News Agency of Nigeria
FCTA reinforces commitment to inclusive, effective healthcare mgt.
Health

FCTA reinforces commitment to inclusive, effective healthcare mgt.

210 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment towards a more accountable, inclusive, and effective health management for quality service delivery.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a capacity development training for health managers in FCT.

Fasawe explained that the training was initiated by the Federal Minister of Health and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office.

She said that the training was part of efforts at leadership health strengthening and planning towards a rational, realistic, pragmatic, and comprehensive plan that informs health budgets for FCT residents.

“This underscores a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient FCT, and one that can serve as a model for the nation and contribute to the National One Health conversation.

“The diverse and dynamic territory, where urban pressures meet rural realities, fragmented efforts and siloed planning can no longer support the scale of transformation we seek.

“The SWAp allows us to align donor resources, government policies, and community needs under one cohesive strategy, anchored in the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.

“It’s about giving our system the structural backbone it needs: better coordination, data-driven decisions, local ownership, pooled funding, and results that speak to real improvements in people’s lives,” she said.

Fasawe stressed that the training marks the beginning of a movement toward more accountable, inclusive, and effective health management.

She added that the training would sharpen essential leadership and technical skills among health managers.

She identified the leadership and technical skills as strategic health planning with a systems lens, use of data to inform decision making, and participatory budgeting and equitable resource allocation

Other areas included monitoring and evaluation for service improvement, stakeholder engagement across sectors and communities, and the new digital Annual Operation Plan (AOP) tool.

“These tools will help us tackle unique challenges in the FCT, from improving referral systems across health facilities to expanding access in underserved settlements and enhancing digital health infrastructure.

“We are not alone in this endeavour. Our progress rests on strong partnerships among area councils, development partners, civil society, and you, our frontline health managers.

“Each of you brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment that will shape this transformation.

“Let this training be a place where ideas flourish, innovations are born, and networks are strengthened.

The mandate secretary said that the efforts would transform FCT to “where every health facility delivers quality care, every community feels heard, and every policymaker is guided by evidence and empathy.

“This is not a distant dream; it is a destination within reach, if we work together.

“Let today mark the beginning of a renewed journey – one of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to health for all,” she said.

Earlier, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, the acting Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, FCT HSES, noted the challenges in the health sector, ranging from poor access to low human resources for health.

Nwachukwu, who is also the SWAp Coordinator, FCT HSES, added that other challenges included weak coordination and poor use of data to inform decision-making.

She described SWAp as a “management approach that aims to build a more cohesive, effective and sustainable health sector”.

She added that the Federal Government was implementing the approach to advance the National Health Act and associated reforms.

Also, the FCT Coordinator, WHO, Dr Kumshida Balami, said that the training was critical as Nigeria takes a transformation journey towards achieving universal health coverage

The workshop signifies a spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and enhancing the planning process of AOP. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

New rotary district governor commits N150m to tackle polio, maternal mortality
General News

New rotary district governor commits N150m to tackle polio, maternal mortality

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Rotary
By Fidelia Okosodo
Princess Joy Okoro, the new Governor of Rotary International District 9127,  has pledged to deliver tangible change in rotary’s focus areas that will impact positively on humanity.

Okoro, who said this at the handover ceremony in Abuja, revealed that the district intended to commit N150 million in Rotary’s seven areas of focus with three priorities.

According to her, the priorities include finishing the fight against polio, saving mothers and children through better healthcare and lifting communities through economic empowerment.

The new Rotary International District Governor for 2025/2026 said her mission was to serve with compassion, advocate relentlessly to deliver tangible change according to the Rotary’s legacy.

”Today marks the beginning of a new Rotary year, where we Unite for Good—not just in words, but through bold action.

”As District Governor, my mission is clear: to serve with compassion, advocate relentlessly, and deliver tangible change in our focus areas.

”Rotary’s legacy is built on results. From nearly eradicating polio to empowering communities worldwide, we prove that collective action transforms lives,” he said.

Okoro explained further that, ”broadly speaking, Rotary’s seven areas of focus are: peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene.

”Others are maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and supporting the environment.

”Within the priorities which were taken from the seven areas of focus, there are key areas to turn these priorities into impact.

” We are 99.9 per cent on the way there but the last mile demands our urgency,” she said.

She added that the district had taken action to mobilise a wide advocacy in securing government and donor’s supports for polio funding with local leaders as patterns in high risk areas to boost vaccination campaigns.

”Every Rotarian can be an advocate, share Rotary polio story, donate to the foundation and demand political commitment until we certify that the world is polio free.

”No mother should die giving life, no child’s future should be cut short by preventable causes,” she said.

Okoro, while speaking on the 2025/2026 project on prenatal care expansion, urged partner with clinics to provide screenings, nutrition kits, and maternal education in underserved areas.

According to her, the project includes neonatal survival initiative to train health workers and equip hospitals with the essential supplies to mobilise health units.

She said that it also included deploying Rotary funded clinics to reach communities.

Also speaking, Mr Mike Ukachi, the outgoing Rotary District Governor, expressed gratitude to God for a successful service year, adding that he assumed office with utmost excitement.

He appreciated the members and leaders for their support in carrying out highly impactful projects, noting that the club had contributed substantially to the Rotary Foundation.

“Today, with a high sense of fulfilment to the Glory of God, sincere gratitude to all Rotarians, leaders and supporters of the District, I am pleased to hand over to you, a vibrant district.

”A District standing on a very solid foundation, and already set for the destined flight to glory,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Isaac Aregbesola

Reps restate commitment to optimising sustainable immunisation financing
Health

Reps restate commitment to optimising sustainable immunisation financing

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By Ikenna Osuoha

The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to optimisation of sustainable immunisation financing model in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Rep. Amos Magaji stated this at a multi-stakeholder’ technical workshop on optimisation of sustainable immunisation financing model in Nigeria, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Magaji said that the financing model in the country was crucial for maintaining high immunisation coverage and preventing outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as donor-funding had declined.

“Indeed, optimising a Sustainable Immunisation Financing model in Nigeria is crucial for maintaining high immunisation coverage and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as donor funding declines.

“Laudably, Section 5(I)(i) of the National Health Act of 2014 provides that children from zero to five years old and pregnant women are immunised with vaccines against infectious diseases,” he said.

According to him, the legislative provision underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure that vaccine-preventable diseases do not become the bane of a decent society.

The lawmaker expressed regret over what he called the under-funding of the immunisation financing model in the country, saying that domestic allocation to the health sector was inadequate, without donor financing.

“Whilst this poses a threat to a healthy society and the goal for universal health coverage, it is Important to highlight some of the key challenges,” he said.

He identified the country’s heavy reliance on external donors over the years as one of the challenges, saying that it had created a culture of neglect for immunization.

Magaji, however, called for government’s increase domestic budgetary allocation to immunisation through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as well as private sector and innovative financing.

He further stated that optimising sustainable immunisation financing in the country would require a multi-sectoral, multi-level approach combining public investment, private sector innovation, community involvement and legal safeguards.

The lawmaker said that the transition from donor-dependency to sustainable domestic financing must be guided by evidence, accountability and inclusive planning.

“This can only be achieved starting with workshops and conversations such as this,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ipalibo Harry, said it was unacceptable for Nigeria to be in the list of countries with the highest burden of low immunisation of children under five years.

Harry called for collaboration of all stakeholders to find ways of addressing the burden of low immunisation in the country.

She commended the House of Representatives committee on healthcare for the workshop which, she said, was timely.

In her remarks, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

Anas said that the workshop was in line with Tinubu’s vision of leaving no one behind, especially children and women in immunisation administration.

The Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Diseases, Sen. Tony Nwoye, called on all Nigerians to see immunisation as a first-line charge.

Nwoye, who described immunisation as the beginning of a journey toward a robust and resilient healthcare system, said it remained one of the most cost-effective and life-saving interventions.

The senator commended the government for the progress made in reducing the burden of vaccine preventable diseases in the country, saying, however, that the progress was being threatened by over-dependence on external funding sources.

He, therefore, advocated for building a domestic sustainable financing framework to guarantee uninterrupted access to vaccine and immunisation services across the country.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Mrs Chika Offor said only predictable and sustained funding would  reduce the number of zero-dose children.

Offor expressed satisfaction with the commitment of all stakeholders to immunization administration as their first- line charge.

“What it translates immediately is that we are now going to have fundings.

“As I am talking to you now, there is a diphtheria outbreak, and it will continue that way because the vaccines are not available,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Kabusa-Ketti Road: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to opening up FCT rural economies 
Metro

Kabusa-Ketti Road: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to opening up FCT rural economies 

290 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to open up economies of rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory through construction of more rural roads.

Tinubu made the commitment in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the newly constructed 10-kilometre Kabusa-Ketti Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council, to celebrate his second year in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven communities were connected by the stretch of the road, which began from Kabusa and terminated at Ketti.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, the president added that his administration was committed to bringing tangible change in rural areas across the country.

He said that the 10km Kabusa-Ketti Road may appear modest in the eyes of some, but for the people of the area and the surrounding communities, “it is transformational”.

“This vital infrastructure connects communities of large economic potential and affirms our administration’s commitment to equitable developments across every corner of our nation.

“This road not only eases mobility; it enhances trade; it improves access to schools and healthcare, and it ensures that rural and peri-urban communities are not left behind in the march towards progress.

“This project aligns fairly with the “Renewal Hope Agenda” of my administration, which places people at the centre of governance.

“We believe that good governance is not theory; it is action reflected in the daily lives of the people.

“Our government remains steadfast in its resolve to deliver on critical infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, power and digital access, not only in city centres but also in the smaller communities that form the backbone of our nation,” he said.

Tinubu assured rural communities in FCT and across the country of more life-impacting projects to come.

He commended the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike for a job well done, and for delivering the project to the satisfaction of the people.

Eelier, Wike said that the project was awarded to a local contractor who began the execution of the project in December 2024.

He commended the contractor for completing the project on time and thanked community leaders and the youths in Ketti for supporting the contractor to deliver the project in record time.

“The importance of the road is why you see the community members coming out in their numbers to celebrate and that is what the government owes to the people.

“When government does its work, you will see the reflection in the faces of the people. I am sure this is the first time the people of Ketti are getting government attention,” he said.

NAN reports that shortly after the project inauguration, Wike visited Wassa District to inspect the permanent site allocated for the relocation of Apo Mechanics’ traders and dealers.

The visit, according to the minister, is to see the site to be able to determine the kinds of infrastructure to be put in place to facilitate the relocation of the traders and dealers from the Outer Southern Expressway corridor. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Nigeria committed to national sugar master plan objectives – FG
Economy/Business

Nigeria committed to national sugar master plan objectives – FG

207 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, says Nigeria’s sugar industry must meet its domestic production target in line with the objectives of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Enoh made this known during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

The National Sugar Master Plan, introduced in 2012 and currently in its second phase, aims at achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production, creating jobs, and conserving foreign exchange

Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the full implementation of the master plan as the guiding framework for the sugar industry’s operations.

He said the core goals of the NSMP remained the significant ramp-up of local raw sugar production and a corresponding reduction in the country’s dependence on sugar imports.

“The ministry gives a firm commitment that the National Sugar Master Plan and its guiding rules are sacrosanct.

“Quota allocations to industry participants will be strictly based on their actual performance under the plan’s Backward Integration Programme (BIP), and no other consideration will apply,” he said.

The minister noted that imports of refined sugar by any participating company would count against their annual quota allocation, warning that infractions would not be tolerated.

According to Enoh, efforts by the National Sugar Development Council to tie import allocations to performance in 2024 marked a turning point.

He disclosed that some players still violated the guidelines.

“To address this, I will request the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to direct the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to recover all outstanding duties and levies on sugar imports,” he said.

Enoh also called for intensified investment in backward integration and skills development, adding that a more disciplined focus was required to deliver the master plan’s objectives.

He disclosed that the government would embark on nationwide visits to BIP project sites to verify performance claims using a standardised information-gathering template.

The minister stressed the importance of transparency, urging the creation of a public dashboard to track sectoral progress, encourage compliance, and enhance credibility among stakeholders.

“We must strengthen our monitoring and accountability systems. Just like what was done in the cement industry, the sugar sector can also become a success story if we remain consistent and firm,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr kamar Bakrin, expressed the council’s commitment toward addressing the various challenges encountered by operators in the sector.

Bakrin reiterated the importance for stakeholders to act decisively to reverse years of poor performance of the sugar industry in the country.

He acknowledged that operators had consistently flagged some issues as factors hampering the execution of their BIP projects.

He listed some of the challenges to include loopholes in the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regime, delays in clearing equipment at ports, sugar smuggling, and resistance from host communities.

He noted that all of these issues had either been resolved or were being actively addressed through government interventions and policy reforms.

“With the ongoing amendment of the NSDC Act and the recently passed Fiscal Reforms Act, the loopholes in the FTZ regime are being firmly closed,” he said.

He added that delays at ports were also being tackled through regular NSDC engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service, while the Council was working with the Department of State Services to curb sugar smuggling.

On the issue of community unrest, the NSDC boss explained that grievances in key locations such as Noman in Adamawa State had been fully resolved.

“There is currently no BIP project where host community opposition has restricted access to significant portions of land,” he said.

Bakrin stressed, however, that the time for excuses was over, as the sector could no longer afford further delays or underperformance.

“We believe that operators must immediately halt the decline in their current output, especially in agronomic and factory practices, which remain below global standards,” he said.

He also called on industry players to urgently scale up expansion of their brownfield BIP operations, adding that the sector was already a decade behind the timelines initially set by the NSMP.

“We have all the data. While we will respect confidentiality on individual cases, the fact remains that there must be an aggressive approach to project expansion if Nigeria is to meet its sugar self-sufficiency targets,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Golden Sugar, Mr John Coumantaros, admitted the industry’s failings and backed the minister’s reform stance.

“The sector has underperformed. Investments of  four billion dollars is required to replace the 1.6 million tonnes of sugar Nigeria imports yearly.

“With strong enforcement and collaboration, the industry can deliver significant economic benefits including saving $800 million annually in foreign exchange and employing up to two million people directly and indirectly,” he said.

Coumantaros likened the situation to the cement sector’s successful turnaround under a similar backward integration policy.

“It took strong government enforcement and industry commitment to transform cement from an import-dependent sector to a self-sufficient one. The sugar industry can do the same,” he said.

He pledged the company’s readiness to expand its Sunti operations and invest in additional projects, provided government enforces policy and level playing field.

The Managing Director, BUA Foods, Mr Ayodele Abioye, expressed the commitment of the company to accelerate and drive the sector.

Abioye urged the government to take cues from other climes to help the sector thrive.

The meeting ended with commitments from both government and operators to convene quarterly reviews, reinvigorate monitoring mechanisms such as the Central Monitoring Committee and align public-private efforts toward measurable results.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

BRICS foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to strengthening security, economic, cultural cooperation
Foreign

BRICS foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to strengthening security, economic, cultural cooperation

379 total views today

 

Foreign ministers of the member states of the BRICS bloc have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in three areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

A statement published on the official website of the Brazil’s BRICS Presidency, indicated that the ministers reaffirmed their commitment at a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro with the participation of the BRICS member states.

The meeting, the statement further indicated, was held in an expanded format with representatives of the BRICS partner countries in attendance.

The ministers emphasised the key role of BRICS as the voice of the Global South.

The group expressed support for the idea of reforming the United Nations, including increasing the representation of developing countries in the UN Security Council of the global body.

The ministers favoured greater use of national currencies in mutual settlements, as well as the development of their own payment platforms.

The group acknowledged the important role of the New Development Bank (NDB) as a key financing instrument for emerging economies, its further expansion, and the re-election of Dilma Rousseff as President of the NDB.

The Leaders acknowledged the role of Artificial Intelligence in inclusive development and expressed their intention to assist developing countries in this area.

They also welcomed the work on an agreement to manage the data economy.

The ministers condemned, in strong terms, all forms of terrorism and, in particular, the attack in India on April 22 that killed at least 26 people.

They affirmed that the countries of the association would deepen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

The foreign ministers welcomed the activities of the BRICS specialised working group and called for the finalisation and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

They spoke in favour of the peaceful use of space, reliable and secure ICT environment and free access to reliable information, stressing the importance of digital literacy and agreed rules in cyberspace.

In addition, the ministers spoke out against cybercrime, reaffirmed the need for reform of the global financial architecture and the importance of the role of the G20.

Given the recent enlargement, they emphasised the importance of institutional strengthening of BRICS, including through the creation of a common database to facilitate access to relevant documents and background information.

The Heads of the ministries supported Brazil’s BRICS chairmanship.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had earlier held a news conference on the results of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

He said that the parties agreed to continue working with partner countries in various formats.

In addition, the ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening the role of the world majority in solving key problems. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Strong political commitment, others vital for SAPZ project success – Adesina
Economy/Business

Strong political commitment, others vital for SAPZ project success – Adesina

317 total views today

 By Lucy Ogalue

The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, says strong political commitment, ministerial collaboration, and institutional support are vital for the success of SAPZ project.

