NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Russia mulls Ethno-Gastronomic Tourism association in BRICS
Foreign

Russia mulls Ethno-Gastronomic Tourism association in BRICS

178 total views today

Russia on Wednesday proposed to create the Association of Ethno-Gastronomic Tourism to strengthen cooperation between states and the private sector at the BRICS working group meeting.

Nikita Kondratiev, Director of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development made the announcement on the ministry’s website.

“The accession of new members to BRICS expands not only the geography but also the cultural diversity of the association. This becomes a competitive advantage for promoting the tourism potential of the member states,” he said.

Kondratiev noted that gastronomic travelling in the world had been developing very actively in recent years.

He stressed that such dynamics could  be associated with the growth of tourist spending, the increasing popularity of niche tours and travellers interest in eco-friendly food. (TV BRICS/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Chioma Ugboma

Foundation, Sanwo-Olu donate funds to paediatric surgical patients in general hospitals 
Health

Foundation, Sanwo-Olu donate funds to paediatric surgical patients in general hospitals 

181 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

Orunsii Welcare Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, donated funds to three general hospitals for paediatric surgical support.

 

The donations were made at the General Hospital Odan, Lagos; Randle General Hospital, Surulere and the Alimosho General Hospital in Igando.

 

The Project Coordinator of Orunsii, Dr Olumide Sojinrin, said the donation is targeted toward meeting the health needs of vulnerable children whose parents can’t afford to pay for surgical procedures.

 

Sojinrin, also the Medical Director of Randle General Hospital, commended Sanwo-Olu for supporting the foundation to impact the lives of little children who are the most vulnerable in society.

 

According to him, the intervention will not be a one-off thing.

 

“Since we started this foundation, we’ve been doing certain things to support communities, and one of the things we noticed was that some parents find it difficult to pay for their children’s surgery

 

“To support these people, we came together and tried to raise funds and identify certain hospitals where they provide these services.

 

“So that those who truly need this support will get it through this seed fund donated.

 

“We are grateful to the wife of the Governor for her immense support to the organisation and for always being passionate about the well-being of children,” Sojinrin said.

 

He said the foundation, initiated in 2021, focused on mental health, care for the elderly, environmental health promotion and support for children who require paediatric surgery to live a normal life.

 

Also speaking, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the foundation for evolving an initiative that supports the most vulnerable members of society during their most challenging moments.

 

Sanwo-Olu noted that Orunsii’s vision aligned with hers and that of the state government.

 

“I must acknowledge the strong partnership between my office and the Orunsii Welcare Foundation, built on a shared commitment to the health, welfare, and future of every Lagosian, especially vulnerable children, youths, and the elderly.

 

“The Foundation has once again demonstrated this commitment by leveraging the 2025 Pediatric Surgical Care Initiative to bring healing and relief to patients here at General Hospital, Odan, as well as in health facilities in Alimosho and Surulere.

 

“We must all continue to advocate for a compassionate healthcare system and a society led by kindness and care,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

Dr Aduke Mofe, the Medical Director of General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, applauded the foundation for the laudable initiative to support paediatric surgical patients who are unable to foot their medical bills

 

Mofe, represented by Dr Akinyele Akinlade, the Deputy Medical Director, said the hospital, which is the oldest hospital in the country, will use the funds judiciously to bring succour to vulnerable paediatric surgical patients.

 

The Medical Director of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Ayodapo Soyinka, commended the foundation and Sanwo-Olu for assisting paediatric surgical patients.

 

“Oftentimes, we have a lot of patients who can’t afford to pay for surgery, especially parents of children in need of paediatric surgery.

 

“Having a fund like this will go a long way for such children to undergo the needed surgery to live a meaningful and healthy life as they grow,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Sukuk, rewarding instrument to diversify investment portfolio—-Uwaleke
Economy/Business

Sukuk, rewarding instrument to diversify investment portfolio—-Uwaleke

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, Uche Uwaleke, says Sukuk is the route to go by the Federal Government in obtaining project-tied credit facilities.

Uwaleke, who is also the President of Association of Capital Market Accaremics, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recent issuance of N300 billion Sukuk by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

According to Uwaleke, the issuance of N300 billion Sukuk by the DMO on behalf of the Fededal Government is highly commendable.

