NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Religious

Hajj commission gets new Secretary

263 total views today

 

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appointed Dr Mustapha Ali as the new Secretary of the Commission.

 

This is according to a statement by Shafii Sani, Principal Information Officer of the commission on Friday in Abuja.

 

Sani said that Ali’s appointment followed the voluntary resignation of the former secretary,  Dr Abdullahi Rabi’u Kontagora, after which Alhaji Alidu Shutti took over in acting capacity.

 

“Dr Mustapha Ali emerged successful after meeting the requirements advertised by the commission on its website and other media channels.

 

“His subsequent appointment was endorsed by the 5th Board of the NAHCON after its meeting on Feb. 26 in accordance with Section 8 of the NAHCON Establishment Act (2006),” he said.

 

He said that Ali’s appointment had ensured that North East was now represented in the NAHCON board.

 

Sani said that the new secretary’s experience as former Executive Secretary of Borno state Pilgrims Board was an added advantage.

 

“Ali, born in Yerwa in Maiduguri, Borno State,  will serve as secretary of the commission for a period of four years renewable after the first tenure.

 

“He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree both in Islamic Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and Administration, a Diploma in Computer Application and Internet, and Executive Life Manager Certificate.

 

“He attended University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano and  the University College for Islamic Call, Tripoli, Libya where he excelled in his field of studies,” Sani said.

 

He said that the new NAHCON secretary also attended the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, Yaysib Computer Institute and Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology Maiduguri.

 

“His responsibilities as new Secretary of the commission include keeping records, conducting correspondences, and serving as secretary at all meetings of the commission.

 

“He will also ensure effective reporting of the commission’s activities to the relevant authorities.

 

“The new secretary will see to the maintenance of the register of licensed Hajj operators, facilitation of publication of the commission’s regulations and coordination of the commission’s standard of performance.

 

“It is expected that Ali’s appointment will bring additional value to the commission,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Metro

FG’s economic reforms will yield positive result- VC

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has predicted that the various economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government will soon yield positive results.

 

Speaking at the school’s second edition of its Public Lecture on Thursday in Abuja, Adedimeji said the reforms would soon have a multiplier effect on the economy.

 

“One of the things that we see in the economy now is that the currency is gaining more value against the dollar. We can also see that the price of fuel has reduced.

 

“So the only hope is that there will be a reflection of that in the remaining sectors of the economy.

 

“The optics are good as they stand, and one has every reason to be confident that Nigeria’s economy will pick up as a result of the reforms the Federal Government has put in place,” he said.

 

Adedimeji explained that the lecture was organised to draw insights from other parts of the world to advance Nigeria’s economy.

 

“The primary problems that human beings face are economic in nature; what to eat, what to wear, and where to live.

 

“As a way of advancing discourse on solving our economic problems and addressing our economic challenges, we brought in an Irish economist to talk to us about ways to solve these issues,” he said.

 

Susan HayesCulleton, from Ulster University, Northern Ireland, while delivering her lecture on “Economic Growth Models: The Ireland Experience”, urged Nigeria to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of its people to foster economic growth.

 

HayesCulleton said it was time for Nigeria to learn from Ireland by improving the efficiency of businesses to make them more sustainable.

 

She added that partnerships were also essential to overcoming the challenges of a changing environment while building international relationships.

 

“The Irish people and the Irish business culture look outward and engage with their diaspora, and Nigeria has a huge capacity to do the same.

 

“They can also achieve this by enabling people to become proficient in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance website development, e-commerce, and other business ventures.

 

“So there are plenty of opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its population and, of course, collaborate with Ireland for mutual benefit,” she said.

 

She encouraged Nigeria to embrace AI in developing sustainable energy sources by upskilling its people to provide solutions to emerging challenges.

 

“A significant challenge that we face as business leaders in relation to AI is twofold.

 

“First, energy consumption, we need to develop more sustainable energy sources to power AI operations.

 

“Secondly, we must ensure that people are adequately upskilled to manage and maximise the potential of AI.

