NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
25,075 Nigerian pilgrims transported to Makkah with Nusuk cards – NAHCON
Foreign

25,075 Nigerian pilgrims transported to Makkah with Nusuk cards – NAHCON

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 25,075 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been transported to Makkah from Madina with their Nusuk cards.

Alhaji Abdulkadri Oloyin, the Coordinator, Madina NAHCON Office, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Madina on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it mandatory for pilgrims from all countries participating in the 2025 hajj to have Nusuk cards displaying their details.

The ministry explained that the card was for easy identification of genuine pilgrims as well as for gaining access to the holy sites in Makkah.

Oloyin, who said that no pilgrims left Madina for Makkah without Nusuk cards, said that NAHCON had already collected 25,075 Nusuk cards.

“They have already been collected by Nigeria and distributed to our pilgrims. And if you compare it with the number of those that have left Madina for Makkah, it is accurate.

“Anyone that has not collected it, there may be those who will move among officials ahead, but they have registered them, and they will collect their Nusuk cards.

“As for ordinary pilgrims, all their Nusuk cards have been issued already,” the NAHCON coordinator said.

According to him, NAHCON’s work has been very commendable but in everything, there must be challenges.

“But there is no serious challenge that has not been attended to.

“The biggest challenges that we had when we started the operation in Madina was cooperation from the local authorities,” he said.

Je said that instead of issuing the Nusuk cards in Makkah, the Saudi authorities brought it down to Madina.

He said that this was done to ensure that no pilgrim left Madina for Makkah without having Nusuk.

“This is done so that it will not cause a lot of traffic at the eve of entering Mashair.

“All pilgrims, including officials, were issued an urgent visa. They directed us to drop our passport at the airport.

“The purpose of dropping the passport at the airport is for them to make arrangements for each one of the Nusuk,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy
Foreign

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Amb. Troy Fitrell, U.S. Department of State’s acting Head of Africa Bureau, says the country has now shifted its diplomacy in Sub-Saharan Africa from an ‘assistant-led’ to an ‘investment-led’ strategy.

The envoy, who disclosed this in a digital news conference during an official visit to West Africa, explained that going forward, commercial diplomacy would be the core focus of U.S./African engagement.

He said that the Donald Trump administration had adopted new commercial diplomacy strategy, and expressed the hope that the policy would attract private sector actors and galvanise local economies.

Fitrell said that was why earlier in February, President Donald Trump rescinded more than 90 per cent of foreign assistance contracts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to him, the decision has resulted to U.S. overall aid cut of about 60 billion dollars, affecting many sectors, including Africa’s health funding, war-affected populations, humanitarian and development assistance programmes.

He said “we have for decades been defined by an assistance-led paradigm, and we are directly and intentionally shifting that toward an investment-led strategy.

“For too long, we’ve prioritised development assistance over promoting U.S. commercial engagement in Africa but the focus, going forward, will be trade, not aid.

“U.S. ambassadors are now being evaluated on how effectively they advocate for U.S. business and the number of deals they facilitate.”

The envoy explained that in line with the new policy, U.S. ambassadors serving in Africa were mandated to explore commercial opportunities and to advocate for the country’s companies.

He said the envoys were also expected to identify market reforms needed to enhance the business environment and engage with African governments on implementation.

He added that “with focus on commercial diplomacy, we must do more to connect a greater number of U.S. companies to opportunities in Africa, especially those that have yet to do business on the continent.

“With that, we can connect a greater share of the nearly 300,000 export-ready U.S. companies and the 120 trillion dollars U.S. capital market to the African continent.”

Fitrell said the Lobito Corridor, a multi-billion dollar railroad project connecting DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola with its Lobito Port for the transportation of essential goods and minerals, was the kind of project that would attract U.S. investment.

He said the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the cornerstone of U.S. economic relations with dozens of African nations, rested with the U.S. Congress, adding that he was AGOA’s fan.

“My expectation is if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world, rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded,” he added.

The envoy said that the U.S. engagement with Africa would lead to more jobs and the development of Africa’s middle class.

“Just in the first 100 days of the Donal Trump administration, we’ve had 33 new deals worth more than six billion dollars, including several that were concluded last week in Abidjan,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fitrell also took part in an event, the Africa CEO Forum, organised by the U.S. embassy in Abidjan and the U.S Chamber of Commerce.

He also laid out a six-pronged action plan and addressed the American Chambers of Commerce Business Summit 2025 at the forum, which was co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Nigeria among Africa’s top investment destinations – Speaker
Foreign

Nigeria among Africa’s top investment destinations – Speaker

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By Chinenye Ofor/Maureen Okon

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, has described Nigeria as one of the most attractive and lucrative investment frontiers in Africa.

Abbas made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 (NIIS 2025), themed “Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities.”

The summit, organised by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited and partners in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, aims to strengthen bilateral investment and trade ties.

Represented by Mr Afuope Afolabi, Chairman of the Nigeria-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group, Abbas said Nigeria’s large population and economic potential made it a prime destination for global investors.

According to him, Nigeria-Italy relations have evolved into a dynamic partnership driven by trade, investment, and high-level political consultations.

“Italian enterprises have found fertile ground in Nigeria, and we in turn have benefited from these investments, which have strengthened key sectors of our economy,” he said.

He highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, dairy farming, energy, oil and gas, and solid minerals.

“This summit should serve as a springboard for both nations to reimagine bilateral economic cooperation,” Abbas added.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, represented by Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, noted that Nigeria, with its population of more than 220 million and vast human and natural resources, remained Africa’s largest economy.

He said Italy, the world’s eighth-largest economy, brought industrial sophistication and innovation to the table.

“These are two nations with immense potential. This summit is not just about investment; it’s about aligning values and mutual economic ambition,” Kalu said.

He emphasised the strategic importance of trust and collaboration, calling the summit a “blueprint for a bridge built not of bricks but of trust.”

Mr Iacopo Foti, Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, called the summit a celebration of shared values and a joint commitment to sustainable development.

He lauded Nigeria’s dynamic population and growing domestic market, stating, “Italy’s cultural heritage and technological expertise make it a natural partner for Nigeria.”

Foti noted that Italy had long contributed to Nigeria’s development, particularly in energy, construction, and infrastructure.

“Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, technological expertise, and strong tradition of entrepreneurship.

“Both countries have unique opportunities to harness their strengths and foster partnerships that will benefit them mutually.

“Italy has contributed to Nigeria’s economic development in various sectors, including energy, construction, and infrastructure, since Nigeria gained independence.

“In 2024, trade relations between both countries reached approximately 2.5 billion euros. In spite of the significance of this figure, there is still a need for initiatives like this summit to further promote business and investment.

“I am convinced that we will engage in insightful discussions, explore potential investment opportunities, and share best practices.

“I also believe that paving the way for meaningful investments has the power to transform our economies and improve the lives of our people,” he said.

He expressed confidence that discussions from the summit would lead to meaningful investments that could transform both economies and improve lives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official
Foreign

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official

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U.S. trade with Africa ‘will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,’ says ambassador Troy Fitrell.

Ambassador Troy Fitrell, senior official at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, said that Washington is “very directly, very intentionally” shifting toward an “investment-led” strategy in Africa.

“The future of the U.S. trade with Africa “will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,” Fitrell said at an online news conference.

He said trade reflects an “exchange between equals” in an activity, unlike the assistance-led paradigm that the U.S. had in the past, which involved “a donor and a recipient, instead of having it being negotiated with equals.”

Fitrell said he tasked ambassadors to “go out and find” commercial opportunities to advocate for US companies, identify opportunities, push for market reforms to enhance the business environment and engage host governments on those issues.

He said as the U.S’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) marches to its end date, “it is our Congress who has the responsibility to revise, renew, or re-establish it.”

The envoy added that “if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded.”

AGOA is a special law enacted in the year 2000 that grants duty-free access to nearly 40 sub-Saharan African nations to US markets.(AA/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mark Longyen)

W/Africa risks increased climate-related disasters — Minister
Foreign

W/Africa risks increased climate-related disasters — Minister

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By Mark Longyen

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has warned that West Africa and the entire African continent are at risk of severe climate-related disasters.

Keyamo raised the alarm, while declaring open a regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, climate-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, with vulnerable communities often bearing most of the impacts.

He said that the challenges had far-reaching implications for food security, water availability, public health, transportation, energy systems, livelihoods, national security and overall socio-economic stability.

“Now, more than ever in recorded history, West Africa is faced with various weather and climate-related threats.

“These include erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, heavy thunderstorms, destructive windstorms, intense flooding, increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.

“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.

“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target,” he said.

Keyamo said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) 2023 State of the Climate Report states that climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose two to five per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually.

According to him, the report says many West African countries divert up to nine per cent of their budgets to respond to climate extremes as rainfall deficits led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.

“In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.

“The need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.

“In recognition of these important roles, Nigeria established the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in 2003 and was amended in 2022,” he said.

The minister explained that ”NiMet’s mandate is to provide weather, climate, and hydrometeorological information for the safety of lives and property, and socio-economic development across all sectors.”

He said that NiMet, whose contributions to the development and practice of meteorology in the ECOWAS region covered a wide range of areas, had evolved into a modern, science-driven agency.

Keyamo said that NiMet had become not only the authoritative source of meteorological information for Nigeria but also a trusted partner and leader in West Africa and beyond.

He noted that the agency’s pioneering work on Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) had become a template for other Meteorological Services in the region.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has remained firmly committed to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration.

“Investments in modernisation, human capital development, and international partnerships continue to reflect our firm belief that weather, climate and hydrological information is vital to national and regional development.

“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027,” Keyamo said.

Keyamo said that Nigeria was fully committed to supporting not only NiMet but also the wider ECOWAS community in its shared quest to build a climate-smart, weather-ready West African region.

“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others.

“I want to implore all of us to see this meeting as a means of exploring new and innovative ways to deepen cooperation, share best practices, and harmonise efforts for the collective benefit of our people.

“The challenges we face are common, and so too must be our solutions,” the minister added.

Speaking earlier, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, noted that West Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change.

She, however, said the region was one of the least equipped with the data, infrastructure, and systems required for effective climate resilience.

“Recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47 per cent increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over 1.3 billion dollars.

“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10 per cent in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures.

“This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast,” Toure-Litse, represented by Mr Bernard Koffi, said.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of generating climate forecast information from meteorological and hydrological directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.

This, she said, underscored the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and meteorological capacity that were now referred to collectively as hydromet services.

Toure-Litse encouraged the meteorological and hydrological directors to fulfill their role according to the regular and urgent needs from populations.

“Our populations, particularly those who live in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt.

“The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasised by African ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.

“According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in early warning systems can yield up to 9 dollars in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity,” she added.

Also speaking, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet Director-General, said the event was an opportunity for participants to agree on practical measures to improve the performance of meteorological and hydrological services within the region.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.

“Through artificial intelligence, enhanced satellite technology, big data integration and collaborative partnerships, meteorology is witnessing a renaissance that promises to improve predictive accuracy and user engagement.

“The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events ranging from floods and droughts to heat waves and storms pose significant challenges to our economies, aviation safety, food security, water resources, national security and overall well-being of our people,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

ECOWAS Parliament tasks members on regional integration
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament tasks members on regional integration

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Participants at the First Ordinary Session of the 2025 ECOWAS Parliament on Tuesday in Abuja. (NAN)

 

By Mark Longyen

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Memounatou Ibrahima has urged member states to deliberately embrace, cultivate, and reinvent the institution’s integration agenda as it marks its 50th anniversary in May.