“Recall that when the Federal Government first entered the Sukuk market in 2017, only N100 billion worth of Sukuk was issued.

“So, the current one represents an improvement as investors are given more room to diversify their portfolio.

“I am particularly happy that the government is upscaling the use of Sukuk in plugging the infrastructure gap in Nigeria.

“The advantage that Sukuk has over the conventional bond is that it is asset-backed,” he said.

Uwaleke said that Sukuk proceeds must be tied to infrastructure which is why proceeds have been applied to road construction.

“Given that it is an infrastructure based bond, Sukuk represents a critical instrument for Nigeria’s economic development,” he said.

The expert, however, said that the Sukuk market size in Nigeria was still very small despite the potentials

He urged governments, both at the federal and subnational levels to utilise more of Sukuk when raising funds from the domestic capital market considering the huge infrastructural gap in the country.

“It is by so doing that government borrowing can be more impactful and also work to reduce the country’s debt burden,”he said.

NAN reports that the DMO had on Monday hosted an investor meeting for the issuance of N300 billion series seven Sovereign Sukuk in Abuja.

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, said that since inception in 2017, Sukuk had become a product of choice for non- interest investors in the capital market.

According to Oniha, the acceptance of the Sukuk is an attestation of one of the major roles of the DMO to develop the domestic capital market, while also raising funds for the Federal Government.

She said that the Federal Government had been able to raise a total of N1.09 trillion through the Sovereign Sukuk since 2017, to support infrastructure development.

The director-general said that for the seventh series, the plan was to raise N300 billion to be used to further finance capital projects.

She recalled that the first Sukuk was issued in September 2017, adding that after extensive marketing, the offer, which was for N100 billion with a tenor of seven years received a total subscription of N105.878 billion.

She said following the modest success of the first Sukuk and the achievement recorded from Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2023 when the last Sukuk was issued, the DMO had raised a total of N1.09 trillion.

“With this amount, more than 4,100 km of roads and nine bridges across the six geo-political zones in NIgeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have either been constructed or rehabilitated, ” she said.

Oniha said that the projects had brought substantial benefits, including reduced travel time improved road safety and job creation.

She said that the projects also created improved access to markets for remote farmers, increased access to public services like education and healthcare, and economic development as a whole.

“In addition to those benefits, other reasons for the sustained issuance are the fact that the Sukuk is project-tied, promotes financial inclusion and contributes to the development of the domestic financial market,” she said.

She said that the Sukuk had been well accepted as demonstrated by the level of subscription received in the past.

“Investors get fulfillment of contributing to infrastructure development, and also get a return in terms of income which is paid every six months,” Oniha said.

She said that financial advisers play a crucial role in the issuance of Sovereign Sukuk, assisting the Federal Government of Nigeria through DMO.

“Their responsibilities include advising on the structure of the Sukuk, managing the offering process, and facilitating investor participation,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Minister urges maritime agencies to avoid task duplication
Economy/Business

Minister urges maritime agencies to avoid task duplication

178 total views today

By Diana Omueza

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has urged the various agencies in the marine sector to align priorities and eliminate task duplication to advance the sector.

Oyetola said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 two-days Sectoral Retreat for Top Management of the ministry and its agencies.

He said that it was imperative for the agencies in the marine sector to focus on strengthening inter-agency coordination and work as a single ecosystem.

“Let me reiterate four strategic imperatives that must guide our efforts going forward; we must eliminate duplication, align priorities, and work as a single ecosystem.

“Adoption of technology and data-driven management from port operations to fisheries monitoring; we must deploy tools that improve efficiency and transparency.

“All our interventions must adhere to the principles of accountability, due process, and value for money.

“The marine environment is not an infinite resource, we must safeguard it through regulation, education, and enforcement,” he said.

The minister urged stakeholders at the retreat to critically assess the current position of the sector, identify areas of concern and set paths to ensure disciplined execution and measurable outcomes.

According to him, the retreat is beyond administrative formality but a crucial opportunity to evaluate the sector’s direction and to reposition it for impactful delivery in line with national expectations.

