NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Recapturing Aj Jazira will strengthen peace in Sudan- Official

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By Fortune Abang

The Sudanese Government believes that regaining control of Aj Jazira State from the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will pave the way for lasting peace in Sudan.

Mr Ahmed Taboul, Chargé d’Affaires of the Sudanese Embassy in Nigeria, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, this development follows the successful recapture of the strategic state by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

NAN recalls that the conflict between the SAF and RSF has been ongoing, with the RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, facing US sanctions for alleged genocide.

He noted that the recapture of Aj Jazira State by the SAF marks a significant turning point in Sudan since the war broke out on 15 April 2023.

Taboul said, “Aj Jazira is not just strategic; it is also the second largest after Khartoum.

“We consider it a junction connecting the highways of national roads linking most Sudanese cities.

“Aj Jazira is one of the leading states economically, politically, and socially, located less than 200 kilometres from Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

“The successful recapture of the state will give the SAF a strong opportunity to advance and take control of other parts of Sudan, such as the western region, and ensure sustainable peace.

“The southern part of Aj Jazira and other states previously controlled by the rebels have been retaken by the national forces.

“Now, the situation is entirely clear, with the Sudanese Government fully in control through the SAF’s success in reclaiming many villages and other parts of Sudan.”

He explained that the RSF’s position was precarious at the time of the report, adding, “They no longer have any command or central control as they used to.”

This, according to the envoy, is politically and diplomatically good news for the Sudanese people.

He said the Head of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, would soon pay a working visit to four countries: Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Mali, and Senegal.

“The situation in Sudan is changing, and we are confident that all aspects of the war will improve.

“Hopefully, millions of displaced persons and those who fled to neighbouring countries will regain peace and stability across Sudanese cities,” he said.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Chioma Ugboma

Foreign

Allegation of plot with Nigeria to destabilise Niger `groundless` – France

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By Maureen Okon
France on Wednesday described as “groundless” the allegation by Niger that Nigeria had offered space in its territory to France in order to destabilise the former French colony.
Mr Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria expressed this thought in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
“This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria,” the political counsellor said.
It will be recalled that Abdourahamane Tchiani,  the Nigerien military Leader had alleged plot to destabilise the country by using neighbouring Benin and Nigeria as a base for attacks.
Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa in an interview, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilise his country.
He said France made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.
“They (France) met and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
Foreign

FDI crucial to Nigeria, Indonesia economic growth, says ambassador

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By Mark Longyen

Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Usra Harahap, says deepening bilateral relations between both countries to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is critical to engendering their future economic growth.

Harahap gave this insight in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the ambassador, it is for this reason that he explored  numerous investment opportunities for both Nigerian and Indonesian businessmen for the past five years and nine months.

Harahap said he made specific efforts to encourage Indonesian businessmen to invest in Nigeria, and vice versa, with significant achievements in this regard.

He affirmed that such investments include agricultural inputs, coal-based fertiliser, manufacturing, bilateral trading deals, artificial insemination of livestock, fishery technology programmes, cultural relations, education, and technology transfer.

The envoy disclosed that the bilateral trade between Nigeria and Indonesia recently witnessed an impressive growth of about 80 per cent, that is, about four billion dollars in volume.

“Investment opportunities will help towards promoting the future of Nigeria-Indonesia relations.

“Indonesia and Nigeria must set an even higher ambition in our bilateral cooperation.

“You know, we know, that not only me and not only Indonesia, but the whole world knows that Nigeria is a huge market,” he said.

Amb. Harahap said that the Indonesian embassy and  government had taken some deliberate steps toward facilitating investment opportunities from businessmen across both sides.

For instance, he said the Indonesian government decided to ease the visa process for Nigerian businessmen, who are interested in attending their annual Trade Expos.

“We encourage the businessmen to come together, to visit each other, to have business meetings, and so on.

“So, during my tenure of duty, I’ve tried to encourage these by solving, especially the problem of visa.

“Every time we have a big event in Indonesia, we encourage the Indonesian Immigration to make the visa easier because we present the ambassador as a guarantor,” he said.

The ambassador said that he also encouraged business-to-business contact among the businessmen.

“I open my telephone number to call the businessmen who already know me. They come to me, and explain what they need to connect with Indonesian businessmen. I just facilitate. No problem.

“I will just call Indonesia to tell them that somebody would like to do business with them. What do you have? What do you need? And what is your preparation for that?

“And, finally, we just make the communication by Zoom meeting. It’s our system. Every Zoom meeting, I already make a conclusion. Oh, this Zoom meeting is very fruitful and flourish. Let’s start.

