NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

Africa’s real GDP projected to grow by 4% in 2025- Afreximbank 

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by 4.0 per cent in  2025, in spite global economic fragility,   says Afreximbank Research Report.

The 2025 African Trade and Economic Outlook (ATEO) Report, a research by Afreximbank, said Africa’s real GDP is projected to reach 4.1 per cent in 2026 and 4.2 per cent in 2027.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 African Trade and Economic Outlook (ATEO) provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic and trade performance, projecting the continent’s growth trajectory in the short-to- medium term.

It highlights the key macroeconomic and trade developments shaping Africa’s recovery, detailing opportunities for sustainable growth amid heightening global and domestic uncertainties.

The  2025 ATEO report said  41 per cent of African economies were projected to grow by at least five per cent, nearly double the global rate of 21 per cent, reflecting the continent’s expanding role as a driver of global growth.

According to the report,  Africa’s gradual recovery would be supported by increased global demand for African exports, the disinflation trend, and the implementation of structural reforms to diversify African economies

The report said the  were  downside risks to the African economic outlook, including rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices.

“Economic slowdown in the United States and China may also impact the international financial conditions and the demand for African resources.

“Internal conflicts and climate change threaten stability and growth.”

However, the report said potential upside risks include the anticipated decline in global interest rates, which would begin in 2025 if geopolitical uncertainty remained unchanged, potentially enhancing access to financing.

“Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to boost economic integration and intra-African trade, reducing vulnerability to external shocks in the medium term.”

To address potential downside risks, the report suggests several short-term strategies which include  adopting a nuanced and proactive monetary policy stance, and enhancing resilience against climate-related and geopolitical disruptions.

Other strategies include boosting domestic consumption alongside the service sector and accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement.

In the medium term, the report said strategies should shift toward economic diversification through strategic investments in human capital development and workforce training within key emerging sectors.

“Additionally, efforts should be made to improve economic governance, public infrastructure, and initiatives to strengthen intra-African trade dynamics.”

The report highlighted several challenges and solutions for Africa to attain stability and sustainable development amid a rapidly uncertain global landscape.

The first challenge identified was Africa’s reliance on commodity exports which had made countries vulnerable to fluctuations in world commodity prices.

“To reduce their exposure to these price fluctuations, it is crucial to accelerate the structural shift to a more diversified and resilient economy.”

The second challenge identified was debt sustainability, with the report stating that several African countries allocate over 50 per cent of their revenues to debt servicing, due to their large development financing needs.

“Ensuring debt sustainability requires more efficient public spending and prioritisation of growth-oriented investment projects.”

The report said the third challenge involved human capital and skill development.

To tackle this challenge, the report suggests that governments should invest more resources to improve healthcare and promote collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“ Strengthening training in sciences and technology facilitates skill development and talent allocation, which is essential for successful structural transformation.”

It said the fourth challenge was the weak social outcomes of economic growth in Africa caused by slow progress in poverty reduction.

“To boost poverty-reducing potential growth, improving the provision of basic public infrastructure and services is vital, reducing dependency on natural resources through structural transformation.

“Addressing inequalities must be an integral part of sustainable development goals, ensuring equitable access to quality education, healthcare, energy, transport infrastructure, and financial services.”

The final challenge identified in the report was the growing concerns about environmental degradation and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

“For sustainable economic development, promotion of green growth must align with comprehensive policy frameworks that address climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, while recognizing continental development needs and challenges.”

The 2025 ATEO  provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic and trade performance, projecting the continent’s growth trajectory in the short-to-medium term. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

General News

How Africa can attain its rightful position globally -Afe Babalola

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By Idowu Ariwodola

Elder statesman, Afe Babalola, on Friday said academic collaboration among African institutions will make the continent attain its rightful position globally.

 

Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ado-Ekiti

 

He spoke on the sidelines of his hosting of a 16-man delegation from Durban University of Technology (DUT) in  South Africa.

 

The delegation was at Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) to convey to him the award of an honorary degree by DUT.

 

Babalola used the occasion to commend the teaching staff of ABUAD for producing students who he said were well bred for the growth and development of Nigeria.

 

“I still believe that we can achieve our rightful place in the world through education.

 

“That is why we are working together with DUT to make it possible to achieve our goals.

 

“If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.

 

” We must go together to overtake other countries in everything.

 

“I am happy that ABUAD is topping in world ranking in one or two areas.