 

“AI is a new development, but we must consider how we can build our capacity to train AI while also strategically and ethically integrating it into our businesses.

 

“In addition, we need to align technological advancements with workforce productivity so that society as a whole benefits,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Foreign

S/Arabia donates 100 tonnes of dates to Nigeria

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By Mark Longyen

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated 100 tonnes of dates to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of its annual humanitarian relief efforts.

 

A statement from the Saudi Embassy on Monday indicated that the donation to Nigeria is a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

 

It said that Amb. Faisal Al-Ghamdi, the ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Nigeria, donated the dates during an official ceremony.

 

The kingdom conveyed its commitment to humanitarian causes.

 

The embassy said the initiative was facilitated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) in support of vulnerable Nigerian families and in an effort to strengthen the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

 

The statement said that the envoy “expressed his profound gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Saud for their unwavering support in providing aid to Muslims and underserved communities worldwide.”

 

It quoted Al-Ghamdi as emphasising that Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering Islamic solidarity and providing relief to those in need.

 

“Ambassador Al-Ghamdi explained that this year’s distribution included 50 tonnes of dates for Abuja and another 50 tons for Kano, continuing Saudi Arabia’s tradition of assisting Nigeria through humanitarian donations,” the statement indicated.

 

According to the embassy, the donation represented the Kingdom’s broader mission to uplift Muslim communities, alleviate suffering, and promote unity, particularly during significant religious periods such as Ramadan.

It assured the Federal Government that it would, in collaboration with local authorities and humanitarian organisations, ensure the proper distribution of the dates so that the items get to the most vulnerable families across Nigeria.

 

Al-Ghamdi reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria across multiple sectors, but with especial attention to humanitarian and Islamic affairs.

 

“The Kingdom’s continued efforts in supporting food security and welfare initiatives exemplify its role as a global leader in charitable and humanitarian endeavours.

 

“Through its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its contributions to international humanitarian causes, highlighting its dedication to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide,” the statement said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saudi Arabia has been a longstanding partner in providing humanitarian aid to nations across the globe, including Nigeria.

 

NAN further reports that the donation to Nigeria further reinforces the commitments and underscores the depth of the decades-long partnership between the two countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yash

General News

FG seeks liberal visa regime for Nigerian coys

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called for a more liberal visa regime for Nigerian companies seeking to establish businesses in foreign countries.

 

The minister made the call in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when he represented President Bola Tinubu at a meeting with executive members of the Nigerian community in Ethiopia.

 

The Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, said in a statement in Abuja that the meeting held on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government.

 

Idris, according to the statement, said it was only fair for other countries to reciprocate Nigeria’s gesture in providing an enabling environment for foreign companies to invest and operate.

 

“Last year, I was representing Nigeria in Indonesia and I found out that about 50 big Indonesian companies are operating in Nigeria, but we do not have up to five Nigerian companies operating in Indonesia.

 

“If they want to come to our country to trade because of our population and ability to purchase their goods and services, then there should also be that reciprocal arrangement where Nigerians are also given their rightful place,” he said.

 

On the Ethiopian government’s cancellation of the e-visa and visa-on-arrival options for Nigerian travellers, Idris gave an assurance that the matter would be handed over to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for appropriate diplomatic engagement.

 

While acknowledging the concerns raised by Nigerians in Ethiopia, the minister emphasised that visa policies among nations were typically based on the principle of reciprocity.

 

He stressed the need for balanced and mutually beneficial agreements.

 

Idris, however, urged Nigerians living abroad to consistently demonstrate good conduct and responsible citizenship in order to promote the image of the country to the outside world.

 

“We don’t allow bad people to represent us and that’s where you come in.

 

” You are the ones who are here and if you don’t represent us well, there is no way we will look good,” he said.

 

The minister said the current administration had achieved a lot in revamping the economy through provision of infrastructure, curbing insecurity and the restoration of investor confidence.

 

Idris said Nigeria recently secured $1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment for the establishment of drug and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.

