The European Union (EU) has unveiled a digital platform to boost investment in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
Ms Myriam Ferran, EU’s Deputy Director-General, Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA), said this at the 9th edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja.
Ferran said the platform was aimed at increasing private investments in the country’s agribusiness sector.
She said the initiative would contribute to the reduction of food insecurity and poverty as well as the attainment of sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
“The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform will contribute to boosting the exploration and exploitation of agribusiness opportunities between Nigeria and the EU.
“This is through the establishment and maintenance of a network of active members of agribusinesses across Nigeria and the EU.
“An agribusiness platform is a form of a digital agricultural platform that provides digital marketing, trading or investment space for commercial and/or transactional activities.
“It also aids interactions, communications, integrations and cooperation in the agri-food system and agro-industry between Nigerian and European SMEs.”
According to Ferran, the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform’s primary focus is to create linkages and interactions between Nigeria and EU agribusiness stakeholders, especially among SMEs.
She said it would also promote trade and investment between both sides.
“The idea for an agribusiness platform stems from the commitments of the November 2020 EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue.
“In consultation with the government of Nigeria, it was decided to launch an EU-Nigeria Agri-business Platform as a structured dialogue between Nigerian and EU farming and agri-food communities agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.
“This is to promote trade and attract responsible investment, and to foster business linkages, particularly for SMEs,’’she said.
Ferran said that Agribusiness Register Limited, a private sector entity conversant with the agribusiness ecosystem would manage the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform.
She said the idea of handing over the platform to a private sector-led entity working in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders was birthed from a stakeholders’ consultative meeting.
She added that the firm would work and engage with selected agribusinesses, farmer groups, aggregators and other critical stakeholders.
She said that it would also nurture partnership and collaboration with EU implementing partners in the relevant space of agriculture, digital and entrepreneurship with relevant agencies of the government of Nigeria.
“In particular, it will work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu has said that no explosion occurred at Zungeru power plant on Monday.
Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said that the minister was reacting to reports insinuating an explosion at Zungeru power plant.
Tunji quoted the minister as dismissing the report as “a figment of the imagination of the purveyors of such information”.
According to the Minister, the Zungeru power plant is on the grid and the plant is running at optimum capacity.
“I have spoken with the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy and I can assure you that nothing of such took place in Zungeru.
”The plant is working and it continues to supply to the grid. We have video evidence from Zungeru that nothing like that occurred today and whoever is interested should go there to find out.
”It is rather unfortunate that people will sit down somewhere and cook up this sort of story. It is unpatriotic; such people should desist from creating unnecessary panic”.
The minister assured Nigerians of adequate supply of energy, stressing that, “we have seen the worst in the sector, we can only get better.
”We promised incremental supply of power and that is what is happening now, and that’s why we have the present improvement and it will continue”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Trade Modernisation Project as tool to combat trade-related corruption
By Martha Agas
Generally, one menace countries seeking to facilitate ease of doing business to generate revenue, especially through direct foreign investment, face, is corruption along the chain of service delivery.
Analysts have, thus, argue that the first step to boost international trade is to deal with corruption and other sharp practices that could hurt investors’ confidence.
They have always emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and the need to establish deep trust, particularly in global trade.
Analysts believe that a deep trust in the trade operations processes will encourage and attract investors to the country, with their activities boosting the country’s economic profile and facilitating implementation of more developmental projects.
Even though the World Bank’s Annual Ease of Doing Business Report states that Nigeria has greatly improved in the ease of doing business, ranking 131 out of 190 countries in 2020, stakeholders still observe that there are many factors impeding business operations in the country.
They say top on the list is corruption, with public officials often accused of often taking advantage of administrative bureaucracies to force trade operators to give bribes to expedite the lengthy chain of procedures.
The say that the labyrinthine bureaucracy, lack of transparency and inefficiency have continuously created fertile ground for corrupt practices.
Automating NCS Processes
Similarly, reports by LEAP and NOI polls indicate that 85 per cent of Nigerians believe that the prevalence of corruption in the country is responsible for the difficulty in the ease of doing business.
Stakeholders have noted that corruption is impeding trade operations at land borders and sea ports accross the country, while business operators are reported to constantly complain on dealing with too many government agencies and illegal clearing agents, who make corrupt demands or arbitrary fees during port calls.