He said that the Federal Government had positioned marine and blue economy at the forefront of its growth agenda, expecting significant strides in its development.

He said that it was the responsibility of the agencies and stakeholders to meet those expectations by setting high standards for the sector, raising its performance across all areas.

Oyetola listed the ongoing modernisation of port infrastructure and systems, steady improvements in port operational efficiency, early-stage implementation of the National Single Window platform amongst others as achievements that should be consolidated.

“Most significantly, the Federal Executive Council has approved the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

“This is a foundational policy document that sets out our vision, priorities, and responsibilities for the sector’s long-term development.

“It provides the framework upon which all future initiatives, regulations, and investments must be anchored.

“As we move into the implementation phase, the burden of delivery rests squarely on the leadership of the ministry and its agencies,” he said.

The minister said that the strategic thrust of the policy must be fully internalised.

According to him, they should be translated into well-prioritised programmes, institutional coherence, and measurable outcomes that align with national expectations and reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.

Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, described the retreat as an opportunity to strengthen the effective interplay between agencies leadership and the management of the ministry4.

This, he said was essential to the delivery of collective mandates.

“While the minister sets the strategic direction, it is our task as senior management to translate that direction into measurable progress driven by discipline, collaboration and a sense of responsibility.

“Equally vital to our success is the role of directors in the ministry who constitute the core of our management structure.

“Their responsibility in ensuring internal alignment, administrative efficiency, and seamless coordination with our agencies cannot be overstated.

“As we work to realise the minister’s vision, it is this internal machinery that must function at full strength to ensure consistency, clarity, and cohesion in our operations,” he said.

The permanent secretary said that it was time to focus on translating the marine and blue economy policy into real, measurable outcomes.

He commended the heads of agencies for their readiness to lead within their institutions and to cascade obligations throughout their teams.

He urged them to identify barriers, propose solutions for strengthening inter-agency synergy, and define actionable steps that would position the marine sector as a major driver of national development, in alignment with global trends.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Constance Athekame/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy
Entertainment , General News

Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy

250 total views today

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says it has become imperative to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the country.

 

Asein said this in his opening remarks at a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

He described the initiative as a strategic intervention that would reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age, Mr Desmond Utomwen, Publicity Secretary, FCT, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, said in a statement.

 

Asein noted that identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy would safeguard the future of the creatives.

 

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative industry converged in Abuja for the official kick-off meeting of the WIPO-supported project.

 

“Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for the flagship initiative, aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.

 

“The project, implemented in collaboration with the NCC, comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms,” said the statement.

 

Speaking at the event, Dr Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.

 

He added that the project reflected WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.

 

Dr Queen Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who had long borne the brunt of digital piracy.

 

“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy.

 

“This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Ebigieson said.

 

She also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration.

 

“We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios.

 

“The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach,” she stated.

 

The project overview was presented by Dr Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.

 

Dr Ioannis Kikkis, a consultant, also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment. (NAN)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Host communities will continue to enjoy our support- power coy
General News

Host communities will continue to enjoy our support- power coy

181 total views today

By Rita Iliya
The North-South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) Niger says it has spent more than N1 billion on the execution of various community projects in the zone.

Dr Samson Esumeh, NSPCL Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at the Company/Dam Host Community Stakeholders’ Committee Engagement Meeting on Tuesday in Minna.

He said the company had carried out various initiatives, including medical outreach programme, construction of boreholes, and provision of toilet facilities.

“We have constructed 47 boreholes, providing clean water access to 40 communities of over 15,000 households,” he said.

Esumeh explained that the Company’s Community Social Responsibility initiatives had positively impacted over one million people.

“We engaged in promoting health, education, sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.

“ We have provided free deworming of 10,000 school children, 600 minor surgeries and 240 major surgeries and provision of free antenatal services to 55,560 women.

“Others were construction of 11 sanitation facilities and an ultra-modern Public Health Center, rehabilitation and furnishing of two community schools as well as donating educational materials to 30 primary schools,” he said.

He added that the organisation had provided scholarships to 14 deserving students, agricultural inputs to 40 communities that benefited over 100,000 households and trained 70 farmers on sustainable agricultural practices.

The spokesman also said the company had rehabilitated 30 kilometres of roads, installed solar-powered street lamps, renovated a community centre and constructed a 50-unit cluster houses.

“The company through its Zumba Child Advancement Programme (Z-CHAP) facilitated the enrollment of 100 out-of-school children back into formal education system,’’ he said.

According to him, the organisation’s investment in host community projects is a testimony of  its dedication and commitment to foster sustainable peaceful coexistence among the host communities.

Esumeh described the meeting as a significant milestone of the company’s journey of 10 years of unwavering power generation and outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) achievements.

The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Danladi Kakimi, appreciated NSPCL for its intervention, especially in agriculture, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He urged the company to involve communities in planning and needs assessments before executing projects.

Also speaking, the chairman of Shiroro Local Government, Akilu Ishaku, lauded NSPCL’s efforts and called for more impactful interventions with more value-added projects.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Joe Idika

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe
Metro

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Tuesday identified three key steps to take in addressing the menace of irregular migration from Africa to Europe.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction gave the solutions at the opening of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development in January 2025 to pilot the process for the next year.

The maiden meeting themed, “Youth, Innovation and Education- Driving the Future of Migration”, has in attendance over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.

Yilwatda, reiterated the need to address irregular migration –  movement of people across borders that does not comply with the legal frameworks- and it’s attendant danger and  effects.

In tackling the challenge, the minister said there was a need to create spaces for digital skills, ownership, and migration literacy across Africa and Europe.

“The second priority is developing a harmonised migration policy framework to ensure qualification and reduce irregular migration.

“The third priority is to establish youth innovation funds to support enterprises and returnees,” he said.

The minister sought the collaboration of partners on migration governance to co-create youth innovation hubs, harmonised migration policies, and establish youth innovation funds to reduce irregular migration.

While noting that over 80 per cent of migrations were regular, especially for Nigerians, the minister stressed on the importance of focusing on the 20 per cent of irregular migrations that needed attention.

He described migration as a strategy for peace, prosperity, and survival, not just for Nigeria but for the entire world,

According to him,  migration, when governed, can contribute to development, knowledge exchange, and cultural resilience.

He emphasised the need for education and training for better opportunities in changing the lives of many young people.

For her part, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador -at Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, said that Spain’s migration policies were designed with active listening to the needs and concerns of African foreigners, their governments, and societies.

She recalled that the Spanish Prime Minister launched the new Spain-Africa strategy in December 2024.

The agreement, according to her,  seeks equal partnership between Spain and Africa, and inspires the entire Europe-Africa relationship.

“The strategy includes promoting regular migration, sustainable development, and shared prosperity,” Jimenez said.

She added that Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat process, focusing on youth education, innovation, and regular pathways to prevent irregular migration was apt.

Also speaking, Gautier Mignot, Head of European Delegation to Nigeria, said that the EU supports awareness-raising campaigns and community-based programmes to inform young Nigerians about the risks of irregular migration.

“The EU promotes a comprehensive approach to migration, working with partner countries like Nigeria.

“Also EU is committed to supporting Nigeria in migration management and legal migration processes,” Mignot said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised  through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons under its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Visa delay: Embassy seeks China-Nigeria sports communication channel
Sports

Visa delay: Embassy seeks China-Nigeria sports communication channel

213 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has called for enhanced collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the establishment of a China-Nigeria sports communication channel to foster seamless partnership in the sector.

The Culture Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Yang Jian Xing,  made the call on Tuesday in Abuja when he paid a diplomatic visit to the leadership of the NSC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit is coming in the aftermath of the visa delay from the Chinese embassy that led to Team Nigeria withdrawing from the World relays in Guangzhou, China.

Xing expressed regrets over the visa challenges and pledged China’s commitments to the country’s vision for sports development.

” I want to describe what has happened as an accident and we are sorry and we regret it in its entirety.

“We are here to let the Sports Commission know that the Chinese Government holds Nigeria in high esteem, he said.

He said that China was desirous of boosting diplomatic ties with Nigeria in the sports sector and other areas of mutual interest.

” We are open to better collaboration with the National Sports Commission to boost diplomatic ties of both China and Nigeria in terms of Sports Training and Exchange programmes”.

