News Agency of Nigeria
TEXEM offers digital innovation, intrapreneurship training for leaders
Economy/Business

TEXEM offers digital innovation, intrapreneurship training for leaders

 

These Executives Minds (TEXEM) is organizing a training programme for leaders on driving innovations and intrapreneirship to succeed in a digital age.

 

The programme scheduled for May 19 to May 22, is expected to bring together leaders concerned with evolving digital trends and remaining competitive and relevant.

 

 

“The forthcoming “Digital Innovation: Stimulating A Culture Of Intrapreneurship In A Digital Age” programme, taking place from 19th to 22nd May 2025 in Abu Dhabi, offers a transformative solution for leaders across all types of organisations.

 

“(It will) small local businesses, large indigenous conglomerates, government agencies, or NGOs. By focusing on strategic capabilities rather than mere functional expertise, this TEXEM programme equips participants with the tools to redefine their organisational futures and avoid the stagnation that comes with clinging to outdated practices.”

 

The programme will tackle three major challenges that undermine the progress of many organisations in Nigeria.

 

These are an overreliance on reactive approaches, where companies wait for market shifts to become critical before adapting; absence of structured intrapreneurship and the struggle to align digital initiatives with broader organisational goals.

 

By attending this training, leaders will learn to proactively identify and seize new opportunities, building a reservoir of strategic options rather than scrambling for last-minute solutions.

 

Secondly, it will establish systems and mindsets that nurture creativity and innovation at every level of the enterprise as well as offer approaches to synchronise digital investments with strategic objectives and ensuring maximum return on effort and resources.

 

Past delegates have shared their experiences from previous programmes. Anne Omezi, Director of ICT at NMDPRA, described it as “an enriching and transformative experience”, adding that she gained valuable insights and skills she is eager to apply.

 

Similarly, Niyi Toluwalope, CEO of eTranzact Group, praised the programme for its engaging nature and profound insights, stating, “It brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences.”

 

The cost of the programme is £5,500, discounted to £4,750, with a further reduction to £4,300 for those who complete payment on or before May 10.

 

This fee covers study materials and certification, offering lasting value that extends well beyond the four days in Abu Dhabi.

 

The faculty, which includes Dr T. B. (Mac) McClelland, Jr. on May 20, Prof. Rodria Laline on May 21, and Prof. John Peters on May 22, comprises thought leaders who have guided global organisations to success.

 

“Through interactive approaches such as case studies, peer-to-peer discussions, role play, and group work, participants will gain actionable insights to empower their teams, foster innovation, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

 

Their collective insights, coupled with a methodology that includes games, case studies, and peer-to-peer learning, promise an immersive experience that teaches the “how” of strategic innovation, not just the “what.”

(Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz)

Nnaji leads Climate-Smart Innovation drive at Commonwealth forum
Environment

Nnaji leads Climate-Smart Innovation drive at Commonwealth forum

By Emmanuel Jonathan

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, says Nigeria is at the forefront of climate resilience and food security innovation.

Nnaji communicated this while addressing the Commonwealth Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security at Marlborough House, London, UK.

Dr Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to minister, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said Nnaji outlined a comprehensive national strategy at the event.

Nnaji highlighted Nigeria’s bold initiatives to integrate innovation, climate finance and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change, land degradation and food insecurity.

The minister called for a global commitment to integrating some inherent challenges.

“We cannot afford to let climate inaction dictate our food security, science, technology and sustainable finance in tackling this future.”

Nnaji said that under the Nigeria Living Lands Initiative (NLLI), Nigeria was implementing cutting-edge solutions designed to mitigate environmental degradation while boosting agricultural productivity.

The minister listed some of the initiatives to include: “Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Land Restoration which aimed at restoring 50,000 hectares of degraded land across Nigeria while generating 2,000 dollars to 3,000 dollars per hectare in farmer income.

“Climate-Smart Greenhouses that establish a controlled environment farming to enable year-round crop production and ensure food stability despite changing weather conditions.

“Bamboo Value Chain Development to promote eco-friendly construction, carbon sequestration and sustainable livelihoods through bamboo cultivation.

