NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Morocco, France sign historic partnership deal

227 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

The Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic on Monday signed a landmark “Reinforced Exceptional Partnership” declaration to significantly bolster bilateral relations.

 

The two countries signed the agreement during a 3-day official visit to Morocco by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that while Macron signed for France, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI signed on behalf of his country.

 

The partnership, according to the Moroccan government, will strengthen long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

 

The government said the bilateral deal reaffirmed the mutual cooperation and strategic autonomy.

 

Key provisions include fostering exceptional relations, establishing a comprehensive strategic framework and adhering to principles of state-to-state relations, sovereign equality and non-interference.

 

“The profound relations between the two countries are rooted in history and exceptionally rich human and cultural ties which have underpinned the friendship and cooperation for several decades.

 

“The leaders also reaffirmed that their countries’ joint action, both bilaterally and internationally, would continue to rest on the principles of state-to-state relation, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and foreign policy decisions, among others.

 

“Both nations emphasised their commitment to directing the ‘reinforced exceptional partnership’ toward three major goals that include consolidating political and strategic convergence.

 

“Others included deepening and modernising partnerships to promote economic development, social cohesion and strategic autonomy.

 

“Another goal is the strengthening of privileged cooperation in human ties, human capital and culture rooted in a Francophonie of values and openness,” the government said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the two heads of state welcomed the ambitious cooperation that they had established and strengthened in migration, and called for the building of a comprehensive agenda in that regard.

 

They also agreed to directly oversee the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Foreign

S/Korea hands over 1,662 digital educational materials to Nigeria

242 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has delivered  1,662 educational digital contents to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was done through Kim Pankyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria.

The materials were handed over on Monday in Abuja at a ceremony to mark the significant milestone in the Smart Education project, a collaborative initiative between KOICA and UBEC that began in 2021.

The digital contents, which are targeted at Primary 4-6 pupils and Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 students, focuses on mathematics and science subjects to help improve teaching and learning outcomes in the classrooms.

The ambassador said that education was key to the development of any nation, especially in the digital age.

According to him, providing schools with access to high quality digital resources is essential for students’ growth and future success.

“A lot of efforts from experts in Korea and Nigeria have been put in place to make the vision a reality.

“Therefore, I am confident that this package of digital contents that will be made available across Nigeria will enrich learning experiences and helping students’ educational development.’’

Kim said that the ceremony represented South Korea’s shared commitment to quality education in Nigeria and strengthening of bilateral cooperation through the collaboration between KOICA and UBEC.

“The educational digital contents are expected to be disseminated across the 37 smart schools and other public schools in Nigeria,” he said.

The ambassador also reiterated his government’s willingness in supporting the education sector in Nigeria.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, expressed appreciation to the ambassador over the Korea Government’s support in improving basic education in Nigeria through smart technologies.

He added that the commission was at the embassy three years ago to sign an MOU for the Smart Education Project in Nigeria with the Korean Government.

“Since then, we have worked closely with the Korean experts in the implementation of the smart education project; and so far, we have achieved a lot together in improving basic education in Nigeria, “he said.

Bobboyi also commended KOICA for its assistance to Nigeria, saying the intervention had become a symbol of cooperation between both countries.

NAN recalls that prior to the handover of the digital contents to UBEC, KOICA had installed modern Content Development Studios (CDS) with state of art equipment for producing digital contents in some schools.

The CDS are found in KOICA-Supported Smart schools in the six states namely Kano, Cross River, Bauchi, Ekiti, Nasarawa and FCT.

Series of capacity building were also provided to teachers and school principals on how to record, edit and develop digital contents for classroom teaching using the CDS installed in their schools.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Foreign

Macron arrives Morrocco for diplomatic, business talks

204 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday arrived in Rabat on a three-day official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco.

 

The French president was received by the King of Moroccan, Muhammed VI and his Crown Prince, Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and Princesses Lalla Khadija and Lalla Meryem.

 

Macron on the other hand was accompanied on the state visit by his wife, Brigitte.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Macron’s visit was on the invitation of the Moroccan king after Paris threw its support for Moroccan sovereignty on the Western Sahara.