Adesina spoke during the groundbreaking of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Kaduna State on Tuesday.

He noted that the success of SAPZs across Nigeria would depend on five key enablers for effective implementation and long-term sustainability.

“Firstly, strong political will and commitment at the highest levels must be maintained,” he said during his address at the launch event.

“Secondly, policy continuity is essential. Policy reversals with changing administrations create uncertainty and discourage potential investors.

“Thirdly, cross-ministerial cooperation is required for coordinated delivery and successful outcomes of the agro-industrial zones.

“Fourthly, to secure continuity across all 36 zones, the initiative must be codified by the National Assembly through appropriate legislation.

“Finally, to ensure proper coordination nationwide, this effort must be backed by law and institutional structures,” Adesina said.

The AfDB President commended the Federal Government and Kaduna State for their consistent support in making the Kaduna SAPZ project a reality.

Adesina described the development as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards transforming and industrialising its agricultural sector.

“This achievement reflects years of dedication, vision, and consistency in policy direction,” he said at the event.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s continued commitment to SAPZ as a presidential priority.

He also lauded Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, for continuing the legacy of former Governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai.

“What we witness today exemplifies the benefits of political stability and consistent governance,” Adesina said.

He recalled that the idea of agro-industrial zones began during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture over a decade ago.

“The project was delayed by institutional inertia and fragmented approaches, but today we celebrate its renewal and progress,” he said.

Kaduna SAPZ is part of the first phase, involving eight states and the Federal Capital Territory in the ambitious initiative.

The AfDB has invested $200 million in the $510 million project, co-financed by IFAD, IsDB, and the Green Climate Fund.

Adesina emphasised that SAPZ is more than a programme; it is a transformation agenda for Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development.

Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, reiterated the government’s dedication to agricultural transformation for economic growth.

The SAPZ initiative aims to make Nigeria a leading hub for food processing and agricultural exports.

Kaduna is expected to serve as a model for other states participating in the SAPZ programme.

Government officials, development partners, and stakeholders present at the event pledged their full support for the project’s success. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Korea reiterates commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria
Foreign

Korea reiterates commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria

496 total views today

By Priscilla Osaje

The Republic of Korea has reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, particularly in economic cooperation, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Mr Kim Pankyu, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, said this at a news conference to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria, in Abuja..

Pankyu said that since his assumption of office as Korea ambassador to Nigeria, the relationship between Korea and Nigeria had grown significantly.

He said that both countries have kept a stronger synergy in strengthening the cultural affinity they both shared.

According to him, Korean embassy business operations in Nigeria have an essential  favourable investment environment.

“During some meetings, many Nigerian government officers also recognised the importance of investment-friendly policies.

“Measures such as tariff and tax incentives will attract more investment from Korean companies benefiting both economies,” he said.

The ambassador said that one of the most notable milestones was the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit in June, where they facilitated high level discussions between Korea and Nigeria.

He said such high-level discussions resulted in meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Minister of Tourism for the benefits of both countries.

“The Nigerian delegation participating in the Korea-Africa Business Summit and various forums in ICT, was a major step in strengthening Korea’s engagement with African countries, fostering inclusiveness and cooperation.

“This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria. We are committed to further strengthen our ties, particularly in economic cooperation, security and people-to-people exchanges.

“Nigeria remains Korea’s most important trade and investment partner in Africa, it accounts for 10 per cent of Korea-Africa trade and over 70 per  cent of Korean project contracts in South Africa,” he said.

The ambassador said that in 2021, Korean bilateral trade increased by 38.6 per cent, reaching over 2.2 billion GBP an hour in Baku, South Korea and Antarctica.

He said that such was a meaningful addition to their partnership, which made their partnership truly important as 2.2 billion U.S. dollars reflecting their strong economic partnership.

“At the corporate level for example, Korean biotech company SD Biosensors HIV rapid test kit has been approved for packaging in Nigeria.

“This year, up to 15 million kits will be procured, looking ahead; I believe there is room for even great cooperation in trade and investment.

“Both countries are working closely to conclude key agreements as early as possible.

“The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and the Trade and Investment Promotion and other MOU will mark a new chapter in our economic relations,” he said.

“With 40 years of experience in military and security affairs, I am committed to enhancing our security collaboration,”he  said.

He restated Korea`s commitment to increase support for capacity building in the Nigerian military and security sectors.