 

” Together in the next few years, we will lead the world by being the number one university.

 

“I thank my teachers who have been working tirelessly in pursuit of our goals.

 

” I am happy that our students are being bred in a way to become future leaders of the country,” he said.

 

Also speaking at the occasion, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji commended the contributions of Babalola to the development and progress of the state.

 

Oyebanji, represented by the Head of Service in the state, Dr Folake Olomojobi, said the  public service was ready to partner with the institution’s Research Department in driving development in the country.

 

NAN reports that the delegation from DUT also visited the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

 

Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Acting Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD,  had formally welcomed  the DUT team and introduced members to the First Class traditional ruler.

 

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Lavern Samuels  presented the team to the traditional ruler.

 

He said that the team was in the country to establish key partnerships, promote academic programmes and highlight research and postgraduate opportunities.

 

In his address, Adejugbe reflected on the enduring legacies of South African icons, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, acknowledging their contributions to humanity.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Economy/Business

Africa’s contributions crucial in shaping global shipping policies – Oyetola

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By Diana Omueza

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, says Africa’s contributions are crucial in shaping global shipping policies, with 90 per cent of the continent’s trade being seaborne.

Oyetola said this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the African Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation.

The two-day summit, hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with the Bartlett Energy Institute of University College London (UCL), aimed to discuss the future of Africa’s maritime sector and its role in decarbonising global shipping.

Oyetola pointed out that while Africa’s contribution to the global fleet remained below two per cent, its heavy dependency on imports from other regions made it vital for the continent to have a voice.

He added that Africa’s involvement in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) shipping policies was crucial to ensure that its economic interests were adequately represented.

Oyetola said that the summit, which brought together visionary leaders, policymakers and industry practitioners, was a key opportunity for fostering stronger collaborations between African nations and global partners.

He stressed that decarbonisation was a global effort, and Africa must ensure its voice was heard in shaping policies that affected its economies and livelihoods.

As a coastal continent with 38 coastal nations, Oyetola noted that Africa had the opportunity to leverage its geographical advantage, renewable energy potential, and growing port infrastructure to become a global leader in green shipping.

He called for partnerships that respected Africa’s development needs, urging stakeholders to align investments with sustainability and economic growth.

Oyetola also emphasised that shipping decarbonisation must be pursued in a just and equitable manner, ensuring no African nation was left behind.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by developing economies, including access to technology and capital, energy needs, food insecurity, and capacity building.

He stressed the importance of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in navigating the transition.

Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said that the shipping industry contributed approximately three per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

He highlighted that the environmental impact of these emissions had created urgency in addressing shipping decarbonisation, with Africa needing to actively participate in global efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Mobereola further noted that decarbonisation supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action.

Dr Harry Conway, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the IMO, stressed that Africa’s involvement in IMO policy-making was critical, as 90 per cent of the continent’s trade was seaborne.

He pointed out that in spite of Africa’s representation of only 25 per cent in the IMO’s membership, its contributions were vital in shaping policies that impacted the continent’s shipping industry.

Dr Dola Oluleye, Principal Investigator of the LEAP project at UCL, underscored that Africa could no longer remain a passive recipient of global policies.

She emphasised the need for sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced solutions for Africa’s maritime industry.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, highlighted the importance of a gradual transition to decarbonising greenhouse gas emissions in line with international climate change agreements, such as the Paris Agreement.

Ogalla disclosed that the Nigerian Navy was planning to adopt hybrid solutions, including proposals to convert diesel-powered boats to electric engines, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

AfDB, IITA sign additional €5m to boosts agricultural transformation programme in Africa

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By Lucy Ogalue

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a five million Euros agreement to finance the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme Phase 2 programme.

Dr Abdul Kamara, the Director-General, Nigeria AfDB Group, who said this at the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to advancing agricultural transformation across Africa.

Kamara said the agreement aligns with its Feed Africa strategy, which seeks to boost smallholder farmers’ productivity and enhance food security.

He said the additional financing built on the 40 million dollars provided for Phase I of TAAT would focus on expanding access to agricultural technologies for over 40 million smallholder farmers across the continent.

According to him, the TAAT programme is not just an agricultural initiative but a transformational effort aimed at enhancing food security, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

”This Additional Financing of the TAAT Programme, is building on Phase I, which the Bank funded with 40 million dollars, and Phase II with 27 million dollars implemented by IITА (as lead implementer), working closely with other CGIAR Centers and National Agricultural Research Institutions in many countries.