 

The visit is expected to witness signing of agreements between the countries in the areas of economy and culture.

 

The visit would also see to the inauguration of the Grand Theatre de Rabat, known as Rabat Théâtre, a multimillion dollar performing arts centre.

 

The centre has a 7000-seat outdoor amphitheater and 1800-seat interior theatre for intimate performances.

 

Macron’s visit was the first since 2018 after strained relations between the two countries over the Western Sahara and migration issues.

 

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956.

 

Macron’s visit is expected to restore the diplomatic and business relations between the two countries.

France and Morocco have historically partnered on issues ranging from counterterrorism to Western Sahara.

 

Morocco has the largest French investment in Africa and it imports French cereals, weapons and renewable energy infrastructure like turbines.

 

France imports goods from Morocco including tomatoes, cars and airplane parts.

 

Moroccans constitute a large population in France and command a political force on the roles of Islam and immigration in French society.

 

On Macron’s last visit to Morocco, he and King Mohammed VI inaugurated Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed rail line, manufactured by the French firm, Alstrom.

 

In 2021, Morocco suspended consular relations after France momentarily reduced the number of visas offered to Moroccans.

 

France’s suspension was due to Morocco’s refusal to provide documents needed to deport people who migrated to France without authority. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Nigeria, Ericsson sign MoU on 5G technology, innovation

581 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to establish a framework of cooperation on 5G technology development, deployment and innovation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks.

Up to 100 times faster than 4G, 5G has created never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses

The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while Mr Peter Ogundele, Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, signed for the company.

The MoU, which was signed at the Ericsson’s Global Headquarters Research and Development lab in Kista, North of Stockholm was witnessed by the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima.

Similarly, the signing of the MoU was witnessed by Mr Patrick Johansson, Ericsson Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Middle East and Africa.

Earlier, the company conducted Vice-President Shettima on a demonstration-tour of its mobile communications infrastructure solutions.

The company also made a presentation to Shettima about its 5G technology evolution, radio spectrum matters and standardisation as well as Cyber and Network Security by its professionals.

Speaking after the presentation, Shettima asked the company on the possibility of deploying its 5G technology to help Nigeria improve the security of its oil facilities.

”What value can you add to us? Security of oil facilities, oil pipelines. How can you come in with 5G to secure the oil pipelines, address the issue of oil theft and vandalisation of the pipelines.

“The quantum of oil theft that is lifted is very crucial for economic planning and everything,” he said.

On his part, Tijani explained that the signing of the MoU would enable Nigeria to make the most use of 5G technologies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

” So we signed the MoU to set up an innovation lab with Ericsson, and the focus of that lab will be to come up with applications that is based on 5G technology.

” For things in agriculture, mining and in some cases in education as well as for the general usage of connectivity to improve the quality of lives for our people.

” The Renewed Hope Agenda, in particular, goes into what we are trying to do with the reforms.

” The aim of the reform is to diversify our economy and it is clear that we cannot diversify our economy without digital technology.

” With this MoU we can strengthen the state of connectivity, particularly 5G. You know Nigeria is already one of the few countries with 5G on the continent.

” With the MoU, we can continue to ensure the spread of 5G across the country not just in key locations and this is how we can ensure that we see the growth that we want to see in our economy,” he said.

Tijani described the visit of the Vice-President to Sweden as ”extremely important to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digitisation drive process.

” But I have to speak to the strength of Sweden as a country and how the visit of the Vice-President is extremely important.

” This is a country that built the use of technology to lift front development. It’s a country that is extremely powerful in technology and business.

” They have significant brands likes Volvo, Ericsson, they are global brands.

” And I think for the reforms that is going on in the country and ambition to raise the level of productivity and make our economy more competitive.

” It is important that we use the strength of the VP and this visit, to truly deepen the relationship and that is what the VP has done with all the meetings that he had,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shettima met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm.

L-R Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Hjalmar Kristersson during a Bilateral Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday

The high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation, deepened collaborations, and proactive interventions.

