By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, says Nigeria is scaling up tangible and valuable investments in renewable energy systems.

He said in a statement in Abuja that he had a fruitful discussion on Friday with Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General/CEO of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

He said he also joined a virtual meeting with the Executive Management of Oando Clean Energy to discuss their groundbreaking work to increase investments in renewable energy systems.

Ngelale explained that Oando’s focused attention on R&D and study of prospective clean energy investment opportunities, with the willingness to take calculated risks, would be beneficial to the organisation and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

“They will be given all the relationship support we can muster based on the merit of their organisational vision and wide-ranging activities,” he said.

He said he also deliberated virtually with officials of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. State Department.

He stated that the discussion focused on Nigeria’s push to leverage on its vast marine resources to attract new green-focused partnerships and investments in seaports and shipping corridors. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Taiye Olayemi
A Lecturer of Transport, Logistics and Port Operations, University of Lagos, Dr Edmund Chilaka, on Thursday called on the Federal Government to fully implement the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003.

Chilaka made the call during his book launch titled “Nigeria’s Shipping Policy and Maritime Trade up to the Early 21st Century”, in Lagos.

He said cabotage would enhance carriage of goods and services by indigenous shipowners within Nigerian waters and stimulate the development of indigenous capacity.

The author stressed the need to implement sections 35 to 38 of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (NIMASA Act 2007).

He said the NIMASA Act provided for indigenous carriers to carry Federal, State, and Local Government cargo which was referred to as the cabotage law.

He noted that the law also recognised operators who were keen in bringing economic empowerment of Nigerian carriers into effect.

The author said the law should also be amended to bring back the cargo allocation era, empower indigenous shippers and ensure training of Nigerian seafarers.

He said his newly-published book was all about advocacy to revive the implementation of Sections 35-38 of the NIMASA Act 2007.

“This is an epoch-making event which seeks to prepare good grounds for our national economy to regain lost grounds in the maritime trade sector,” he said.

Chilaka noted that the present advocacy to revive the implementation of sections 35-38 of the NIMASA Act was to give the agency the second tangible reason for being in existence aside from port and flag state functions.

He said without achieving this objective of helping Nigerian carriers to participate in international shipping trade, NIMASA’s efficiency and Key Performance Indices (KPIs) would continue to be seen as incomplete.

According to him, NIMASA’s present sole concentration on safer shipping and cleaner oceans cannot create a nationally- beneficial industry.

He said the agency should work toward the anticipated potential for growth which the founding fathers of Nigeria’s maritime policies envisioned for the economy and Nigerians in general.

“Last year, after I was appointed a visiting Research Fellow by Liverpool John Moores University, I prioritised the search for solutions to the problems of Nigerian carriers who are sidelined from participating in international shipping by the lack of access to cargo.

“Incidentally, the cargoes referenced in NIMASA Act sections 35-38 belong to Nigerians and are not subject to sharing with any other local or foreign entities or jurisdictions but should be carried entirely by Nigerian carriers,’’ he said.

Speaking on the essence of fully implementing the NIMASA law, Chilaka said the development would expand NIMASA’s operational portfolios of strategic mandates for overall national development.

He said it would also enable the reactivation of dormant sectors of the marine and blue economy such as international cargo-carrying activities by indigenous carriers.

“Implementing Sections 35-38 of the NIMASA Act 2007 will arrest capital flight of an estimated 9 billion dollars in freight costs paid annually to foreign shipping lines.

“Nigerian carriers stand to repatriate a substantial part of this cost when they participate in the carriage of federal, state and local government cargoes in line with sections 35 to 38 of the NIMASA Act 2007.

“There would be a revival of comatose indigenous carriers and maritime sector.

“Sea-time experience, ship boarding for nautical and engineering cadets of Nigerian maritime schools will resume once indigenous carriers resume international voyages.

“It would also enable the transfer of shipping technology and the development of ship management skills and proficiency in ship agency activities,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Khadija Bukar, said that it had become necessary to amend the 17-year-old NIMASA Act.

Bukar, who was represented by Dr Adesola Adedayo, Lawmaker representing Apapa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted that this was necessary because a lot had changed over the years.

According to her, the amendment will strengthen inter-agency collaboration and curb duplication of duties within the maritime industry.