“We also have the WhatsApp group chat. And after that is done, they try to communicate. Finally, one of them will visit Nigeria or the Nigerian will visit Indonesia for factory visit,” he said.

The Indonesian envoy added that, as a result of such deliberate efforts, more than 170 Nigerian entrepreneurs travelled to the Southeast Asia and Oceania region in 2024 to explore the huge investment opportunities available there. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

Indonesia, Nigeria deepening defence, counter-terrorism collaboration — Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Usra Harahap, says both countries share similar defence and security experiences and interests, and are working closely to deepen collaboration against terrorism.

The ambassador, a retired Air Vice Marshal in the Indonesian military, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Harahap stated that during his six-year tenure in Nigeria and ECOWAS, he had utilised his military experience to strengthen Indonesia’s diplomatic-military engagements in the subregion.

According to him, his concurrent accreditation as ambassador to ECOWAS enabled him to engage with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, particularly during their threat to withdraw from the regional bloc.

“The development of relations between the two countries is very dynamic. In various fields, relations between governments are getting better.

“As you know, I have a military background. But, you know, a military background does not mean I’m not able to do a diplomatic job because diplomatic action is a kind of war without a weapon.

“We come here to share experience because we know Nigeria has a lot of experience in solving the problem of terrorism through counter-terrorism. And also, Indonesia, we have plenty of experience in that,” he said.

The envoy revealed that, in line with the military cooperation between Indonesia and Nigeria, he had facilitated the training of young Nigerian military officers at Indonesia’s defence university on scholarships.

“Some of them have already graduated. Some of them are still undergoing the same,” he said.

The outgoing ambassador disclosed that one of his greatest achievements and legacies was his strategic diplomatic engagements in Nigeria and the entire ECOWAS subregion to curb the surge of terrorism.

“We tried to stop the escalation of terrorism through diplomatic efforts. Diplomacy is very effective in making the situation not escalate,” he said.

Harahap, the longest-serving Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria, said he was leaving behind a legacy of substantial growth and continuity in Indonesia-Nigeria diplomatic relations for his successors to build upon.

“Indonesia is a big country, Nigeria is a big country. It’s our duty to drive growth between both countries to solve challenges.

“We need to have a strong commitment to build our relationship with Nigeria and other accredited countries; a strong commitment to complement each other,” he said.

The envoy added that he would miss certain Nigerian dishes, which he had come to love during his stay in the country, particularly suya — roasted beef garnished with local spices.

NAN reports that Nigeria is Indonesia’s second-largest trade partner in Africa after South Africa, with current trade volume between the two nations reaching about four billion dollars. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

Nigeria, France, others not sponsoring terrorism against Niger- ECOWAS

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has refuted claims by Niger Republic that Nigeria and some ECOWAS member states were colluding with France to sponsor terrorism against the country.

ECOWAS made this known in a statement issued by its spokesman, Joël Ahofodji, describing  the allegations by Niger as “unfounded and unsubstantiated.”

The News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN) reports that Niger Republic’s military rulers had accused Nigeria and some West African countries of colluding with France to engage in terrorism acts against their country.

While dismissing the Sahel country’s allegations as unfounded and unsubstantiated, ECOWAS emphasised that it was solidly behind Nigeria and the accused member states.

“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.

“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against the allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.

“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries, not only in the West African sub region but also on the African continent,” it said.

According to ECOWAS, recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.

“ECOWAS, therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” it added.

The Commission further urged all ECOWAS member states to refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence, and instead promote subregional dialogue and stability.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government had on Thursday similarly denied the same allegations made by Niger.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the allegations, made by Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, were false and a figment of his imagination.

“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination.

“Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France or any other country to destabilise Niger Republic,” Idris had said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited  by Halima Sheji

Foreign

We’re committed to regional dev’t- Moroccan official

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Moroccan Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, stated that His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, has a special interest in the success of regional development projects in Morocco.

 

Laftit emphasised that the king viewed the regional development initiative as a key driver for integrated, sustainable economic growth and human development.

 

He made this statement during the closing of the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, on Saturday in Tangier.

 

Laftit added that regional development required the collective efforts of all stakeholders to ensure prosperity and a decent life for citizens.

 

According to him, the royal message emphasises the need to take up the challenges that still stand in the way of optimal implementation of the advanced regionalisation project.

 

He cited the challenges of reinforcing participative democracy regionally and locally, and implementing the constitutional principle of territorial accountability.

 

Other challenges according to him include promoting regional attractiveness, and the ability of regions to develop financing mechanisms to cope with certain crises and adapt to changes imposed by the economic situation and future hazards.

