NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
UAE strengthens global leadership in metrology to drive innovation
Foreign

UAE strengthens global leadership in metrology to drive innovation

153 total views today

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday said it is reinforcing its global standing in the science of measurement or metrology as a drive to sustainable growth.

According to the UAE, this step is the cornerstone of its national strategy to build a knowledge-based economy fueled by innovation, advanced technology, and international quality standards.

This is reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

The new initiatives are aimed at creating high-tech laboratories in strategic sectors of the economy, the government said.

As part of its mission, the UAE says it is implementing a portfolio of advanced national projects aimed at enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and global recognition of UAE-based measurement systems.

According to official data, these initiatives focus on establishing high-tech laboratories across strategic sectors of the economy.

Key projects include the mass, volume and flow laboratory to support industrial and commercial measurement systems.

It also includes electricity, time and frequency laboratories to guarantee the precision of measurements in the energy, telecommunications and defence sectors.

The other is the length and angles laboratory to serve construction and precision engineering industries.

According to the data, further facilities in development include laboratories for thermal and humidity measurements supporting environmental and industrial applications.

It also includes the development of a force, pressure and torque laboratory to ensure accuracy in infrastructure, and the oil and gas operations.

According to the source, a feasibility study is also underway to establish a National Chemical Metrology Laboratory that will benefit healthcare, food safety and environmental monitoring. (Tv Brics/NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Deborah Coker

Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership
Foreign

Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership

166 total views today

 

Zimbabwe has called on Chinese investors and partners aligned with China’s global development vision to help accelerate its transition to a knowledge-based, resource-driven industrial economy.

Prof. Amon Murwira, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, outlined the policy shift,  according to a report by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

“Zimbabwe is open for business. Under this transformative vision, we are ready to engage and foster robust socio-economic partnerships with the People’s Republic of China,” Murwira said.

The Zimbabwean foreign minister reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Zimbabwe and China, which have been elevated to “five-star ironclad” status, signifying a deepened strategic alliance and shared development objectives.

This elevation follows the consensus reached between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping during their meeting in September 2024.

To facilitate deeper economic cooperation, Murwira highlighted several bilateral frameworks already in place.

These include a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding on economic development cooperation, trade facilitation, and investment coordination.

These instruments aim to improve regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and enhance investor confidence.

Officials also detailed plans to establish a vertically integrated industrial cluster that includes coal mining, power generation, and steel production.

The goal is to create the largest and most advanced metallurgical hub in Africa. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

China to eliminate tariffs on imports from African countries
Foreign

China to eliminate tariffs on imports from African countries

149 total views today

China has announced the full removal of tariffs on imports from all African countries, ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, has reported.

The tariff elimination falls under the new China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, a framework designed to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade by increasing market access, improving customs procedures, and strengthening institutional trade capacity.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by Beijing to support industrialisation, diversify imports, and reinforce economic links with African states beyond raw materials.

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s readiness to welcome all African exports under zero-tariff treatment.

He emphasised that the new arrangement would be accompanied by enhanced cooperation in customs, quarantine, logistics, and capacity building.

China also pledged to support training programmes and expand the visibility of high-quality African goods in the Chinese market.

In 2024, China–Africa trade reached nearly 300 billion dollars, consolidating China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner.

Observers note that the new tariff policy may further strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area by encouraging intra-African production and export diversification.

The strategic shift is expected to unlock new opportunities for value-added goods and services from across the continent, reinforcing Africa’s role in global supply chains. (TV BRICS/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Maiden West Africa Summit to drive economic integration -Tuggar
Foreign

Maiden West Africa Summit to drive economic integration -Tuggar

103 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, says the maiden West African Economic Summit (WAES) is not just about policy, but a practical solution to fast-track economic integration in the region.

Tugger said this on Tuesday during a media parley with journalists in Abuja, while reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to host the event scheduled for June 20 to 21.

According to him, the summit is an initiative of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at advancing trade relations, market economy among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMES) in the sub-region.

“It is with a deep sense of honour and responsibility that I announce Nigeria’s readiness to host the WAES 2025 under the chairmanship of President Tinubu.

“This important economic gathering is aimed at unlocking opportunities that abound in the region and to serve as strategic platform for shaping the economic future of our region.

“WAES will convene Heads of States, Ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, as well as youth innovators from across West Africa and beyond.”

The minister said that the summit would boost economic integration of West African countries through partnership in the economic sector among others.

He added that the summit would also foster cross border trade relations in line with the Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS) vision.

On sustaining the WAES initiative, Tuggar noted that the success of the summit would drive future events, explaining that the whole idea was to partner private sector in promoting regional integration.

He revealed the Nigerian government’s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to extend WAES ownership to the entire sub-region.

