NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s resolve to champion AfCFTA
Economy/Business

Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s resolve to champion AfCFTA

345 total views today

AfCFTA

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, says Nigeria is ready to spearhead the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Shettima said this at a forum of Friends of AfCFTA on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

While addressing the forum tagged, “Forum Friends of AfCFTA: Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa,” Shettima said Nigeria was committed to AfCFTA as a vehicle for shared prosperity.

He said Africa was in a unique position to take advantage of global talent deficits.

The Vice-President cited a Korn Ferry study that projected a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people by 2030.

“By 2050, Nigeria’s population will surpass that of the U.S. becoming the third most populous nation on earth at 440 million people,” he stated.

Shettima said Nigeria’s technological strength was propelling it into the knowledge age.

“Today, we have 220 million telecom subscribers and 163 million internet users in Nigeria alone.

“This provides us with immense opportunities to empower our people. While our highest oil export earnings were 35 billion dollars in 2011, India last year earned about 120 billion dollars from outsourcing alone.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is not only an economic arrangement but a bold statement of our shared destiny,” he said.

Aligning with Shettima, Mr Borge Brende, the WEF President, said Africa’s demographic advantage presented huge economic opportunities for the continent.

He noted that while most nations faced workforce challenges, Africa’s young population positioned it for unprecedented growth.

“If the Secretary General of the AfCFTA is given all the support he deserves, we can boost intra-African trade by a staggering 50 per cent.

“As of today, 29 trillion dollars represents one-third of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Africa is such a growing continent, and one of its key promises is demography.

“The challenge now is creating new jobs for the youth population,” he stated. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

===================

Nigeria, S/Arabia deepen ties on solid mineral exploration
Economy/Business

Nigeria, S/Arabia deepen ties on solid mineral exploration

373 total views today

By Martha Agas

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have renewed plans to build the capacity of their geological agencies by leveraging the breakthroughs recorded by Saudi firms in mineral exploration.

Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that this was on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,

Tomori said the decision was taken at a closed-door meeting between a delegation from Saudi Arabia led by its Minister of Mining, Bandar Al-Khorayef, and Nigeria’s delegation led by Alake.

He said Alake proposed for both countries to collaborate on areas of economic advantage, urging partnerships based on the sector’s value chain.

Citing Saudi Arabia’s renowned gold market as an example, Alake said Nigeria’s gold refineries could access the Saudi market under protective clauses, guaranteeing expansion opportunities for both economies.

On his part, the Saudi Minister disclosed that its government and the private sector were working together to introduce new technologies for mineral exploration.

He emphasised that new products were showcased at the minerals forum conference to foster business partnerships and raise awareness of their applications.

Alake also met with officials of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, where he canvassed their investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.

He urged them to leverage the large deposits of lithium and iron ore, which were being processed in Nigeria in line with the value addition policy.

To de-risk their investment, the minister promised to direct the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, to provide relevant data on their minerals of interest.

According to the minister, the global transition toward electric machines, which use lithium batteries, has positioned Nigeria as a critical supplier of minerals

Tomori quoted him saying, “Partnership with Saudi investors will encourage the export of finished industrial inputs.”

Acknowledging the investment in steel production in Saudi Arabia, the minister cited examples of companies processing iron ore to steel in Nigeria as precedents that could be replicated.

He said that Nigeria was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors to ensure smooth operations in mining projects.

The minister said they included the establishment of laboratories for the separation and analysis of mineral samples, among other facilities.

“Nigeria has the best certified laboratories for minerals in West Africa,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 Future Minerals Forum (FMF) with the theme: “Year of Impact,’ was held from Jan. 14 to 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The meeting was to bolster international collaboration in producing the critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

CAC strengthens compliance, enforcement mandates for efficient management of entities
Economy/Business

CAC strengthens compliance, enforcement mandates for efficient management of entities

368 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has unveiled plans to strengthen its compliance and enforcement mandates, with a focus on formalising businesses and enhancing post-incorporation compliance.

The Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, said this during the in-house enforcement and compliance training for state offices on Monday in Abuja,

Magaji said that the training, with the theme “Re-engineering the Commission for Compliance and Enforcement Mandates” would ensure efficient management of corporate entities.

He called for a paradigm shift in the commission’s operations, emphasising the importance of compliance and enforcement functions beyond the routine registration of businesses.

