unit at SMEDAN, also reinforced the agency’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.

“Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to truly appreciate and commend the efforts of women entrepreneurs.

“SMEDAN’s new Grow Our Accelerator Programme, is designed specifically to mentor and build the capacity of women entrepreneurs.

“The programme aims to empower 100 women annually across three cohorts. Women-owned and women-led enterprises are the focus.

“We are opening the portal for registration immediately, and we will be shortlisting beneficiaries to join the programme,” she said.

According to her, the programme will equip the entrepreneurs with critical resources and support for growth and development. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Compliance with tyre standards will enhance global trade – SON
Economy/Business

Compliance with tyre standards will enhance global trade – SON

352 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says compliance with tyre standards will ensure road safety and position Nigerian businesses for global trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this at a sensitisation programme for tyre dealers at the Apo Mechanic Village on Thursday in Abuja.

Okeke, represented by the Director, North Central, Dr Marline Waziri, also known as “Mama Africa,” emphasised that substandard tyres posed serious risks to lives and the economy.

According to him, AfCFTA presents an opportunity for Nigerian businesses to access a larger market but failure to comply with standards can leave local products in the country uncompetitive.

“This meeting is of international interest. With AfCFTA, we are working towards a single market in Africa.

“If we continue selling substandard tyres while other countries maintain high-quality standards, our products will be pushed out of the market,” he said.

He noted that more than 50 African countries had ratified the AfCFTA agreement, making it imperative for Nigerian businesses to align with international best practices.

“As a regulatory body for standardisation, inspection and certification, SON is taking this initiative seriously.

“There is a campaign going on now by SON and what we are saying is that you should ‘arrive alive’. And how do you arrive alive? It is only when you go for standard tyres.

“Tyre retailers must ensure they sell only quality products. Enough of substandard tyres,” he said.

The Chairman of the Abuja Automobile Tyre Dealers Association, Mr Samuel Nwangwu, welcomed the initiative and commended SON for engaging with stakeholders.

“I appreciate the Director-General of SON and his representative, our Mama Africa, for coming to enlighten us on this important issue. We are law-abiding and ready to learn,” Nwangwu said.

Representing the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Kunle Oguntoyinbo, stressed that improper tyre usage and storage are major causes of road crashes.

“If tyres are not properly stored, even if they have not expired, they can fail. Tyre bursts often lead to severe accidents, which is why enforcement and compliance are necessary,” he said.

He urged tyre dealers to collaborate with regulators and enforcement agencies to improve road safety.

SON’s FCT Coordinator, Mr Gamagira Mohammed, also highlighted the dangers posed by substandard tyres, describing them as life-threatening.

“The DG and his management team are deeply concerned about the influx of substandard tyres. We are here to educate, not to carry out enforcement actions.

“SON encourages businesses to do the right thing to protect lives,” Mohammed said.

The event ended with a commitment from SON and the tyre dealers to continue sensitisation programmes and establish a committee for continuous engagement on quality assurance. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Experts task secretaries, registrars on responsible use of AI
Business

Experts task secretaries, registrars on responsible use of AI

312 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Experts have tasked companies’ secretaries, registrars and administrators on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and data management.

They gave the advice at the 2025 Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) Company Secretaries and Registrars’ Forum in Lagos.

The forum’s theme was: “Enhancing the AI Mindset in Delivering Sustainability Principles on Data Management and Governance”.

Mr Christopher Ogirri, Data Engineering Lead, KPMG Africa, said as governance professionals, secretaries and registrars played a crucial role in ensuring compliance, transparency, and efficient corporate decision-making.

Ogirri said ESG reporting would become mandatory in Nigeria by 2028, following the Financial Reporting Council Adoption Readiness Roadmap.

He said that large Public Interest Entities (PIEs) must comply by 2027, with others following in 2028, and Small and Medium Enterprises required to report from 2030.

He stressed that as organisations adopt AI to enhance ESG data management and governance, secretaries and registrars must be aware of key concerns related to data privacy, security, and reliability.

He added that regulatory and governance concerns must be carefully addressed to ensure compliance, transparency, and ethical decision-making.

“Managing vast amounts of ESG-related data presents significant challenges, including accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

“While AI enhances ESG reporting by automating data collection and analysis, improving transparency and compliance, governance professionals must ensure its responsible and ethical use.

“As organisations integrate AI into governance and ESG processes, secretaries and registrars must collaborate with technology teams to ensure that AI tools align with compliance and ethical standards,” he said.

Mrs Funmi Ekundayo, the President, ICSAN, said the forum revolved around discreet application of Artificial Intelligence to deliver cutting-edge results in data management and governance.

