NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Artisans key to inclusive economic growth, says BOI
Economy/Business

Artisans key to inclusive economic growth, says BOI

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has described Nigerian artisans and technicians as the backbone of inclusive economic growth and key to the country’s future industrial development.

The Managing Director of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, said at the Nigerian Artisans Leadership Summit 2025, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Olusi said that with more than 12 million artisans nationwide, the sector held immense potential for grassroots enterprise and national transformation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was themed “Unlocking the Inherent Potential of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians”.

It brought together artisan leaders, development partners, government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities within the informal sector.

Olusi was represented by Ms Mabel Ndagi, Executive Director, Public Sector and Intervention Programmes of the bank.

He said that the bank’s vision for inclusive development was centred on enabling artisans to thrive through better access to finance, training and integration into formal economic systems.

“The theme of this summit goes to the heart of inclusive development.

“It reflects a vision of Nigeria where talent is not wasted due to lack of support and where informal skills are not excluded from formal opportunities,”he said.

Olusi identified several key challenges artisans faced, including limited access to affordable finance, outdated equipment, poor business structures, lack of export participation and inadequate research and development.

To address these issues, Olusi said that BOI had structured its 2025 to 2027 corporate strategy around six thematic pillars.

“These include supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), youth empowerment and skills development and digital economy expansion.

“It also includes advancing climate sustainability, investing in critical infrastructure and promoting gender inclusion.

“These focus areas are not just bureaucratic categories, they are lenses through which we are re-imagining support for artisans and grassroots entrepreneurs,” he explained.

Olusi reaffirmed BOI’s commitment to providing both financial and advisory support to Nigerian enterprises that sustain local economies and spur national growth.

“Our vision as a development finance institution is to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape by empowering the enterprises that power this nation.

“At the heart of this vision are artisans and grassroots entrepreneurs like you.

“And true national development cannot be outsourced or imported, but must be built by skilled hands and passionate hearts,” he said.

The Artisan Leadership Summit marks another step in BOI’s broader drive to deepen financial inclusion, unlock the potential within the informal sector and promote sustainable livelihoods across the country. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Trade turnover between Russia, Kazakhstan jumps to bn
Foreign

Trade turnover between Russia, Kazakhstan jumps to $28bn

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Trade volume between Russia and Kazakhstan exceeded 28 billion dollars, while Russian exports increased by almost five per cent at the end of 2024, according to Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.

Kazinform said that the main growth emanated from machinery, transport, chemicals, and minerals.

More than 70 major investment projects with Russian participation are being implemented in Kazakhstan.

“We are talking about the automotive industry, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, and digital technologies,” Kazinform reported an official as saying.

In addition, in 2024, the tourist flow between the countries exceeded 4.8 million trips, thus making Kazakhstan to become one of the three most popular foreign destinations for Russians. (TV BRICS/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

IMF projects 3% economic growth for Nigeria
Foreign

IMF projects 3% economic growth for Nigeria

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By Nana Musa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released it new economic outlook report, reversing Nigeria’s economic growth projections for 2025 and 2026.

 

The April report was released on Tuesday during World Economic Outlook (WEO) at a press briefing at the ongoing IMF/World Bank 2025 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

 

The report cut the forecast for Nigeria’s growth to 3.0 per cent for 2025 and 2.7 per cent for 2026, from the 3.2 per cent and 3.0 per cent projection earlier stated in the January WEO update.

 

The IMF report cited mounting global uncertainties and sustained weakness in oil prices.

 

According to the report, the IMF places the growing probability of a global recession at 40 per cent compared to previous 25 per cent estimation it released in October 2024.

 

The IMF attributed the downward revision of the the growth to a combination of domestic economic challenges and worsening global conditions.

 

It said this includes trade tensions, reduced demand from advanced economies, and a significant drop in crude oil prices.

 

In the report, the Fund warned that without strong policy responses, Nigeria might find it difficult to maintain macroeconomic stability amid external headwinds.

 

The IMF Economic Counsellor and Director of Research Department, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, said that emerging economies like Nigeria were particularly vulnerable due to their integration into global supply chains.

 

“The uncertainty is discouraging investment and activity, and these countries are suffering from declining demand for their exports,” Gourinchas said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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

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

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

FG unveils economic plan for the country 
Economy/Business

FG unveils economic plan for the country 

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Economy

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive economic plan for sustainable development.

Edun disclosed this in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Mohammed Manga, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister, who unveiled the plan at the 2025 KPMG Arise TV Budget News Day, also outlined Nigeria’s fiscal priorities and economic direction for the coming year.

Edun said that government was committed to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation, and an improved investment in climate.

According to him, the government has projected GDP growth of 4.6 per cent for 2025, with a long-term ambition of seven per cent annually, a crucial target for poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The minister said that the macroeconomic stability remained priority, with exchange rate stability, trade surplus, and increased oil production positioning the country as a stronger global player.

Edun said that the foreign reserves had exceeded 40 billion dollars signalling confidence in economic policies and financial management.

He emphasised the crucial role of the private sector in driving economic growth, highlighting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a key mechanism to bridge Nigeria’s 100 billion dollars annual infrastructure investment gap.

According to him, landmark projects, including the Benin-Asaba Highway and the Lagos-Abeokuta Road, are to be developed under PPP frameworks, with the aim to reduce travel time and enhance productivity.

The minister said that in the oil and gas sector, domestic refining was important, with the Dangote Refinery now leading local crude petroleum processing.

He said that the shift would significantly reduce reliance on imports, strengthen energy security, and enhance economic resilience.

Edun also addressed fiscal policy reforms, the government’s drive to expand the tax base, streamline revenue collection, and create a business-friendly tax system.

He said that a balanced approach to taxation would encourage investment while ensuring adequate funding for national priorities.

The minister said that as the country moved forward, the government was dedicated to economic transformation, driven by policies that fostered growth, stability, and private sector participation.

Edun said that building on strategic reforms, Nigeria was poised to unlock new opportunities for prosperity, accelerate national development, and secure a brighter future for generations to come.
(NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

China inaugurates 2025 economic roadmap, targets 5% GDP growth
Foreign

China inaugurates 2025 economic roadmap, targets 5% GDP growth

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By Fortune Abang

The Government of China has inaugurated its 2025 economic Roadmap centred on bolstering five per cent GDP growth, innovation and investment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roadmap is centred on boosting consumption, innovation and technology, fiscal and monetary policy implementation, as well as market reform.

China’s Premier Li Qiang disclosed this during the virtual presentation of the Chinese government work report against the backdrop of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, China.

He stated that the focus of the roadmap was fiscal expansion, technological innovation, and foreign investment, outlining a comprehensive approach aimed at sustaining the country’s economic growth amid global uncertainties.

Li said, “A key feature of China’s 2025 economic strategy is an expanded fiscal policy with the deficit-to-GDP ratio set at four per cent, marking a notable increase from the previous year.

“To support economic stimulus, Chinese government plans to issue 1.3 trillion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds, up by 300 billion yuan from last year, along with 4.4 trillion yuan in local government special-purpose bonds.

“Such represents a 500 billion yuan increase over 2024 levels; this fiscal expansion is designed to boost domestic consumption.

“Of the ultra-long special treasury bonds, 300 billion yuan will be allocated to consumer goods trade-in programmes.”

Tian Xuan, Deputy to the 14th NPC and Associate Dean at PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University, explained the significance of the initiative, saying expanding domestic demand is a priority among ten key tasks outlined in the report.

According to Tian, the dedicated 300 billion yuan for trade-in programmes will stimulate consumption, drive transformation and upgrade consumption patterns.

Chan Chun-ying, Hong Kong’s Deputy to the NPC and Advisor at Bank of China Hong Kong Ltd, expressed confidence in the economic target.

He added that China had consistently sustained medium-to-high-speed economic growth.

He restated that such is notable in China’s ability to maintain a five per cent growth rate and demonstrated confidence, which in turn boosted confidence.

“China is prioritising technological advancements in biomanufacturing, quantum-computing, embodied AI and 6G.

“The AI Plus initiative aims to integrate digital technologies with manufacturing strengths, supporting extensive application of large-scale AI models, development of next-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment.

“The emergence of deep-seek has demonstrated that we can achieve global AI capabilities, using cost-effective chips and faster processing speeds,” Chan said.

Erik Solheim, former UN Under-Secretary-General and former Executive-Director of the UN Environment Programme, described the roadmap as China’s commitment to stabilising foreign trade and advancing Belt and Road cooperation.

“China remains a significant force in the world economy with an expected economic growth of five per cent for 2025, China will continue to be the biggest source of global economic growth.

“Stability and innovation are key themes of this year’s two sessions; China is at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the two most important sectors, such as economy and environment,” Solheim said.

High points of the event were remarks by Patrick Nijs, co-founder of the EU-China Joint Innovation Centre and Bernardo Mendia, Board Advisor at the EU Young Entrepreneurs Association. (NAN) (nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Oluwafunke Ishola

FG affirms commitment to creating sustainable environment for private sector 
Economy/Business

FG affirms commitment to creating sustainable environment for private sector 

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By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has expressed commitment to creating a sustainable environment for the private sector and other stakeholders to compete favourably and drive economic growth and productivity.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry. Trade and Investment, made the commitment at a retreat for presentation of the 2025 roadmap in Abuja on Monday.

Oduwole said that the goal of the ministry was to facilitate the creation of wealth, productive jobs and share prosperity for all Nigerians.

“As a ministry, we prioritise creating a dynamic, resilient and sustainable economy by positioning the private sector for productivity and competitiveness.

“We have repositioned ourselves to deliver empirically verifiable policies and reforms based on transparently laid down goals which improved the ministry’s performance in 2024,” she said.

The minister said that everything the agencies under the ministry presented at the retreat was already in the budget, adding that it was not coming as a surprise.

She urged all the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to work together as such effort would help to achieve the ministry`s goals.

On his part, the ministry’s Minister of State, Sen. John Enoh, said that the gathering was to discuss problems and also to look at solutions to the problems.

Enoh said that the retreat would help to discuss how much the industry and trade can expand and improve to be able to promote investments.

“It is about performance. The work cannot be strong and efficient without effective commitment, I think we all need to be ready for that.

“We need to put more effort to ensure that the mandates and objectives of the ministry are achieved,’’ he said.

The Director-General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Princess Audu, said that the council was committed to reaching out to all relevant stakeholders to intensify in the business activities.

“We will be working hand in hand with the ministry to determine what levels of improved efficiency can be achieved in the quickest possible time.

“We want to identify areas where we can make a significant impact and work together to implement changes that will benefit the business community and Nigerians at large.

“I am also pleased to announce that our new Reform Impact Assessment (RIA) framework has been launched,’’ she said.

Audu said that the RIA framework was designed to ensure a level of consistency and predictability, as such would help the business grow appropriately.

She said that the framework enabled businesses to plan and forecast with the assurance of a stable business environment as it relates to policies and reforms.

The Director-General and Chief Trade Negotiator of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), Amb.Yonov Agah, said that the office was  expanding market access and eliminating barriers to Nigeria’s trade.

Agah said that trade negotiations had inherent risks, adding that they also have opportunities in various areas.

“It is important for Nigeria not to negotiate in a vacuum. Anything you are negotiating needs national frameworks.

“We need a national trade policy framework. We need the institutions, the regulatory environment to implement those agreements,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Ododo lauds Tinubu’s commitment to rural electrification
General News

Ododo lauds Tinubu’s commitment to rural electrification

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By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving energy access as an economic catalyst for growth and development of the nation.

Ododo gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday, during a roundtable on “Rural Electrification and Strategy Implementation” organised by Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with the Kogi State Government.

He said that the president has shown a clear path to unlocking the economic greatness of  the country’s human assets that were vulnerable and being endangered.

“I commend the efforts of our father, our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for his undoubted commitment to improve access to energy as an economic catalyst and enhancement of social life.”

Ododo said that the roundtable was a collective commitment to bridging the energy asset gap and unlocking the vast economic potential of rural communities.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Rural Electrification Agency and all stakeholders for their steadfast dedication to this vital course.

“Kogi is in a position to play a vital role in this very issue. Our central position and significant socio-economic potential make us not just a vision, but a strategic partner in the push for universal energy access.

“We are ready to provide flexible infrastructural support, expedite administrative processes and ensure community buy-in for every project that you may be interested in our state,” Ododo said.

According to him, Electrifying rural communities is not just about providing light; it is about igniting hope, fostering innovation and empowering our people to build a self-reliant future.

The governor appealed to REA and other partners to prioritise Kogi in their electrification programmes, stressing the importance of universal energy access in fostering innovation, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

“Together, we can achieve universal energy access and create a brighter, more prosperous Kogi,” he said.

The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, announced that SOSAI Renewable Energy Service Company had secured a $300,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to electrify 17 health centers in Kogi.

According to Aliyu, the project has the potential to expand to an additional 40 primary health centres.

He urged the Kogi State Government to provide the necessary counterpart funding to ensure the successful execution of the initiative.

Aliyu said “Habiba Ali, the founder and CEO of SOSAI Renewable Energy Service Company, will oversee the implementation of the grant”.

On his part, Kogi State Commissioner for Energy, Mohammed Abdulmutalib, called on stakeholders to seize the opportunity to power the state’s future with reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

He emphasised the transformative impact of green energy initiatives, including mini-grids on the state’s largely agrarian communities.

“This is a chance to transform the lives of our people, vitalise the economy and set a benchmark for impactful development across the state and the country in general,” Abdulmutalib said.(NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth
Foreign

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has expressed commitment to structural reforms, and aligning administrative and developmental efforts with the broader vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The king made the commitment in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He highlighted key challenges in the implementation of advanced regionalisation in Morocco and the significance of the process for fostering economic and social development, improving governance, and addressing regional disparities.

 

King Mohammed said the conference aimed to strengthen local governance and economic development at both regional and national levels, while building on the foundation set by the first national conference in 2019.