Ibrahima made the plea on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 First Ordinary Session of the regional parliament, which also heralded the activities lined up for the parliament’s 25th anniversary in November.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations mark the beginning of a series of activities aimed at promoting regional integration and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

According to her, there is the need for collective efforts by all ECOWAS institutions and member states to build a more integrated and prosperous West African economic bloc.

Ibrahima, therefore, called on member states to work together to address common challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality for economic growth and development.

“This silver jubilee that we are celebrating must remind us that integration is not an inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must make to constantly cultivate and reinvent.

“The progress made together and the results obtained so far are still confronted with so many challenges that we have to meet for the well-being of our fellow citizens.

“Integration and community life is a long-term and everyday task that we must continue relentlessly. However, we must celebrate our victories in an inclusive manner alongside other sister ECOWAS Institutions,” she said.

While paying tribute to ECOWAS’ founding fathers, Ibrahima enumerated the parliament’s achievements over the years to include its promoting of parliamentary cooperation, managing of political crises, and enhancing of regional integration.

The speaker unveiled the activities lined up for the anniversary to include seminars, workshops, and other events that would bring together stakeholders to brainstorm on the bloc’s shared vision and challenges.

“One of the key areas of focus for the parliament’s anniversary celebrations will be the promotion of economic integration and trade among member states.

“The ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations will also provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on its achievements and challenges over the past five decades.

“The community has made significant progress in promoting regional integration and cooperation, but there is still much work to be done to achieve its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” she said.

She said that the parliament would continue to play a vital role in promoting regional integration and cooperation while prioritising the people’s collective economic growth and development.

Dr Omar Touray, President, ECOWAS Commission, said that the parliament occupied a strategic position in ECOWAS integration process, with its members being the representatives of the Community citizens.

He said that the event had a two-fold significance, that is, the withdrawal of three member states with its potential impact on integration, and ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Touray said that ECOWAS would commence direct discussions with the three withdrawn Sahel countries on the methodology of the negotiations regarding the contingency plan for their complete withdrawal this week.

According to him, the position of ECOWAS is that the separation of the three countries should not come at the expense of the community citizens.

He said that the celebration was not only a moment of rejoicing but above all a moment of reflection and introspection on ECOWAS’ achievements and prospects.

“In this regard, a Summit on the Future of West Africa will be held for our member states to agree on a compact on the future of the Community.

“The summit will be preceded by series of discussions and reflections by diverse stakeholders within the community and beyond.

“Therefore, while we celebrate our achievements, we will reflect deeply on what has worked well and what has not worked well over the past fifty years.

“This is as much in terms of the pursuit of security and political stability as in terms of socio-economic and infrastructural development,” he said.

In a message of goodwill, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, stressed the need to deepen collaboration between the Court and Parliament towards promoting regional integration and justice to achieve ECOWAS Vision 2050.

He said while the Parliament was crucial in amplifying Community citizens’ voices and ensuring that their aspirations and concerns were translated into policies and actions, the Court upheld the rule of law and promoted human rights.

Gonçalves said the year 2025 had been significant because it marked the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament and the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS as a bloc.

According to the Community Court’s President, the milestones are presenting an opportunity for the bloc to reflect on its progress and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and justice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

China etches global impact in currency
Foreign

China etches global impact in currency

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By Busayo Onijala

 

A new book, Chinese Imprints on World Currency, highlights China’s growing global partnerships and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

 

 

 

Launched on Monday in Beijing, the book showcases 121 coins and banknotes from 58 countries marking key Chinese-built infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei, described the book as a tribute to the nation’s contributions and efforts toward a shared future for humanity.

 

 

 

“This collection highlights the achievements of Chinese enterprises and our commitment to a more connected and prosperous world,” Hong stated.

 

 

 

He added that through global infrastructure efforts, China promotes peace, prosperity, and long-term international cooperation.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book reflects three themes: large-scale construction, environmental protection, and diplomatic collaboration.

 

 

 

Author Du Xiaojian expressed pride in China’s impact and growing recognition on the global stage through cooperation and shared development.

