NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

Nigeria, EU deepen ties on solid minerals

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By Martha Agas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

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By Mark Longyen

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) to publicise the activities of the ECOWAS Parliament, particularly its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of the agency, made the pledge when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Ali expressed appreciation to the association’s officials for deeming it worthy to pay him a courtesy visit, stressing that as Africa’s biggest news content provider, NAN was home to all.

“For deeming it worthy to come and pay us this courtesy call, the agency is appreciative.

“We hope that it will help the Parliament achieve its goals, and raise awareness, like you said, about its activities.

“On our part, the News Agency of Nigeria, like you know, is Africa’s biggest news content provider,” he said.

According to the NAN Chief Executive Officer, the agency is the most authentic and biggest news hub in Africa, with a domineering influence and reach within the West African subregion.

“So, with an association like this, certainly in the News Agency of Nigeria, you find a soulmate, a fellow traveler.

“So, you’re welcome. We look forward to partnering and doing more, and the News Agency of Nigeria is your home,” he said.

Speaking earlier, AWALCO President, Mr Innocent Odoh, explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek the collaboration and support of NAN, as the indisputable leader in terms of news credibility reportage, and viability.

He said that ECOWAS Parliament would be marking its 25th anniversary on Nov. 16 and a series of activities had been lined up for it.

Odoh said that AWALCO, being the association of the parliament’s press corps, was fully involved in it by way of planning to give the occasion a media and publicity glitze.

He said this would help to propagate the ideals of ECOWAS in general, and ECOWAS Parliament in particular, and make the objectives of ECOWAS Commission and Parliament known globally, starting from the subregion.

“In terms of viability, if we talk about the repository of news in all ramifications, in all dimensions, I think the News Agency of Nigeria comes first before any other one.

“So, what we are doing is in line with the media advocacy that we are projecting for the ECOWAS Parliament at 25.

“We can see that if the collaboration with NAN takes off as we planned it, I think it will go a long way in expanding the vision of the association,” he said.

The AWALCO president further said that the partnership would determine how the regional bloc is run, especially at a time  that so many things about ECOWAS needed to be interrogated.

“That is why we’re here, to seek that collaboration, to seek that support, how we can deepen that collaboration to ensure that the citizens of the Parliament understand what is happening around them.

“ECOWAS has a vision of 2050 but many people may not be aware of it, but collaborations like this can open up an opportunity for people to understand the vision of ECOWAS,” he added.

Mrs Uche Duru, Chief Communication Officer, ECOWAS Parliament, who was part of the delegation, in a remark, extended greetings from ECOWAS Parliament Speaker and Secretary-General to Ali and NAN’s management.

She explained that AWALCO was her brain child and the parliament’s official press corps, which was created to reposition the parliament’s media coverage.

The spokesperson for the parliament said the association was beyond Nigeria, as its membership encompassed the entire West Africa, including even from member states that were threatening to exit or had already exited.

“Permit me at this juncture also to talk briefly about NAN and how NAN has been giving us coverage. It’s been a wonderful journey.

“So, as far as Nigeria is concerned, NAN is our first port of call, so we can express our appreciation of the work that we’ve done so far.

“I want to convey that we’re most grateful to have NAN very, very actively involved in the work of Parliament,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Economy/Business

Netherlands seeks partnership with Abia Govt. in circular economy

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Partnership
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Kingdom of Netherlands says it has strong interest in fostering economic cooperation with  Abia  Government  in the area of waste management to boost circular economy in the state.

The Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr Peter Keulers, said this when he visited Gov. Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

Keulers expressed the commitment of the Dutch Government to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and sees the promotion of a circular economy as a vital step toward sustainability.

According to him, circular economy initiatives reduce waste and pollution, ensure efficient resource utilisation, and create economic opportunities, leading to a better quality of life.

He commended Abia for its top ranking in national school examinations, describing human capital as the state’s greatest asset.

He said that a well-educated population provides a solid foundation for economic growth and innovation.

He further highlighted that the Netherlands is actively involved in circular economy projects and interested in working to establish policies that foster business cooperation.

Keulers said that there were about three Dutch companies that had invested in waste-to-energy operations, electronic waste management and offering of training to companies on transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

He said that the ongoing collaboration with Kaltani Company, a waste management company working with Abia Government, the state had attracted international attention from the Netherlands Government.

He expressed the Netherlands’ interest in learning more about the state’s economic ecosystem and identifying areas for potential collaboration.

He urged the government to explore opportunities where Dutch companies could support local initiatives or gain insights from Nigeria’s experiences in waste management and sustainability.