Ekundayo said that data management referred to the practices of collecting, organising, protecting and storing data to enable its analysis for informed business decisions.

She added that it involved various aspects such as data governance, quality management, security, and integration.

Ekundayo noted that AI offered undeniable benefits such as faster performance, reduced human errors, elimination of injury in hazardous environment among others.

She, however, stressed that there was currently increasing awareness on the imperative of safe and environmentally-corporate business practices inclusive of AI adoption and usage.

“Hence, the need to find ways AI can be employed as a technical accelerator and incubator mechanism for delivering innovations and products in consonance with sustainability principles on data management and governance.

“Developing the appropriate mindset is a sine qua non for achieving success in any endeavour, and our focus at this forum is to enhance AI mindset for optimal delivery,” she said.

Dr Leo Okafor, the Company Secretary, United Capital Plc, emphasised the need for an ethical AI committee, chaired by independent committee board members to identify gaps in the system to drive accountability.

Okafor also called for the awareness and implementation of the laws on responsible AI use, saying organisations must have a framework that protects data and corrects breaches.

Mr Bamidele Oseni, the Managing Partner, Caleb Consulting Uganda Ltd., said secretaries and administrators must take advantage of compliance software, block chain technology to drive organisational efficiency.

“For everyone using AI, there are obligations such as risk management system, data system, human oversight, robust cyber security framework for accountable AI use,” he said.

Mr Clifford Akpolo, the Head, Group Communications and Partnership, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), said AI facilitated ESG reporting, data analytics and optimised operation and energy costs.

Akpolo, however, noted that AI was as good as the person administering it.

He revealed that the NGX was exploring how to enhance operations via AI seeing the peculiarities of the stock market. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

LBS champions initiative to sustain family business ecosystem
Economy/Business

LBS champions initiative to sustain family business ecosystem

335 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Lagos Business School (LBS) has unveiled an initiative aimed at addressing challenges to  family businesses.

The aim is to engender lasting business legacies and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dr Okey Nwuke, Director, LBS Family Business Initiative, made this known on Wednesday at a press briefing in Lagos to announce the LBS Family Business Conference.

Nwuke said the journey from a family business to an enduring family institution was a transformative process focused on legacy-building and shaping a brighter future.

He emphasised the need to preserve the legacy of family business, ensure that long-term businesses would be well managed,  and prepare the next generation for leadership roles.

The director said that while the importance of family business could not be over-emphasised, efforts to sustain the family business ecosystem was essential for its survival.

Nwuke stated that the family business conference scheduled for March 27 in Lagos would provide essential tools for long-term success in family businesses.

He said that key aspects such as succession planning, governance structures, financial stewardship and technological integration within family enterprises would be addressed.

“Under 30 per cent of family businesses live beyond their founders, and most of the issues that affect family businesses are usually swept under the table.

“At the LBS, through the family business initiative, family members, business successors and everyone important to the ecosystem are brought together to listen to each other, share experiences and bring out better outcomes.

“The theme of the LBS 2025 International Family Business Conference is: “Preparing the Next Generation for Stewardship: Building a Lasting Legacy for Family Businesses,” he said.

Nwuke said the keynote address at the event would be delivered by  Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-founder, Tengen Family Office.

According to him. other discussants include the Director of Punch Nigeria Ltd., Mrs Omowunmi Tunde-Obe; the Founder of Coscharis Motors, Dr Cosmas Maduka; and the Managing Director of Coleman Wires, Mr George Onafowokan.

The Chairman of LBS Family Business Advisory Committee, Mr Rasheed Sarumi, said that LBS was committed to institutionalising the yearly activity to discuss family business and family governance in Nigeria.

This, he said, was important to ensure that family  businesses would be run properly with the right succession plan to  contribute much to GDP, employment and reduction of poverty.

Oreoluwa Adeyinka, Senior Programme Manager of the initiative, emphasised the importance of successful family businesses to the Nigerian economy.

She added that the initiative would help to develop governance structure to drive longevity of family businesses. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion
Economy/Business

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion

282 total views today

Explosion

By Desmond Ejibas

Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers have dismissed reports of a fresh pipeline explosion, confirming that no such incident occurred.

On Wednesday, viral reports claimed that militants had attacked two oil facilities in the area, which further heightened security concerns.

However, residents of Iloamatoru community, the purported site of the alleged explosion, refuted the claims, describing them as the work of mischief makers attempting to exploit the political crises in the state.

Chief Wari-Alabo Pollyn, Head of the Pollyn Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, stated that no explosion had taken place recently in the area.

“We are here in the community, and nothing of such happened – at least not to my knowledge,” he confirmed.

Similarly, Daniel Pollyn, a former Chairman of the Iloamatoru Security Surveillance Committee, also denied any pipeline attack in the area.