Shettima was joined in the talks by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and some Embassy officials.

Other dignitaries that witnessed the signing of the MoU were; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communication Commission, and Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Also present are Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Charge d’affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Sweden, Malam Aliyu Mahmud; among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Economy/Business , Foreign , General News

Nigeria-India Business Council pledges to boost trade relations

454 total views today

Dr Emeka Offor, Chairman, NIBC Board of Trustees

 

By Sarafina Christopher

 

The Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC) says it is committed to boosting trade relations between the two countries.

 

Dr Emeka Offor, Chairman of NIBC’s Board of Trustees, made the pledge during an inaugural meeting of NIBC’s Board of Trustees on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

He emphasised the council’s role in nurturing business and investment connections between the two countries, aimed at advancing the growth of Nigerian enterprises in both countries.

 

Offor also highlighted the current state of bilateral trade between India and Nigeria, which he noted had fluctuated in recent years.

 

The board chairman said that the figure was 14.95 billion dollars in 2022, but dipped to 11.8 billion dollars in 2023, which underlined the significance of robust trade relations between them.

 

“The council aims to enhance existing business relationships and elevate them to a higher level; the council’s efforts are expected to be boosted by the recent presidential visit to India,” Offor said.

 

Mr Dere Otubu, the Vice Chairman of NIBC, emphasised its commitment to bolstering exports, enhancing foreign exchange revenues and addressing the underrepresentation of Nigerian businesses in India.

 

He urged both established and emerging Nigerian enterprises to engage with the council in its efforts to boost trade relations better Nigeria and India.

 

“Nigeria’s comparative advantage in natural resources and with the vast Indian market, with over 1.4 billion people, presents significant opportunities for Nigerian businesses to expand and improve product presentation,” Otubu said.

 

Also speaking, NIBC Director-General, Chijioke James, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s favorable investment climate, stressing that NIBC had resolved to sustain the momentum and introduce initiatives that promote stronger trade relations.

 

He also disclosed plans to form a dedicated working group to enhance Nigeria-India bilateral trade relations by exploring various sectors.

 

Former Minister of Defence Adetokunbo Kayode said Nigeria was in a vantage position to flourish in business, adding that the inauguration had opened a new vista of Nigeria-India business operations.

 

He highlighted the potential for growth in Nigeria’s creative industry and manufacturing sectors.

 

Kayode also harped on the need for expertise and infrastructure, such as cinema villages, to harness the value chain and employ the youth.

 

He emphasised India’s advancements in military technology as a potential area for collaboration and growth.

 

Kayode stressed the importance of moving from import-dependence to local manufacturing or assembly, supported by a law signed by the current government.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Foreign

Shettima woos Swedish investors, says Nigeria ready for business

451 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday assured Swedish investors of the readiness of Nigeria for business with the global community.

Shettima gave the assurance at a Nigeria/Sweden Business Forum on Trade, Investment with focus on digital economy, agriculture and renewable energy>

The event, held at Epicenter in Stockholm, Sweden, the vice president said that the world was transiting to green economy, adding that global developments are tending towards Africa “and Nigeria will make or mar that transition.”

Shettima told the members of the Swedish investment team that the Nigerian digital space and ecosystem is yearning for support and investment.

According to him, President Tinubu speaks the language of investors, being private sector man who grew up in financial ecosystem.

” Nigeria, a country of 220 million people, by 2050 will surpass the United States. We will be the third most populous nation on earth.

“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth and there are beauties in numbers. People celebrate China fundamentally because of the population and ingenuity.

” I can assure you that the Nigerian digital space, the Nigeria digital ecosystem is yearning for support and investment

” Nigeria beckons, a new Nigeria is calling on you and we are ready for business.

“Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am quite delighted to be back in Stockholm in this distinguish city of a great people, of a great civilisation and culture,” he said.

Shettima reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to harnessing the potential of the Nigerian youth.

” I believe Nigeria is where the action is. We have the talent, we have a very young resilient and resourceful population in Nigeria.