“Recently, we launched a partnership with the UNDP. The whole idea is to create a template that is not going to be owned by Nigeria alone, but by the entire region and all the countries that choose to adopt it and utilise it.

“The template will also strengthen the institutions; tackle the perennial challenges that are caused by misinformation/disinformation, engage the civil society, so that there is more understanding between government and the people.

“It will further strengthen the social contract,” Tuggar explained. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Deborah Coker

Oyetola woos Island nations for IMO Council seat
Foreign

Oyetola woos Island nations for IMO Council seat

140 total views today

By Aisha Cole

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has held meetings with leaders from several island nations to solicit support for Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council later this year.

The Media Adviser to the minister, Mr Bolaji Akinola, said the minister met separately with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr James Marape; the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr Joyelle Clarke; and the Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu, Dr Maina Vakafua Talia.

Akinola said that the meetings underscored Nigeria’s commitment to building alliances with countries that, though geographically distant, share common vulnerabilities and aspirations within the global maritime community.

Oyetola explained that Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the IMO Council was not driven by ambition alone but to ensure greater representation for African nations, developing countries, and vulnerable coastal and island states in global maritime decision-making.

He assured that Nigeria would be a reliable ally advocating for stronger global commitments to maritime decarbonisation.

The minister highlighted that the country’s dedication to these principles was underscored by the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.

Oyetola explained Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sustainable ocean governance, blue economic growth, and building resilience against climate change.

He described how Nigeria was reimagining its relationship with the sea through initiatives ranging from port modernisation and enhanced maritime security to ocean sustainability and the development of coastal communities.

Oyetola said that Nigeria was not merely seeking support in isolation but extending an offer of partnership.

He mentioned a vision for an IMO Council that actively protects the interests of the most vulnerable nations and noted that Nigeria would use its voice, its vote, and its regional influence to advocate priorities of developing nations.

He further stated that Nigeria is prepared to push for a more equitable maritime regulatory framework that acknowledges disparities in national capacities, supports accessible climate-smart shipping technologies, and fosters practical cooperation in the development of sustainable blue economies between island nations and African coastal states like Nigeria.

Oyetola explained the nation’s readiness to serve as a credible voice for developing nations within the international maritime system, forging alliances based on shared challenges and mutual interests.

He stated that as the IMO Council elections approach, Nigeria was positioning itself as a Category C candidate committed to inclusivity, equity, and climate-resilient maritime development in an increasingly interconnected and environmentally vulnerable world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges
Foreign

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges

145 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is currently facing integration challenges, and seeks to address it by strengthening unity, solidarity, and fraternity within the bloc.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the commission, expressed the fear and plan of action at the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held at the commission’s headquarters on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AFC’s crucial meeting was held to evaluate the mid-term implementation of the decisions, programmes, projects, and activities of ECOWAS institutions.

Represented by ECOWAS Vice President,  Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray said the mid-term implementation of the programmes, and activities of the community’s institutions aimed at evaluating ECOWAS’ difficult financial situation.

He said the meeting would also delve into how to minimise the negative effects of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS to preserve the gains of 50 years of integration.

The president said that the AFC session would also update member states on the progress made on the state of recruitment within the commission’s institutions.

“As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis and in such circumstances, we must sit down together, pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us.

“Our organisation is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future.

“But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability,” he said.

Touray said one lesson learnt from ECOWAS’ recent fiftieth anniversary and the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger was the need to speed up institutional, organisational, political and security reforms.

He said it was in light of the intended reforms that the commission, in accordance with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, would soon be convening a summit on the future of ECOWAS.

“Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community.

“I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space.

“It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region,” he added.

Also speaking, Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, said the evolving dynamics of global aid and financing necessitated the commission’s recent decision to procure new communications infrastructure.

He, therefore, urged member states to rethink resource generation and utilisation, adding that the newly acquired equipment would help to modernise the commission’s communication operations.

“Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” he said.

Amb. Olawale Awe, AFC Chairman, emphasised the need for proactive measures to address pressing issues, such as staffing gaps across ECOWAS institutions, and the community levy following the Sahel State’s withdrawal.

“We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate.

“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by distinguished ECOWAS dignitaries, including commissioners, parliamentarians, the Community Court, resident representatives, heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Diplomats urge African leaders to champion child rights, justice
Foreign

Diplomats urge African leaders to champion child rights, justice

147 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) is urging African leaders to unite in fostering justice, equality, and opportunity for the continent’s children, aligning with international laws.

This call to action, delivered virtually by Amb. Tunji Asaolu on the International Day of the African Child, underscores the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Celebrated annually on June 16, the International Day of the African Child commemorates the tragic Soweto Uprising of 1976, where South African students protested educational injustice and faced brutal suppression.

