NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Production: Prioritise reforms to enhance infrastructure — Expert

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

There is a need for the Federal Government to prioritise reforms that enhance infrastructure, financing, security, and ease of doing business to make Nigeria’s economy more conducive for production.

Mr Benjamin Ekeyi, a Public Finance Management Expert said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

Ekeyi, who is also an expert on governance, said the Federal Government should improve infrastructure by investing in stable electricity generation and distribution to reduce reliance on expensive diesel and generators.

According to him, the government should also enhance transportation networks, including roads, rail systems, and ports, to reduce production costs.

Ekeyi said that there was also need for the Federal Government to expand broadband access and ensure affordable internet for businesses to enhance efficiency and market access.

To enhance security for businesses, he said the government must tackle challenges like banditry, kidnappings, and oil theft to protect investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.

“There is a need to stabilise macroeconomic policies by reducing inflation, ensuring stable exchange rates and ensuring effective monetary policies.

“The Federal Government should provide clear fiscal policies that encourage production rather than excessive taxation or policy uncertainty.”

On improving access to finance, Ekeyi said the Federal Government should give low-interest loans and grants for businesses, particularly Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and manufacturers, through structured government-backed financing schemes.

He added that the government should strengthen development finance institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI), Development Bank, and NEXIM Bank, among others, to support producers.

Ekeyi emphasised the need to enhance local production and industrialisation by implementing import-substitution strategies that support local manufacturing, thereby reducing dependence on foreign goods.

According to him, the government should offer tax incentives and reduce bureaucracy for businesses producing locally.

“Encourage value addition in sectors like agriculture, mining, and oil and gas rather than exporting raw materials.”

Ekeyi suggested that the government strengthens agricultural productivity by providing modern equipment, improved seedlings, and mechanisation incentives, while also developing storage and distribution networks to reduce post-harvest losses.

“There should be support for agro-industrial zones where farmers can process and add value to their produce.”

The expert said the Federal Government should revamp the oil and gas sector by fully operationalising local refineries, including the Dangote and NNPC refineries, to stop excessive fuel imports.

“Strengthen the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to attract more investment into oil exploration, refining and gas utilisation.”

On improving the ease of doing business, he said the government should reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in business registration, taxation and compliance.

“Regulatory processes should be digitised to cut corruption and delays in business operations, and implement one-stop business hubs to simplify permits and approvals for industries.”

Ekeyi urged the government to boost funding for research and development in universities, polytechnics, and private firms.

He emphasised the importance of supporting the tech and startup ecosystem to enhance innovation and job creation, as well as promoting local content policies that encourage businesses to source inputs locally.

“A pro-business economic environment requires a holistic approach that tackles infrastructure deficits, insecurity, financing barriers, and regulatory inefficiencies.

“By addressing these challenges, the government can stimulate production, create jobs, attract investments, and boost economic growth sustainably,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

NCDC Bill ‘ll address infrastructural challenges in North Central – Sen. Mustapha

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By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Saliu Mustapha (APC – Kwara Central), has stated that the newly signed North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Bill will help address the region’s infrastructural challenges.

Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu had signed the bill into law on Tuesday, officially establishing the NCDC.

Mustapha expressed satisfaction with the development, noting that the North Central region now joined other geopolitical zones in having a dedicated regional development commission aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits and fostering sustainable growth.

According to him, with the signing of the bill into law, President Tinubu has demonstrated a commitment to equitable national development.

He also extended his gratitude to the governors of the North Central states, particularly Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, for their political support in ensuring the successful passage of the bill.

Mustapha further acknowledged the role played by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in making the vision of the commission a reality.

“The establishment of the commission is a significant milestone in our region’s history

“It will serve as a catalyst for development, addressing the unique challenges facing the zone, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security, and economic growth.

“I am confident that this commission will bring lasting benefits to our people,” Mustapha said.

NAN reports that similar bills for regional development commissions have already been signed into law for the South-West, North-West, and South-East regions by President Tinubu..(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG invested N89.2bn on infrastructure, schools in Bwari – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike says President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has spent more than N89.2 billion on provision of roads infrastructure and schools in Bwari Area Council.

Wike, who disclosed this while inaugurating the five-kilometre Gaba – Tokulo road in Bwari Area Council on Friday, said that the amount was spent in the last 12 months.

He explained that N7 billion was spent on the five-kilometre Gaba – Tokulo Road, while N27 billion on the rehabilitation of Dutse to Bwari Road.

The Minister added that N28 billion was spent on the ongoing dualisation of Ushafa to War College Road, and N27 billion on rehabilitation and construction of schools in Bwari.

He identified the schools as Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, Government Secondary School (GSS), Bwari, and GSS Ushafa, a new school.

Others, he said, were GSS Dei Dei, GSS Kubwa, and GSS Jibi.

He said that the Gaba – Tokulo road was initiated through a stakeholder engagement.

“The people of Bwari said that they wanted this road and to the glory of God, we awarded the contract in January 2024, and today, we are inaugurating the completed project.