 

 

 

“With China’s achievements and vision, the world becomes more deeply connected,” Du said during his address.

 

 

 

A key feature is the global currency collection showcasing infrastructure built by Chinese companies.

 

 

 

For instance, Jamaica’s 5,000-dollar banknote features the North-South highway, built by China Harbour Engineering Company.

 

 

 

Croatia’s 25-kuna 2022 commemorative coin displays the Pelješac Bridge, constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

 

 

 

The bridge represents the largest transportation project since diplomatic ties were established between China and Croatia.

 

 

 

Sri Lanka’s 20-rupee note celebrates the Colombo Port project, jointly undertaken with China under the BRI.

 

 

 

CCCC President Wang Haihuai said the Colombo Port City project will generate 140,000 direct jobs, boosting Sri Lanka’s economy.

 

 

 

CCCC, one of China’s top international contractors, has worked in 158 countries, executing over 18 major global infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

Wang emphasised that these developments are more than physical works; they are economic lifelines for host nations.

 

 

 

“The appearance of Chinese-built infrastructure on world currency shows win-win cooperation and honours Chinese enterprise,” Wang remarked.

 

 

 

He added that these currencies symbolise China’s tangible investments and the mutual respect between partner countries.

 

 

 

Beyond infrastructure, Chinese firms also support education and talent development globally.

 

 

 

With nearly 90,000 overseas staff, CCCC has created thousands of jobs and sponsored over 400 students to study in China.

 

 

 

Wang noted that investing in people ensures lasting benefits for partner nations and their projects.

 

 

 

The event also reaffirmed China’s diplomatic values of peace, mutual respect, and non-interference in other nations’ internal affairs.

 

 

 

President Xi Jinping’s vision of multilateralism and inclusive development was echoed throughout the launch.

 

 

 

As China expands globally through the BRI, Global Development Initiative, and Global Security Initiative, the book highlights its leadership role.

 

 

 

NAN also reports that ambassadors from over 10 countries, including Sri Lanka and Egypt, attended the ceremony.

 

 

 

The envoys praised the BRI’s impact and pledged to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation with China. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Oropo

Cash crisis: UN cuts spending, freezes hiring, scales services
Foreign

Cash crisis: UN cuts spending, freezes hiring, scales services

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By Tiamiyu Arobani

The UN says it has been forced to cut spending, freeze hiring and scale back some services as the global organisation faces a worsening cash crisis.

Member States on Monday urged members to pay up, warning that the deepening financial crisis threatened the world body’s ability to carry out vital work.

The General Assembly’s Fifth Committee met throughout Monday to discuss the multilateral organisation’s financial health.

With a growing shortfall in contributions, member states owed $2.4 billion in unpaid regular budget dues and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping.

Officials warned that the non-payment of contributions risked eroding the UN’s credibility and its capacity to fulfil mandates entrusted to it by member states.

Switzerland’s delegate, speaking also on behalf of Liechtenstein, said “Each delay in payment, each hiring freeze, each cancelled service chips away at trust in our ability to deliver”.

One proposed solution was to allow the UN to temporarily keep unspent funds at year’s end, instead of returning them to member states as credits.

Currently, this return is mandatory, even if the funds arrive late in the year, giving the UN little time to spend them.

The suggested change would be expected to act as a buffer to keep operations running, particularly in January when payments tend to lag.

Delegates also backed limited use of “special commitments”, which is emergency funding tools, early in the year to bridge gaps caused by delayed contributions.

While these fixes might help, several speakers, including delegates from Kazakhstan, Norway and the United Kingdom, emphasised that the root cause was the continued late or non-payment of dues.

Norway noted that such temporary measures would not solve the underlying problem and urged member states to support bold financial reforms.

The European Union stressed that the crisis was not abstract,  adding they were real operational risks and the burden could not fall solely on countries that paid on time.

Singapore, speaking for the Southeast Asian group of nations, ASEAN, echoed concerns that the UN’s liquidity problems had become routine.