 

The minister said the participation of several stakeholders in the event had enabled constructive and fruitful debates on themes relating to the challenges facing the advanced regionalisation project.

 

“These contributions also highlighted the opportunities offered by advanced regionalisation as a platform for strengthening local governance, spatial justice and efficiency in resource management.

 

“It was also a collective work space giving stakeholders the opportunity to reflect on promoting integrated development through the territorial implementation of public policies,’’ he said.

 

The President, Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM), Mbarka Bouaida, described the conference as a strategic movement that dealt with improving the environment and improving the economy of the country on a global and national scale.

 

Bouaida said the meeting had brought together a large number of organisations, experts, students, citizens and global companies from across all territories.

 

She said the continuity of the dialogue would allow citizens and companies to organise intervention and support programmes in the field of interest.

 

“It is necessary to improve government policies, with projects to improve innovation programmes and improve the coordination of knowledge of the economy and the national and regional economy is the priority of all parties.

 

“The role of the parties in investing the economy and the national economy and the regional economy is to ensure the balance between the private sector and public sector,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

Moroccan advanced regionalisation will address territorial dev’t- official 

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

President, Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM), Mbarka Bouaida, says the current stage of advanced regionalisation must focus on operationalisation to meet the challenge of territorial development.

 

Bouaida said this at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, with the theme: “Advanced Regionalisation: Between Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges” in Tangiers.

 

Bouaida urged the region to fully assume its missions, manage its own affairs and exercise its prerogatives in an optimal manner.

 

According to her, the region is considered a vital and important space for creating material wealth and achieving integrated development.

 

She described the outcomes of the New Development Model which establishes administrative devolution and bolstering advanced regionalisation project, as essential pillars capable of meeting expectations and tackling various challenges.

 

Bouaida said that advanced regionalisation was the culmination of a gradual process and the enshrining of local democracy as a crucial strategy for developing the institutional structure and promoting territorial development.

 

According to her, the three territorial levels (communes, provinces and regions) have elevated the region to the status of a territorial space conducive to the convergence of public policies.

 

She called for the challenge of training human resources and local elites to be taken up, so as to strengthen the attractiveness of investments and deal with crises.

 

She said it would also address challenges including those linked to water stress, transport, sustainable mobility and the digital transition.

 

Bouaida stressed the need to adopt a participatory approach involving various territorial stakeholders, academics and civil society.

 

She said this would develop scenarios likely to improve and optimise this project to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

Morocco’s 12 regions sign 4 agreements on regionalisation, cooperation

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Kingdom of Morocco’s 12 regions and several ministerial departments, have signed four framework agreements to accelerating the implementation of advanced regionalisation and strengthening of cooperation in strategic areas.

 

The agreements signed during the opening of the ongoing 2nd Advanced Regionalisation Conference on Friday in Tangiers, cover areas including water, mobility, and environmental protection.

 

According to the organisers of the conference, the first agreement focuses on accelerating the implementation of advanced regionalisation with objectives of establishing an approach to identify mechanisms to complete the strategic project while continuing to fulfill the commitments outlined in the 2019 orientation framework for advanced regionalisation.

 

It also aims to implement the regions’ exercise of their powers by applying the national framework for administrative decentralisation and expediting the transfer of competencies to decentralised services according to a specified timeline.

 

Signatories include the Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, alongside key ministers such as Nadia Fettah (Economy and Finance), Nizar Baraka (Equipment and Water), Mohamed Berrada (National Education, Preschool, and Sports), Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri (Territorial Development and Urban Planning).

 

Other signatories are other notable ministers and officials representing various strategic portfolios, as well as the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils of the Kingdom.

 

The second agreement, signed by the Ministers of the Interior, Equipment and Water, the Minister Delegate for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils, focused on the territorial implementation of national policies in water management and environmental protection.

 

The participatory agreement aims to establish a new partnership framework ensuring synergy in addressing water and environmental issues.

 

The third agreement, endorsed by the Minister of the Interior, the Minister Delegate for the Budget, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, and the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils, pertains to funding the investment programme for the new model of delegated management contracts for urban and intermunicipal public transport by bus.

 

The documents revealed that with a budget of 11 billion dirhams for the period 2025-2029, the agreement seeks to enhance the availability and quality of urban and intermunicipal transport through a sustainable and financially balanced economic model.

 

Regular monitoring of these management contracts will also be ensured.

 

The fourth agreement, signed by the Minister of the Interior, the Minister Delegate for the Budget, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils, addressed the management of household and similar waste for the period 2025-2034.