Also, Prof. David Aworawo, Former Head of Department, History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, who reviewed the book, urged that the recommendations in the book be adhered to, to achieve a transformed and developed maritime industry.

Aworawo said that the book explored the history of maritime trade and development from 1553 till date.

The Founder of Human Rights Education Council (HURREC), Prof. Augustine Agugua, said the non-governmental organisation would be throwing its weight behind the advocacy.

Agugua advised other academia to support this kind of move to achieve a better society. (NAN)

Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja commended the partnership between Nigeria and China. 

The President gave the commendation when he received Mr Chen Xiaodong, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

“For us, it is a new beginning with you. A relationship that has lasted more than 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted.

“Our mutual commitment to the values of labour, understanding, and development is very important.

“I am very happy that President Xi Jinping is paying attention to Africa as a whole and our developmental needs,” President Tinubu told the Chinese delegation at the State House. 

The President welcomed the support of China for a more prominent position for Nigeria in the G20, UN Security Council, and the intergovernmental organisation of developing economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). 

“We believe in ourselves. We are determined to enhance the values of our people. Over the years, China has gone through phases of transformation and development.

“I once visited Shanghai when it was a village, and to see the rapid transformation, the technological development, is worth more collaborative efforts,” the President said. 

President Tinubu commended President Xi Jinping for consistently strengthening relations with Nigeria and Africa. 

“We believe in our bilateral relations, and we want to strengthen that. I am glad you mentioned United Nations, BRICS, and the G20. This is the largest economy in Africa. 

“To classify us as a backwater economy, no matter how hungry we are, we will manage our hunger. We will be friends and partners with those who respect our values, and China is one of them.

“I commend what President Xi Jinping is doing in Africa, helping with capital mobilization for projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of our people in Africa,” said Tinubu.

He stated that the infrastructure need of Africa was monumental, particularly that of Nigeria.

“You have good technology that you can transfer. You have a good opportunity to make an indelible mark on Nigeria.

“We have a very vibrant youth population, well-educated, and ready to learn. Skill development programme and transfer of knowledge is extremely important,” President Tinubu added. 

He also thanked President Xi Jinping for an invitation to visit China. 

“I am glad you appreciate my effort on Lekki Free Trade Zone, and we are doing very well. We need to establish more industrial parks across the country.

“Nigeria is blessed with mineral resources, and we have a lot of Chinese nationals around. We need to discuss more on that and promote cordial relationship for mutual benefits,” the President stated. 

In his remarks, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs said he was in Nigeria to brief the President on the invitation extended by Jinping and the itinerary of the state visit. 

Xiaodong commended the President for his strategic vision, playing leading roles in ECOWAS and Africa.

“You are an important leader and a strategist in Africa. We believe that your meeting with President Jinping will open up more discussions and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa,” the Chinese envoy said.

 He also congratulated President Tinubu on his re-election as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads State and Government. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, said his team had a meeting on Thursday with the management of China National Building Materials Corporation (CNBM), Beijing, China.

He said, in statement on Friday, that discussion at the meeting focused on areas of mutual interest with respect to the Evergreen City Project.

He said the Chinese delegation was led by Mr Li Xinhua CNBM Group Executive General Manager, in the company of Mr Yin Zhisong, Chairman of Sinoma International Engineering Company.

“This prospective collaboration requires structured and effective follow-up. Our team will not fail to ensure that the next steps are achieved in a timely and meticulous fashion.

“Our team was briefed on the composition and production process of new technologies being produced by CNBM with a historic overview of their decades-long development process across service lines,” he said.

Additionally, he said his team witnessed a demonstration of CNBM’s cutting-edge emissions control infrastructure with a dynamic display of constantly changing emissions values from the entities.

“The company’s commitment to decarbonisation was inspiring in its accountability but more impressive in that it equally provides a fresh and articulated pathway to enhanced operational efficiency,” he said.

According to Ngelale, a significant initial investment by CNBM to modify industrial process has now become a net-positive source of long-term savings, increased revenues, and ecological sustainability.

CNBM is valued at well over 100 billion dollars and it is the world’s topmost producer of fiber glass, gypsum board, wind blade technology, and other critical materials.

