News Agency of Nigeria
Labour urges media owners to implement minimum wage
Foreign

Labour urges media owners to implement minimum wage

By Joan Nwagwu

The Organised labour has appealed to owners and proprietors of media organisations to implement the N70,000 National Minimum Wage for its staff members.

 

Mr Joe Ajaero. President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said this at a joint news conference with the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Festus Osifo, at the ongoing 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Ajaero said that the renumeration for media men and women in the private organisations was very poor.

 

“The way at which some media houses are owing journalists is affecting our members in all the media houses and it is affecting the way they relate with other journalists all over the world.

 

“The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are appealing to owners and proprietors of media industries to make sure that their workers are paid.

 

“(It should be) a competitive wage compared with their colleagues all over the world,” he said.

 

Ajaero said that the labour was giving owners and proprietors of media organisations until September to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage for their members.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students
Foreign

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Wednesday inaugurated a moot court competition for W/African law students aimed at fostering legal interaction and empowering the youth in the subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights Through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offer them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working, and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

The Community Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, while declaring the event opened, described it as a landmark initiative in advancing legal education and regional integration in West Africa.

He emphasised that the event was an embodiment academic exercise, and a strategic platform for building a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community across the subregion.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court is the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which is tasked with delivering justice and fostering judicial understanding and accessibility.

“This moot court competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and nurturing the next generation of legal minds.

“Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one. It is built on institutions that are transparent, fair, and accessible to all,” Gonçalves said.

The President highlighted the initiative’s aims, which, he said, included deepening participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration.

He noted that the competition was also designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers, and tools that were critical both in the courtroom and in public service.

The court’s president explained that the competition also aimed at raising awareness about the court’s work throughout the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

Gonçalves added that the event also served as a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

“This event is both timely and transformative, this is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and be always guided by ethics.

“This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.

“May this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa, and may the best team win,” he said.

He said the maiden edition of the competition, which featured eight Nigerian universities, would be an annual event, eventually expanding to all West African universities’ law faculties.

Speaking earlier, the court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, described the event as a “historic moment” that would enrich legal education, promote youth engagement, regional integration, and justice advancement.

He said that the competition was also a practical learning platform that reflected real courtroom procedures.

“This moot court is more than a competition. It is a vital educational tool that cultivates critical thinking, advocacy, and a deep respect for due process.

“To our participants, may this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice,” he said.

NAN reports that the participating universities were selected from thirteen institutions which had earlier applied and chosen based on their outstanding performances in the memorial submission stage.

The highpoint of the event, which was attended by judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, among others, was the official opening of the moot court competition among the participating universities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FOCAC: Nigeria’s minister pushes trade, tech talks in China
Foreign

FOCAC: Nigeria’s minister pushes trade, tech talks in China

By Busayo Onijala

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to having closer economic and diplomatic cooperation with China.

Tugger told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in China that tangible progress had been made under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

Tuggar described FOCAC as not just a forum for discussions but a platform for action.

He spoke on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of FOCAC Follow-up Actions in Changsha, Hunan Province.

NAN reports that FOCAC, established in 2000, remains the cornerstone of Sino-African relations, providing a framework for cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges.

Year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC, and over the past years, China has supported Africa in building or upgrading nearly 100,000km of roads and over 10,000km of railways.

Also, over the past three years, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million new jobs in Africa, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

Tuggar’s remarks come at a time when Africa is increasingly looking to diversify its economy beyond natural resource exports, while positioning itself as a key player in the global technological race.

He said that high-impact projects, such as the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant and the Lagos-Ibadan rail project, had been made possible by Chinese support and investment.

The minister also emphasised Nigeria’s ongoing negotiations with China to expand its zero-tariff access currently covering Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties with China.

He urged that Nigeria be included in the broader zero-tariff framework for African countries to boost its export of key goods, including agricultural produce and minerals.

“We want to see more domestication of the refining process and also domestication of value addition on the supply and value chain,” he said.

Implementing zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines is one of the 10 partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation.

China has continued to express readiness to support Africa to accelerate its industrialisation and agricultural modernisation.

Tuggar raised concerns about the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and satellite technologies, saying that Nigeria and the entire Africa should be included in the transformative sectors.

He noted that the global landscape was rapidly changing, saying that it would be essential to not only engage but also to have benefits.

Earlier, in his keynote address, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, noted 130.32 billion yuan surge in financial support across Africa in the last nine months, and 139.95 billion yuan in insurance coverage for China-Africa cooperation.

According to him, this is in addition to the expansion of trade opportunities for the continent’s LDCs.

He said that China was willing to collaborate with Africa to build a more stable and prosperous future.

After the ministerial meeting will be the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, from June 12 to June 15, with the theme, “China and Africa: Together toward Modernisation”.

The expo will attract participants from over 50 African countries including Nigeria, and will focus on agriculture, infrastructure development and industrial chain collaboration, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

China inaugurates international day for dialogue among civilisations
Foreign

China inaugurates international day for dialogue among civilisations

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has inaugurated the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilisations to foster global understanding and cooperation through mutual learning among developing countries.

Mr Zhang Yi, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, disclosed this in Abuja while highlighting the role of communication and mutual respect in building a harmonious world.

According to him, a resolution proposed by China was adopted at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, designating June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations.

This resolution emphasises that all achievements of civilisations are part of humanity’s shared heritage, and advocating respect for diverse civilisations.

It also highlights the significance of dialogue in fostering peace, development, well-being, and collective progress.

Zhang added that establishing this day reflects China’s commitment to the Global Civilisation Initiative introduced by President Xi Jinping.

He said that it also marks a significant contribution to global dialogue, peace, and development.

“As we face escalating global challenges and deficits in peace, development, security, and governance, this new International Day aligns with current international trends and addresses contemporary needs.

“This year also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.

“During this significant moment in history, the necessity for mutual dialogue among civilisations to enhance understanding and trust, promote people-to-people connections,

“It also encourages unity and cooperation, and achieving common development is increasingly crucial,” he said.

He said that the theme for this year’s event, “Dialogue & Zhi yin: Beyond Borders, Connecting Hearts: Dialogue with the World through Music,” emphasises music’s power as a universal language.

“In traditional Chinese culture, “Zhī yǐn” symbolises deep mutual understanding and true friendship, which can only be attained through sincere dialogue,” he said.

Zhang reiterated China’s willingness to partner with Nigeria to seize this opportunity for enhancing cooperation across culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.

He emphasised the need for collaboration to build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

Dr Mukhtar Yawale, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, noted that this inaugural event was a beacon of hope.

Yawale said that it reminded peoples that culture serves as the compass guiding a world yearning for connection.

“This dialogue transcends cultural boundaries, acting as the engine of our creative economy.

“The achievements we’ve made together such as the Abuja Light Rail project, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the increasing popularity of Nollywood films in China illustrate that these ventures are not just transactions but transformations.”

Yawale also said that Nigerian digital artists are collaborating with Shenzhen tech hubs, while fashion designers blend traditional Ankara styles with Shanghai’s innovative trends.

“This is the future we envision; a creative economy where dialogue transforms into tangible opportunities. When civilisations converse, they do not merely exchange ideas; they co-create their destinies,” he said.

He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening this covenant between civilisations.

“We are set to launch the ‘Nigeria-China Creative Corridor’, a platform for joint ventures in film, music, AI-driven art, and heritage preservation.

“Through scholarships, artist residencies, and co-production agreements, we aim to ensure that dialogue breeds enterprise, and enterprise elevates nations,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted diplomats from Cuba, Argentina, Lebanon, Iraq and cultural ambassadors, and local leaders.

The highlight of the event were music and dance performances by Nigerian and Chinese artists.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigeria committed to advancing social justice- Labour minister 
Foreign

Nigeria committed to advancing social justice- Labour minister 

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigerian government says it is committed to advancing social justice and decent work for sustainable peace and development in the country

 

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari, who led the Nigeria delegates at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, said this during a plenary session on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Maigari, who was speaking in response to the Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) reports, said Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a just transition.

 

According to him, Nigeria acknowledges that sustainable development hinges on inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices, and robust democratic institutions.

 

“I am happy to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria with its tripartite constituents are committed to advancing social justice.

 

“In furtherance of this, Nigeria signed on to the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice as part of our continued commitment towards building an equitable society for all Nigerians.

 

“Also, partnering with the ILO to achieve its goals and global aspirations for the common good,” he said.

 

He said that Nigeria noted the theme of the DG’s report as it aligns with the mandates and aspirations of the priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

He added that the agenda was designed to reposition Nigeria as a prime global investment destination.

 

“The agenda is hinged on the vision of pursuing and instituting sustained socio economic prosperity for our country through attaining job creation, inclusiveness, food security.

 

“Others are poverty eradication, economic growth, access to capital, improving the security of life and property, rule of law and fight against corruption.

 

“These priorities aim at building a more just and equitable society that is an essential and critical component for our national growth and development, as well as laying a springboard for international integration,” he said.

 

He, however, said that Nigeria have approved a new National Minimum Wage that was collectively negotiated aimed at ensuring improved living conditions for workers.

 

On eradication of child labour, Nigeria, as a Pathfinder Country under Alliance 8.7 was intensifying efforts to eliminate child labour and forced labour, among others.

 

He also said that the country was conscious that over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s labour force operates in the informal economy.

 

“Therefore, through various MSME support programmes, tax reforms, and digital registration drives, we are transitioning informal businesses into the formal economy.

 

“This is while expanding social protection coverage,” he added.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference started on June 2 and will end on June 13.

 

The conference has representatives from government, employer and worker delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states.

 

It will address important world of work matters such as possible new international standards on the protection of workers against biological hazards in the working environment, decent work, amongst others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

ILO: Participants urge FG to apply convention resolutions
Foreign

ILO: Participants urge FG to apply convention resolutions

Joan Nwagwu

Some participants at the ongoing International Labour Conference (ILC) has called on Nigerian government to ratify resolutions reached at the various conferences.

 

Mr Olusoji Oluwole, National President of Association Senior Staff of Banks Insurance Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) said this on Tuesday at the ongoing 113th Session of the ILC in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Oluwole said that it was imperative that the Federal Government’s delegates, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari, ensured that the resolutions reached were implemented to better the lives of workers.

 

According to him, Nigeria should not just attend as a country, but endeavor to ratify all the resolutions that have been reached at the conference.

 

“What we found is that you find conventions being done, the country being signatories, but those conventions are not being implemented back in the country.

 

“It very, very important, that if we spend so much time discussing, negotiating, and coming to these agreements. I think it is just right that Nigeria should go back and implement these things.

 

“So that we know that the time that has been spent here is not actually wasted,” he said.

 

On contract staff, Oluwole clarified that it was not just financial industries that was dominant on the issue in the labour markets in Nigeria among others.

 

He said that the former Minister of Labour and Employment. Sen. Chris Ngige, had came up with a document on how to deal with the issue of casualisation, basically working with the employers and the providers of the services.

 

“It was agreed that staff who comes in as contract workers would have a means of transiting to becoming core staff.

 

“We are also aware that a number of organisations have actually started implementing it,” he said.

 

Also, on artificial intelligence taking over the job of its members, Oluwole desired it as an enabler rather than a replacer.

 

According to him, what we found is that AI is more of an enabler rather than a replacer, where it can become a replacer, is a situation where the organisation or our members do not upskill.

 

“A number of people we know may not be so savvy in the area of AI auditisation and what we keep encouraging them to do is to go ahead to improve themselves educationally in that area.

 

“We also encourage organisations to train their stuff in, support them, provide some kind of subsidy, give them room to be able to educate themselves in that regard,” he said.

 

Also, Mr Charles Okere, President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Imo State, advised the government not to renege on their commitment on resolutions reached.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference started on June 2 and ends June 13.

 

The conference has representatives from government, employer and workers delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states.

 

It will address important world of work matters such as possible new international standards on the protection of workers against biological hazards in the working environment, decent work, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism
Foreign

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism

 

Ethiopia has launched a comprehensive rural corridor development programme to transform local communities, promote sustainable agriculture, and expand eco-tourism infrastructure.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the initiative, as reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

The rural corridor development project forms part of a broader national strategy to modernise rural areas, improve livelihoods and enhance environmental stewardship, the source said.

During the launch of the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the importance of community participation and model practices that contribute to the long-term vision of national transformation.

The initiative also includes a significant eco-tourism component.

Under the leadership of local communities, the transformation of Mount Hambaricho, Ethiopia’s natural and cultural landmark, into an accessible destination for nature tourism has already begun.

A new staircase of 777 steps for climbing was built, making the mountain more accessible to visitors interested in hiking, panoramic views, and bird watching.

According to experts, the rural corridor development project underscores the Ethiopian Government’s commitment to integrated rural development, climate resilience, and the promotion of local tourism as a sustainable economic driver.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

UAE achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index in 2024
Foreign

UAE achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index in 2024

 

Abu Dhabi has recorded a Sustainable Fisheries Index of 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024, continuing a six-year streak of marine conservation achievements in line with World Oceans Day.

The accomplishment marks an improvement from just 8.9 per cent in 2018, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

Recent marine monitoring also documented key indicators of ecosystem recovery.

Notably, 55 specimens of the rare Nuaimi fish were recorded, along with the first sighting of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi – now added to the international Fish Base database.

Other rare species spotted include the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish.

To support fish stock recovery, the UAE has enforced internationally aligned regulations on commercial and recreational fishing and expanded marine protected areas.

Additional initiatives include coral propagation, artificial reef installation, and enhanced aquaculture.

Experts believe the index milestone demonstrates the value of science-based policy and global best practices in restoring fish populations and protecting ecosystems. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Iran, China launch 2nd phase of joint archaeological studies
Foreign

Iran, China launch 2nd phase of joint archaeological studies

 

The second phase of the joint Iranian-Chinese archaeological investigations has officially begun at the historic village of Masouleh in northern Iran, as reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The international research effort aims to deepen understanding of ancient sponge iron smelting and to support Masouleh’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The ongoing research also seeks to complete critical documentation for the registration of Masouleh’s cultural landscape on the World Heritage List.

The core focus of this phase is to examine the evolution and spread of sponge iron smelting technologies across historical periods and their integration into the built environment of Masouleh.

The aim is to reconstruct the historical interconnection between industrial activity and the residential fabric of Masouleh.

The research team is exploring how metallurgical zones functioned within and alongside one of Iran’s most distinctive human settlements.

The second phase of research combines targeted excavations at known metallurgical sites with rigorous cross-referencing of archaeological findings against Islamic-era travelogues, ancient geographical manuscripts, and local historical archives.

Cutting-edge scientific methods such as radiocarbon (C-14) and luminescence dating will be used to create a reliable chronological framework for Masouleh’s industrial and domestic development.

According to experts, the outcomes of this collaborative research will be instrumental in advancing Masouleh’s UNESCO nomination dossier, positioning it as a rare example of an integrated industrial-residential cultural landscape. (TV BRICS/NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Brazil proposes priorities for professional education in BRICS countries
Foreign

Brazil proposes priorities for professional education in BRICS countries

 

Members of the BRICS Bloc are taking steps to strengthen cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key tool for sustainable socio-economic development, according to the official website of the Brazilian Government.

The Brazilian Ministry of Education hosted a meeting of the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance (BRICS TCA), which discussed expanding access to education, innovation, and training for skills in demand in the labour market.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Education, scientific institutions and international organisations of the BRICS countries.

The participants exchanged experiences in implementing vocational education programmes and identified priorities for further cooperation.

Francisco Figueiredo, Special Advisor to the Brazilian Minister of Education, emphasised the importance of the group as a platform for exchanging policies and best practices and establishing direct links between relevant
institutions in the participating countries.

Marcelo Bregagnoli, State Secretary for Technological and Professional Education of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, noted a significant increase in the number of students in this field. According to the 2024 census, more than 2.5 million schoolchildren are enrolled in secondary vocational education programmes, of which more than 1.5 million are in public institutions.

The meeting participants identified three priority areas: ensuring the quality and accessibility of education for young people, enhancing the role of vocational education in the economic development of BRICS countries.

It also underscored the introduction of new technologies and innovative methods in education as one of the priority areas.

Chinese representative Zhai Jinming noted that BRICS TCA has become an important platform for deepening cooperation between countries in the field of vocational education.

He expressed confidence that student and teacher exchanges as well as joint research and training programmes will expand.

Representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE also participated in the discussions. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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