It cited the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) need to shut its offices for three months and suspend travel and hiring.

Particularly troubling to many delegates was the fact that one country, unnamed in the meeting but widely known to be the U.S. was responsible for over half of all unpaid dues.

The U.S. under President Donald Trump, is reportedly withholding the funds due to the UN for political reasons.

Russia called for more transparency in how the UN managed cash-saving measures, cautioning against actions taken without member states’ input.

Catherine Pollard, the UN’s top management official, noted that since May 9, a handful of countries had paid in full across several budget categories, while the number of nations who had paid in full for the regular budget stood at 106 for the year.

As of May 19, the UN records showed only 61 countries had met all their UN’s obligations in full.

The message from member states on Monday clearly states that without broad, timely financial support, the UN’s ability to serve the world, especially in times of crisis, is at serious risk. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

2025 Hajj: NAHCON inspects tour operators’ feeding arrangements in Makkah
Foreign

2025 Hajj: NAHCON inspects tour operators’ feeding arrangements in Makkah

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By Abdulwahab Deji

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified its efforts for the success of the 2025 Hajj by conducting a catering simulation exercise at the Rawaf Mina office in Makkah.

This is contained in a statement by Ahmad Musa, Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makkah.

The exercise was conducted to evaluate the quality, timeliness and standard of catering services arranged for the Nigerian Pilgrims under the Private Tour Operator quota.

The Commission’s Makkah Deputy Coordinator, Mr Alidu Shutti, led the delegation during the exercise.

Rawaf Mina, a Saudi-based company is responsible for provision of services to Nigerian Private Tour Operators’ pilgrims at the sacred sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during the Hajj rites.

Shutti emphasised that the quality and quantity of meals in terms of taste, portion, and nutritional value must match what would be served to the Pilgrims during the Hajj.

“Timely delivery and consistency in quality, quantity are non-negotiable,” he stated, noting that the Commission’s goal is to elevate the 2025 Hajj experience to one of the best in recent time.

In response, Rawaf Mina CEO, Mr Zuhaer Sadayu, assured NAHCON officials that a dedicated food service consultant has been appointed to oversee all stages of meal preparation and delivery.

He pledged that feedback from the inspection would be meticulously addressed and incorporated into the final service provision plans in order to ensure Pilgrims receive full value for their money.

Also present at the event was NAHCON’s Saudi Liaison Officer, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, who expressed gratitude to the Rawaf Mina team for facilitating the meals-tasting session and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing Pilgrims’ welfare across all aspects of the Hajj exercise.

This function forms part of NAHCON’s broader mission to ensure efficient and effective service delivery during the days of tashriq outing.

The Hajj Commission reaffirms that the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims remained top priority in its operational mandate for the 2025 Hajj.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

German residents back weekly limit on working hours, survey suggests
Foreign

German residents back weekly limit on working hours, survey suggests

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German residents narrowly support shifting to a weekly limit on working hours, instead of a daily cap, according to a survey released on Monday.

The study, conducted by pollsters YouGov for dpa, found that 38 per cent of respondents would support the policy, while 20 per cent opposed it and 37 per cent are neutral.

The proposal, included in the new German government’s coalition agreement, would replace the existing daily cap of eight hours with a weekly limit, aiming to allow greater flexibility in scheduling working hours.

Under the proposed change, employees could work longer hours on fewer days – for example, four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.

Among supporters of the policy, 82 per cent said the model offers more flexibility, such as enabling longer weekends.

About 44 per cent also see benefits for employers no longer bound by the eight-hour daily cap.

Critics fear reduced productivity and worker fatigue.

Two-thirds of opponents say productivity would drop after eight hours and 61 per cent worry extended shifts would strain employees.

When asked to choose between working four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days for the same pay, 37 per cent preferred the four-day week, while 28 per cent stuck with the current traditional model.

More than half of the opponents argued that they cannot stay productive beyond eight hours and around 40 per cent expressed concerns over having less time for family and hobbies.(dpa/NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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