“This Additional Financing of the TAAT Phase II Programme is financed with a five million Euro grant from the Donor Contributions Window of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), thanks to the generous contribution of the Federal Republic of Germany.

“TAAT Phase II will focus on empowering low-income African countries by increasing productivity, strengthening food systems, improving farmers’ incomes, and positioning Africa to become a net food exporter.”

The director-general added that the programme would support activities such as farmer capacity building, digital agriculture solutions, extension services, and private sector investment in agricultural value chains.

He reiterated AfDB’s commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation to drive Africa’s food security agenda, emphasising that TAAT remained a key instrument in achieving the continent’s long-term agricultural goals.

Also speaking, the IITA Director-General, Dr Simeon Ehui, commended AfDB for its sustained partnership and leadership in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation.

Ehui reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to working with CGIAR Centers, National Agricultural Research Institutions, and the private sector to ensure the success of the programme.

According to Ehui, TAAT has already demonstrated the power of science-driven solutions in improving productivity, strengthening food systems, and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change.

He highlighted the successes of TAAT Phase I, which included the facilitation of the scaling of improved seed varieties, climate-smart practices, and mechanisation solutions to millions of farmers.

For Phase II, he said efforts would focus on accelerating the deployment of agricultural technologies, strengthening partnerships, promoting youth and women engagement in agribusiness, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

“With this grant, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering impact-driven agricultural solutions. The journey ahead requires sustained investment, policy support, and strong collaboration,” IITA director-general said.

He said that IITA would continue working closely with AfDB and other stakeholders to ensure the programme contributes to reduction of food imports and unlocks Africa’s agricultural potential. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Oil & Gas

OPEC Chief tasks Africa to unlock 120bn barrels of oil reserves

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by Emmanuella Anokam

Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, Secretary-General, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has tasked Africa to unlock its proven oil reserves of over 120 billion barrels.

Al-Ghais stated this in a keynote address titled: “Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier,” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The eighth edition of the energy summit, which opened on Monday and ends on Thursday, has ‘’Bridging continents: Connecting investors with Africa’s Energy Potential’’ as theme.

He also said that Africa with around 18 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas, was a testament to the continent’s crucial role in the global energy landscape.

“The world will need more of this oil in the future. Therefore, it is critical that the African oil and gas industry attracts the level of investment necessary to unlock this great potential”, Al-Ghais added.

He said that the vast resources at Africa’s disposal should not be disregarded or neglected merely to accommodate the energy transition agenda pushed by western nations.

The OPEC scribe expressed appreciation to the leadership and people of Nigeria for their hospitality and thanked the summit organisers for their efforts in organising this year’s edition.

According to him, OPEC’s market research and forecasting points to the importance of Africa.

“Additionally, we know from Nigeria’s countless contributions to OPEC’s successes, how rewarding it is to work in this great nation. We encourage all potential investors to look at Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”

Al-Ghais highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between OPEC and Africa, noting that half of OPEC’s member countries are from the continent, including Nigeria, the most populous African nation, and Algeria, the largest in geographical size.

Other African OPEC members include Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya.

He also lauded Africa’s youthful and dynamic population, which presents a strong workforce for the oil sector.

“It’s crucial to discuss how we can unlock the potential that this great continent holds, and how to create an investment-enabling environment that attracts the capital necessary to fully realize that potential.

“The investment needs of the oil industry are substantial, with cumulative requirements amounting to 17.4 trillion dollars by 2050.

“This is why stability in the oil market is essential for investors to plan effectively,” he added.

He highlighted OPEC’s views on some important topics relevant to both the global industry and Africa, including future of global oil demand, energy investment and finance, as well as the ever-evolving issue of climate change and energy transitions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Entertainment

Advocate urges Africans to focus attention on addressing poverty, underdevelopment

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By Abiemwense Moru

Founder of Loretta Health Initiative, an NGO, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has called on Africans to shift their attention from celebrity fashion to addressing issues of poverty, conflict and underdeveloped infrastructure.

Ogboro-Okor, made the call in Abuja while reacting to the global debates surrounding Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori controversial appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Censori attended the grammy’s red carpet in a transparent nearly naked dress, igniting varied reactions from some Africans who celebrated it while others described it as “shameful”.

Ogboro-Okor, an aspirant in the 2024 Edo governorship election, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that celebrity fashion was simply a “distraction” from the real issues.

“My concern is not the spectacle itself, but how it overshadows the urgent issues Africa is grappling with.