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this is the best time to come and invest in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Akinola Jones, Director, Gluwa, a digital wallet service, said as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, the company would train over 30,000 people on digital skills

” We see a situation that, once we launch our satellite in December this year, we can connect directly to satellite, and this is going to be a very big win for Nigeria and a very big win for the technology ecosystem.

Jones said that, already, they had started a training of about 1,000 people in Jigawa state, adding that it would be extended to the entire Northern Nigeria.

“We have given about a 100 million dollars loans. It is not just about disbursing loans, it is not just about trying to grow portfolios, it is really about given back.

” We are pushing for a lot of impact and we are also working with the government and presidency to train people on digital skills.

” And when it comes to funding, we been very innovative in the way we fund ourselves and I’m going to end it by saying it is not always about foreign funding. Local solutions to local problems are very important,” he said

Mr Edgar Luczak, Chairman, Partner & Head of Advisory, Epicenter, Sweden, noted that the future was digital and sustainable, assuring that the epicenter was ready to engage.

According to him, through collaboration both countries can build a stronger economy, create jobs and most importantly, ensure a future for future generation.

” Sweden is a home to some of the world most ground breaking companies in the world.

” And we have an education system that promotes creative thinking and ecosystem of universities leading the way in research, technology and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Ms Anthonia Huard, Regional Director, North & West Africa, Energy & Transport Lead, said the organisation focused on renewable energy, sustainable transport, healthcare, mining facilitated by digital economies and sustainability.

She noted that in order to be efficient in Africa, the organisation would prioritise Nigeria market

Also, Mr Hakan Danhltor, Director, Project Accelerator, Swedfund, expressed the commitment of the organisation to reduce poverty and support sustainable development through investments in the private sector and in local private companies.

” And as a matter of facts, Nigeria is a country where we have the third highest exposure in our recurrent portfolio.

” We have more than 30 direct to indirect investment in Nigeria in different sector but a lot of them are in the energy sector; helping to use clean energy from the renewable energy.

” We are working with the Nigerian Communications Commission to expand broadband deployment in Nigeria.

” This is one discussion we are really excited in continuing to see if we can collaborate,” he said.

Mikaela Edstrom, Swedish Export Credit Agency, said the agency is closely watching the ongoing economic reforms taking place in Nigeria and viewed it as a positive for the future.

The Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Mr Peter Ogundele, revealed plans by the company to build 10 million dollar worth of technology hub in Nigeria.

” We can train them. Ericsson will also take part in it and some of them can be exported into the world.

Ogundele said Ericsson had been in Nigeria since independence, adding that the company was formally registered in 1978.

According to him, Ericsson has engaged in capacity building arrangement with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and some organisations in Nigeria for the past 25 years.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Shettima also held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Stenergard and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Ebba Busch.

The discussions focused on strengthening ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Sweden.

Shettima also visited the Royal Palace, where talks centered on deepening cultural ties and reinforcing the partnership between the two nations.

Dignitaries present at the event were; Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau,, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Others are Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Malam Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communication Commission. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Foreign

Africa needs $194bn additional financing to achieve SDGs – UNGA President

483 total views today

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Philémon Yang, says Africa will need 194 billion dollars in additional financing annually to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Yang, said this at a joint debate on the New Partnership for Africa’s development at the ongoing 79th session of the UNGA at UN headquarters in New York.

The UNGA president acknowledged Africa’s potential but underscored urgent need for both international support and systemic reforms across the continent in order for it to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Yang addressed the continent’s progress toward the SDGs and the African Union’s (AU) related framework, known as Agenda 2063.

“There has never been a better time to accelerate progress towards peace, prosperity and sustainable development,” he stated.

Yang highlighted the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future which acknowledges the special challenges faced by the most vulnerable countries, in particular African States, in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

He stressed that despite Africa’s vast energy and agricultural resources, many nations suffer from electricity deficits and food insecurity.

Moreover, debt distress and the unjust global financial system have exacerbated Africa’s financial pressures, resulting in a development financing gap of $1.6 trillion.

