NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

NITDA, UK mulls building resilient national cybersecurity architecture

158 total views today

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

108 total views today

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

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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

Economy/Business

France to upgrade Nigeria’s Survey Agency lab, provide equipment

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By Martha Agas

The French Republic has pledged to upgrade the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s (NGSA) laboratory and provide it with advanced technological equipment.

This commitment followed discussions on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between France and Nigeria.

The announcement was made at the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The French delegation was led by Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, while Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

A statement on Monday by Alake’s Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, revealed that the commitment includes funding geological data exploration for the NGSA.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on December 1 2024, the Minister announced an MoU with France to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain in both countries.

Gallezot revealed that his department was screening French companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The process is designed to ensure that only credible and serious investors are recommended to Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Alake expressed gratitude to Gallezot for his cooperation in facilitating the MoU aimed at strengthening the solid minerals sectors of both nations.

He also dismissed misinformation from political opponents, clarifying that Nigeria was neither relinquishing control of its mineral resources nor entering into a military pact with France.

Alake emphasised that the Future Minerals Forum provides a valuable platform for both countries to deepen collaboration and jointly design programmes to achieve mutual goals.

The Director-General of the NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, stated at the meeting that the lack of advanced technological equipment had delayed the exploration of areas with large mineral deposits.

He further emphasised the need to develop local expertise with international exposure, noting that mining is a global industry that demands continuous training and knowledge transfer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Economy/Business

NBS commits to sustained collaboration with media, CSOs

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says it is committed to sustained collaboration with the media and civil society for effective communication of statistical data.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS said this at a Retreat for Journalists and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) in Keffi on Friday.

Adeniran, who was represented by Dr Biyi Fafunmi, Director, Agric and Business Enterprise, NBS, said the media and CSOs played an indispensable role in national statistics production.

He said the media and CSOs served as a bridge between statistical agencies and the public.

Adeniran said the media served as both facilitators and disseminators, influencing the way statistical information was collected, interpreted, and communicated to the public.

“In reporting, we recognise you as a partner in progress; we urge you to be objective and patriotic in reporting our data as disseminated by NBS.

“By facilitating communication, promoting understanding, and fostering accountability, the media not only enhance the credibility and relevance of national statistics but also empower citizens to appraise more meaningfully with the data that shape their lives.

“As technology and media landscapes continue to evolve, the role of media in this context will continue to expand.

“This will require ongoing collaboration between NBS, the media, and innovation to ensure effective communication of statistical data for planning and development on sustainable bases”.

Adeniran commended the media and CSOs for their role in making NBS improve in data deliverables in spite of the challenges they encountered in their daily endeavours.

Mr Joel Ichedi, the Bureau’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, said the objective of the retreat was to equip journalists and CSOs with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate statistics to the public.

“We recognise that the media and civil society play a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable.

“However, we also acknowledge that reporting on statistics can be complex and nuanced.

“This retreat aims to bridge the gap between data producers and data users, ensuring that statistical information is accurately conveyed to the public.

”Our team of experts will provide insights into the latest developments in statistics production, data sources, and methodologies”.

Ichedi emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure statistical information was presented concisely and without bias, thus avoiding misinformation and enhancing public understanding.

Ewache Ajefu, Editor, Business Africa who spoke on behalf of the media, thanked the NBS for organising the retreat, adding that it should be sustained.

Johnny Emmanuel, National President, National Council for CSOs,  commended the NBS on its role in improving the economy and the country through its production of accurate and timely data.

Emmanuel stressed the need for collaboration between the media and civil society noting that CSOs could not achieve their mandate without the media.

NAN reports that there was a business session on Trends in  Development Journalism, Consumer Price Index and GDP Rebasing Update, and Compilation of Trade Statistics.

Other sessions include Methodology for Generating Labor Force Statistics in NBS and A Critical Appraisal of Statistical Reporting and Data Interpretation by Journalists. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

5m Nigerian farmers benefit from U.S.-Nigeria agric partnership– Embassy

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By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government says it has supported more than 5 million Nigerian farmers in its multifaceted agricultural partnership programmes with Nigeria since 2019 through its agency for international development (USAID).  

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the partnership has helped strengthen Nigeria’s food security by increasing food production and bolstering rural economies nationwide. 

It noted that media coverage of its activities had presented an inaccurate picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, which included assisting local agencies in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology. 

It said the longstanding agricultural partnership with Nigeria culminated in significant achievements and ensured that all U.S. government agricultural programmes operated with full transparency and strict adherence to Nigerian laws.

“These programmes are developed and implemented in partnership with Nigerian agricultural experts, farmers, and government officials, to ensure they meet local needs and respect Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty. 

“USAID’s work in Nigeria focuses on practical support for farmers, including improved access to markets, agricultural training, and research collaboration. 

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions,” the embassy indicated in the statement.

The U.S. government stated that USAID maintains regular dialogue with Nigerian stakeholders in agriculture at all levels, and is proud to support Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices. 

“As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to full transparency and meaningful consultation with Nigerian agricultural communities,” it added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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