Even though the Trade Policy of Nigeria (TPN) 2023 to 2027, hinges on government’s commitment to an open and transparent trade policy, and is described as a significant effort to promote trade as a tool for economic growth and development, achieving this goal requires deliberate efforts to address constraints such as corruption.
To salvage the situation, trade modernisation offers a beacon of hope in the fight to address the menace.
By leveraging technology, streamlining processes, and enhancing transparency, Nigeria can significantly reduce the opportunities for corruption and create a more efficient and fair trade environment.
It is in line with this that the Public Private Patnership (PPP) of Trade Modernisation Project, which has three phases, was embarked upon in 2022.
The project is a 20-year concesssion, with the execution agreement signed on May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd.
The TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS. It seeks to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.
It is aimed at making it easy to obtain export and import clearances. It will also ease the payment of duties and the release of goods.
In summary, it is a long-term rescue plan aimed at ensuring predictable and transparent processes and procedures for imports, exports and transit trade.
The project will deploy a software described as the Unified Customs Management system(UCMS), allowing trade operators the advantage of monitoring all stages of their transactions.
According to the Head of Business Processes for the project, Mr Usman Abba, the system is an improvement over the current system, with enhanced features that use Artificial Intelligence(AI) to assist in the classification and validation of documents or data that is being uploaded.
He also mentioned that it includes third-party sources for verifying documents, which simplifies the work of customs officers in terms of registration and document processing.
In time past, stakeholders had sought such a rescue plan.
In 2020, for instance, Dr Muda Yusuf, the former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need for Nigeria to transit to automated processes.
At a webinar on corruption in the cargo clearance at the Nigeria port, he said that delays and the cost of border trade operations could be reduced if manual processes were automated.
The General Manager of TMP Ltd, Ahmed Ogunshola, while throwing more light on the project, said recently that it creates a foundation for improving NCS’ services, which include improving revenue generation, facilitating trade development and minimising corruption in trade facilitation.
Experts have noted that such digital systems help to reduce human interaction, thereby by minimising opportunities for corrupt practices, and increasing transparency in customs operations.
A tech expert, Ibrahim Yahaya, has said that if properly implemented, TMP would unify custom activities and management, and effectively combat corrupt practices within the system.
He added that it would also help ensure transparency and efficiency in the discharge of NCS’ activities, especially in verifying the issuance of fake customs duties documents.
“Mostly, we see a lot of fake customs duties documents, while the mode of production and issuance is obsolete.
“ Traditionally, it makes it easy for people to manipulate, but automation will help in addressing that; it will improve efficiency.
“I belive that there is AI in the system. It will help to predict an estimated target for government revenue, and if there is any deficiency. it would address it,” he said.
Stakeholders say that the TMP is a beacon to combat corruption in trade operations, and they are excited that the UCMS is to be inaugurated so that they start reaping the benefits.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Capt.Tajudeen Alao, believes that TMP will facilitate quicker cargo clearance at the nation’s ports, boost Internally Generated Revenue and enhance the country’s global visibility.
With the backlog of clearances being a concern for operators due to extended clearing times, resulting in increased cost, TMP managers say that 200 containers can be scanned within an hour using the gantry scanner, which the project will deploy.
This is in addition to helping traders comprehensively monitor all processes and avoid falling prey to agents extorting them even after customs clearance.
An ex-ray of the process indicates that it is transparent as it gives traders full visibility in the system to know the specific documents being worked upon, who is handling them, the amount required for customs charges, the causes of any other delays in the transaction, and how to follow up to address them.
With its clear features, analysts believe that TMP will address the agitation by stakeholders for the reduction of desks that importers pass through – for several weeks – to clear their goods, which has become a window to indulge in corrupt practices.
Simply put, the time allotted to assess documents uploaded to the system could be shortened by half with the deployment of the new system.
“It is a complex coming together of different aspects in terms of being efficient, which includes human efficiency, system efficiency in terms of hardware and software,” a key player at the Lagos port recently observed, while craving anonymity.
“We have made significant progress with respect to the deliverables of the project,” he added.
To curb leakages in revenue collection and drive trade reforms, transparency in creating a trustworthy trade environment is crucial, analysts say.
They also point out that corruption at various stages of the trade process can significantly increase costs and deter both domestic and foreign businesses from engaging in trade activities.