He called for a more just financial system, expressing that the current system “prioritises high interest rates and debt servicing over investments in resilience and social services”.

While acknowledging the bleak economic outlook, Yang also praised Africa’s resilience as economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase from 2.6 per cent in 2023 to 3.8 per cent by 2025.

He urged the global community to help transform Africa’s “untapped ingenuity” into solid foundations for inclusive growth, emphasising that the continent’s growing working-age population could be a major driver of transformative change.

“With more effective financial management, stronger domestic resource mobilisation and better use of debate as a development tool, African economies can fortify and sustain their growth,” he said.

Yang also underlined the importance of peace and political solutions to conflicts, especially in countries such as Sudan and Somalia.

He called for legal and societal reforms to address systemic barriers to justice and inequality, noting that “promoting peace and advancing the rule of law in Africa demands a comprehensive strategy”.

He pledged to keep Africa’s development at the forefront of the General Assembly’s agenda, saying: “Africa must continue to rise” in its pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

ECOWAS court gets new leadership as Asante bows out

497 total views today

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, new President, ECOWAS Court of Justice.

 

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ) has elected Cape Verde’s Justice Ricardo Gonçalves as its new President.

 

 

It also elected Sierra Leone’s Justice Sengu Koroma as new Vice President, both for non-renewable four-year tenure.

 

 

They were elected by the court’s college of five judges, and subsequently inaugurated by Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo.

 

 

Embalo is the former Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

 

 

Gonçalves succeeds Justice Edward Asante, who had presided as the court’s president for six years, while Koroma succeeds Ivory Coast’s Gberi-bè Ouattara as Vice President.

 

 

Meanwhile, Justice Asante has been recommended for Ghana’s Supreme Court, although he still remains a judge of the CCJ until the end of his extended tenure in 2026.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under Asante, the CCJ witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in its jurisprudence, case management system and physical infrastructure.

 

 

Asante made possible the relocation of the Court from its former overcrowded location to its new complex at Gudu District, Abuja in 2023.

 

 

The legal luminary also brought innovations in the CCJ’s processes through the introduction of the electronic case management system and the consequential amendment of the Court’s practice direction.

 

 

The innovations have enabled seamless virtual and physical court sessions, as well as easing access to the court by case applicants from ECOWAS member states.

 

 

This has reduced the financial burden on applicants because applications can now be filed, cases heard and judgments delivered virtually.

 

 

He also filled most of the vacancies in the Court’s organogram with the recruitment of experienced lawyers into the Registry and Research Departments.

 

 

Asante described his tenure as a “worthwhile experience and a privilege to serve the community”, which enabled him to gain valuable insights into the ECOWAS integration process.

 

 

The eminent jurist added that his six-year tenure enabled him to “understand the value of the respect for extant instruments of the community, including its commitment to respect for human rights, accountability and transparency.”

 

 

Speaking, Gonçalves said his vision for the court was focused on two fundamental pillars of responsibility and dialogue.

 

 

He stressed the need to uphold the institution’s mission as an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible court.

 

 

Gonçalves expressed his commitment to foster continuous dialogue with other ECOWAS institutions, agencies, member states, civil societies and ensure prudent management of ECOWAS funds.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Flood: Chinese coy donates food supplies to Borno

387 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), has donated more than 11 tons of food supplies to the Borno  Government for distribution to those affected by the recent flood in the state.

The supplies to aid the flood victims were presented during a ceremony in Maiduguri, attended by Gov. Babagana Zulum, heads of relevant government departments and representatives from the Chinese firm.

Liu Shuai, a representative of CMEC in a statement on Sunday, said the initiative was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and reflected its commitment to the wellbeing of local communities in Nigeria.

He recalls that on Sept. 10, Maiduguri, the Borno capital, and its environs experienced their worst flood in 30 years, resulting in many deaths, destruction of property and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents.

“As a central Chinese enterprise operating in the Nigerian market for many years, CMEC has consistently monitored the livelihoods of local residents and actively fulfilled its social responsibilities,” Shuai said.