Ngelale also had a bilateral meeting with China’s Ecology Minister, Mr Zhao Yingmin, who represented China’s Special Envoy on Climate, where areas of mutual concern and cooperation in the sphere of climate action were broached.

“The Nigerian and Chinese sides share the view that new and clean energies must be sufficiently financed, developed, and operationalised before any attempt at modifying traditional energy supply and demand ecosystems can occur.”

The two sides exchanged views on how to deepen coordinated collaboration within multilateral fora in the areas of common perspectives and approaches.

He said these areas include various ways in which climate change is impacting emerging markets in the global south.

“I communicated Nigeria’s position relating to its development of a truly circular economy amid its new push for value chain localization across renewable energy technology manufacturing industries and the need for Nigerian workers to benefit from the energy transition on a mass scale.

“I further emphasized that China’s new Africa Solar Belt programme will be incomplete if it does not inculcate supply chain diversification into developing markets, especially Africa’s largest market.

“This point was well received by the Chinese side with further discussion expected in this direction in the time to come,” he said.

Ngelale added that the two sides also agreed to advance technical cooperation in afforestation and counter-desertification efforts.

He said this would empower vulnerable Nigerians to find sustainable economic opportunity in the process of building the nation’s climate resiliency.

“Nigeria’s active carbon sink development is one that wins for our people and for our environment.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says the nation’s economy is on a gradual but steady path of recovery and assures citizens that his administration will do more to meet their needs.

At a meeting with traditional rulers in the country on Thursday in Abuja, the President said that the plight of citizens remained a concern and would receive more attention.

“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty.

“I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look backwards.

“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern,” he said.

He stated that the interventions to bring the government nearer to the people were already yielding results.

He added the results were the activation of the student loan programme, the consumer credit scheme, and the affirmation of fiscal autonomy for local government councils.

He said the Ministry of Finance would continue to ensure that funds got to the grassroots for human and infrastructural development.

“Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking of banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.

“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energiser.

“From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.

“The economic viability of infrastructure had to be studied before we embarked on projects. How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry?

“From there, we can energise electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms,” said the President.

He said the project was situated on two million hectares of arable land, which would create opportunities for farmers on a small scale, and that the government would find capital for them.

“Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done.

“Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation.

“That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,” the President said.

He also said security was getting more attention and would be enhanced.

“Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it,’’ the President stated.

Tinubu urged the royal fathers to reach out to citizens on the genuine intentions of the government to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope.

“Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertiliser, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens.

“I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper,” Tinubu said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has allayed fears of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms by his government.

He said his campaign was self-sponsored, without strings, or indebtedness to any individual or institution.

The President said this when he received a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House on Thursday.

He said his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning and diligence in getting support from Nigerians.

”I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked.

”But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.

”One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.

”What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen,” he said.

The President said protests, fuelled by anger and hate, could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards.

”We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people.

”We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.

”The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually.

”We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,” the President said.

He said that the sponsors of protests placed their selfish ambitions above the national interest.

”The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually.

”We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.

”The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,” the President told the religious leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, Lau assured the President of support with prayers and more sensitisation.

”Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,” Lau said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasised the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions.

The president spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr.

He said that protests were an integral part of democracy, but that no government would condone demonstrations that would lead to the destruction of lives and property.

“Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.

“We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values,” said the president.

Tinubu recalled that during the military era, he and other democrats made their voices heard against dictatorship, and that he was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.

“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.

“In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” he stated.

Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

“Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.

“We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow,” Tinubu said.

Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy, and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.

“Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.

“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Mills said.

Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Earlier, Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Mr Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms Phild Nani Kereng.

He told the high commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.

“Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia,” the President said.

He acknowledged that many Nigerian students found studying in Malaysia attractive.

He added that Nigeria looked forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.

The Malaysian High Commissioner said ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia was looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.

“We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,” the high commissioner said.

In his audience with the Botswana high commissioner, the president expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop a robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.

Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, Tinubu said he had received briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.

“The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,” he said.

Tinubu described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.

Kereng said Botswana was committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and was prepared to partner Nigeria in this area.

She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.

“My coming to Nigeria fulfills my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,” the high commissioner said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani