News Agency of Nigeria
Water, research agencies collaborate on water management
General News

Water, research agencies collaborate on water management

 

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) are collaborating to prioritise water management in the country.

 

NIWRMC Executive Director, Dr Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, disclosed this when he visited the Director General of NASRDA, Dr Mathew Adepoju in Abuja.

 

In a statement on Thursday, the commission’s Head of Press and Public relation, Fatima Yusuf, noted that Aminu-Zaria believed the collaboration would set the tone for proper synergy in water management across the country.

 

He added that collaboration with NASRDA would advance key national priorities of water management in areas of climate resilience, reducing disaster risk and ensuring water  and food security.

 

“NIWRMC and NASRDA are pivotal in addressing various challenges related to water management and resource sustainability of water regulations, catchment management and the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) strategies.

 

“By sharing data and insights, these agencies can create more informed policies that take into account the multifaceted interactions between water resources, climate change and food production systems.”

 

Aminu-Zaria stated that the use of satellite imagery to monitor changes in land use and water bodies would enhance droughts or flooding prediction, and enable proactive measures to mitigate them.

 

He noted that working with NASRDA would also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for the country, while ensuring that the needs of communities and the environment are met in a balanced and effective manner.

 

Aminu-Zaria added that NIWRMC would need the expertise of NASRDA to monitor environmental changes, assess water resources and support decision making processes.

 

“Aligning NASRDA’s data services with NIWRMC’s regulatory needs will enhance the integration of NASRDA’s data services to ensure they effectively support the regulatory framework set forth by the National Inter-Agency Water Resources Management Committee.

 

‘’This alignment will involve assessing the specific data requirements of the NIWRMC and adapting NASRDA’s data collection and analysis methodologies to ensure compliance and facilitate better decision making in water resources management,” he said.

 

In his response, Adepoju said NASRDA would avail its resources and personnel to support NIWRMC’s mandate of ensuring effective water management which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others
Defence/Security

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others

Collaboration

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Army on intelligence sharing and organisation of periodic workshops for security agencies.

The Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) in charge of Lagos and Ogun states, Mrs Ann Oladayo, an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oladayo listed other areas for collaboration to include security cover for special operations, training and retraining of drivers and vehicles safety.

She said this when she led other senior officers of the corps to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa.

According to her, the visit is in a bid to promote the FRSC 2025 Strategic goal two as a lead agency in traffic management and administration in the country.

”The corps will like to bring our professionalism to help in training your new Army recruits in driving. We will also want to engage some of your retiring officers, who intend taking driving as a profession.”

Responding, the GOC said that though, the responsibilities of the Nigerian Army was enormous, it has been able to stabilise security in both states.

Mijinyawa said that the Army was currently collaborating with other security agencies like FRSC, the Police, Customs and others to ensure safety and security of lives.

He pledged the Army’s continuous support and collaboration with the FRSC to ensure safety and security.

In a related development, the FRSC ZCO also visited the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Correctional Service; Zone A, Lagos, ACG Ope Fatinikun, where inter-agencies collaboration and synergy were also discussed.

During the interactive session, questions bothering on stigmatisation of ex-convicts, drivers’ license acquisition, and management of road traffic offenders charged to correctional facilities were addressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Deborah Coker

INEC, NIMC strengthen collaboration on citizens’ registration, data mgt.
General News

INEC, NIMC strengthen collaboration on citizens’ registration, data mgt.

Data

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have deepened their collaboration on data harmonisation for citizens registration and identity management.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated this when he received the NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote and her management team at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu said that the move between the two sister agencies holding the largest biometric databases of Nigerians could in future enable citizens to vote from any location in the country.

He explained that while INEC holds the database of citizens for the purpose of elections, NIMC has the record of citizens generally.

“Since the ultimate goal is to enroll every citizen with NIMC, we look forward to the day when your database will serve as the single source of truth for citizenship identification in Nigeria.

“When the time comes, the national register of voters may simply draw from the citizenship register as is the case in many jurisdictions around the world.

“This may also enable citizens to vote in future elections from their places of choice anywhere in the country rather than the places they register as voters as is the case at present.

“To achieve this long-term goal, we will continue to deepen our collaboration with NIMC,’’ he said.