While stakeholders are receptive to the gains of the TMP, even though it is still at its first phase, observers hope that the implementation will be smooth and not follow the typical scenario of many initiatives that were full of errors, hitches, and not sustained.
It is hoped that the PPP would increase revenue accruals as the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for Nigeria with the concessionaire investing 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period. (NANFeatures)
*** If used, please credit the writer and the Agency ***
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged organisations dedicated to consumer welfare and business-to-customer relationships to promote fair business practices.
Its Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, made the appeal during an engagement between the FCCPC and the National Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria/Retail Council of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos.
Abdullahi noted that the commission had identified concerns in the retail sector, especially regarding the inconsistent display of prices, which had led to discrepancies between shelf prices and the final amount charged at the till.
To address this, he urged supermarkets to maintain price transparency and consistency, recognising that trust and market integrity hinge on this critical aspect.
He explained that while the FCCPC does not regulate prices, it has a mandate to promote fair competition and discourage price gouging and unfair pricing practices.
Abdullahi said, “We don’t control prices. But we ensure that there is a level playing field so that the market is open and people can come in, display their wares, and sell at their own prices.
“The price dictates whether you sell your products or not, as far as we’re concerned.
“We feel that it’s only fair that if the government is trying its very best to bring down the Naira exchange value, then those efforts should also be rewarded by retailers by bringing down the cost of items.”
By upholding consumer rights and fostering a competitive marketplace, the FCCPC boss added that the commission aimed to create a conducive environment for both businesses and consumers to thrive.
According to him, the commission is dedicated to enforcing compliance with the law, particularly the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Act, to eradicate deceptive and misleading marketing practices that undermine competition.
“That’s why we’re here today. The concerns we have in the retail business, especially the formal sector, is this issue of price display on products.
“This has been a major concern for us because it is what has already led to the ceding of a major supermarket in Abuja.
“This is because the price displayed at the counter is different from the one you pay at the till. And that’s misleading and deceptive as far as the regulations are concerned.”
Abdullahi hinted that the FCCPC had agreed to form a small technical committee that would look at a Memorandum of Understanding, its draft, and how to work together henceforth.
“We are going to have a lot of capacity building amongst ourselves so that we understand each other, we understand them from the side of businesses.
“They understand us from the side of regulators. That way, we would have a lot of mileage, ” he added.
Dr Haresh Keswani, Chairman of the National Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria/Retail Council of Nigeria, commended the FCCPC boss for his time and open-mindedness in understanding the importance of retail in Nigeria.
Keswani, also the Managing Director of Atee Industies, known as SPAR, said his members were law-abiding companies and they continued to be focused on the consumer, just like the FCCPC.
“As you know, the current retail is the second generation. The first generation died many years ago in the brands of Kingsway, UTC, and all that.
“And the second-generation retails, which are several brands, have been built over many years and are also currently struggling to stay in business. And you all know the reason why they are struggling. Because being compliant in Nigeria is expensive.
“To pay salaries on time, to make sure you pay your taxes, you pay your power energy bills, and you follow the rules is an expensive proposition,” he said.
To this end, he noted that the essence of the engagement with the FCCPC was to work on the value chain.
Keswani added, “In this value chain, all four pillars are stakeholders. And we all equally have to do our own bit. I cannot be a midfielder, a defender, a striker, and a goalkeeper.
“We all have a role to play. So this is team play. This is teamwork and we are clearly focused on wanting the retail business to grow.
“Also, we want the consumer to get the best value. But equally, not without everyone stepping onto the ground and playing the game.” (NAN)
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is undergoing reforms to ensure greater effectiveness in achieving its mandate.
The Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr Claver Gatete, said this in a statement on Thursday by the Communications Section of the UN body.
The 2nd mid-year review meeting of the activities of the commission started on Tuesday with the theme: “Enhancing Programme Monitoring and Performance through Tracking the Progress of the Annual Business Plan Implementation”.
The four-day Accountability and Performance Review Meeting (APPRM) is aimed at providing the commission with an opportunity to evaluate its mid-year performance.
They include challenges, opportunities, lessons learned and how to ensure the organisation’s targets are met by the end of the year.
The meeting involves presentations by all thematic areas of the commission and a review of those presentations.
Gatete said the commission’s success in achieving its mandate would hinge on cutting-edge policy research and technology.
According to him, this will be a catalyst for enhancing its work.
He tasked all thematic areas of the commission, including Data and Statistics; Economic Development and Planning, and Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women.
Others are macroeconomics and governance; poverty, inequality and social Policy, private sector development and finance, and regional integration and trade, and technology, climate change and natural resource management.
The ECA boss also tasked the sub-regional offices to work in a concerted effort for collective results and impact.
He further urged commission members to develop more focused programmes that would ensure that the planned activities were achievable.
They are also to strengthen their partnerships with partners, including the African Union Commission (AUC), to avoid duplication.
Mr Sa’id Adejumobi, Director of the Strategic Planning, Oversight, and Results Division (SPORD) of the commission, described the meeting as essential for assessing progress and making necessary adjustments for effective results delivery.
SPORD is responsible for organising and coordinating the APPRM.
According to Adejumobi, the commission is on track to meeting its 2024 strategic goals, adding that this was primarily based on the UN Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union member-states.
He said that in 2024, the commission supported 254 interventions in 46 countries, as part of its effort to contribute to the continent’s development.(NAN) (www.nannew.ng)
The Debt Management Office says the rise in Nigeria’s public debt stock from N97.34 trillion in December 2023 to N121.67 trillion in March 2024, is partly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
The Director-General of DMO, Patience Oniha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
She was clarifying misconceptions about the recently released update of the country’s total debt profile.
She said that the securitisation of N4.90 trillion as part of the securitisation of the N7.3 trillion Ways and Means Advances approved by the National Assembly was also responsible for the N24.33 trillion increase in the debt stock.
According to her, there is also the interest rate, as well as new borrowing of N2.81 trillion as part of the N6.06 trillion provided in the 2024 budget.
She, however, emphasised that the debt stock included the domestic and external debt stock of the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The total public debt as at March 31, showed that the total public debt in Naira terms stood at N121.67 trillion compared to N97.34 trillion as at December 31, 2023.
“While detailed information was provided on the data such as the split between external and domestic debt as well as the fact that the debt stock includes the domestic and external debt stock of the 36 states and the FCT, it has become imperative to provide some explanations.
“It is important to recognise the fact that Nigeria has undergone some major reforms which have impacted economic indices such as the dollar/Naira exchange rate and interest rates.
“These two, in particular affect the debt stock and debt service,” she said.
Oniha said that the increase in Naira Terms of N24.33 trillion between the fourth quarter of 2023, and first quarter of 2024, did not strictly represent new borrowing.
She said that the total external debt stock was relatively flat at 42.50 billion dollars and 42.12 billion dollars in the fourth quarter of 2023, and first quarter of 2024 respectively.
“The Naira values were significantly different at N38.22 trillion and N56.02 trillion respectively, representing a difference of N17.8 trillion.
“This explains the perceived sharp increase of N24.33 trillion in the total debt stock in the first quarter of 2024.
“The difference in the exchange rate for the two periods also explains why in dollar terms, the total debt stock actually declined in the first quarter of 2024 to 91.46 billion dollars,” Oniha said.
She said that the debt report was an improvement from the past, before President Bola Tinubu government.
According to her, if you discount FX impact, the debt is moderate and within normal limit.
She urged the Federal Government to prioritise fiscal retrenchment, while assuring that the various measures to attract foreign exchange inflows would increase external reserves and support the Naira exchange rate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK has urged Nigerian executives to be resilient in their leadership responsibilities to achieve best goals in volatile economic environments.
In a statement on its website, TEXEM’s Director, Special Projects, Caroline Lucas expressed the need for the leaders to revitalise their organisations so as to inspire sustainable growth in a recovering economy like Nigeria.
Lucas said in an era of unprecedented volatility, senior executives grapple with a myriad of challenges that necessitate innovative strategies and resilient leadership.
She said that the TEXEM programme in Lagos, scheduled for July 17 and July 18, presents a transformative opportunity to invigorate Nigerian organisations and foster sustainable growth in the country’s economy.
The programme is titled “Revitalise Your Organisation: Inspire Sustainable Growth In A Recovering Economy”.
“In today’s interconnected and unpredictable world, resilience extends far beyond mere operational continuity during crises.
“True resilience embodies a company’s capacity to absorb stress, recover critical functionality, and thrive in new circumstances.
“This holistic view of resilience, as a strategic advantage, enables companies to capitalize on opportunities when competitors are least prepared,” the director said.
