News Agency of Nigeria
FG, EU advocate harmonised data governance framework in Africa
Data & Analysis , Foreign

FG, EU advocate harmonised data governance framework in Africa

Data

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government, EU and African Union on Monday urged Data Protection Authorities to develop a harmonised data governance framework for data protection across the continent.

They made the call at the opening ceremony of a five-day data governance study visit for Data Protection Authorities, a data governance in Africa initiative, hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, NDPC, said although 36 African countries had enacted data protection laws, only 26 of them have established dedicated data protection authorities.

Olatunji also said it was not enough to establish data protection laws but data protection required implementation of laws and cross-border cooperation of countries.

He said that Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion people presented immense opportunities for a thriving digital economy under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“This potential can only be realised if the continent develops a single digital market that is supported by free responsible flow of data and proper governance structure,” he said.

He also said that the country has also generated over $1.5 million in registration fees and trained over 23,000 Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in the past three years.

Sen. Salisu Afolabi, Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, said lawmakers had produced the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to remove legal uncertainties in electronic transactions.

“We are working with the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes to ensure we have a law that is robust enough and in line with global best practices,” he said.

He urged data protection authorities across the continent to leverage Artificial Intelligence in building a strong data governance structure as well as engage law makers in formulating data governance laws.

Mr Massimo de Luca, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said that emerging technologies could drive efficiency and empowerment, but could not be sustained without strong data governance frameworks.

“Data protection is a key pillar in promoting trust from citizens and businesses in the digital economy, driving economic growth strong.

“Data protection authorities not only safeguard citizens’ privacy, but attract investment and facilitate data flows for regional prosperity.

“They are needed to realise the African digital single market in line with the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union data policy framework,” Luca said.

Mr Felix Reinhold, Representative of German Embassy, urged African countries to take all necessary measures to secure their data internally.

“We believe that Africa’s data should remain in Africa’s hands and this means protecting the rights and privacy of citizens.

“It also entails ensuring that the value generated from data contributes to local innovation, sustainable development and the wellbeing of African societies.

“We must also guard against data monopolies because our shared vision is to foster a trusted and equitable digital,” he said.

Mrs Christelle Onana, Head of Digitalisation, African Union, recalled that the adoption of the AU Data Protection Policy Framework in February 2022 marked a bold stride towards a unified and inclusive data governance structure.

“It embodies our collective aspiration to drive digital transformation that is secure, right-based and empowering for every single African citizen.

“This week’s study tour is not just an exchange of experience, it is a strategic investment in unwavering commitment to supporting our member states in translating continental framework into national actions,” she said.

The tour brought together delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana and Nigeria. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

NOSDRA, EU collaborate on oil spill response
Oil & Gas

NOSDRA, EU collaborate on oil spill response

By Diana Omueza

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is collaborating with the European Union in the areas of oil spill response and environmental protection in the country’s oil-producing regions

This followed a bold step toward international partnership following a strategic engagement meeting with the European Union (EU) Delegation, held at the EU office.

The meeting led by the Director General of NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, focused on forging a strategic alliance with the EU to strengthen the agency’s institutional mandate.

“Priority areas for collaboration discussed during the meeting included the development of a robust environmental impact assessment and remediation framework for artisanal refining sites, the deployment of in-situ oil spill response equipment and tools, and the enhancement of human capacity through structured training and retraining initiatives.

“This partnership is essential to tackling persistent environmental threats particularly the challenges posed by illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining which have devastated oil-producing communities across Nigeria.

“The main objective of this visit is to seek strategic collaboration with the EU to help escalate the challenges we face, particularly the issues of illegal bunkering and artisanal refineries. With the support of the Nigerian government and the European Union, we believe we can eliminate the suffering of people living in oil spill-impacted areas and attract stronger international commitment to environmental justice,” Woke said.

The NOSDRA DG noted that effective international collaboration would not only bring global attention to the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions, but also drive impactful policy reforms and resource mobilisation needed for long-term remediation and sustainable development.

In response, the Acting Head of Delegation at the EU, Ruben Alba, welcomed the NOSDRA team and praised the agency for taking the initiative to engage with international partners.

He announced that the EU would establish a technical working group to review NOSDRA’s mandate and identify areas where the EU could provide meaningful support.

“We appreciate NOSDRA’s efforts and commitment to environmental protection. As a next step, we will establish a smaller committee to examine the agency’s mandate and determine how best we can contribute to its objectives,” Alba said.