“In 2024, through President Tinubu’s directive, we said that we are going to construct one road in each area council.

“I want to say that since Monday, we have been inaugurating road projects, and we will conclude this exercise tomorrow.

“That is to show that we have been able to touch all the area councils since the inception of the Tinubu-led administration,” he said.

Wike said that the residents also asked for police stations, adding that the two Police Divisional offices under construction would be ready in May to enhance security in the area.

He added that the FCT Administration had made provisions in the 2025 budget for every area council to have at least one more road project.

He promised the residents that the Gaba – Tokilo Road would be extended to Kawu, a border community with Kaduna State, as requested by Council Chairman, Mr John Gabaya.

He directed the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu to capture the road extension in the FCT 2025 budget.

He also directed the contractor that executed the project, Sectraco Nigeria ltd, to install streetlights on the road from Gaba to Tokulo.

Also, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that all the projects executed in the FCT, was a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to improve the lives of rural residents.

This, she said, would enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.

“This is more than just infrastructure; it is a pathway to progress and prosperity,” Mahmoud said.

The STDD coordinator also said that the road would enhance the rural economy and promote development of small and medium scale enterprises.

Zulkiflu equally said that the road would improve connectivity and the security of the area.

On his part, the council chairman thanked Wike for the ongoing transformation of satellite towns, saying, “FCT rural communities never had it this good.”

Gabaya described the minister as an “embodiment of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He commended Wike for constructing the Gaba to Tokulu Road, saying that his father was kidnapped twice on that road.

He appealed to the Minister to further extend the road to connect with the Kawu community, covering 10 to 11 kilometres.

He also urged Wike to equally consider constructing the road from Murtala Mohammed Expressway via Kubwa to the Nigeria Law School, Bwari. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, China strengthen bilateral ties to drive economic development, Innovation

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on driving economic development, infrastructure growth, and technological innovation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said this at the Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership Forum Roundtable in Abuja on Monday.

Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director, Economic and Trade Infrastructure Department (ETID), said that the relationship between the two nations had evolved significantly over the years.

He reiterated the importance of the recently established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries, adding that the partnership would strengthen trade, investment, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.

“The establishment of this partnership marks a milestone in the relations between our two countries.

“It is an opportunity for us to collaborate more extensively in key areas like infrastructure development, trade, investment, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

The minister further assured participants that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to facilitate closer cooperation with Chinese counterparts and relevant stakeholders.

He said that efforts would be intensified, to ensure that projects under the new partnership were successfully implemented.

Also speaking, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, expressed optimism about the future of the two nations’ economic collaboration.

According to Tegbe, the relationship between Nigeria and China has been built on mutual respect, shared goals, and the pursuit of joint development for over 50 years.

“Over the years, we have seen significant progress in areas like infrastructure, trade, energy, health and education.

“Our relationship is not just about economic growth, but also about creating opportunities that will benefit both countries and the people,” he said

He emphasised the critical role of strategic coordination between both governments, adding that sectors like agriculture, mining, alternative energy, and healthcare would receive priority attention under the partnership.

He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing industrialisation and moving towards a net-export position, positioning China as a key partner in this effort.

Mr Zhang Liang, Head of the Chinese delegation and Secretary-General of the LVY Road International Cooperation Center, expressed China’s firm support for strengthening the bilateral relationship.

According to him, China and Nigeria have a shared vision for development and prosperity, thus the need to deepen collaboration.

“China and Nigeria, as two major developing countries, have long respected each other and worked together to achieve common progress.

“With our strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership, we are confident that we can usher in a new era of cooperation, benefiting not only our nations but also the broader Global South,” Liang stated.

He restated the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which had elevated China-Nigeria relations and opened new avenues for collaboration.

Liang also praised the China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Conference, which provided Nigerian and Chinese businesses a platform to engage in fruitful discussions aimed at advancing trade and investment.

He, therefore, encouraged the facilitation of in-depth negotiations, strengthened cooperation and early implementation of projects to achieve the goals of both countries.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi , said that Nigeria sought deeper cooperation with China in agriculture, mining, renewable energy and technology sectors, among others.

According to Rimi, Nigeria has enacted various policies to enable it to attract investments and promote responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade and investment growth.

He urged the Chinese businesses to view Nigeria as an ideal investment destination, emphasising its position as Africa’s largest economy and a gateway to other regions.

He therefore expressed hope that the forum would foster stronger relations between the two nations and lead to fruitful discussions on strategic partnerships and investments.

Mr Khalil Halilu, Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said that the presence of over 20 Chinese companies at the forum was a testament of the opportunities in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of both countries.

The Director-General, Rural Electrification Energy of Nigeria, Mr Abba Aliyu, while stating the mandate of the agency, also expressed confidence in the collaboration with China.

He said that the agency signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China during President Bola Tinubu’s visit, adding that the agency had begun the process of implementation of the projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by government officials, Heads of Agencies, representatives of companies from Nigeria and China, stakeholders, and partners among others. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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