“In light of the theme, we urge governments at all levels and all stakeholders to expedite the effective realisation of all international policies and frameworks pertaining to children’s rights and welfare,” stated Asaolu, a Professor of Politics and International Studies.

He emphasised that the day served as a powerful reminder to prioritise children’s needs and rights, ensuring they reach their full potential.

“As we reflect, celebrate and reignite our resolve for the welfare of our children, the very heartbeat of our continent and architects of our future, this day carries significant weight about June 16, 1976”.

He added that the bravery of the young souls in Soweto was a poignant reminder of the urgent responsibility to foster justice, equality, and opportunity for every African child.

“Today transcends mere celebration; it is an emphatic call to action about our shared obligation to uphold children’s rights through strict adherence to international laws, charters and declarations.”

Asaolu cited the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989 and globally recognised as a ratified human rights treaty, for its fundamental principles recognising the inherent dignity and equal rights of every child.

He stressed the imperative for adequate investment in education as a cornerstone for child development, alongside protecting children from violence, abuse, and neglect.

Providing healthcare services and robust legal frameworks are also crucial for bolstering the African child’s overall development and future prospects.

“Let us move beyond merely recognising these policies and commit ourselves to their practical implementation.

“The rights of the child should not merely exist on paper, but should thrive in our homes, schools, communities and governments.

“We must invest in education, fortify child protection systems and cultivate safe environments wherein every African child can aspire and achieve,” the ambassador urged. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Vivian Ihechu

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement
Foreign

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement

188 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has pledged to deepen its engagement with the subregion’s youths and academic institutions to ensure a robust legal culture of justice, human rights and rule of law.

The President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said this at the end of the maiden edition of the Moot Court competition of the Community Court on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which began on Wednesday, 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, offering them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

Gonçalves said that the community court had resolved to make the competition an annual flagship programme.

He also said that future editions of the competition would be expanded to include universities from all ECOWAS member states to truly reflect the bloc’s diversity and unity.

The court’s president explained that through such engagement, the court would demystify its work and plant the seeds of a robust regional legal culture that values justice, human rights, cooperation and rule of law.

“This event has made one thing abundantly clear; that the time has come for the ECOWAS Court of Justice to deepen its engagement with academic institutions and the youth of our region.

“In light of the overwhelming success of this pilot edition, I am pleased to announce that the court has resolved to make the Moot Court Competition an annual flagship programme.

“Future editions will expand to include universities across all ECOWAS Member States, truly reflecting the diversity and unity of our region,” he said.

Earlier in a vote of thanks, the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma, said the event aimed to create a platform for legal education, engagement and excellence among the region’s future legal minds.

He also said that mooting was a portal through which students could fully immerse themselves in the environment of ethical considerations and protocols of a real courtroom.

Koroma lauded the participating universities and their students, adding that their intellect, composure, and advocacy made the institutions proud and gave the court great hope in the future of regional justice.

“Today, as we conclude the finals of this historic competition, we do so with immense pride and gratitude, having witnessed the vision come to life in a truly remarkable fashion.

“To the students—you are the stars of this event.

” Your hard work, enthusiastic participation, dedication and legal acumen have made this moot competition a success.

“We wish each of you success in your future endeavours and hope that this competition has fostered not only legal proficiency but also a lifelong commitment to justice,” he added.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was the announcement of the winners of the competition and award of certificates for various categories to them.

Two Nigerian universities, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and University of Jos, won the overall best prize and runner up prize, taking home N5 million and N3 million respectively.

Two of the students, Nicholas Ochojila and Diretkinan Dashi, both from the University of Jos, expressed their gratitude to the ECOWAS Court for the opportunity to participate in the competition.

They said that the event was a good outing for the university, which came second, narrowly losing to ABU by one point, and producing the overall best oralist award winner through Ochojila. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence

179 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has called on West African universities’ law students participating in its inaugural Moot Court competition to deepen their jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks understanding to become better lawyers.

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President of the Court, represented by Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar, threw the challenge to the participants during the orientation session of the moot court.

He explained that the orientation programme was an opportunity for the students to also better understand the court’s mission and mandate by interacting directly with the court’s personnel at all levels.

“It is an opportunity for you to better understand the mission and mandate of the ECOWAS Court, to deepen your engagement with regional legal frameworks, and interact directly with the Chief Registrar, the directors, the lawyers of the Community Court of Justice, the Excellencies, judges, and fellow law students.

“As future advocates, judges and policy makers, your participation in this Moot Court reflects a shared dedication to upholding justice, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing  legal excellence across West Africa.