Keulers said that the visit marked the beginning of a promising relationship aimed at fostering sustainable development and economic growth in the state through circular economy initiatives.

Responding, Otti affirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management, emphasising the transformation Abia had undergone since May 2023.

He said that Abia was once ranked the dirtiest state in Nigeria but had since made significant strides in cleanliness and urban development.

He further revealed that his administration had started working with UN-Habitat to develop a new master plan for Aba and Umuahia, drawing inspiration from the original colonial-era urban planning.

The governor said that with the initial cleanup efforts yielding positive results, the state government was shifting focus to waste conversion and sustainability.

He disclosed that the administration was collaborating with Kaltani Company on a waste-to-wealth initiative that would help  transform waste into valuable products.

He further said that the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the waste-to-energy initiative.

“Our goal is not just to manage our waste efficiently but also get to a point where we can buy waste from neighboring states to sustain our energy and recycling projects.

“There are two ways to manage waste: incineration or landfill disposal. However, neither is a sustainable solution.

“Instead, we are exploring waste-to-energy and other recycling options to create valuable products, while addressing Abia’s energy challenges,” he said.

In an interview with newsmen, the Chief Executive Officer of Kaltani Company, Mr Obi Nnanna, expressed his company’s desire to partner with the government on its waste-to-wealth initiative.

Nnanna also expressed enthusiasm in working with the present administration to achieve its vision for the state.

“We are fully committed to waste collection and recycling efforts, with a focus on job creation and environmental sustainability.

“We intend to galvanise waste, create jobs, and address multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Sam Oditah

Science & Tech

NITDA, UK mulls building resilient national cybersecurity architecture

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the United Kingdom are partnering on the UK/Nigeria Inward CyberTrade Mission to build a National Cybersecurity Architecture.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, at the meeting with some UK delegates on Monday in Abuja, said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to economic reforms and transformation, which digitisation could drive.

Inuwa noted that their Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, would enhance the digitisation of the country by ensuring a digitally literate populace who are abreast of cybersecurity concerns.

He said the Federal Government was working towards embedding cybersecurity in every aspect of general activities, adding that 95 per cent of cyber breaches were as a result of human errors.

“We need to educate both the users and operators on cybersecurity, which is part of what we do and we have a target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy level now.

“We are looking at building expertise and we are working on training our people on how to safeguard our digital space,” he said.

He added that they were conducting some research on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Robotics and additive manufacturing.

Inuwa explained that as emerging technologies evolved, there was need for cybersecurity to also evolve.

“We need to evolve in the way we talk about cybersecurity and the way we secure the system we are building,” he said.

He added that in the past the use of AI never posed a threat but presently it required explainability to avoid misuse of the technology.

Inuwa added that issues about cybersecurity was a global concern and addressing it would require strategic partnerships and working as a global ecosystem to gain cyber diplomacy.

He added that it was collaborating with other countries who would be working with local businesses to build security systems according to Nigeria’s cyber landscape.

Mr Mark Smithson, Country Director, Department of Business and Trade (DBT), UK, said the relationship between Nigeria and the UK was valued at 7.5 billion pounds and it was committed to continue strengthening it through building safe cyber spaces.

“The UK remains firmly committed to supporting Nigeria in tackling cyber security challenges and harnessing the opportunities of the digital age as global threads evolve.

“Our partnership is more crucial than ever in ensuring a safe and resilient cyberspace for businesses, governments and citizens alike.

“The UK is proud to bring world class expertise in cyber security to Nigeria, from cutting-edge technology, to capacity building initiatives because our strong track record in cyber resilience, threat intelligence and innovation presents valuable opportunity.

“We look forward to expanding our cooperation, sharing knowledge, deepening our bilateral trade and building a secure digital future together,” Smithson said.

Dr Lawan Mohammed, Director, Cybersecurity, said the country would need expertise collaboration to build a strong cybersecurity infrastructure, especially on the effective implementation of cybersecurity frameworks.

Other areas of expertise intervention, he mentioned were in building capacity of cybersecurity experts, which, he said, were about 8,300 and were insufficient to address cyber threats across the country.

He added that the Federal Government would require expertise to develop threat intelligence, identify vulnerabilities, preserve Public Key Infrastructure and a resilient National Cybersecurity Architecture, among other areas.

Mr Ross Gill, another member of the delegation, recognised that there are growing threats across the globe, saying that partnerships and sharing best practices could help build better defenses. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Economy/Business

TAJBank, AIFC partner to boost non-interest banking

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

TAJBank Nigeria has signed pact with Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Kazakhstan to promote non-interest banking, boost Nigeria’s merchandise trade with Asian countries, and enhance the nation’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.