 

He said this significant investment marked the beginning of Nigeria’s medical industrialisation by positioning the country as a key player in pharmaceutical production.

 

According to him, this will reduce dependency on imports, create jobs and strengthen the nation’s healthcare sector.

 

The minister said about N32 billion had been disbursed to students under the Students Loan Scheme in less than 250 days.

 

This, he said, was to ensure that no student was denied access to quality education due to lack of funds.

 

Idris, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the nation’s security challenges, disclosed that security forces neutralised 8,000 terrorists and bandits, rescued 8,000 kidnapped victims and recorded 11,600 arrests in 2024.

 

The minister also stated that the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, once notorious for criminal activities, had now been successfully cleared of criminal elements.

 

He said the improved security on the route had brought significant relief to commuters.

 

According to him, reform is usually a very difficult task and there is a gradual progression toward prosperity for all as promised by the president.

 

The statement quoted the President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, Mr Muideen Alimi, as saying that a workshop was underway in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

 

The workshop, he said, would focus on enhancing economic development through intra-African trade.

 

He urged Nigerians to support the plan to set up the African Central Bank as well as have a strong presence in the African Remittance Agency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Perpetua Onuegbu/Mufutau Ojo)

General News

No Nigerian pilgrim will miss 2025 Hajj – Shettima

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured that no Nigerian intending pilgrim will miss the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Shettima stated this during a meeting with the Management and Board of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Monday Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima summoned the meeting following the reported contractual dispute between NAHCON and Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, which may lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.

The Vice-President also emphasised that the 2025 Hajj operations would be hitch free.

Shettima directed the leadership of NAHCON to take all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and unhindered pilgrimage for all the nation’s intending pilgrims.

“We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly,” Shettima assured.

He directed NAHCON leadership to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.

“NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance.

“From now on, we must have to set the right standards, move in the right direction and have a hitch-free Hajj exercise.”

On the purported contract cancellation with the Saudi-based company, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Saleh Usman, reassured Nigerians that the issue would not affect the pilgrimage.

“There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman said.

He also dismissed allegations by the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions that the contract dispute could truncate the 2025 Hajj operations.

NAN recalls that the Forum through its Secretary, Abubakar Salihu, had raised concern over the cancellation of the service provider contract by the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Saleh Usman.

The forum argued that thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims might not perform the 2025 Hajj due to the cancellation of service provider contract by NAHCON leadership. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni
Economy/Business

Nigeria’s trade growth hits 20.7% in 2024 – NEPC

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JBy Vivian Emoni

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said that the country’s trade volume reached 7.2 metric tons in 2024, with a 20.7 per cent increase in value, totaling 5.45 billion dollars.

Dr Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, said this on Monday in Abuja during the presentation of the 2025 roadmap organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

“In terms of value, we grew by 20.7 per cent to 5.45 billion dollars, and we are now represented in 126 countries.

“This is a clear indication that Nigeria is making significant progress.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is making a positive impact, and our efforts are showing results.

“We expect even better performance in 2025 as we continue to strengthen our drive,” he said.

Ayeni highlighted that the NEPC’s mandate was to diversify the nation’s economy dependency on oil by promoting non-oil exports.

She reiterated the council’s commitment to build the capacity of exporters, from the farm gate to market access.

“We are dedicated to working with exporters, improving their capacity in good agricultural practices, and ensuring we achieve the council’s mandate,” Ayeni said.

She said in 2024, the NEPC conducted about 629 capacity building programmes across the country, partnering with development organisations and agencies.

According to Ayeni, the council is working across all borders, from the North to the South and West, to mainstream export efforts.

“By mainstreaming these initiatives, we aim to increase the volume and value of non-oil exports, which will, in turn, help to build the capacity of exporters.

“We also want to offer international certifications to our exporters free of charge, enabling them to access niche markets and sell their products globally,” she said.

Ayeni emphasised the NEPC’s focus on connecting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with experienced exporters, offering training in various skill programmes.