“As we commence this interactive session, may it inspire collaboration, stimulate critical thoughts, and reinforce the vital role of justice in building a peaceful and unified West Africa,” he said.

The Community Court President said that he was very impressed by the law students’ legal arguments, court cases, and all their demonstrations during the opening session of the moot court competition.

According to him, their sterling performance gives the court joy and hope that the future generation is moving forward to perhaps do more than what they are doing today.

He said the orientation session was pivotal to provide participants with more clarity about the court, while their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence, dialogue and the advancement of regional jurisprudence.

“Now, we wish that you keep it up in order to ensure that you have a bright  legal career after your legal  studies in the university,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Ghislain Agbozo, ECOWAS Court’s Principal Research Officer, gave a presentation to clarify the court’s Jurisdiction, Protocol, Articles, Access, and Admissibility, among others.

He explained that the ECOWAS Court has  one Protocol, which was  adopted on the 6th of July, 1991, and was amended  on the 19th of Jan., 2005 as its Supplementary Protocol.

Agbozo said that Article 9.4 of the court’s Protocol regarding jurisdiction on human rights cases stipulates that the court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur within any member state’s territory.

He further explained that in human rights cases, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a dispute  between individuals, that is, an individual suing another individual, as well as non-state actors like corporations.

“First, the source of human rights obligation within ECOWAS is the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights  and the human rights instrument adopted under the auspices of the United Nations to which member states are parties.

“The court has jurisdiction over the member states if It has signed a supplementary protocol  of 19th January 2005 and has ratified the universal  or African human rights instruments invoked.

“Only member states can be brought before the Court of Human Rights violation because member states are the sole parties to the regional and the universal instruments which the court has jurisdiction over,” he said.

On admissibility, he explained that the pendency of the same suit before a domestic court or an international court of equal jurisdiction cannot oust the court’s competence to determine the case on alleged human rights violation.

“The court also has consistently held its position that there is no need to exhaust local remedy before bringing an action before the court,” Agbozo stressed.

Mr Yusuf Danmadami, ECOWAS Court’s Senior Legal Officer, described the court as the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which was established to ensure the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty.

He said the court represented a significant achievement in enhancing West African and African regional integration framework, having established itself as an institution for protecting human rights, and promoting the Rule of Law.

“The mission and vision of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing, sustaining and enabling the legal environment for the achievement of community aims and objectives.

“Now the mission of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing a sustaining and enabling legal environment for the achievement of community  aims and objectives,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four Nigerian universities qualified for the semi-final round of the moot court competition which was due to take place later on Friday.

They are the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Jos, the Lagos State University and the University of Uyo.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

EU earmarks N900 million to fight malnutrition in Northern Nigeria
Foreign

EU earmarks N900 million to fight malnutrition in Northern Nigeria

133 total views today

By Maureen Okon

The European Union (EU) has allocated the sum of N900 million to help fight malnutrition in some states in Northern Nigeria.

The EU made the commitment on Friday in a statement signed by Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, the Press and Information Officer for its Embassy in Abuja.

Chukwulaka listed the states as Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

He said that the gesture was in response to the alarming level of malnutrition cases in the region.

According to him, the fund is for humanitarian aid to provide emergency assistance to children and mothers suffering from acute malnutrition.

Chukwulaka said that the fund would enable the Nigeria Red Cross Society to assist approximately 170,000 households affected by or at risk of malnutrition in the affected states and other parts of the country.

“The aid will specifically support life-saving activities for over 30,000 children in urgent need of treatment. Community outreach and screening will be integrated with outpatient care for uncomplicated severe cases.

“This will be done by using ready-to-use therapeutic food, while the most complex cases will be referred to health centres for specialised care, all in accordance with national health protocols.

“The Red Cross will expand its health and nutrition interventions while contributing to improving the medium-term resilience of the affected families and intensifying efforts in water protection, sanitation and hygiene.

“This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC),” he said.

He said that Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States in the North-East, and Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States in the North-West had an estimated 5.44 million children under five who are acutely malnourished.

“Two million are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition requiring lifesaving treatment, especially during the peak of the lean season from June to September.

“The nutrition crisis is worsening, driven by ongoing conflict and growing insecurity.

“This has led to prolonged displacement, a loss of livelihoods, and a significant reduction in vulnerable families’ access to essential healthcare services,” he said.

He said that the situation was further compounded by economic pressures and climate-related shocks such as flooding, as well as suboptimal maternal and child feeding practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EU and its member-states are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid.

It considers relief assistance as an expression of European solidarity towards people in need around the world.

It aims to save lives, prevent, and alleviate human suffering and safeguard the integrity and dignity of human populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.

Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Department, the EU helps millions of victims of conflicts and disasters every year.

With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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