Yakubu said that the NIMC was collaborating with INEC to enable citizens to register for voter cards and the National Identification Number (NIN) simultaneously, during the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

“It is in furtherance of this collaboration that NIMC is deploying its officials to some of our registration centres during the ongoing nationwide CVR.

“The idea is to provide more Nigerians who are yet to enroll for the NIN the opportunity to do so.

“Working with NIMC, we carried out a pilot during the recent CVR in Anambra from July 8 to July 202025.

“ We are now set to scale it up nationwide. Citizens will, therefore, have the opportunity to register as voters while simultaneously registering for the NIN.

“In due course, NIMC will provide details of the locations of our CVR centres where it will deploy its officials and also provide the modalities for the NIN registration,’’ he said.

Earlier in her remarks, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said that the collaboration was part of the NIMC mandate to harmonise data across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Coker-Odusote explained that the collaboration would create a trust-based system that would benefit Nigerians across sectors, particularly in voting and ensure transparency, accountability and fairness.

This according her is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who is keen about promoting credible elections in Nigeria through reliable identity system.

“The goal set out in front of us is very key because we must ensure that we provide systems that are trusted by the public.

“Ensuring that we do what is required to satisfy Nigerians and make sure that our mandate, which is in line with the will of the people, is achieved.

“On this note, one of the key steps in us advancing this course is for us to start off with INEC on their voter registration exercise for INEC to ensure that we are available during this process.

“This is to be able to provide access to Nigerians at the community level to be able to enroll and register for the NIN in collaboration with the INEC,’’ Coker-Odusote said

Feilding questions from media on when Nigerians would have access to one Identity Card from NIMC for different purpose, she said it was a work in progress, that would be achieved.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Nigerian Army seeks stronger ties with judiciary to fight terrorism
Defence/Security

Nigerian Army seeks stronger ties with judiciary to fight terrorism

By Mustapha Yauri

Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has appealed for improved collaboration between the military, judiciary and other key stakeholders to curb terrorism and dismantle terrorist networks.

Oluyede said this in Zaria on Tuesday at the 2025 Training Workshop organised by the Nigerian Army School of Legal Services Zaria, Kaduna State.

The theme of the workshop is: “The Menace of Terrorism: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Fighting Terrorism in Nigeria.”

Oluyede was represented by Maj.-Gen. Ahmadu-Bello Mohammed, Commandant, Depot Nigeria Army, Zaria.

He said the complexity and adaptability of terrorist threats demand a holistic and collaborative approach, hence the need for improved cooperation among all stakeholders.

“It is only through robust cooperation, information sharing and respect for the rule of law that we can effectively dismantle terrorist networks and address the root causes of extremism,’’ he said.

Oluyede said the workshop which brought together mid-career and junior officers from different formations was to acquaint the participants with legal requirements needed to fight terrorism.

He said the business of the workshop was to deliberate on terrorism which remained a significant threat to the peace, stability and development of Nigeria.

Maj.-Gen. A. Ndalolo, Chief of Training (Army), represented by Col. B. Garba, Commandant, Army School of Physical Training, said the workshop would benefit participants in endangering pro-activism between the legal officers and commanders.

“As legal officers, our role is not only to ensure that justice is served but also to advise commanders, safeguard human rights and facilitate policies that are both effective and just.

“This has continued to enable compliance with the national and international laws, including the international humanitarian law and human rights standard during military operation, investigations and prosecutions,’’ Ndalolo said.

Also, Lt.-Col. Henrietta Longpoe, Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Legal Services, Zaria, said the exercise would enhance the capacity of the participants on critical aspects of the law.

She said the theme of the workshop was selected to stimulate intellectual discourse towards addressing current and emerging legal issues.

According to Longpoe, the fight against terrorism cannot be won by the military alone, stressing that it demands a whole society approach to combating it.

“Therefore, the workshop attempts to explain what terrorism means with a view to understanding and prosecuting it,’’ she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Nigeria pledges to deepen trade ties with Thailand
Foreign

Nigeria pledges to deepen trade ties with Thailand

 

By Maureen Okon

Dr Yusuf Yakub, Director-General, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), says Nigeria is committed to collaborating with Thailand to strengthen technical development, trade, and people-to-people bilateral ties between the two countries.

Yakub made this known when a seven-man delegation from the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, as Africa’s largest economy and the world’s largest Black nation, Nigeria is open to global partnerships that will bolster its economic growth and those of its friends globally.

While underscoring the historical ties between the two nations, he described TICA as a “sister agency” to NTAC, and lauded TICA for the impact of its initiatives.

Yakub noted that both NTAC and TICA were instrumental to promoting soft power diplomacy and South-South cooperation.

He also reaffirmed NTAC’s willingness to engage in joint volunteer programmes with Thailand, adding that the country had made an impressive impact in the production of rice globally.

The DG expressed admiration for Thailand’s innovative agricultural machinery, such as the “Flying Star” multi-functional machine, and welcomed the opportunity to initiate similar technological exchanges.

The former lawmaker said he was considering reviving a trade fair model  between Nigerian and Thai stakeholders, which he earlier initiated as the Chairman, House Committee on Nigerian/China Relations.

He disclosed that NTAC was also undergoing legislative reforms to extend its technical assistance beyond Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries.

Yakub said Nigeria’s recent deployment of volunteers to Grenada was an example of its desire to expand diplomatic cooperation as directed by President Bola Tinubu in line with his 4D Foreign Policy.

Speaking earlier, Ms. Sasirit Tangulra, the leader of the delegation and Director-General, Department of South Asian, Middle-East and African Affairs, said the Thai government was committed to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria.

According to her, Nigeria is Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.

She highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Thailand since 1962, adding that Thailand was committed to deepening cooperation through trade, investment, and development partnerships.

Lt. Sorrawud Preededilok, a member of the delegation, explained that the agency was the country’s focal point for international development cooperation operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He also said the agency was also committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and behind the success of two Nigerian officials who recently completed TICA-sponsored management degree programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both sides explored opportunities for cooperation, including joint volunteer programmes, technology exchanges, and trade fairs, and concluded with the exchange of gifts.

The Thai government delegation included: Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria; Mr. Kittipet Hongsombud, Director, Africa Division; Mr. Natthawat Malisuwan, Counsellor and Deputy.

Others are Mr. Kittidech Wongnokraset, Counsellor for TICA; Mr. Natjanon Limboonruksa; Development Cooperation Officer, TICA; and Ms. Thananya Panyasin, Third Secretary, Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs.

NTAC was represented by the Director of Programme, Amb. Zakari Usman and other senior officers. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Sustained collaboration panacea to insecurity in North- Sani
General News

Sustained collaboration panacea to insecurity in North- Sani

By Hussaina Yakubu

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State says recent improvements in security across Northern Nigeria are the result of sustained collaboration between federal authorities and local stakeholders.

He, however, warned that progress would remain fragile without the full engagement of the region’s elites.

The governor was speaking at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s two-day interactive programme in Kaduna.

Sani recalled the dire security situation he inherited in May 2023, describing Kaduna as a state “under siege at the time.

“From the Kaduna Abuja expressway to Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Igabi, and the southern parts of our state, fear had overtaken our communities.

“Markets were shuttered, villages deserted, and the spirit of Kaduna was being eroded by violence.”

The governor said that military force alone could not resolve the crisis, leading his administration to adopt what he described as the Kaduna Peace Model.

He explained that this was a blend of proactive security measures, community engagement, and institutional collaboration.

“Our strategy combined support for security agencies with dialogue, local vigilance, and social investment and with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have seen significant improvement,” he said.

Sani said that these efforts led to the dismantling of criminal enclaves along the Kaduna to Abuja highway, the reopening of Birnin Gwari markets after over a decade, and the resettlement of displaced communities in Chikun and Igabi.

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, commending the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Ministers of Defence, Service Chiefs, and other security stakeholders.

Sani stressed that the root causes of insecurity ran deeper than armed conflict, citing poverty, illiteracy, and exclusion as some underlying drivers.

“Insecurity is not just a failure of arms. It is the result of years of policy neglect, economic exclusion, and weak governance structures,” he said.

The governor called on Northern leaders to confront their own role in the region’s long standing security challenges, stating that blaming the current administration for inherited problems would be misleading.

“Our problems did not begin two years ago. They are decades old. It is not honest to put the burden entirely on President Tinubu,” he said.

Sani further urged the elites in the region to rise beyond political posturing and contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, inclusion, and development.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. No president or governor can succeed in isolation. We must all take ownership of the North’s future,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth
Agriculture

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth

Empowerment

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating under the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).