“Methanol Fuel Production and Clean Cooking Initiative adoption to replace biomass and fossil fuel dependency by Expanding Low Pressure Compressed Natural Gas (LPCNG) which affects 90 per cent of Nigerian households.”

The minister also listed the Integrated Biodigester Network that transformed organic waste into biogas and fertilisers, reducing greenhouse emissions by 300,000 tonnes annually.

He said that the Integrated Biodigester Network also provided clean energy to no fewer than 10,000 households. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Economic competitiveness: FG strengthening access to finance, digital innovation – Minister
Economy/Business

Economic competitiveness: FG strengthening access to finance, digital innovation – Minister

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to enhance industrial expansion, ease access to funding and drive digital innovation to boost Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, said during the 2025 Renewed Hope Global Virtual Conference on Sunday.

Enoh highlighted ongoing efforts to improve export processing zones, enhance loan accessibility, and establish an industrial revolution task force.

Addressing concerns about challenges faced by small businesses in securing loans, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to easing financial access through the Bank of Industry (BOI).

“The BOI is one of our best-performing institutions, but I recognise the difficulties many small businesses face in meeting loan requirements, especially when dealing with commercial banks,” he said.

Enoh revealed ongoing discussions with the BOI to streamline loan access processes.

He also revealed an impending partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to facilitate loan disbursement to micro and small enterprises across the country.

“In the coming weeks, we hope to announce a partnership that will enable thousands of small business owners to access funding more easily,” he added.

The minister acknowledged that while some targets in oil and gas processing zones had not been fully met, the government remained committed to ensuring these zones contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Even though the goals may not have been met as initially intended, the focus of this administration is to ensure our export processing zones work efficiently and deliver value to the Nigerian people,” he said.

He announced the creation of an Industrial Revolution Work Group, comprising key industry stakeholders, government agencies, and private sector representatives, to drive industrial transformation.

“This workgroup is designed to function as a task force, bringing together agencies such as Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

“Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Ministry of Power, Finance, and Customs to address industrial challenges collectively,” he said.

He noted that the initiative was currently being fine-tuned, stressing that it would significantly advance Nigeria’s industrial sector, once fully operational.

The minister also highlighted the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative, domiciled in the BOI, as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s youth-driven digital and creative economy.

“iDICE is a 700 million dollar initiative backed by partners such as Afreximbank, the Islamic Development Bank, and a French financial institution.

“Its goal is to empower young innovators and creatives, ensuring they have access to funding and support for business expansion.”

He restated the federal government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert
Environment

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert

By Uche Anunne

An environmentalist, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says only partnership among countries and innovation into cleaner energies can save the climate from further devastating damage.

Onuigbo, former member of House of Representatives, said this on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The All Progressives Congress Chieftain represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and former chairman, House Committee on Climate Change.

“To save the environment and mitigate climate change, we have to collaborate, network and innovate. There is nothing any country can do alone.

“We must innovate and collaborate because anything that has to do with the environment is borderless,’’  Onuigbo said.

Onuigbo  sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act.

Climate change has been largely blamed for some of natural disasters including flooding, desertification, drought, and the recent wild fire that ravaged parts of California, U.S.

He said the recently concluded World Future Energy Summit and 15th International Renewable Energy (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, offered Africa can explore new areas of global partnership in renewable energy.

He said as the continent that bears the larger brunt of climate change, they also offered the continent the chance to deepen existing clean energy networks and investment opportunities.

Onuigbo said President Bola Tinubu had shown the desire for transition to clean energy such as his commitment to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project and liberalisation of the energy sector by signing the Electricity Act.

In June 2023, Tinubu, signed the Electricity Act 2023 (“The Act”), repealing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

The Act empowers state governments to participate in areas previously reserved for the federal government, particularly transmission and distribution.

“The Summit offered  Mr President the opportunity to speak to the world on investment opportunities in areas as CNG and electric vehicles, the Evergreen City. There are profound declarations,’’ he told NAN.

According to the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame, 2019-2023, Tinubu’s clean energy initiatives are yielding results as international investors are  showing interest in Nigeria’s lithium deposits to boost battery manufacturing.

He said there was a link among poverty, food security, diseases and climate change, saying mitigating the later would help in addressing the former.