He said that CMEC quickly mobilised support for its local staff right after the flood and launched a special assistance plan for local government and flood victims.

“In addition to the food supplies, CMEC will continue to increase its investments and actively participate in post-disaster reconstruction efforts to assist the government and people of Borno State in overcoming these challenges as swiftly as possible,” he said.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno expressed gratitude for the support provided by CMEC, assuring that his administration would complete post-disaster reconstruction on time.

The governor also highlighted the significant role of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP) project, undertaken by CMEC, in the socio-economic development of the local community.

He expressed hope for more extensive cooperation with CMEC in the future.(NAN)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Foreign

Nigeria, Japan to deepen trade relations

361 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has pledged to deepen ties with Japan to strengthen trade and exploit more opportunities in areas of infrastructural development, food security, and health.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Japanese government paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Japan delegation was led by the outgoing- Amb. of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko

Shettima assured the Japanese government of enhanced cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as resolving all the grey areas involving bilateral relations between the two nations.

“All the grey areas will be addressed. Luckily, the CBN Governor is here, and two of the major beneficiary ministries are represented at the highest level.

“Be rest assured that in a couple of days, we are going to resolve all the grey areas and put our relationship on a new pedestal,” Shettima said.

The vice-president applauded Amb. Kazuyoshi for doing an outstanding job in anchoring the relationship between Nigeria and Japan.

He noted that the presence of key actors in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including two ministers and the Governor of CBN, accentuated the importance Nigeria attaches to its relationship with JICA.

Shettima expressed gratitude to JICA for its commitment towards strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Japan through its contributions to development across critical sectors of the economy.

He also thanked JICA’s President for the firm’s donation of ¥1.75 billion grant to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to strengthen its diagnostic capacity.

“Your Excellency, we are immensely grateful for JICA’s continuous commitment; words cannot adequately convey our depth of gratitude.

” Under the exemplary leadership of Dr Tanaka Akihiko, JICA has played a very vital role in strengthening the ties between our two nations.

“Your contributions span across critical sectors of our economy and society, aligning seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am glad you visited the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday where, again, you have given a grant of ¥1.75 billion for the strengthening of diagnostic capacity of the NCDC,” he said.

Shettima also acknowledged JICA’s assistance in polio eradication, which he said helped Nigeria to achieve polio-free status in 2020.

“We share in your vision of making Nigeria a hub for disease control in West Africa and, by extension, you can make it a hub for the whole of Africa because one in every four black men is a Nigerian.

“So, we implore you to further enhance the cooperation between our two nations. You are a silent giant. You don’t make too much noise,” he added.

Shettima wished the outgoing Amb. Kazuyoshi, a fruitful and productive tour of duty in his next location.

Earlier, the President of JICA, Akihiko, sympathised with Nigeria over the flood that recently caused damage to many communities and deaths, especially in Maiduguri, Borno.

He said that the sympathy was special because Japan has been a victim of natural disasters.

Akihiko extended his gratitude to Nigeria and its citizens for understanding, supporting and allowing JICA to participate in development projects in the country.

He said, “the Amb. of Japan, Mr Matsunaga Kasuyoshi, has done a good job in maintaining and improving the relations between Nigeria and Japan.”

He said he also visited the Nigeria Information Technology Centre, where he met with the Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs.

He noted that he was impressed with their ingenuity and level of creativity, stressing that has formed the basis of collaboration with JICA.

Also, Amb. Kazuyoshi disclosed that the Japanese government would hold an International Conference on African Development in Tokyo next year.

He said while the Japanese government has paid great attention to the partnership with Nigeria, it would like to use the opportunity of the visit to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.

For his part, Dr Kinsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement (Office of the Vice President), commended JICA for supporting Nigeria in the area of food security emergency support loan.

Uzoma emphasised that one of the most critical areas of support was the project to rehabilitate and reinforce the Lagos transmission substation.

“This initiative aims to provide an uninterrupted power supply to Apapa Wharf, ensuring 24-hour electricity.

“The project is instrumental in elevating the Nigerian port to meet international standards,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

You cannot copy content of this page

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