They have committed to empowering 470 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

This initiative was announced during the inauguration of the “Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPEMN) Sustainability Coaching Programme” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is funded by GEF-SGP with additional co-financing from cash and in-kind contributions from other sources and implemented by ITFA.

Mr Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador at ITFA, explained that the programme aimed to enhance MSMEs’ business skills, market access, and readiness for global certification.

He noted that the project’s primary objective was to enable nature-positive MSMEs to become successful, self-sustaining businesses through capacity building, improved market access, and training on international certification standards.

Ezeiruaku said the selected beneficiaries were drawn from Lagos (South West), Nasarawa (North Central), Cross River (South South), Kano (North West), Abia (South East), Bauchi (North East), and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that 30 per cent of the programme’s beneficiaries would be women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.

He said that the expected outcomes included improved business sustainability, increased profitability, and enhanced market presence for participating MSMEs.

Also speaking, Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, reiterated the programme’s commitment to supporting environmental and livelihood initiatives.

Represented by Rose Agbo, Programme Assistant, she emphasised the need for stakeholders to back strategic projects that supported sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.

Agbo noted that the initiative encouraged MSMEs to adopt nature-positive approaches to business, balancing environmental stewardship with commercial success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Executive, legislature cordial relationship good for Nigeria’s democracy–Ex-lawmaker
General News

Executive, legislature cordial relationship good for Nigeria’s democracy–Ex-lawmaker

By Uche Anunne

A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government was good for the consolidation of the nation’s democracy.

Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th Assembly, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said a rancorous relationship in the government would only lead to delays in law-making and policy execution, a development he said would not be in the interest of the populace.

Onuigbo said that the executive, legislature and judiciary could work hand in hand without losing focus on their constitutional responsibilities to Nigerians.

“No system is perfect; not even the U.S. We cannot do a blanket condemnation of any arm of government.

“Though there may be some errors, it is not enough for a blanket condemnation of the legislature, judiciary or executive,’’ he said.

Onuigbo, who is also a climate change activist, said it was unfortunate that many Nigerians seem to think that the legislature was pandering to the executive.

According to him, as an arm of government, lawmakers have contributed their quota towards ensuring the 26 years of uninterrupted democracy the country has enjoyed.

He cited the aborted third term agenda of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, and the invocation of the doctrine of necessity incapacitated as part of the legislative interventions that rescued the nation’s democracy of imminent danger.

“The National Assembly shut down the third term agenda. At the same time, the application of the doctrine of necessity ensured that then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, took over power when then President Musa Yar’Adua was incapacitated.

“The legislature is growing; it is finding its feet in the democracy space, though there may be weaknesses.

“They have passed laws that produced institutions like the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) that strengthened the present democratic dispensation,’’ Onuigbo said.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the legislature and other arms of government, adding that when compared to other well established democracies, Nigeria’s civilian rule was still in embryo stage. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining
Defence/Security

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.

 

The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.

 

“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.

 

“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.

 

“We have, however, always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage the misunderstandings if and when they arise.

 

“It is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.

 

The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.

 

“We are, however, beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.

 

“What we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.

 

He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.

 

“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.”

 

He said that the marshal uses both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its operations for maximum results.

 

He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.

 

“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.

 

“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS
Foreign

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS

 

Indonesia and Ethiopia are considering ways to expand bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction in the BRICS bloc, according to a report by Antara News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The report indicated that the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono held a meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia Fekadu Beyene Aleka during which the two sides discussed the approach to engage in expanding the partnership.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister outlined national priorities, including poverty alleviation through better utilisation of resources.

He noted the high potential for the development of trade and economic ties with Ethiopia and expressed readiness to increase exports of competitive goods – primarily in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

Sugiono said the volume of bilateral trade between the countries reached 98 million dollars in 2024, up 55 per cent year-on-year.

He added that Indonesian companies are already present in Ethiopia in the sectors of household chemicals, food, and textiles.

The meeting focused on the prospects of signing a bilateral investment treaty, as well as food and energy security.

It is noted that the development of coconut, sugar cane and seaweed production is a priority.

The Ambassador also expressed interest in mastering Indonesian technologies for sugar cane cultivation.

The two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, science and training, as well as resume the work of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Indonesian minister invited Ethiopia to participate more actively in joint initiatives in BRICS. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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