For instance, he said, access to clean electricity would enhance economic activities and their attendant multiplier effects in families` income and wellbeing.

“You cannot talk about them in isolation. When there is desertification, drought—climate change impact has implications for sources of livelihood and this engenders poverty and insecurity’’, Onuigbo told NAN.

Onuigbo is a member representing South-East, Governing Board, and Chairman Committee  on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission(NEDC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

TEXEM organises programme on innovation for organisations 
General News

TEXEM organises programme on innovation for organisations 

By Hafsah Tilde

Abuja, Jan. 13, 2025(NAN) In today’s volatile world, where change is constant and uncertainty abounds, innovation and agility are indispensable for organisational survival.

Caroline Lucas, Director Special Projects, TEXEM Insights disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

She said TEXEM programme, Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully, was uniquely designed to help leaders integrate innovation into their leadership toolkit, enabling them to navigate complexity and foster organisational agility.

Lucas said the three-week programme, scheduled from Feb. 8 to 22, would be an immersive blend of virtual and live learning.

The programme provides leaders with an actionable roadmap to design resilient organisations capable of adapting to change while maintaining a competitive edge.

It begins with self-paced learning activities, where participants engage with videos, case studies, and reflection exercises on TEXEM’s interactive learning platform.

Points earned through these activities are displayed on a leaderboard, encouraging friendly competition and deeper engagement.

Weekly live sessions complement these activities, offering participants the opportunity to collaborate with globally recognised faculty, such as Ambassador Charles Crawford, Bradley Jones, and Dr. TB McClelland Jr.

Innovation takes centre stage in this programme. Leaders are challenged to rethink traditional business models and explore new ways of solving complex problems.

The live sessions provide actionable strategies for integrating innovation into daily leadership practices.

For instance, Ambassador Crawford’s expertise in communication helps leaders articulate a clear vision for change, fostering alignment and engagement across their teams.

His insights into influencing stakeholders empower participants to garner support for innovative initiatives, even in environments where resistance to change may be high.

Bradley Jones adds strategic depth to the programme by introducing decision-making frameworks that emphasise adaptability.

Participants learn how to assess risks and opportunities, enabling them to make informed decisions in uncertain contexts.

For example, Jones highlights how scenario planning can help organisations anticipate market shifts and adjust their strategies accordingly.

By equipping participants with these tools, the programme ensures leaders can navigate volatility with confidence.

Dr TB McClelland Jr. focuses on the cultural dimensions of innovation.

His sessions explore how leaders can create environments that encourage experimentation and risk-taking.

Participants examine real-world examples of organisations that have successfully embedded innovation into their cultures, identifying lessons that can be applied to their own contexts.

For instance, McClelland emphasises the importance of psychological safety in fostering creativity, showing leaders how to build trust and encourage diverse perspectives.

A hallmark of the TEXEM programme is its emphasis on actionable learning.

Participants engage in scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world challenges, such as managing high operational costs or navigating regulatory uncertainty.

These exercises encourage participants to apply the principles of innovation and agility to design effective solutions.

For instance, leaders might be tasked with developing a strategy to reduce costs without compromising product quality, using tools introduced during the programme.

The focus on agility is particularly timely in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Leaders are encouraged to adopt iterative approaches to strategy development, enabling them to respond swiftly to changing conditions.

By learning to pivot effectively, participants gain the confidence to make bold decisions that drive growth and resilience.

Stakeholder engagement is another critical theme of the programme.

Leaders gain tools to build coalitions and inspire their teams, ensuring that innovative strategies are supported at all levels of the organisation.

Ambassador Crawford’s sessions provide practical frameworks for influencing stakeholders, helping participants align diverse interests around a shared vision.

By the end of the programme, participants leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to embed innovation and agility into their leadership practices.

They gain actionable tools to drive change, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

More importantly, they develop the confidence to lead their organisations through uncertainty, ensuring long-term success.

Testimonials from the previous delegates underscore TEXEM’s successes:

“I found TEXEM UK to be a very impactful and high powered platform. I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, and I believe that TEXEM UK is redefining the future of executive training and management. In the past few days, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about how to push our teams even in an economic downturn, and how to manage for profitability and improve performance.” – Amina Yuguga, Journalist and Group Head for Documentaries and Features for Media Trust Group

“The programme was incredibly engaging, offering profound insights from exceptional facilitators. It brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences” – Niyi Toluwalope, Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Group.