Its Managing Director, Hanid Joda, said this at the signing of  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions in Abuja.

The MoU was formalised with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and other prominent dignitaries in attendance.

”It specifically focuses on promoting and developing non-interest banking products and services in Nigeria, in line with Islamic financial principles.

”It also aims to streamline and secure the management of export proceeds, particularly for agricultural commodities like cocoa.

”The agreement seeks to explore innovative financial instruments and mechanisms to enhance trade finance and provide comprehensive support to Nigerian exporters,” he said.

Joda emphasised that the partnership represented another significant milestone in the bank’s ongoing commitment to support Nigerian businesses across the country.

He described the development as the financial institution’s dedication to fostering growth and prosperity nationwide.

“We are excited to have our Royal Father, the Ooni of Ife here at this event, which is a clear demonstration of his endorsement of our partnership with the AIFC.

“I assure all our customers and potential ones that TAJbank will continue to do its best to support them with world-class non-interest banking products and services,” Joda added.

In his remarks, Ogunwusi commended TAJBank’s management for formalising a strategic framework with AIFC,  leveraging non-interest banking opportunities to benefit Nigerians, Asians, and their businesses.

He recalled its remarkable efforts and achievements towards deepening financial inclusion through non-interest banking model in the country over the past few years.

“I believe this MoU between TAJBank and AIFC is another initiative that I strongly feel will foster export ties between Nigeria and Kazakhstan.

”We look forward to better international trade involving cocoa and other commodities as I hear that you have the best chocolates in Kazakhstan,” he said.

The royal father expressed delight that the MoU would  promote and develop non-interest banking products and services within Nigeria.

Yernar Zhanadil, AIFC’s Director, noted that the Islamic market, with over eight million users in Kazakhstan was still untapped.

“We can issue Ijara or Sukuk using Nigeria’s model. It has so much potential. With the Ooni’s involvement and TAJBank.

 ”I am even surer of the immense benefits of the MoU for bank customers and the economies of the two countries,” Zhanadil stated.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

General News

PPDC partners Shelta Panacea to promote affordable housing for Nigerians

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), an NGO, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shelta Panacea Ltd. to improve access to justice and promote affordable housing for Nigerians.

The Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Ms Lucy Abagi, who said this on Wednesday in Abuja, said the partnership also aimed at providing free legal services to 10,000 landlords across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shelta Panacea Ltd. is a Property Tech company dedicated to solving the common problem that exists between property owners and property users.

PPDC is a non-profit organisation committed to improving citizen’s participation in governance in a way that improves the integrity of public governance processes, fostering transparent and accountable governance.

Abagi said the centre’s programme interventions would address both the demand and the supply side, saying that the ‘demand side’ refers to the users of the public sector.

She said that the ‘supply side’, refers to those institutions, organisations and individuals that provide public services.

According to her, this is to ensure increased compliance, improved landlord/tenant relationships, reduced disputes and increased property values.

Abagi noted that well-informed landlords were more likely to maintain their property, adhere to safety standards and make necessary repairs as well as support for small landlords.

“The PPDC Access to Justice Programme has successfully provided free legal services to more than 9,000 Nigerians.

“The group, which has strengthened justice sector reforms, will leverage on its technological legal innovations and network of lawyers to support Shelta Panacea’s mission.

“PPDC will play a critical role in recruiting, supervising and ensuring fair remuneration for lawyers handling these cases.

“PPDC has always been committed to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.

“This collaboration with Shelta Panacea allows us to extend our expertise beyond the criminal justice space to civil disputes,” she added.

The partnership, she said, would ensure that landlords who might otherwise struggle with prolonged legal battles could access professional legal representation at no cost.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Shelta Panacea, Mr Austin Igwe, recalled that the organisation had years ago started the project to solve the problem that existed between property owners and property users.

“We’ve discovered that Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world where you earn monthly, and this is the basis most likely for the challenge that has happened between landlords and tenants.

“This has actually led to so many deficits, delays in payments and countless court cases between landlords and tenants”, Igwe said.

He cited some cases in which the landlords wanted to take their rent annually while the tenant wanted to pay their rent flexibly.

He added that the purpose of the initiative was to help solve the problem by providing the technology.

According to him, the organisation has been able to provide a system that guarantees the rent on the landlord annually just the way he wants it.

“It also helps to provide a bridge for the tenant, to also choose the payment at his or her convenience.

“This flexibility has helped to eradicate, to a large extent, nearly 100 per cent of the issues that have existed between the landlords and the tenants.