“Our focus had remained on a celebrity moment. This should be the least of our concerns when there is war in Congo, economic distress in other African countries with millions suffering from poverty and conflict.

“The ongoing conflict in Congo, where millions have been displaced was in contrast with the obsession over celebrity fashion and material wealth.

“Africa should not be consumed by the spectacle of global celebrity culture, which often distracts us from addressing the continent’s most urgent challenges,” she said.

She stressed the need for a collective focus on tackling systemic problems such as poverty, conflict, underdeveloped infrastructure and other pressing issues facing the continent.

Ogboro-Okor pointed out the disconnection between the celebrity culture that dominated the online space and the severe crises affecting millions across the continent.

She lamented the growing competition for luxury and a lifestyle that many could not afford, while millions lack access to basic necessities.

According to her, this fixation with fleeting trends highlights Africa’s misdirected priorities.

“No one will love us more than we love ourselves as Africans,” she said, urging fellow Africans to focus on family, community, and nation-building rather than materialism or fame.

“While the continent is rich in resources, it continues to be exploited and distracted by external validation. Africa must look inward to achieve real progress.

“It is time for Africans to take control of their future and focus on self-sufficiency, building stronger communities, and addressing systemic issues that hinder development.”

She urged Africa to stop being passive observers of its own destiny and start prioritising what truly matters.

She said, “the time for meaningful change is now. We must act collectively to transform Africa’s future”. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Foreign

Healthcare: First Lady advocate sustainable funding in Africa

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By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for sustainable financial allocations and support to promote healthcare services in Africa.

 

 

 

 

The first lady said this on Friday in Addis Ababa during her presentation at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

 

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first lady spoke on the topic  “Engagement of First Ladies to support sustainable Financing for Health in Africa”.

 

 

 

 

The AU session is holding between Feb. 12 and Feb. 16.

 

 

 

 

The first lady said healthcare support was essential to the well-being of the people and the future of the continent.

 

 

 

 

“Our aspirations for progress, economic growth, and social stability remain unattainable without a robust healthcare system.

 

 

 

 

“In spite of our collective efforts to ensure access to essential healthcare services, millions of Africans still lack quality healthcare, and preventable diseases continue to claim lives.”

 

 

 

 

Tinubu said that before Africa can achieve sustainable health financing, there was an urgent need for quality health services without imposing financial hardships on individuals or households.

 

 

 

 

This, according to her, means that sustainable financing goes beyond merely increasing funds for health but to ensure that resources are mobilised, allocated, and utilised efficiently for both short, medium, and long-term impact.

 

 

 

 

“In 2001, Heads of State met in Abuja to declare an intention to increase budgetary allocation to Health services to 15 per cent annually, more than 20 years after this declaration, many countries still struggle to fulfil this commitment.”

 

 

 

 

She urged Africa to stop relying solely on donor funding and foreign aids, due to its unpredictable and unsustainable nature.

 

 

 

 

“Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances.

 

 

 

 

“Given the increasing funding gap for health on the continent, I urge us all to commit to advocating for increased national health budgets in line with the Abuja Declaration. Our governments should allocate at least 15 per cent of their budgetary allocations to health.

 

 

 

 

“We must also support innovative financing mechanisms and explore sustainable models, such as expanding health insurance coverage, health endowment funds, and investments from the African diaspora.

 

 

 

 

“Accountability and transparency must be ensured, as funds allocated to health must be used efficiently and effectively.

 

 

 

 

“We must continue to work closely with all levels of government, the private sector, civil society and development partners to increase financing for health and strengthen our health systems,” Tinubu said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Economy/Business

ECA, AfCFTA to boost visibility of women, youths through e-commerce

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By Lucy Ogalue

Women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria will benefit from improved access to African markets following the validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform.

An Economist with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA), Mamudou Sebego, said this at the Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Validation Workshop, in Lagos.

According to him, the entrepreneurs will gain visibility under the AfCFTA initiative.

“This event marks the third consultative engagement between the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, with support from the UN-ECA and Nigerian businesses, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of women and youths in cross-border trade.

“The platform and guide aim to simplify trade processes, enable visibility for products, and connect vendors with buyers across the continent.

“It is expected to address longstanding challenges such as logistics bottlenecks and difficulties with export documentation, which many small business owners have faced.”

Sebego added that the platform was designed to serve three key purposes: giving visibility to products, facilitating vendor-buyer matchmaking.and enabling cross-border transactions.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure AfCFTA implementation.