“A key takeaway for me is that fear is our greatest enemy, and conquering it empowers us to achieve anything. I also appreciated the opportunity to network with fellow participants from home that I hadn’t met before. Learning from Cadbury’s resilience and longevity in business was particularly inspiring, as it exemplifies how organizations can thrive despite disruptions. Thank you, TEXEM, for this enriching experience.” – Ann Iyonu, Executive Director, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The TEXEM programme is more than a learning experience; it is a strategic investment in leadership excellence.

By focusing on innovation and agility, participants are equipped to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve transformational results.

For leaders ready to redefine their organisations’ futures, this programme offers the tools and insights to thrive in a volatile world.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

TEXEM tasks leaders on innovation
General News

TEXEM tasks leaders on innovation

 

By Muhyideen Jimoh

TEXEM, one of the UK’s pre-eminent consulting firms focusing on Africa, has tasked Nigerian leaders to embrace innovation as a critical skill for navigating today’s volatile world.

This was disclosed during a training session themed, “Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully led by Faculty member, Amb. Charles Crawford, Bradley Jones, and Dr TB McClelland Jr.

The training was designed to equip leaders with the tools they need to foster innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

According to them, innovation lies at the heart of the programme, adding that participants explored how to integrate creative problem-solving into their leadership strategies through interactive sessions.

“They learn how to identify growth opportunities, optimise resources, and foster collaboration across their organisations.

They said that scenario-based exercises might illustrate how to navigate regulatory changes while maintaining operational efficiency, adding that testimonials from the previous delegates underscore TEXEM’s successes.

“By the end of the programme, leaders are equipped with the tools and confidence to drive transformational change.

“They leave with a clear understanding of how to foster innovation, achieve strategic goals, and build organisations that thrive in uncertain environments,” they said.

One of the participants, Amina Yuguga, Journalist and Group Head for Documentaries and Features, Media Trust Group, described TEXEM UK to be a very impactful and high powered platform.

“I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, and I believe that TEXEM UK is redefining the future of executive training and management.

“In the past few days, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about how to push our teams even in an economic downturn, and how to manage for profitability and improve performance,” she said.

Also, Niyi Toluwalope, Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Group, said the programme was incredibly engaging, offering profound insights from exceptional facilitators.

According to him, it brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

 

Why media must embrace innovation- NAN MD
General News

Why media must embrace innovation- NAN MD

 

By Mufutau Ojo

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has called on media owners to embrace innovation in their editorial operations.

 

Ali made the call on Tuesday in a goodwill message at a retreat organised by the management of Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat had as theme: ” Voice of Nigeria in the 21st Century : Restrategising for Global Impact.”

 

According to Ali, the theme of the retreat is apt given the myriads of challenges facing the Nigerian media.

 

He identified the challenges to include limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, widespread disinformation as well as limited access to digital technologies and internet connectivity.

 

“These are benumbing challenges, but certainly not unsurmountable if we deploy our creative ingenuity and will power, ” he added.

 

He recalled the two retreats organised early into the life of his administration, saying they defined the direction of management’s programmes.

 

“One telling lesson from both retreats we had was the inevitability of innovation in an increasingly shrinking media space marked by convergence and Artificial Intelligence.

 

“Indeed, we dare say that the future is already here! We must hearken to the clarion call: “Innovate or die!,” he said.

 

He urged participants at the retreat to ruminate on strategies that will put VON in sturdy position for global impact.

 

Ali also called on participants to “think outside of the box, innovate without restraint and collaborate seamlessly to ensure a positive outcome.”

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era
Science & Tech

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof.  Sammy Chumbow, has urged African scientists to lay foundations for a new science and technology era using innovation and research.

Chumbow made the call on Friday in his closing remarks at the 7th ASRIC Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

He said the transition into a scientific era as Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 has ended and Africa was set to adopt the policy strategy of STISA 2024.

Chumbow said, “The strategy aims to guide the continent’s STI development over the next decade.