EU officials at the meeting include Temitayo Omole, Programme Manager for Human Development, Tomasz Gawlik, Programme Officer for the Climate, Green and Digital Economy Section and Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager for Energy and Satellite Initiatives.

On the NOSDRA side, members of the agency’s management team were also present.

A detailed presentation was delivered by NOSDRA staff, outlining the agency’s core functions, the scale of environmental challenges caused by oil spills, and the critical need for technical and policy-based support from the EU to enhance environmental monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and regulatory enforcement.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue and partnership.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EU, LBS share common vision for inclusive development –Dean
Economy/Business

EU, LBS share common vision for inclusive development –Dean

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School (LBS), said the EU’s support for inclusive development aligns closely with the school’s mission and core aspirations.

She spoke during a fireside chat with Amb. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Thursday in Lagos.

David-West noted that the EU had consistently invested in human capital, governance, health, education, and innovation across Africa, proving its long-standing commitment.

She stressed that global partnerships were vital in developing leaders who could succeed in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world.

According to her, LBS recognises the importance of understanding local issues and the global forces shaping businesses and economies.

She said that international exposure broadened students’ perspectives, helping them align with digital and global economic shifts.

David-West applauded the EU’s focus on education and research, describing both as foundations for any nation’s sustainable development.

“At LBS, we’ve seen how knowledge, when combined with integrity and leadership, can be truly transformative,” she stated.

She said the school’s research, executive training, and policy-focused programmes aimed to nurture leaders who solve present and future challenges.

Mignot said the EU’s primary interest in Africa was sustainable development, investment, opportunity creation, and job growth.

He noted that Africa and Europe share demographic proximity and historic ties, so developments in one affect the other.

He expressed EU’s desire to deepen economic partnerships with Nigeria and the wider African continent.

“Official development assistance alone cannot achieve the SDGs. We must also mobilise private investments,” Mignot said.

He explained that EU cooperation in Nigeria focused on key sectors like smart agriculture, health, transport, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

Prof. Franklin Ngwu, Director of the Public Sector Initiative at LBS, said the school is committed to advancing sustainable leadership across sectors.

Ngwu said the ambassador identified several collaborative opportunities, which LBS was ready to explore as a leading academic institution.

He noted that LBS would assess how best to use these opportunities to support national development and public sector transformation.

Ngwu said the Public Sector Initiative works with government agencies through training, research, policy, and engagement to improve governance.

“These efforts align with EU priorities. We’re keen to partner with the EU, its member states, and Nigerian governments,” he said.

Mrs Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, Chief Marketing Officer at LBS, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to grooming responsible leaders for Africa’s advancement.

She said hosting global leaders and industry experts, like during the fireside chat, reflects LBS’s active vision for Africa’s growth. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

EU to spend €10.4m on sustainable energy in Nigeria’s healthcare
Health

EU to spend €10.4m on sustainable energy in Nigeria’s healthcare

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The European Union (EU) says it will spend €10.4 million on Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) which aims to provide primary healthcare centres with reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions.

Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section, Green & Digital Economy, EU, said this at the Project Developers Roundtable Workshop for NISHP in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the project aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector by providing reliable energy to boost healthcare services and outcomes in Nigeria.

“This €10.4 million initiative, funded by the European Union, marks a milestone in the project’s implementation in Nigeria.

“ NISHP, an initiative funded by the EU, will provide 24-hour access to clean, efficient, and reliable energy to participating public healthcare facilities across the country.

“ It aims to improve the country’s healthcare system by providing solar power to public health facilities in participating states,’’ she said.

According to her, by working together with the Nigerian government, private sector entities, and local communities, the EU is supporting Nigeria’s development goals and promoting a brighter future for its citizens.

She said the beauty of the project was on its focus on sustainability, adding that it would provide adequate solar power supply to 45 healthcare facilities in selected states.

“ By collaborating with state government actors in a targeted electricity market and leveraging available counterpart funds, the project aims to electrify not only health centers but also SMEs, telecom towers, among others,’’ she said.

Nasiru Bello, Team Lead, NISHP, said by leveraging solar power, Nigeria could improve healthcare outcomes, increase access to electricity, and promote economic growth.

He said as the project progressed, it was crucial to monitor its impact and make adjustments as needed.

“ The NISHP is a step in the right direction towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“ With continued support and effective implementation, this initiative can make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of Nigerians,’’ he said.

Bello said the NISHP highlighted EU’s commitment to sustainable development and partnership with Nigeria and would serve as a model for other renewable energy projects in Africa,

He also said the project’s impact extended healthcare as it would promote economic growth and community development.