“Our commitment to these efforts will significantly contribute to increasing the volume and value of Nigeria’s non-oil exports,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

Patients from US, others throng Nigeria hospitals – Shettima

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says patients from the United States (US) and other countries are thronging Nigeria hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.

Shettima said this on Thursday, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.

According to the Vice-President, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism.

Shettima attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment, to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.

He stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.

” Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, because it is much cheaper here.

“They received the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President commended Dr Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care.

Shettima described Olatise as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

The Vice-President, however, noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom he said, sold their houses or rely on government support to afford the transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties.

“Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice-President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother.

” They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

” Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno as Governor, he took 60 female students to study Medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams.

” Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr Olatise said that the conference with the theme, “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from Feb.19 to Feb. 21.

Olatise, who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, announced plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award.

This, according to him, is in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country.

” He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.

” This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

Other members of the delegation included Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the association’s Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Agriculture

WFP earmarks $2.5bn for hunger, malnutrition in Nigeria

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By Felicia Imohimi

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says it has budgeted 2.5 billion dollars in the 2023 to-2027  Nigeria Country Strategy Plans (CSP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is geared towards achieving zero hunger and improved nutrition across the country.

Mr Seriene Loum, Head of Programme, WFP said this at the Co-creation workshop organised by the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop is in collaboration with National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA).

Loum, who represented WFP Country Director, said WFP strategic goal was to ensure a world without hunger in line with the SDG 1 and 2 on poverty and zero hunger.

He said the organisation would work closely with member states of United Nations including Nigeria to mobilise resources to fully implement the programmes.

“WFP Nigeria CSP 2023 t0 2027 a five-year project has a dedicated activity for strengthening institutional capacities and enhanced enabling environment in line with national target to achieve zero hunger by 2030.

“The project focus on food technology, fortification of  supply chain management, improving nutrition and emergency preparedness responses.

“2023 to 2027 have five pillars and each of them focus on zero hunger and improved nutrition.

“We have  some interventions that focus  on emergency response, making sure that people will not go to bed  hungry which are lifesaving activities that aim to provide immediate food assistant to people that are in need,’’ he said.

Loum identified Nigeria as operating one of the biggest social safety nets programme in Africa.

He said it was also encouraging that Nigeria had an ambitious safety nets programme target at uplifting hundreds of millions of its populace out of poverty.

He  said: “considering the current economic trend and level of vulnerabilities in Nigeria, the Cadre Harmonised (CH) result of October 2024 reveals that about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure and projected to reach 33 million between June to August 2025.

“It is therefore expedient that all stakeholders, most especially WFP, need to work together with the Federal Government for this very ambitious goal to be achieved,’’ he said.

Also, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, NSIPA said the seminar was meant to harness collective expertise and resources to achieve meaningful impact in the lives of Nigerians.

Represented by Mrs Uche Obi, Director, Human Resources Management, he commended WFP for its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

According to her, WFP partnership is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the shared vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous society.

“The NSIP launched in 2016, elevated to a full-fledged Agency in 2023 has made significant strides in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

“Through various programmes, including the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (NCTO), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) and N-Power, we have reached millions of Nigerians.

“We are providing them with opportunities for economic empowerment, education, and improved well-being .

“The WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition and emergency response will be invaluable in enhancing our programmes and achieving greater impact.

“This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing our nation,’’ he said.

He said WFP’s support had made it possible for the Federal Government to pull stakeholders in meaningful discussions and in shaping the future of their partnership.

“Your investment in this partnership is a testament to your commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people,’’ he said. (NAN)  www.nannews.ng

Edited by Uche Anunne

Defence/Security

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

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By Muhammad Tijjani
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would meet the demands of the military and other security agencies.

Matawalle said this at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director-General’s
(D-G) Productivity Award ceremony on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu has paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

Matawalle emphasised that the defence ministry would continue to limit procurements outside the country.

The minister said, “Any requirements of the military or other security agencies have to come to DICON for supply.