“The organisation is managing some housing property across 14 states in Nigeria and intends to extend the service to other states’’, he said.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Deji Abdulwahab

Agriculture

Water Resources, Blue Economy ministries partner to boost food production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministries of Water Resources and the Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to collaborate to enhance food production in Nigeria.

This partnership aims at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.

The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev in Abuja.

Both ministers stressed the importance of inter-ministerial partnerships in improving water resource management, marine conservation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Utsev noted the collaboration’s importance following the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation’s emphasis on both ministries’ roles in sustaining Nigeria’s water bodies.

He emphasised that sustainable water and sanitation services are vital for public health, food security, job creation and economic growth.

He outlined the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

“These departments oversee initiatives such as providing clean and reliable water supply, developing and managing irrigation systems, hydropower generation, fisheries development and flood control.

“These efforts are crucial for food security and economic resilience,” he said.

Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.

He further announced that a joint committee would be established by both ministries to develop a working document with a clear framework to guide their collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, Oyetola revealed the untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security and economic growth.

He noted that fish production in Nigeria would be enhanced through stronger collaboration between the two ministries.

Oyetola highlighted the ministry’s role in sustainable water management for healthy ecosystems and pollution prevention.

He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the water resources and sanitation ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the need for collaboration to optimise Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters.

He noted that sustainable water resource management would improve livelihoods and foster economic development within coastal communities.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with directors and senior officials from both ministries. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Metro

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training

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Training

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has announced a partnership with Germany to launch an innovative dual vocational training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for the job market.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, gave this update in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, led by Dr Matthias Leder.

Olawande emphasised the ministry’s commitment to creating an environment that empowered young people to thrive and contribute to national development.

He also highlighted the ministry’s ambitious plan to train seven million youths in critical skills over the next two years.

He added that the ministry was organising an intensive three-day skills programme across 50 revitalised Youth Centres, culminating in a central event to enhance employability and prepare youths for an increasingly competitive job market.

Leder, in his address, called the training system a potential game-changer for Nigeria, noting the mutual benefits of dual vocational training for both countries.

He explained that the Nigerian youth would receive free vocational training in Germany, and those who pass the exams would be offered jobs at participating companies.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also stressed that the initiative would promote economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Germany.

He further said the collaboration built on a relationship that began in 2005 and was solidified with the launch of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2012. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

FCT Internal Revenue Service partners EFCC to enhance tax compliance

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has sought collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance tax compliance in the territory.

The acting Executive Chairman of the Service, Mr Michael Ango, solicited for the partnership when he visited Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ango explained that the partnership was in line with the mandate of the FCT-IRS to collaborate with relevant agencies such as the EFCC towards improving tax compliance in the FCT.

He disclosed that one of the major initiatives of the FCT-IRS in 2025 was the harmonisation of revenue collection and administration in the FCT.

This, he said, would not be achieved without the support and collaboration of all stakeholders including anti-graft agencies.

“This is to ensure that all revenue due to the FCT is collected and accounted for in a transparent manner, enhance ease of doing business and improve revenue generation.

“This will further consolidate the massive infrastructural development in the territory by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,” he said.

He argued that most suspects being investigated by EFCC for financial crimes were not tax compliant.

Ango added that it would be helpful if the suspects’ tax obligations would also be interrogated as part of EFCC’s investigation processes.

According to him, this approach can also be extended to forfeiture of assets or monies of suspects to the EFCC by the courts.

“When suspects are being investigated or charged to court, we will like to know, Mr Chairman, their tax compliance level.

“If they escape from one door, we can catch them through another door. We will, therefore, be happy to partner with you on this, like we are doing with your sister agency, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),” he suggested.

The FCT-IRS boss condoled with the EFCC on the recent loss of its operative.

He also commended the commission’s chairman and his management team for the excellent work they are doing to tackle financial crimes in the country.

In his remarks, the EFCC boss thanked Ango and his team for the visit and expressed the commission’s willingness to partner with the FCT-IRS to improve revenue collection in the FCT.

Olukoyede said the commission had entered into similar partnerships with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other State Internal Revenue Services.

He expressed the commission’s readiness to extend the same gesture to the FCT-IRS.

According to him, the move will enable the FCT-IRS to shore up its revenue collections.

He, however, stressed the need for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to highlight the specific areas of collaboration, pointing out that MoU would further strengthen the relationship between the two organisations.

The EFCC chairman, who said he has been keeping tabs on Ango’s achievements since appointment as the FCT-IRS boss, also lauded the ongoing massive infrastructural development in the FCT.

“This shows that taxpayer’s money is being judiciously used across the territory for the benefits of all,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Environment

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert

378 total views today

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

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