This, he said, was by electrifying small and medium-sized enterprises and telecom towers near healthcare facilities.

Also speaking at the event, Tinyan Ogiehor, Stakeholders Engagement Expert, NISHP said the project’s potential impact could also be felt in rural areas where access to electricity was limited.

“By leveraging solar power, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable energy solutions

“ By providing reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions to primary healthcare centers, the project will enhance medical care, vaccine storage, and emergency services.’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together key stakeholders, including state government officials, private sector entities, and technology service providers.

The project has been inaugurated in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Ogun, Plateau, Enugu with other states set to participate. It will run from 2024 to 2027. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Pope Francis fought for ‘just, peaceful, compassionate world’ – EU chief
General News

Pope Francis fought for ‘just, peaceful, compassionate world’ – EU chief

Tribute

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pope Francis would be remembered for his efforts to build “a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis,” von der Leyen wrote on X, shortly after the Vatican announced the pontiff’s death at the age of 88.

“He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” she continued.

“My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss.

“May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, said Francis’ “contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.”

“‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice.

“May he rest in peace,” Metsola wrote on X. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Nigeria, EU deepen ties on solid minerals
Economy/Business

Nigeria, EU deepen ties on solid minerals

By Martha Agas

The European Union (EU) and Nigeria have indicated interest in boosting trade and investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

This follows a meeting on Tuesday, where EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, led a delegation to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, in Abuja.

At the meeting, Mr Mignot said the EU is eager to deepen trade and investment ties in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He emphasised the EU’s commitment to forging trade relationships that are both fair and sustainable for all parties.

He added that he would consult member states and encourage European firms to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The ambassador praised Nigeria’s mining reforms, especially those focused on value addition and enhanced security at mining locations nationwide.

He explained that the visit aimed to better understand Nigeria’s mining landscape and identify areas for collaboration and mutual benefit.

In response, Alake welcomed EU support in reforming Nigeria’s mining industry and making it more transparent and attractive to investors.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to engage EU states and investors to unlock the country’s mineral wealth for shared prosperity.

Alake said the strong EU-Nigeria relationship provides a solid foundation for concrete projects in the solid minerals sector.

He described Nigeria as a key source of critical minerals for the global energy transition, including high-grade lithium.

“We have lithium, cobalt, and copper in viable quantities. This year, we’re expanding exploration to uncover more reserves,” he stated.

He revealed that even limited exploration suggests over $700 billion in mineral deposits, representing vast investment potential.

To attract investors, Alake listed incentives including tax waivers on equipment, full profit repatriation, and improved security through dedicated mining marshals.

He added that streamlined licensing procedures are in place to ease operations for serious investors.

However, he stressed that local value addition is mandatory for securing a mining licence in Nigeria.

“Investors must plan for local processing. That’s how we generate jobs, transfer technology, and maximise economic benefits,” he said.

The minister also highlighted efforts to ensure mineral exports are traceable, curbing illegal mining and smuggling.

“With international cooperation, we can drastically reduce cases of stolen minerals ending up in unauthorised hands,” he explained.

He cited lithium smuggling as an example, warning it deprives Nigeria of full economic and technological value.

Alake noted that pre-shipment inspections have begun, and satellite monitoring from pit to port is underway to sanitise the sector. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

EU, Germany donate ICT equipment to National Defence College
Defence/Security

EU, Germany donate ICT equipment to National Defence College

By Sumaila Ogbaj

The European Union (EU) and German Government have donated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to the National Defence College, Nigeria (NDC) to enhance defence and security education in West Africa.

The equipment was donated through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to boost activities of the NDC’s Centre for Strategic Research and Studies being designated as an ECOWAS Centre of Excellence.

The equipment include Newline 75″: TT-7522Z-UC 75″ Interactive Screen; Digital Simultaneous language Interpretation System; Digital IR Language Distribution System VIS; computers and printers among others.

In his remarks, the Commandant, NDC, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the equipment would help increase the college’s capacity and advance its renewed peace and security governance efforts.

Olotu said that the NDC, being the highest military institution in Nigeria and a designated centre of excellence, had continued to support professional training at a strategic level in West Africa, and also for the armed forces.

According to him, the NDC has been at the forefront of professional military education and training for senior military and civilian officers from Nigeria and other allied countries.

The commandant noted further that the college ensured that these officers acquired the strategic acumen necessary for both national and international security assignments at strategic levels.

He said that the donated state-of-the-art ICT equipment would play a pivotal role in modernising the college’s training capability.