“Registration, product verification, and customs documentation remain under the purview of various institutions such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The e-commerce platform will not override regulatory processes but will integrate them over time.

“The goal is to simplify and eventually connect these processes online, but regulatory bodies will still play their role,”he said.

The Representative, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, Franca Achimugu, expressed the country’s readiness to implement AfCFTA commitments.

“Nigeria has taken a significant step forward by participating in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), a pilot phase of AfCFTA aimed at testing trade processes among willing and ready state parties.

“So, GTI allows countries that are ready to start trading and test the processes.

“Nigeria joined the GTI in June 2024 and successfully made its first shipment to Kenya in September, which arrived at its destination in December 2024,” she said.

Achimugu said that while the pilot shipment exposed gaps needing adjustments, Nigeria was  almost good and ready to go.

She said that the ultimate goal was to enhance the competitiveness of women and youth in the AfCFTA, noting that information was more important than money.

“This work is showing us where the opportunities are across Africa and what the requirements are for each market,” she  said.

Mrs Bukola Ajani, President, Association of Women in Fashion Tech, commended the initiative and expressed concerns about production cost.

“It will work similarly to platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and business owners have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reduce the burden associated with physically moving goods across borders.

“This will help us sell our products without travelling out of Nigeria. That is a major advantage, but concerns about production costs remain.

“Challenges such as high energy costs and currency devaluation still undermine competitiveness in the free trade market.

“With a little push and support, we are ready to showcase our products to Africa and beyond,”Ajani said.

Dr Blessing Irabor-Oza, National President, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), described the guide and platform as game-changing for women-led businesses.

“Some of our members are already exporting to the UK and US, but this will help many more women tap into the African market.

“The e-commerce platform will showcase our products and simplify payment systems,” she said.

She reiterated the potential for Nigerian products, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, to thrive under AfCFTA.

“Our African fashion and Shea butter products are in high demand globally, and with proper packaging and standards, we can compete with the best,” she added.

Mrs Margaret Adepetu, Women’s Coordinator for the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, also commended the initiative.

Adepetu said that while digital tools were helpful, addressing fundamental issues like the high cost of fuel and improving the value of the naira remained crucial.

“We can have all the platforms, but if the cost of fuel and electricity remains high, our products will still struggle to compete,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of government, stakeholders, entrepreneurs and partners. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Health

ACSRG advocates stronger FGM laws, enforcement in Africa

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By Philip Yatai

The African Civil Society Reference Group Inc (ACSRG), has called for the strengthening and full enforcement of anti- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) laws in Africa.

The group made the call in a statement signed by a member of its Board of Directors, Mr John Ede, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

In the statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, that group said that the move would close legal loopholes and hold perpetrators accountable.

It added that the legal frameworks should be complemented by comprehensive awareness campaigns that respect cultural heritage, while safeguarding the rights of girls.

The group pointed out that FGM was deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social traditions, with no medical or health benefits – only lifelong consequences.

ACSRG said that the practice leads to severe health complications, including infections, chronic pain, childbirth complications, psychological trauma, and even death.

It added that beyond the physical harm, FGM entrenches gender inequality, limits educational and economic opportunities for women and girls, and violates international conventions on human rights.

“While progress has been made in many countries, over 200 million girls and women have already undergone FGM, and 4.3 million more are at risk in 2024 alone.

“Without urgent intervention, this number could rise to 4.6 million annually by 2030, making the elimination of FGM an urgent global priority,” the statement said.

ACSRG reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the global action to end the harmful practice of FGM, describing it as a “grave human rights violation.”

It stressed that the practice deprives millions of women and girls of their dignity, bodily autonomy, and the right to a life free from violence.

The group also called for the promotion of community-led advocacy and dialogue to drive sustainable change within affected communities.

It urges traditional and religious leaders, parents, and young people to champion positive cultural shifts that protect girls and promote alternative rites of passage that uphold dignity and tradition without harm.

ACSRG equally called for increased investments in education and awareness creation on the dangers of FGM in schools, healthcare centres, and communities.

According to the organisation, girls, families, and local leaders need access to culturally sensitive and evidence-based information that challenges myths and promotes gender equality.

“There is also the need to provide comprehensive support for survivors. Women and girls who have experienced FGM must receive medical, psychological, legal, and economic support to recover and rebuild their lives.