“We hope to finalise defence industry cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that have been under discussion for some time.

“We also have an opportunity to work with other Korean and other Nigerian companies to establish new military and security differences.

“Beyond the Economy and Security Partnership, the Korean Embassy actively supports cultural and development initiatives through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Cultural Center”, he added.

He explained that some weeks ago, the Korean-Nigerian Information Access Centre was opened in Abuja, supporting Nigeria’s digital capacity-building efforts.

“I also had the pleasure of attending the ‘Korean Day’ event at the American International School Abuja, where students enjoyed Korean culture and cuisine.

“KOICA and Nigeria are also conducting a project to promote digital governance and multimedia learning in primary schools worth 13 million and 10 million U.S. dollars.

“Large-scale projects are to come in the next few years, the contributions and collaborations demonstrate the mutual trust and friendship between Korea and Nigeria.

“As ambassador, I will continue working to facilitate our longstanding partnership for the years ahead,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NOSDRA restates commitment to curbing oil spillage
Economy/Business

NOSDRA restates commitment to curbing oil spillage

511 total views today

By Diana Omueza

Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), has restated the agency’s commitment to curbing oil spillage in the country.

Woke said this on Thursday, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the agency and F1 Consulting in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU is also aimed at providing oil spill training for members of staff of NOSDRA by F1 Consulting.

Woke, who expressed the agency’s readiness to implement the content of the MoU, said that the outcome would yield positive results that would boost the agency and safeguard oil host communities.

He urged all oil companies and stakeholders to contribute their quota and support the agency to deliver on its mandates.

“NOSDRA is an agency established by the Act of the parliament of Nigeria and we are not in any way going outside our mandate.

“With the establishment and signing of this MoU, we believe that this will go a long way in solving the problem of pollution and oil spillages in our various communities,” he said.

Woke also sought the support and cooperation of other agencies of government and the oil companies that were in the oil host communities to prevent and manage spillage.

He said that stakeholders must be more responsive in relaying information of spillage to NOSDRA and not hoard information from the appropriate authority.

In his remarks, Mr Jude Ndubisi, Lead Consultant of F1 Consulting, said the essence of the MoU was to institutionalise the national oil spill contingency plans directly to host communities.

“The national spill contingencies plan is the primary document that talks about spill response strategies as a country.

“This document for a very long time has not been institutionalised down to the host communities.

“So, we are trying to build a partnership and synergy with NOSDRA to bring the provisions of the national spill contingency plan down to the communities where the oil installations exist,” he said.

According to him, the oil spillage contingencies will train, guide and hold communities and individuals responsible for spillage.

He called for partnership with stakeholders and holders of oil licensing operations to train and create awareness to preserve the community and environment.

Mrs Katherine George, Director of Legal services of NOSDRA, said that the MoU was in line with the mandate of the agency

“We have looked at the establishment Act of the agency and we believe that this MoU is in tandem with the mandate of our agencies

“We believe that this MoU will accomplish the goals and mission of NOSDRA to zero tolerance for oil spillage,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deji Abdulwahab

Nigeria committed to balancing trade, strengthening local industry – Minister
Economy/Business

Nigeria committed to balancing trade, strengthening local industry – Minister

446 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, says the Federal Government is committed to balancing trade through policies that support local production while managing imports.

Enoh stated this while speaking on the nation’s trade strategy, at the 2025 Renewed Hope Global Virtual Town Hall Conference.

The minister emphasised the importance of evaluating the country’s balance of trade , whether in surplus or deficit when formulating economic policies.

He noted concerns that Nigeria remained an import-dependent economy and reiterated the need to expand and deepen the country’s productive capacity to drive exports and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

“The real issue is not just the volume of imports but the fact that we are not producing enough.

“We must expand local manufacturing and strengthen our industries to stay competitive in the global market,” he said.

Enoh said that the government had been deliberate in encouraging local productivity through various incentives, including import duty exemptions for manufacturers and industrialists.

“Since assuming office, I have approved countless import duty exemption certificates to industries to support local production.

“There are programmes such as backward integration policies aimed at boosting local capacity in key industries, including manufacturing and agriculture ” he said.

Eno reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria remained competitive in global trade.

He said that at the end of each fiscal period, the government assessed the country’s trade balance to determine policy directions.

He assured stakeholders that the government would continue implementing measures to create an enabling environment for industries and improve Nigeria’s export potential.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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