“One of the key priorities I identified upon assuming duty in 2023, was the need to bring the commission’s regulatory and management functions to the forefront.

“This led to the inclusion of compliance enforcement as a key component of my four-point agenda,” he said.

The registrar-general said that advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) could handle routine operational tasks like business registration, freeing resources for more complex compliance and enforcement activities.

He reiterated the success of the PoS Formalisation Project, which had registered about 100,000 Point-of-Sale operators under the requirements of Section 863 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

According to him, the project aims to formalise at least 250,000 operators in the sector as part of broader efforts to regulate the estimated 40 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

“Formalisation is the first step for legitimate business operations and access to government interventions.

”It also mitigates the risks associated with unregistered businesses, such as money laundering and terrorism financing,” Magaji said.

He revealed plans to implement sanctions for operators who fail to comply with formalisation requirements and clarified that multiple registrations across fintech platforms were unnecessary, as one registration sufficed

Beyond pre-incorporation activities, the registrar-general stressed the need to prioritise post-incorporation compliance, which he described as a sustainable revenue stream for modern registries.

He also unveiled plans to address issues like shell companies, opaque ownership structures, and proper disclosure of persons with significant control, in line with global standards and the Persons with Significant Control Regulations.

“This training will position our staff to undertake compliance enforcement and inspection duties with confidence.

”It also marks the start of our drive towards a hyper post-incorporation compliance mode.

“The training includes technical sessions on statutory books, records, returns, and filings for registered entities, with input from resource persons from law enforcement agencies to share practical experiences, “he said.

He urged participants to engage actively and embrace the reforms as part of efforts to align the commission’s operations with global best practices.

Representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, its Deputy Commander on Narcotics, Harami Wakirwa, said that  the initiative demonstrated CAC’s commitment to promoting compliance, integrity and accountability.

“This is a good step in the right direction. I wish you all a productive and engaging experience.

”Let us work together to foster a culture of compliance and make a positive impact in our industries and countries,” he said.

Also, DCP Usman Ahmed, Deputy Director, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC), acknowledged the crucial role compliance and enforcement played in safeguarding and fostering a secure regime for business operations.

“The challenges we face today, especially in cyber-attacks, demand that we continually adapt and improve our strategies and practices.

“This training is not just an opportunity to acquire knowledge, but should allow us to improve cybersecurity, inter-agency collaboration, and share the responsibility to restore confidence in public institutions.

“We must embrace this opportunity to re-engineer our operations and reinforce our ability to excel in cyber security. Together, we can make a significant impact,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kadiri Abdulrahman

France to upgrade Nigeria’s Survey Agency lab, provide equipment
Economy/Business

France to upgrade Nigeria’s Survey Agency lab, provide equipment

587 total views today

By Martha Agas

The French Republic has pledged to upgrade the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s (NGSA) laboratory and provide it with advanced technological equipment.

This commitment followed discussions on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between France and Nigeria.

The announcement was made at the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The French delegation was led by Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, while Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

A statement on Monday by Alake’s Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, revealed that the commitment includes funding geological data exploration for the NGSA.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on December 1 2024, the Minister announced an MoU with France to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain in both countries.

Gallezot revealed that his department was screening French companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The process is designed to ensure that only credible and serious investors are recommended to Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Alake expressed gratitude to Gallezot for his cooperation in facilitating the MoU aimed at strengthening the solid minerals sectors of both nations.

He also dismissed misinformation from political opponents, clarifying that Nigeria was neither relinquishing control of its mineral resources nor entering into a military pact with France.

Alake emphasised that the Future Minerals Forum provides a valuable platform for both countries to deepen collaboration and jointly design programmes to achieve mutual goals.

The Director-General of the NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, stated at the meeting that the lack of advanced technological equipment had delayed the exploration of areas with large mineral deposits.

He further emphasised the need to develop local expertise with international exposure, noting that mining is a global industry that demands continuous training and knowledge transfer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Tinubu’s economic policies will set new records – IMPI
Economy/Business

Tinubu’s economic policies will set new records – IMPI

390 total views today

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) says the economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration will set new records in 2025 based on current trends in the economy.

The Chairman of IMPI, Dr Niyi Akinsiju, in a policy statement released on Sunday, said the group reached the conclusion after an analysis of the economy since the introduction of the Tinubu reforms 19 months ago.

It said the efforts of the Tinubu administration in 2024 yielded notable improvements in petroleum industry output inspite of mounting challenges.

“For instance, the local refining of petroleum and the complete deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry have led to price competition on petrol and made smuggling of petroleum products across the country’s borders unattractive.

“The approval of five oil asset sales and two Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in 2024 also elicited positive feelings from foreign investors willing to do business in Nigeria’s energy sector,” said the group.

It added that in 2025, oil sector analysts projected that production would likely average 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) and close the year at 1.78 million bpd.

“This optimistic outlook is underpinned by measures to address oil theft, including the implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration regime by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

“This initiative ensures that all exported crude oil and gas cargoes are uniquely identified, verifying the legitimacy of export documentation and reducing the theft of resources,” the group said.

To enhance crude oil production, it noted that the president signed three executive orders (EOs) in February 2024 aimed at improving the investment climate and positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the petroleum sector in Africa.

It also said the plan to hold a fresh oil licensing round in 2025 was focused primarily on handing out oil blocks that remained undeveloped.

“This is another fillip in the effort to hike crude oil production and raise crude reserves and production,” it said.

It said the Federal Government would accomplish its target to increase crude oil production to 2.06 barrels per day as proposed in the federal budget for 2025.

The group admitted that the naira lost a chunk of its value especially in 2024 when it depreciated by 40.9 per cent before appreciating in December.

It, however, said this had a domino effect in ensuring a trade surplus for the country, reflecting a strong contribution of the non oil sector for the first time in recent years.

“CBN data for October 2024 highlighted a positive trade performance driven by more substantial export earnings than imports.

“This reflects a third consecutive quarter of trade surplus in 2024.

“The trade surplus expanded to 2.21 billion dollars, up from 2.07 billion dollars in September.

“This improvement was fueled by a 3.51 per cent rise in total exports which increased to 5.02 billion dollars from 4.85 billion dollars the previous month,” said IMPI.

The group added that export growth was attributed to higher values in crude oil and non-oil products.

It said though crude oil and gas exports continued to dominate Nigeria’s export landscape, accounting for 87.74 per cent of total exports, non-oil exports recorded impressive growth.

Non-oil exports, it said , increased by 19.23 per cent to 0.62 billion dollars from 0.52 billion dollars in September.

“Higher export receipts for key agricultural commodities such as cocoa, beans, urea, sesame seeds, cocoa products, aluminium, and copper primarily drove this growth.

“Brazil emerged as the top destination for Nigeria’s non-oil exports, followed by the Netherlands, Malaysia, Japan, and Germany.

It said to highlight Nigeria’s growing export competitiveness in the global market, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) declared that it recorded an impressive total Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value.

CIF,it said, rose to N136.65 trillion in exports in 2024 from N42.77 trillion in 2023.

It said this translated to 219.5 per cent increase, noting that the volume of exports surged from 3.70 billion kilograms in 2023 to 12.35 billion kilograms in 2024.

“The trade surplus, as recorded, reflects the impact of the depreciated naira on international trade.

“The depreciation of the naira in the official market boosted export values, energising export activities while making imports more expensive.

”This has contributed to an improved trade balance,” IMPi added.

This, the group said, also helped enhance inflows into the Federation Account and paved way for increased disbursements to all the tiers of government, especially in Q3 2024.

It said: “The third quarter of 2024 recorded more money flowing into Nigeria’s Federation Account, which grew to N6.86 trillion.

”A CBN economic report showed a 7.48 per cent increase from the previous quarter.

“The extra money came mainly from increased Company Income Tax (CIT) and Value-Added Tax (VAT).

” We note with interest that most of the money came from non-oil sources, which brought in N5.56 trillion, while oil revenue made up the rest.”

The IMPI said the increase in revenue was due to higher receipts from corporate tax and VAT, which accounted for 81 per cent of the inflow into the Federation Account.

IMPI added that the ongoing rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would further show the resilience of the economy.

It also said it indicated a more diversified and dynamic economic landscape under President Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Fake products trigger health, economic crises – Expert
Economy/Business

Fake products trigger health, economic crises – Expert

820 total views today

By Chinenye Offor

Dr Emeka Offor, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, has described Nigeria’s counterfeit goods crisis as both an economic challenge and a public health emergency requiring urgent action.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Offor revealed the dangers posed by the influx of counterfeit and substandard products into local and national markets.

He said these products have severe consequences for consumers and threaten the country’s economic stability.

He noted that drastic proposals, such as feeding counterfeiters their own products, might seem extreme, but stressed that penalties for such crimes must match their severity.

Offor identified cities like Aba as epicentres of this crisis, which he said undermines public health and hinders national development.

“According to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), counterfeit goods account for 40 per cent of products in the Nigerian market, causing annual economic losses exceeding 20 billion dollars.

“The health sector is also reeling from the surge in fake drugs. NAFDAC reports that approximately 17 per cent of pharmaceutical products in circulation are counterfeit, putting millions of lives at risk,” he said.

Offor emphasised the tragic human toll of counterfeit goods, citing hospitals overwhelmed with cases of poisoning and organ failure linked to fake medications.

He shared the story of a woman who unknowingly consumed counterfeit drugs for a chronic condition, leading to severe complications requiring emergency care.

“Substandard electrical products have caused devastating fires, destroying homes and businesses.

“Fake building materials have led to building collapses, and counterfeit auto parts have resulted in fatal road accidents,” he added.

He warned that the crisis poses a dire threat to legitimate manufacturers, with companies like Nigerian Breweries and Unilever reporting revenue losses due to fake versions of their products.

“These counterfeits, often sold at lower prices, make it nearly impossible for legitimate businesses to compete.

“Many companies have shut down, resulting in job losses, reduced tax revenues, and diminished foreign investment,” he said.

Offor also pointed to the influx of cheap, substandard imports, particularly from China, often entering Nigeria through porous borders and corrupt customs practices.

“The World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses about 15 per cent of its potential GDP growth annually due to counterfeit products and related illegal trade,” he said.

The healthcare system, he added, bears the brunt of the counterfeit crisis, with hospitals treating increasing numbers of patients affected by toxic cosmetics, fake drugs, and other counterfeit goods.

While agencies such as NAFDAC and SON have intensified their efforts, Offor noted that their resources remain insufficient.

“In 2023, NAFDAC reportedly destroyed counterfeit goods worth ₦4 billion, but he said this represents only a fraction of the problem. Corruption continues to undermine regulatory enforcement”.

Offor called for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling the counterfeit crisis.

“Only through joint efforts by the government, industry, and consumers can Nigeria stem the tide of counterfeit products and protect its economy and public health,” he said.

He stressed the need for judicial reforms to ensure swift prosecution of offenders, with severe penalties such as long prison sentences for counterfeiters.

He also emphasised the role of technology in combating the issue.

“The government must increase funding for regulatory bodies, provide modern technology for detecting counterfeit products, and expand enforcement powers.

“A national product verification system using QR codes or blockchain technology could allow consumers to verify the authenticity of products.

“Manufacturers should also invest in anti-counterfeiting measures such as holographic labels and track-and-trace systems,” he said.

Offor noted the importance of public education, urging consumers to be aware of the risks associated with counterfeit goods and how to identify them.

He also called for strengthened border controls and better collaboration with neighbouring countries to reduce the influx of fake products.

“Trade associations should establish quality certification programmes, and the government should incentivise local manufacturers to adopt international quality standards.

“Enhanced surveillance technology and regional cooperation will also be key to addressing the crisis,” he said.

Offor urged all stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and public health from the dangers posed by counterfeit goods. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Oyetola tasks maritime agencies to prioritise budget for impactful devt.
Economy/Business

Oyetola tasks maritime agencies to prioritise budget for impactful devt.

341 total views today

By Diana Omueza

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged agencies of the ministry to align and prioritise their 2025 budget proposals to ensure massive and impactful development.

Oyetola gave the charge in a statement by Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Public Relations, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, the budget proposals must be in line with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National development Plan.

He urged the agencies to consider their 2025 budget proposal to demonstrate transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritisation.

“Our fiscal strategy must reflect the ambitions outlined in our policy framework. We are tasked with ensuring that every Naira allocated delivers a measurable impact.

“I hope that the 2025 budget will not only provide for the immediate needs of the Ministry/Agencies.

“It should also but will serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the budget proposals would further consolidate the plan of the ministry to develop Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potentials.

He said that, the marine and blue economy sector held unparalleled potentials for national development, as it provided sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation and environmental stewardship.

He added that attaining these goals was in alignment with the key priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu as it related to marine and blue economy.

Oyetola said that resources should be channelled towards strengthening maritime domain through investments in surveillance systems, operations and enforcement of maritime laws.