” Once again,  I want to assure you that from next time we will try our best for this not to repeat itself again and we will also like to create a special channel for a China and Nigeria Sports Communication”, he added.

Earlier, the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko commended the move to visit the commission while stressing the need for better collaboration going forward.

” We are very happy to receive officials from the Chinese Embassy in our office today (Tuesday).

“It shows the Chinese Government genuine disappointment for what happened which for us is a huge sign of better things to come between both countries especially in Sports.

” We should at all times try to create positives out of things like this and we are happy that this has further strengthened our relationship with the Chinese Embassy, Dikko said.

The Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade in his remarks reiterated the commission’s desire to build stronger sporting ties with China.

He said the incident of the visa glitch should serve as a springboard to a more robust working relationship between both countries.

” Your humility and diplomacy is the best I have seen anywhere and I am very grateful that you best described the incident between the AFN, the commission and your embassy as an accident.

“We have all agreed to take it as such and move forward to better things”.

” I want to thank you for everything and for the request for exchange programmes and training for our media and Sports men and women.

“This is truly worthy of note . We are looking forward to a bigger and better relationship between Nigeria and China,” Olopade said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

FRSC pledges inclusive driving policy for women
Defence/Security

FRSC pledges inclusive driving policy for women

198 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to revise its policies to better accommodate and empower female drivers across the country.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the “Women on Wheels” summit on Tuesday in Abuja, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, described the initiative as a transformative platform for promoting gender inclusion, skill development and safety.

The corps marshal was represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr Clement Oladele.

He said that the recent evaluations revealed that the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), used for training and certifying haulage and fleet operators, had previously made no tailored provision for women.

This, he said was a gap the corps was now addressing.

“Considering the importance of women in the society being the primary source of the socialisation process for children and families, the inculcation of safe driving habits and safe road use to them becomes crucial.

“It is notable that as at January 2025, there are 1,225,704 licensed female drivers in Nigeria. When unlicensed female drivers are added, the figures will undoubtedly be much more.

“As you are all aware that Road Traffic Injuries are leading cause of deaths among young people aged five to 29 years (these are our sons and daughters).

“What future does the country have, if our youths are wasted on the highway in their prime through mishaps that could have been avoided?

“We are, therefore, reviewing the policy document for inclusivity. There is the need for formal training and licensing,” he said.

Mohammed said that the corps was concerned that many women still prefer informal training from spouses or relatives, rather than enrolling in certified driving schools under the Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP).

He said “this does not ensure comprehensive understanding of safety. We urge women to attend certified driving schools and become fully trained.

“Women on Wheels” is more than a programme – it is a movement. It is about empowering women to take control of their journey, to challenge outdated norms and to contribute meaningfully to road safety, transportation and national development.

“It is my fervent hope that this initiative will not end here. “Women on Wheels” will now become an annual programme, providing consistent support, training, and recognition for women in mobility across Nigeria.

“The corps remains committed to supporting and licensing qualified female drivers. The Federal Road Safety has developed standard curriculum for all driving,” he said.

The corps marshal said that FRSC has already recruited female drivers into its operational team and encouraged more women to see driving as a dignified and promising vocation.

He assured that the outcomes of the programme would be reviewed for potential adoption in future FRSC policy decisions.

“Women are naturally careful and responsible on the road. This initiative is a step toward positioning them not just as drivers but as leaders in transportation and road safety,” he added.

In her remarks, the President of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, announced plans to take its “Women on Wheels” programme to the grassroots.

This, she said, would be part of efforts to reach more women with road safety education and empowerment.

She emphasised the need to extend the programme beyond urban centres to ensure rural women benefit from the campaign.

She added that sensitising grassroots women would help improve awareness of road safety, licensing requirements, and driving skills, particularly among those who have not undergone formal training.

“We’re just kicking off in Abuja, but in the near future we intend to hold it twice a year and take it to the grassroots.

“Many women in rural areas do not have access to phones or digital platforms. Reaching them directly is vital, because that is where the masses are,” she said.

In her goodwill message, President, National Council of Women’s Societies, (NCWS), Mrs Ednah Azura, expressed its commitment to expand the reach of the “Women on Wheels” initiative through nationwide mobilisation and advocacy.