“Healthcare systems must be equipped to provide specialised treatment for FGM survivors, ensuring access to quality reproductive and mental health services.”

The group also advocated for stronger regional and global collaboration among African nations and international bodies.

This, it said, would coordinate anti-FGM efforts, share best practices, and increase funding for grassroots organisations leading the fight against FGM.

On zero tolerance and a future free from FGM, ACSRG noted that ending FGM was not just an African or women’s issue, but a global human rights imperative.

According to the group, achieving zero FGM requires bold leadership, sustained advocacy, and collective action at every level of society.

“Therefore, ACSRG, a leading platform addressing issues affecting women and children across Africa, stands in solidarity with survivors, activists, policymakers, and communities working tirelessly to eliminate FGM.

“We must continue to amplify voices, push for stronger policies, and create a world where every girl grows up free from harm, with the right to control her own body, future, and destiny.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

UNFPA highlights roles in reproductive health in Africa

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By Folasade Akpan

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) plays crucial role in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in West and Central Africa.

 

The fund also addresses key challenges such as maternal mortality, unmet family planning needs, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and vulnerabilities of women and girls in humanitarian crises.

 

Alian Akpadji, the UNFPA Resident Representative for West and Central Africa, who represented Sennen Hounton, the fund’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said these during a news conference on the sidelines of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.

 

He said the region had continued to grapple with many reproductive health issues amid fragile health systems, making UNFPA’s interventions vital for sustainable development and human rights.

 

He outlined key focus areas of UNFPA’s work, emphasising commitment to reducing maternal mortality.

 

He highlighted efforts to expand access to quality maternal healthcare by strengthening antenatal, childbirth, and postnatal services, as well as supporting Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) to address life-threatening pregnancy and delivery complications.

 

He further noted that “UNFPA is training midwives, nurses and healthcare workers to improve skilled birth attendance, particularly in underserved communities, while advocating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to ensure every woman has access to life-saving maternal health services..”

 

He underscored the importance of family planning and reproductive health, stressing that UNFPA provides modern contraceptive methods and counselling to prevent unintended pregnancies and empower women to make informed choices.

 

The regional director added that strengthening supply chains ensures uninterrupted access to contraceptives and essential reproductive health commodities.

 

He emphasised UNFPA’s role in advocating youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health education to address early pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

 

According to him, the fund implements GBV prevention and response programmes, including safe spaces, psychological support, and legal assistance for survivors.

 

“UNFPA is working with governments and communities to end child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and other harmful traditional practices,” he added.

 

The UNFPA official further said that efforts are being made to strengthen law enforcement and justice systems to hold perpetrators of GBV accountable.

 

He highlighted the organisation’s commitment to adolescent and youth reproductive health needs, strengthening healthcare systems and humanitarian response.

 

He said “UNFPA is enhancing the capacity of national health systems to deliver quality Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, even in fragile settings.

 

“The agency provides lifesaving reproductive health services in humanitarian crises, including safe childbirth kits, emergency contraception, and post-rape care.

 

“Mobile health clinics have been deployed to reach displaced populations and communities in remote areas, while gender-responsive policies are being advocated to prioritise women’s and girls’ needs in humanitarian and post-conflict recovery efforts.”

 

On gender equality and women’s empowerment, he stressed the need to support women’s economic empowerment by linking reproductive health services with education, vocational training, and financial literacy programmes.

 

He explained that UNFPA collaborates with faith-based and traditional leaders to shift social norms and promote gender equality, while campaigning for gender-responsive policies that ensure women’s voices are included in decision-making at all levels.

 

On the use of data and innovation for better health outcomes, Akpadji revealed that UNFPA conducts demographic surveys to inform policies on health, education, and economic planning.

 

He noted that digital health solutions and mobile platforms are being used to provide reproductive health information and services, while strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) to ensures every birth is recorded, facilitating access to healthcare and social services.

 

Reflecting on UNFPA’s impact in West and Central Africa, he said that through partnerships with governments, civil society, youth groups, and international organisations, the agency has contributed to increased contraceptive prevalence rates and a reduced unmet need for family planning.

 

He noted that lower maternal mortality rates had been achieved in several countries through improved access to quality maternal health services.

 

He emphasised that awareness and advocacy against GBV led to stronger legal protections for women and girls, while more inclusive policies for youth and adolescents ensured greater access to reproductive health education and services.

 

He reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to ensuring vulnerable and displaced persons received the support they needed for a healthier and more empowered future.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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