According to him, the community remains peaceful and does not tolerate violence.

“I can confirm that no such incident has occurred here.

“No flow station or oil facility is on fire or has exploded, as falsely reported,” he added.

Efforts to reach SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Netherlands seeks partnership with Abia Govt. in circular economy
Economy/Business

Netherlands seeks partnership with Abia Govt. in circular economy

370 total views today

Partnership
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Kingdom of Netherlands says it has strong interest in fostering economic cooperation with  Abia  Government  in the area of waste management to boost circular economy in the state.

The Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr Peter Keulers, said this when he visited Gov. Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

Keulers expressed the commitment of the Dutch Government to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and sees the promotion of a circular economy as a vital step toward sustainability.

According to him, circular economy initiatives reduce waste and pollution, ensure efficient resource utilisation, and create economic opportunities, leading to a better quality of life.

He commended Abia for its top ranking in national school examinations, describing human capital as the state’s greatest asset.

He said that a well-educated population provides a solid foundation for economic growth and innovation.

He further highlighted that the Netherlands is actively involved in circular economy projects and interested in working to establish policies that foster business cooperation.

Keulers said that there were about three Dutch companies that had invested in waste-to-energy operations, electronic waste management and offering of training to companies on transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

He said that the ongoing collaboration with Kaltani Company, a waste management company working with Abia Government, the state had attracted international attention from the Netherlands Government.

He expressed the Netherlands’ interest in learning more about the state’s economic ecosystem and identifying areas for potential collaboration.

He urged the government to explore opportunities where Dutch companies could support local initiatives or gain insights from Nigeria’s experiences in waste management and sustainability.

Keulers said that the visit marked the beginning of a promising relationship aimed at fostering sustainable development and economic growth in the state through circular economy initiatives.

Responding, Otti affirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management, emphasising the transformation Abia had undergone since May 2023.

He said that Abia was once ranked the dirtiest state in Nigeria but had since made significant strides in cleanliness and urban development.

He further revealed that his administration had started working with UN-Habitat to develop a new master plan for Aba and Umuahia, drawing inspiration from the original colonial-era urban planning.

The governor said that with the initial cleanup efforts yielding positive results, the state government was shifting focus to waste conversion and sustainability.

He disclosed that the administration was collaborating with Kaltani Company on a waste-to-wealth initiative that would help  transform waste into valuable products.

He further said that the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the waste-to-energy initiative.

“Our goal is not just to manage our waste efficiently but also get to a point where we can buy waste from neighboring states to sustain our energy and recycling projects.

“There are two ways to manage waste: incineration or landfill disposal. However, neither is a sustainable solution.

“Instead, we are exploring waste-to-energy and other recycling options to create valuable products, while addressing Abia’s energy challenges,” he said.

In an interview with newsmen, the Chief Executive Officer of Kaltani Company, Mr Obi Nnanna, expressed his company’s desire to partner with the government on its waste-to-wealth initiative.

Nnanna also expressed enthusiasm in working with the present administration to achieve its vision for the state.

“We are fully committed to waste collection and recycling efforts, with a focus on job creation and environmental sustainability.

“We intend to galvanise waste, create jobs, and address multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Sam Oditah

NBS reaffirms commitment to effective data communication
Economy/Business

NBS reaffirms commitment to effective data communication

339 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring effective communication of its statistical data.

Mr Folunrunsho Alesanmi, Head, Communications and Public Relations Department, NBS, said this during the send-forth of the outgoing Director of the department, Mr Joel Ichedi, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Alesanmi stated that the methodology used by NBS would be communicated clearly for easy understanding and utilisation by various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers and the public.

“The vision is clear: we are going to have a clear and robust communication strategy that is implementable.

“The whole team is working on that to ensure we have a steady communication plan.

“This is to ensure we are not jumping from pillar to post when it comes to disseminating information to the public.”

He commended the outgoing director for his team spirit and dedication to his work.

“Mr Ichedi when he assigns tasks will not rest on his oars until everything is perfectly done.

“We have had a very cordial relationship and I know there is still so much more he can offer and contribute even after retirement,” he said.

Ichedi thanked the members of staff of his department for organising the send-forth in his honour, as he expressed joy at seeing his retirement.

He advised the junior staff members to be hardworking and dedicated to their work in order to attain the level of director someday.

Ichedi thanked the media for their cooperation throughout his tenure in ensuring the activities of the NBS were effectively communicated.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Ichedi, a renowned statistician and communication expert, retired from the Federal Civil Service on Tuesday after 33 years of service.

He was the Director of Communications and Public Relations, NBS, until his retirement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail

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