 

He said there was the urgency in implementing the National Charter for Administrative Devolution, emphasising ministries’ active roles in transferring powers to regional authorities.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments – each in their field of competence and within their specific powers as well as those shared with other stakeholders – are called upon to launch more ambitious programmes and initiatives within the framework of a national strategy for water conservation at the regional level.

 

“They are also expected to contribute to implementing that strategy through effective procedural measures.

 

“As regards the development of the transportation and mobility system for the achievement of integrated regional development, it is clear that this sector will quickly develop in the next few years.

 

“The reason for this is the growing dynamism of our country as a regional hub that attracts investment, not to mention the large-scale projects launched as part of our country’s preparations to host the 2030 football World Cup.

 

“Developing a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system has become a basic requirement for the achievement of integrated local and regional development.

 

“It is also a key entry point for reducing regional and social disparities,’’ he said.

 

To achieve this goal, the King urged regions and local governments to contribute to developing the sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in that regard.

 

He added that digital transition at the local and regional levels had become a requirement to keep pace with the technological revolution the world is witnessing today.

 

According to him, one can hardly imagine a regional or local development process without digital development, especially since digital technology has been playing an increasingly important role in the management of local and regional affairs.

 

Omar Morro, President of the Council of the Region of Tangan-Texoum-Al Houceima, said the slogan of the conference, “Advanced Regionalism between the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow”, was consistent with the constant concern of the Regional Councils.

 

Morro said that implementing and developing the first advanced project in nine years had revealed the basic opportunities and challenges that must be dealt with.

 

The President, Association of Regions of Morocco, Bouaida Mbarka, said the conference was an opportunity for participatory approach and collective interaction on the problems raised.

 

Mbarka said it was to identify the nature of the challenges posed in order to make the Moroccan experience a success and to come up with solid, realistic and achievable recommendations that meet the expectations of all actors.

 

The aim, according to her, is to achieve the programmes and projects that they aspired to in order to draw and develop the areas that are authorised by the regulatory law and to promote investment for job opportunities and employment.

 

“Our first and last goal remains to create a democratic dynamic that benefits the population within the framework of justice,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Drug Abuse, major threat to Nigeria’s security, stability –NGO
General News

Drug Abuse, major threat to Nigeria’s security, stability –NGO

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By Akpan Glory

The Standsafe Society Against Drugs and Substance Abuse (SSADASA), a non-governmental organisation, has called for urgent action to address drug abuse, noting its links to Nigeria’s broader development challenges.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Godwin Bebiem, identified drug abuse as a major driver of violence, insecurity, and socioeconomic difficulties across the country.

Citing a 2022 Statista report, Bebiem noted a huge rise in drug use and crime across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones between 2018 and 2019.

“Drug abuse has become a scourge that is deeply embedded in the fabric of our society.

“This has contributed to the alarming issues we see in our homes and communities today”.

Bebiem stressed the importance of a coordinated approach among security agencies.

He recommended that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conduct training for government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations (CSOs) on managing drug-related issues.

He also proposed the creation of a specialised taskforce to address the production, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.

Furthermore, Bebiem advocated for youth-focused initiatives, such as the ‘Catch Them Young’ programme, aimed at establishing anti-drug clubs in schools, motor parks, and other institutions.

He suggested that organisations like the NDLEA, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), and SSADASA lead these efforts.

Bebiem called for a nationwide survey to provide data-driven insights into drug-related issues and inform effective solutions.

He urged security agencies and CSOs to strengthen their outreach efforts through advocacy and public awareness campaigns.

He emphasised the importance of widespread advocacy involving government and private institutions, healthcare providers, and schools to prevent drug abuse, particularly among the youth.

“The prevention of drug abuse must begin with education and outreach at all levels of society,” he said.

Bebiem also called on the government to strengthen primary healthcare by providing counselling services at grassroots levels, training additional personnel.

He added that deploying them to primary health centres would help to address addiction more effectively.

On socioeconomic measures, he urged the federal and state governments to partner with international organisations and donor agencies for national campaigns and family support initiatives.

He further recommended the establishment of vocational training centres in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to empower unemployed individuals and reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse.

The executive director highlighted the importance of regulating social media, advocating for policies to censor harmful content.

He also called for greater parental supervision and the establishment of professional caregiving institutions to protect children from drug-related crimes and violence.

“One of the key recommendations in our last workshop was to regulate social media content while encouraging parents to monitor what their children consume online,” he explained.

Bebiem, however, called for a unified national response to address the drug abuse crisis.

“This is a critical call for help to all government agencies, organisations, and international partners.

“We must work together to create a safe and healthy society that fosters the development of our citizens and the nation as a whole,” he said.

He also stressed the need for a comprehensive five to 10 year strategic plan to address the security, health, and socioeconomic consequences of drug abuse in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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