Olotu added that the equipment would ensure that the staff are well-equipped to navigate today’s complex security challenges and continue to excel in their vital roles.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to innovation and the enduring strength of our college.

“And I must commend our strategic partners, the EU, the Government of Germany through GIZ, ECOWAS and other partners that have worked together collectively to bring this day to reality.

“Your commitment not only enhances our capacity to impart knowledge, but also empowers us to continue our mission in the field of research by providing quality solutions to our governments in the ECOWAS subregion.

“These quality solutions are to enable governments in the ECOWAS subregion to navigate the increasingly complex global security landscape,” he said.

The Head of Cooperation, German Embassy in Nigeria, Dr Karin Jansen, said the donation was a testament to their shared commitment to fostering peace, security and development in West Africa.

Jansen said the ICT tools would play a vital role in the new ECOWAS Peace, Security, and Governance Project, which focused on strengthening cooperation of ECOWAS Training Centres of Excellence, as well as strengthening their digitalisation.

According to her, those centres will now be better equipped to serve as hubs for policy coordination, planning and training in digital areas, including gender equality warning.

She added that the centres would also enable security sector reforms and governance, elections and democracy, human rights and compliance, and accountability framework for peace and board operations.

“These tools are well-positioned to address the evolving security challenges in the region and ensure that ECOWAS continues to lead in shaping peace and security strategies,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr Reuben Alba, Acting Head of Cooperation, EU, said the donation was a long overdue milestone that would strengthen the capacity of professionals across the ECOWAS member states in promoting peace and security.

Alba said it was vital that institutions like the NDC kept adapting to meet both national, regional, but also global challenges.

According to him, the arrival of the tools shows their shared commitment to improve both the quality and impact of the education of both current and future leaders in the region.

“This equipment will contribute to identifying operational gaps and will also help you to strengthen commitment to improve both capacity and capabilities,” he said.

Dr Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director, Peacekeeping and Regional Security, ECOWAS Commission, commended the German government and EU for their commitment to peace and security in West Africa.

He assured of ECOWAS commitment to executing all the projects being sponsored by their partners in promoting peace, security and development in the ECOWAS sub-region. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

EU hails Made-in-Abia leather craftsmanship 
General News

EU hails Made-in-Abia leather craftsmanship 

Leather

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

The European Union (EU) has commended the craftsmanship of Made-in-Abia leather products, reinforcing the state’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading hub for leather production.

The Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Massimo De Luca, made this known during a one-day working visit to Aba.

De Luca said that the state’s leather industry held a lot of potential and talents for possible investments which should earn it  an international recognition.

He said that the union had ongoing collaborations with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and German Cooperation to enhance the global leather sector.

De Luca also said that these collaborations positioned the Union as a key partner in the global leather industrial development.

He revealed that these partnerships focus on quality standards, standardisation, and improved manufacturing practices,

He further said that UNIDO would  soon launch new projects to strengthen value chains, enhance product quality, and improve environmental manufacturing practices in the leather sector.

“It is an area the union keeps being active through a number of projects which are assigned big supports through UNIDO, the UN agency.

“The agency will soon start working in value chains, quality and improvement in manufacturing and environmental.

“It has always been my dream to visit Abia because I have heard so much about Aba shoes and the leather industry.

“The name Abia deserves all the attention and respect worldwide and this is what we need to fight for, Abia first and Abia products first,”he said.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, reaffirmed Abia government’s commitment to boost the local  leather industry.

Inem said that the government would focus on assisting  artisan’s to improve their production quality and traders to expand their leather  obusinesses.

“The government is committed to giving traders all necessary support to help them produce better than they are now and to be more meaningfully engaged.

“Our goal is to assess the challenges you face so we can optimise your operations,” he said.

He further assured traders that the government, through the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agency, would draft a comprehensive support mechanism to address their needs.

“We have observed the environment and understand your concerns.

“We will take note of the deficiencies and come back with solutions that will enhance your trade, beyond improving the environment, we want to ensure that you produce better-quality goods,” he said.

Chief Inem also highlighted Gov Alex Otti’s commitment to partnering with the EU to uplift the leather sector in Aba.

He said that the visit by the EU delegation had  demonstrated the government and the union’s keen interest in the growth of the industry in the state.

Inem said that the state government’s intervention would boost Aba’s  leather industry, positioning it for competitiveness in both local and international markets.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen.atuonwu

New EU Ambassador outlines plans for Nigeria
Foreign

New EU Ambassador outlines plans for Nigeria

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Gautier Mignot, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has outlined the union’s plans to improve trade, strengthen investment and positively impact the youthful population of Nigeria.