“Before now, we send our money to other countries, devalue our currency which makes the dollar go higher because we don’t have a productivity plan.

“Today, we thank God that with the leadership of the DICON’s director-general, the industry is seeing a lot of changes.”

Matawalle said that DICON would reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition.

He said he earlier never believed that DICON could produce 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military.

“Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition.

“We  will also be producing other military equipments like MRAPs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other equipment for the military and paramilitary agencies,” he added.

Matawalle said the end-of-year celebration and  productivity award was supposed to be held annually so as to engender motivation to the staffers.

He commended the director-general, his management staff and other workers for their dedication and  hard work.

Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Maj.-Gen. Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.

Edet said that DICON was established with the mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.

He, however, said the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.

Over the decades, he said, DICON had evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of the armed forces.

“Initially focused on the production of small arms and ammunition, we adapted to address the increasingly complex and contemporary threats facing our nation.

“As the landscape of defence technology and industry expanded, so too did our scope, including venturing into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,”he said.

Edet said the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges.

In spite of the recorded successes, he said that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges.

These, he said, include funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.

“Looking ahead, we are focused on securing new funding opportunities, investing in modern production lines, and prioritising the training and development of our workforce.

“With a clear vision and dedicated team, DICON is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success.

“Our ‘All DICON factories must produce’ initiative reflects our commitment to technological innovation and collaboration for the security and prosperity of our nation.

“The DICON end-of-year celebration is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but also a call to action for all employees and stakeholders,”he said.

Edet, therefore, said the event was also a time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional staff who distinguished themselves in 2024.

He addedbthat it highlighted the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to DICON’s successes.

He assured that DICON would remain unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Nigeria major source for human trafficking in Africa – Minister

377 total views today

By Justina Auta

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, says Nigeria is one of the main source, transit and destination for human trafficking in Africa.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated this at the 2025 annual academic summit organised by the University of Abuja Faculty of Social Sciences, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is, “Illegal Migration and girl-child trafficking in 21st century Nigeria: Changing the mindset through quality and functional university education.”

She said poverty and economic hardship, lack of education and skills, cultural and gender norms, and weak law enforcement, amongst others were factors that contributed to illegal migration and trafficking in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is one of the main source, transit, and destination countries for human trafficking in Africa.

“According to the Global Slavery Index (2023), Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of trafficked persons.

“An estimated 1.4 million Nigerians are victims of modern slavery, with women and girls making up the majority.

“Over 60 per cent of Nigerians attempting to migrate irregularly are women and girls, many of whom are trafficked for forced labor or sexual exploitation.

“Reports indicate that over 50,000 Nigerian women are trapped in forced prostitution across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain.

“The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 80 per cent of Nigerian women who arrive in Europe through irregular routes are potential trafficking victims.

“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Nigeria accounts for nearly 50 per cent of all human trafficking cases in West Africa,” she said.

She said the figures underscored the urgent need for policy, awareness, and systemic interventions to combat the menace of human trafficking and illegal migration.

The minister, therefore, stressed the need to improve access to education to break the cycle of trafficking and illegal migration.

” It remains the most powerful tool in equipping young girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed choices about their futures.

“Quality and functional university education must go beyond theory and be practical, relevant, and empowering.

” Our institutions must be intentional in preparing students – particularly young women for economic independence through.

She, therefore,urged universities and higher institutions to integrate human trafficking awareness and migration literacy into their curricula.

She also called on students, youth organisations, religious and traditional leaders, as well as CSOs to champion peer education and advocacy.

The minister reiterated government commitment towards advancing initiatives that promote education, skills development, and economic empowerment to prevent vulnerable girls from falling into the hands of traffickers.

She added that the ministry was working towards strengthening legal frameworks to review and enhance protection laws for women and children.

“The fight against illegal migration and girl-child trafficking is a fight for the soul of our nation.

” If we fail to act decisively, we risk losing an entire generation of young women to exploitation, violence, and despair,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

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