 

The objective is to strengthen partnerships between ministerial departments and regional councils to improve waste management and recovery, aligning with sustainable development goals.

 

The conference with the theme, “Advanced Regionalisation: Facing Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges,” was organised by the Ministry of the Interior in partnership with the Moroccan Association of Regions.

 

It marks a significant step in implementing advanced regionalisation as a structural institutional reform and a strategic choice for consolidating territorial development.

 

Participants included government officials, regional presidents, municipal councillors, experts, and Moroccan international political and economic stakeholders.

 

Official information revealed that the conference attracted more than 1,500 attendees on-site, 160 international guests, and more than 45,000 online participants.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the several paper presentations and panel discussions on the theme are being carried out simultaneously in three places within the conference venues. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has expressed commitment to structural reforms, and aligning administrative and developmental efforts with the broader vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The king made the commitment in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He highlighted key challenges in the implementation of advanced regionalisation in Morocco and the significance of the process for fostering economic and social development, improving governance, and addressing regional disparities.

 

King Mohammed said the conference aimed to strengthen local governance and economic development at both regional and national levels, while building on the foundation set by the first national conference in 2019.

 

He said there was the urgency in implementing the National Charter for Administrative Devolution, emphasising ministries’ active roles in transferring powers to regional authorities.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments – each in their field of competence and within their specific powers as well as those shared with other stakeholders – are called upon to launch more ambitious programmes and initiatives within the framework of a national strategy for water conservation at the regional level.

 

“They are also expected to contribute to implementing that strategy through effective procedural measures.

 

“As regards the development of the transportation and mobility system for the achievement of integrated regional development, it is clear that this sector will quickly develop in the next few years.

 

“The reason for this is the growing dynamism of our country as a regional hub that attracts investment, not to mention the large-scale projects launched as part of our country’s preparations to host the 2030 football World Cup.

 

“Developing a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system has become a basic requirement for the achievement of integrated local and regional development.

 

“It is also a key entry point for reducing regional and social disparities,’’ he said.

 

To achieve this goal, the King urged regions and local governments to contribute to developing the sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in that regard.

 

He added that digital transition at the local and regional levels had become a requirement to keep pace with the technological revolution the world is witnessing today.

 

According to him, one can hardly imagine a regional or local development process without digital development, especially since digital technology has been playing an increasingly important role in the management of local and regional affairs.

 

Omar Morro, President of the Council of the Region of Tangan-Texoum-Al Houceima, said the slogan of the conference, “Advanced Regionalism between the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow”, was consistent with the constant concern of the Regional Councils.

 

Morro said that implementing and developing the first advanced project in nine years had revealed the basic opportunities and challenges that must be dealt with.

 

The President, Association of Regions of Morocco, Bouaida Mbarka, said the conference was an opportunity for participatory approach and collective interaction on the problems raised.

 

Mbarka said it was to identify the nature of the challenges posed in order to make the Moroccan experience a success and to come up with solid, realistic and achievable recommendations that meet the expectations of all actors.

 

The aim, according to her, is to achieve the programmes and projects that they aspired to in order to draw and develop the areas that are authorised by the regulatory law and to promote investment for job opportunities and employment.

 

“Our first and last goal remains to create a democratic dynamic that benefits the population within the framework of justice,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

Water stress, mobility challenges hindering Morocco’s regional development– King Mohammed VI

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Moroccan Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier, Morocco.(NAN)

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco, says that water stress crisis, transportation and mobility system, and adhering to digital transition process are among the challenges and risks hindering development efforts in Morocco’s regions.

 

The king said this in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He said it was necessary not only to provide the water infrastructure needed, but also to establish good water governance to enhance the integrated approach in public water policy.

 

“Indeed, properly tackling water stress is a key entry point for the achievement of sustainable local and regional development,” he said.

 

The king emphasised the growing dynamism of Morocco as a regional hub that attracts investment and the large-scale projects launched as part of the country’s preparations to host the 2030 World Cup.

 

He said that developing a sustainable transportation system was a basic requirement for achieving integrated regional development, and a key entry point for reducing spatial and social disparities at regional level.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments are expected to contribute to developing this sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in this regard,” he said.

 

He expressed the hope that the second edition of the conference would be a chance to take stock of what has been achieved with respect to implementing advanced regionalisation, and to consolidate positive interaction between all the stakeholders concerned.

 

“I also hope you will identify the most effective ways to make advanced regionalisation a lever for economic and social development.

 

“This will help address development challenges, unequal growth, and regional disparities,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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