Azura described the event as a landmark step toward empowering Nigerian women, especially in the transport and road safety sectors.

“As the umbrella body of all women’s organisations in Nigeria, we see this as a model initiative. With what ROSOWA has done, our job now is to focus on mass mobilisation.

“We’ll take this message to every part of the country and ensure it is heard even at the global level,” she said.

She urged women to become more informed and proactive in areas beyond mobility, including politics and self-representation during elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Women on Wheels” campaign, initiated by ROSOWA in collaboration with the Corps Transport Safety Office (CTSO) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), seeks to reduce the number of unlicensed and untrained female drivers on Nigerian roads.

This would be done through advocacy, training, and support programmes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Sadiya Hamza

Economic growth: FG committed to comprehensive tax reforms — Tinubu
Economy/Business

Economic growth: FG committed to comprehensive tax reforms — Tinubu

183 total views today

By Nana Musa

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment in undertaking bold and comprehensive reforms to reposition the country’s fiscal architecture for resilience, inclusiveness and economic growth.

Tinubu said this during the 27th Annual Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Tax Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

The theme of the conference was, “Taxation for development, policies, law and implementation”
.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the central pillar of the reforms was taxation.

”I believe that a robust, transparent and fair tax system is essential not only for financing government operations but also for creating an environment of accountability, stability and long-term development.

”Accordingly, the government has taken deliberate steps to restructure and modernise our tax administration and legal framework.

”In this regard, the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms marked a significant turning point,” the president said.

According to him, the committee was tasked to simplify the tax system, broadening the tax base, curb leakages and ensure alignment between fiscal policy and national development objectives.

“Members of the committee worked tirelessly to achieve their mandates, which includes addressing issues of multiplicity of taxes and improving coordination between the federal, state and local government tax authorities.

“The federal government also pushed forward with the Economy Stabilisation Bill, which has now also been passed,” he said.

He said that the success of any reform depended on implementation, adding that the conference presented an opportunity for all stakeholders to explore how policies and laws can be translated into practical and measurable outcomes.

“This is s also an occasion to discuss solutions to long-standing issues such as taxation, informal sector integration, fiscal federalism and equity in taxation.

“As tax professionals and policy makers, you are the custodians of Nigeria’s tax future.

“I, therefore, urge you to leverage this platform to engage meaningfully, challenge assumptions and craft pathways that will strengthen our tax institutions, boost revenue and ultimately improve the lives of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, said that the theme was an evidence that the CITN acknowledges the centrality of government revenue generation in the achievement of growth and development for any country.

Shettima was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs under the Office of the VP, Dr Tope Fasua.

He said that the focus on the tax aspect of revenue conferred a dual responsibility on the taxpayer and the tax administrator (government.

“Taxation is crucial to the achievement of economic development.

“We hope to listen to ideas at this conference around how to ensure that a stakeholder’s view is taken right from the policy enactment stage up to the point of implementation.

“This is bearing in mind that taxation is a continuous affair, and legitimacy is conferred by the delivery of service to taxpayers.

” The need for a stakeholder point of view is why the Presidential Committee of Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms is made up of professionals from diverse walks of life,” hhe said.

The 16th President of the CITN Council, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, said that tax was an important factor in every economy.

Agbeluyi said that taxation was not merely a tool for revenue generation but a powerful instrument for promoting equity, redistributing wealth, incentivising growth and funding public services.

“However, for taxation to truly serve these developmental goals, policy formulation, legal framework and implementation mechanisms must be harmoniously aligned.

“When policy is progressive, the law is enabling and implementation is both efficient and equitable.

“The result is a tax system that engenders trust, encourages voluntary compliance and delivers shared prosperity,” Agbeluyi said.

He said that Nigeria faced significant challenges from economy to security and social dimensions, adding that there was a dire need for sustainable solutions.

“At the heart of these solutions lies our tax system.

”In this regard, one cannot overlook the commendable effort by the Tinubu-led administration.

“The work of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms reflects a resolute commitment to charting a course for sustainable socio-economic development through effective and efficient taxation system,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng.com)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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