Lucas said the TEXEM programme underscores the importance of embedding resilience into all organisational functions, from finance, IT to customer service.
“Through case studies and role-playing exercises, executives will acquire practical tools to operationalise resilience and drive long-term performance.
“While resilience is essential, regeneration propels business strategy further.
“Regeneration entails making bold, proactive moves that reconnect companies with their strategic foundations,” Lucas said.
She added that this approach transcends mere survival, fostering long-term value and enduring competitive advantage.
“Executives will explore how to develop business models that generate greater long-term value, support a culture of continuous learning and development, and leverage technology to unlock new opportunities.
“This programme will equip leaders with the skills to drive sustainable growth and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
“The future of work, characterised by rapid technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer demands, requires adaptable leadership,” she said.
Lucas urged leaders to leverage emerging technologies and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes with a “learn-it-all” mindset.
“The TEXEM programme will delve into the Learning Executives Framework, helping participants develop a vision, deliver values, and master the art of persuasion.
“By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and flexibility, executives will be better prepared to win in turbulent times.
“The programme’s methodology, including group discussions, self-reflection, and peer-to-peer learning, will enhance participants’ ability to lead through uncertainty and drive their organisations toward future success,” she said.
Lucas asserted that by participating in this programme, executives will enhance their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
“The immersive learning experience, guided by Prof. Paul Griffith and other distinguished faculty, will challenge assumptions and stimulate innovative thinking.
“Interactive activities such as case studies, assessments, and role-playing will deepen understanding and enable the application of new concepts in real-world scenarios.
“The ultimate goal of the TEXEM programme is to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to inspire sustainable growth and long-term prosperity,” she said.
Lucas added that by fostering adaptability, amplifying purpose, and balancing short-term efficiency with long-term resilience, participants would drive their organisations toward enduring success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Razak Owolabi
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), says it has concluded arrangements to train five million artisans annually, to enhance technical and vocational skills in Nigeria.
It also warned against quack training centres across the country.
Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the Fund, said this at the inaugural meeting on Implementation of Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme for Executives of Enlisted Skills training Centers (ESTCs).
Ogun said the training was to upskill the talent of artisans in their various fields of profession.
He said the training would have its phase of selection, adding that about 100 thousand artisans would be trained in each of the phases.
He said the first phase would commence before the end of June, adding that the training would transform the skills acquisition space in Nigeria.
“The training will be phase by phase and bit by bit; we will be selecting about 100,000 artisans for the training.
“When we are through with the number, we select another phase, we must make sure we cover the five million artisans every year, just as the presidency directed us.
“The names and various centres where the trainings will commence will be published in various national daily newspapers and training starts immediately.
“The criteria for the training is that the person must be a Nigerian, all artisans are our candidates. Those who registered first will start the first phase.
“The registration portal opened from January till March 15, 2024, we went out to all senatorial districts to out screen so that we can move ahead,” he said.
The director-general said the aim of the programme was to work with relevant stakeholders, and that ITF would be onboarding to become the best skills training centers of international standards in Nigeria.
“We will guarantee a steady stream of trainees for whom ITF will be financially responsible but side by side we will implement rigorous facility and process inspections to ensure that our standards are met.
” ITF is currently working out partnerships with the most reputable international awarding bodies so that certifications issued after our training programme will give graduands a variety of options in terms of work opportunities and employability both locally and globally.
“The era of training just for the sake of it, or issuance of Certificate of Attendance/Competence is gone and gone for good.
” Every skills training undertaken by ITF must lead to reputable international certification which in turn, guarantees measurable improved livelihood of graduands,” he said.
Ogun condemned the act of organising training centres by some people without requisite approval from the ITF.
“Another point I must address is mushrooming of Skills Training Centers in Nigeria without requisite approval by ITF.
“It is troubling to note that all over the country, persons undertake so-called trainings in both technical and vocational trainings without prior approval of their training curriculum, manual and programme by ITF.
“As a result, there is no way to ascertain the quality of learning being passed on to graduands who pay exorbitant prices for these trainings.
” This has created a circle of entrenched quackery which ITF is set up to put an end to.
“We now have an avalanche of foreign training institutions offering some kind of technical or vocational training without due approval of the programmes and processes.
” Even where such foreign set ups have the competence to undertake these trainings, their unregulated presence represents a loss of revenue by local players.
“ITF will be issuing the necessary regulations on these subject matters very soon and enforcement efforts will also commence in earnest.
“Today signposts a new dawn at ITF and in the skills training space in Nigeria and we need all hands on deck to turn the tide and change the narratives,” he said.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Coordinator, Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), also lauded the organisers of the training.
“Particularly in the area of my own craft, which is refrigeration and air-conditioning, in the area of ozone depletion, if this training is centered toward handling of refrigerants and professionalism in refrigeration and air-conditioning, it will help”.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigerian and European business leaders, policy makers and institutional stakeholders will converge on Abuja on July 2, to identify and explore investment opportunities along specific value chains during the ninth European Union-Nigeria Business Forum.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this known to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
Isopi said the business forum will also facilitate trade, investment, and partnerships through networking, discussions, and policy shaping, to promote economic cooperation between the EU and Nigeria and stimulate sustainable growth for both parties.
“It is important to note that for the first time since its inception, the 2024 edition of the EU-Nigeria Business Forum will be held in Abuja.
‘This will provide an opportunity for the EU, its Member States and the private sector from Europe and Nigeria to engage the new administration on their investment agendas in a transparent and inclusive manner, with a view to fostering confidence and commitment to a stronger and sustainable partnership.”
As part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, she explained, EU-funded projects will complement private sector investment in areas, which bring about critical social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
In the case of Nigeria, she said, particular attention is paid to the harnessing of local talent, particularly among youth and women, as well as economic, social, and environmental resilience.
Against this backdrop, she also said that the forum will focus on current and prospective investment in the digital, health, and agricultural sectors.
According to Isopi, the forum will discuss options and respective benefits towards establishing a bilateral legal framework between the EU and Nigeria, bringing certainty, stability, and sustainability to bilateral trade and investment relations.
NAN reports that latest statistics have shown that Nigeria and European Union trade volume has grown to 45 billion Euro.
The statistics showed that this was the case as at September 2023, even as the United Nations COMTRADE database indicated that Nigeria remains EU largest trade partner, accounting for 20.9 per cent of Nigeria’s global trade.
The EU is made up of 28 European countries, though there are 50 countries considered European. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria has about 40.2 million agricultural households, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)has said.
This was made known at the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2022 in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the census was conducted by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The report revealed that out of the 91 per cent of agricultural households that cultivated crops, 35 per cent practised only crop cultivation while 48 per cent reported raising any type of livestock.
It showed that 16 per cent of the households raised 58 million cattle, while 41.2 per cent raised about 124 million goats.
“While 42.5 per cent raised poultry, most commonly chickens, while five per cent practised fisheries.”
The report showed that the lowest percentage of agricultural households into Crop Cultivation was recorded in Lagos State at 48.0 per cent, while Ebonyi recorded the highest at 99.5 per cent.
It showed the highest percentage of agricultural households engaged in Livestock Production was reported in Jigawa at 84.2 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 79.7 per cent .
The report said for Poultry, the highest percentage of agricultural households was recorded in Benue at 65.2 per cent, followed by Ebonyi State at 63.3 per cent.
Bishop Ohioma, Assistant Director, Agricultural and Business Enterprises Statistics Department, NBS, while giving an overview of the report, said the survey has two components which include the listing component and the sample survey component.
Ohioma said the listing component was what was being unveiled while the sample survey component would be unveiled in a few months.
He said the census provided a robust dataset that would support agricultural interventions programmes, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
He said the NASC listing was conducted using digitised Enumeration Area (EA) maps in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
Ohioma said 767 Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the country were canvassed, however, seven LGAs were not covered as at the time of the Census, following insecurity concerns.
He said the uncovered LGAs were four LGAs in Imo state and three LGAs in Borno state.
Ohioma said 40 EAs were covered in each LGA and the number of EAs covered varied by state, both urban and rural EAs were covered.
“In all, 30,546 EAs were covered nationwide out of the proposed 30,960. ”
He said one of the recommendations from the report include the need for Government to allocate more resources to support the conduct of the quarterly and annual National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS).
Ohioma said the report also recommended Technical and financial Partners to sustain support in the conduct of quarterly and annual surveys.
“Technical and financial Partners to continuously provide support to build capacity of staff of the NBS in agricultural statistics production.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure the sustainability of the NASC in Nigeria.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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