“Therefore, African scientists should harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to demands for STI in different sectors.

They include:  Agriculture, energy, environment, health and security, among others.

STISA-2034 will build on the successes of its predecessor, STISA-2024, and address emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s STI landscape.

STISA-2034 was validated by the African stakeholders in STI in November 2024 and will be endorsed at the AU Summit in February 2025.

The chairman stated that this development marked a significant milestone in Africa’s quest to harness the power of science which should be tapped into by African scientists.

Chumbow added that the strategy would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of African countries, which should foster a united approach by African scientists to STI development on the continent.

He also called on the council’s Bureau to study the objectives and mandates of ASRIC guidelines so as to sharpen their focus on initiatives that produce continental and regional STI development.

Chumbow urged the bureau’s members not to lose touch with research institutions and university officials and to adopt the principles of focal point so as to make a difference in their fields.

The Executive Director, African Union Scientific and Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC) and ASRIC, Dr Ahmed Hamdy, in his closing remarks, said entering another transition period marks a major shift in innovations.

“Coming forward from where we are where the changes are so obvious, entering a period of major transition globally. We are facing several challenges spanning from climate change, emerging diseases among others.

“Let us as scientists look at each of these challenges separately to have a better understanding of how best we can tackle them using STI,’’ he said.

Hamdy said that the challenges of global change required a transition not only in society but also in the scientific community which scientists should rise up to.

“Global change poses unprecedented challenges to scientific and policy communities, a kind that cannot be tackled using existing conceptual frameworks and methods.

“They are likely to change how we live and relate with each other and scientists should rise to the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

ASRIC chair urges members to commit 1% GDP to research, dev’t
Foreign

ASRIC chair urges members to commit 1% GDP to research, dev’t

Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof. Sammy Chumbow, has called on governments of African member states to commit 1 per cent of their nations’ GDP to fund research and development.

Chumbow, the President of Cameroon Academy of Sciences, made the call on Wednesday in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in an acceptance speech after emerging as the chairman of ASRIC, making him the third elected chairman of the council.

The newly elected ASRIC chair stated that African leaders ought to devote more resources and funds to the development of Science, Technology and Innovation in their countries.

NAN reports that Chumbow, a national of Cameroun, contested with representatives from Senegal and Zimbabwe and he emerged as chairman of ASRIC with 15 votes from 22 voting member countries.

He said that science and technology policies, which would improve research and innovation across the continent, called for cooperation among scientists in the continent.

Chumbow promised to work with the team of ASRIC Assistant Chairs to ensure African countries invest in capacity building.

He called for improvements in the area of innovation policy development and promotion of regional innovation policy.

Chumbow also pledged to use his office to follow through with implementing the policy document of STISA-2024 and address the aspirations identified under the Agenda 2063.

Emphasising the need for increased funding for Research and Development (R&D), he added that funding  for R&D was geared towards long-term success in any economy.

“The reality of insufficient funding has never been more apparent than during the recent Coronavirus Pandemic.

“African countries must increase their spending on STI to at least 1% of their national budgets to achieve success that can place Africa on the global map,’’ the chairman said.

Chumbow also stressed the need for capacity building for researchers and potential innovators in the continent.

According to him, increased investment in Science, Engineering and Entrepreneurship skills training would improve R&D outputs.

He said, “Capacity building would address low science infrastructure in African countries and ensure progress in the area of STI in Africa.”

Prof. Ekanem Braide, the outgoing President of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) also recommended approaching NGO’s, funding agencies dedicated to funding both public and private R&D to improve ASRIC’s activities.

She stated that funding played a key role in the implementation of ASRIC innovative activities.

“At the regional level, we need to approach and dialogue with African regional bodies, NGO’s, INGO’s to also invest in developing regional innovation strategies.

“This is so ASRIC can pursue and achieve its mandates and implement its flagship projects such as the impactful hepatitis project and other projects,” she said.

NAN reports that the winners of the first, second, third and fourth Vice Chairs of ASRIC were: Prof. Vasey Mwaja, Prof. Francis Agyeni, Dr Thabile Ndolovu and Prof. Khaled Ghedira, respectively. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria, China strengthen bilateral ties to drive economic development, Innovation
Economy/Business

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

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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