Mignot made the plans known on Wednesday in Lagos at a media luncheon.

He said that the EU would want to partner closely with Nigerian authorities at all levels to know their expectations, strategies and needs.

Mignot also said that the EU would want to know the expectations of  civil societies and Nigerian youths.

He said that the EU was Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner in 2023, with 28 per cent of its total trade at 35 billion euros.

He said that Nigeria benefitted 10.7 billion euros trade surplus form the EU.

“When it comes to investment, a key priority of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria also its strongest partner in the EU.

“Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock accounts for about one third of Nigerian FDI, totalling  26.4 billion euros as at 2022.

“There are hundreds of EU companies present in Nigeria and they have strict compliance policies on anti-corruption, environment, labour  local legislation,” he said.

The ambassador said that he was commitment to bringing the EU-Nigeria partnership to a higher level, with the aim  of positively impacting the Nigerian population.

He said that given the current uncertain times and fast-evolving global environment, Nigeria needed constant and faithful partners to count on.

Mignot said that EU took Nigeria as a key partner in Africa and the world; hence, its mission to inform, propose and implement decisions to strengthen the partnership.

“We have a global and strong partnership based on shared values  such as democracy, rule of law and multilateralism.

“EU interest is to see Nigeria consolidate its role as an anchor of stability in Africa, and progress on its path towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

“We want to help in this endeavour, with  full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and with humility.

“There is a lack of visibility, and we have to combat disinformation and misperceptions, and the press has a very important role to play in this regard,” he said.

Mignot said  that under the partnership, there would be better structure for economic relations and dialogue to address issues hampering  investment and trade.

Mignot described EU’s Global Gateway Investment as a new strategy aimed at connecting people and accelerating green, digital and inclusive transition in partner-countries such as Nigeria.

According to him, this means leveraging and accelerating investment and to increasingly work in coordination with EU companies to bring concrete benefits to Nigerians.

He said the EU recognised the importance of accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation and maximising  opportunities for  value addition and job creation.

Mignot revealed that the EU cooperation budget for 2021-2027 amounted to 731 million euros in grants and it was complemented by other instruments.

“With the Global Gateway Investment Strategy, the EU works in sectors crucial for the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy such as energy, digital economy, agriculture and food security.

“The EU also invests in human development –  health, education and social protection – as well as in good governance, migration issues and fundamental rights.

“The EU is increasingly developing projects in the north of the country as a whole to respond to the specific development needs of this part of Nigeria.

“The EU is committed to further strengthening engagement in peace and security by responding better to Nigeria’s needs and expectations,” he said.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

EU cautiously optimistic on Syria engagement –Official
Foreign

EU cautiously optimistic on Syria engagement –Official

By Maureen Okon

Irish foreign minister Simon Harris said on Monday that the European Union (EU) ‘is cautiously optimistic on Syria engagement’ but called for more deeper engagement to strengthen relations with the country.

Harris said this at a news conference held at the EU Headquarters in Brussels, the Belgian capital.

“It’s early days, but I think there are  signs of optimism. But it is important that we continue to engage.

“I don’t think it would be a good scenario if any other geopolitical actors and forces engage with Syria and for the European Union not to be in a position to intensively engage with them,“ he said.

In her remarks, Ms. Kaja Kallas, the Vice-President of the EU described Syria’s future as fragile but said that the bloc needed to take the right steps.

“But of course, we need to see the right steps as well. Right now, they’re saying all the right words, and they are doing also the right things.

“Therefore, we have this set step-for-step approach, and if they take the steps, then we are willing to take the steps as well,’’ she said.

On the war in Gaza, Harris said  President Donald Trump and his team are very much a party to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after the intensive work that was put in.

He conceded that the Trump administration put in a lot of effort to arrive at a ceasefire agreement in the days before his assumption of office for a return to the White House.

“I think that was important and there is no doubt that the intensive work invested by the Trump administration played a very significant role in helping to bring about a ceasefire –a ceasefire that has now seen a cessation of hostilities, the killing, and the bombings.

“Also, that has seen the flow and has seen hostages being released. It’s really important that the ceasefire is in place.

“It is also important, though, to acknowledge in that ceasefire agreement itself, it does talk about people being able to return, and therefore, I think it’s important that we’re consistent in the approach that we take.

“The priority, I think, needs to be on implementing to the letter, the ceasefire agreement,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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