He said that there was a need to enhance capacity in aquaculture, fishing ports and curbing illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the sector.

He said that other priority areas such as promoting oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy and climate resilience technologies should equally be on the front burner of the agencies.

Oyetola said that the drafted National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy remained the roadmap that would guide collective efforts towards the sustainable management of marine resources.

According to him, the roadmap will also guide climate adaptation, technological innovation and enhanced governance in the sector.

“This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasises the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources,” he said.

The agencies represented at the meeting with the minister included Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Others were, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research.

There were also the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

CBN sanctions 9 banks for failing to dispense cash via ATMs
Economy/Business

CBN sanctions 9 banks for failing to dispense cash via ATMs

579 total views today

 

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has sanctioned some Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to make Naira notes available through automated teller machines (ATMs), during the yuletide season.

According to a statement by Hakama Sidi-Ali, CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, this is a clear message of zero tolerance for cash flow disruptions.

The affected banks are Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc,
Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.

Sidi-Ali said that each of the banks was fined N150 million for non-compliance, in line with the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their branches.

She said that the enforcement
action followed repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to guarantee seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.

“Communication with the banks revealed that the fines would be debited directly from their accounts with the apex bank.

“Ensuring seamless cash flow is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability.

“The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines,” she said.

She said the CBN’s investigations and monitoring would continue to scrutinise cash hoarding and rationing, both at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.

She added that the CBN was working with security agencies to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal limit of N1.2 million.

She urged all financial institutions to comply with its guidelines, warning that further violations would attract swift and decisive sanctions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, had earlier warned banks to strictly adhere to cash distribution policies or face severe penalties.

Cardoso gave the warning in his address at the Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Nov., 2024.

He underscored the apex bank’s commitment to maintaining a robust cash buffer to meet the need of Nigerians.

“Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system,” Cardoso had said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Muhyideen Jimoh

NGO urges collaboration between vigilantes, mining marshals to secure sites
Economy/Business

NGO urges collaboration between vigilantes, mining marshals to secure sites

292 total views today

By Martha Agas

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), has called for synergy between local vigilante groups in mining host communities and the Mining Marshals for security of mining sites.

The Executive of RDI, Philip Jakpor, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

He described the move as crucial in enabling the marshals achieve their objective of securing mining sites across the nation.

NAN reports that the mining marshals security unit was established in 2024 by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to secure mining sites nationwide.

The personnel of the unit are drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and 2,570 personnel have been inaugurated with more than 300 illegal miners arrested and prosecuted.

Jakpor said that the host communities should be involved in securing the sites because of their familiarity with the terrain, which would help the marshals in the discharge of their duties, particularly in surveillance.

“They know the bad eggs of the community; they know the strange faces and the good faces in the community.

“So, if mining marshals drawn from the NSCDC work with communities that already have vigilante, I think the impact will be more. That is the kind of synergy needed, “ he said.

According to him, the establishment of the mining marshals is timely, given the scourge of insecurity at mining sites, which he described as hotbeds for insurgency.

Jakpor also urged the government to have adequate welfare for the marshals to enable them discharge their duty diligently.

He said that the act would also discourage them from accepting bribes from illegal miners to carry out their activities.

“The marshals will be the ones to raise alarm when things are going wrong, but if you do not pay them well, the illegal miners will be able to entice them, and when they do that, they can compromise.

“ Adequately funding that front also means providing the tools they need for work. When I talk about tools of work, I mean they should be able to reach mining sites no matter how far they are.

“So, if they need choppers, they should have them. This is because when the Shiroro incident happened, one of the biggest problems the state governor mentioned was that the area was not accessible, ‘’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Africa has what it takes to develop itself – Tinubu
Economy/Business

Africa has what it takes to develop itself – Tinubu

353 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says that Africa has what it takes to develop itself and should look inward to improve intra-African trade in the interest of the people and the continent.

The President said this on his official X account on Monday, adding that he had successful conversations with the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, on the eve of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025).

“We have the resources, the people and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent.

“The time for Africa is now. We can. We must. We will,” said Tinubu.

The President departed Abuja on Jan. 11 to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the Summit, which will take place in the Emirate from Jan. 12 to 18.

The Summit is expected to bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.

The event titled, ‘The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress’, will enable policymakers, business, and civil society leaders to explore pathways to fast-track the transformation to a sustainable economy and evolve a new era of prosperity for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

 

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