News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria, British govt partner to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities
Defence/Security

Nigeria, British govt partner to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), has announced efforts to bolster Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities through partnership with the British High Commission.

The National Coordinator, NCTC-ONSA, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of the Silver, Gold, Intelligence Analysis and Train the Trainer Aviation Security Courses being conducted by the centre.

Laka said the four courses were being hosted simultaneously and are part of the transitioning of NCTC to a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.

This, according to him, implies that the centre will continue to conduct capacity-building programmes to West African and Sahelian States.

He said the partnership with the British High Commission, was part of the enduring strategic cooperation in building resilient security institutions and promoting regional stability.

“This is why we deeply value the continued support of our partners, as well as the dedication of participants drawn from various agencies, in advancing our shared goal of a safer Nigeria and region.

“The Silver and Gold Commanders training courses are follow-ups to the Strategic Commanders’ Course that was conducted in February.

“It is designed to equip commanders at various levels with the necessary skills to respond effectively to incidents.

“This training will undoubtedly play a critical role in preparing us for the upcoming Exercise Rapid Response,” he said.

Laka said the Gold Incident Commanders Course was specifically designed for those working at the strategic command level, while the Silver Incident Course targets those at the operational command level.

He said that the Train the Trainer Aviation Security Course was designed to equip trainers with the knowledge and skills to deliver effective security culture training, enabling them to develop Nigerian-specific training materials and tailor security culture programmes to its unique needs.

This, according to him, will enhance Nigeria’s aviation security and contribute to a safer aviation ecosystem.

“Similarly, the Intelligence Analysis Course is aimed at providing participants with essential skills to identify individuals, understand intelligence assessment, conduct analysis, and recognize patterns.

“These skills will be invaluable in enhancing our national security.

“Our goal is to build a robust intelligence analysis capability that supports decision-making at the strategic level,” he added.

The representative of the British High Commission, Lt.-Col. Ian Tyler, said that the UK had brought in some experts comprising military instructors and former police officers with wealth of experience that would deliver the strategic command training, along with the operational level training.

Tyler urged participants to ask questions and tap from their experiences.

He said the training was geared towards increasing Nigeria’s operational output to be able to deal with the threat of terrorism. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership
Foreign

Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership

 

Zimbabwe has called on Chinese investors and partners aligned with China’s global development vision to help accelerate its transition to a knowledge-based, resource-driven industrial economy.

Prof. Amon Murwira, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, outlined the policy shift,  according to a report by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

“Zimbabwe is open for business. Under this transformative vision, we are ready to engage and foster robust socio-economic partnerships with the People’s Republic of China,” Murwira said.

The Zimbabwean foreign minister reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Zimbabwe and China, which have been elevated to “five-star ironclad” status, signifying a deepened strategic alliance and shared development objectives.

This elevation follows the consensus reached between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping during their meeting in September 2024.

To facilitate deeper economic cooperation, Murwira highlighted several bilateral frameworks already in place.

These include a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding on economic development cooperation, trade facilitation, and investment coordination.

These instruments aim to improve regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and enhance investor confidence.

Officials also detailed plans to establish a vertically integrated industrial cluster that includes coal mining, power generation, and steel production.

The goal is to create the largest and most advanced metallurgical hub in Africa. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

ECOWAS Court, ICC, ICJ, PCA pledge to enhance global jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court, ICC, ICJ, PCA pledge to enhance global jurisprudence

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice, International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court, (ICC), and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), have pledged to deepen their cooperation to enhance global jurisprudence.

They made the pledge during a working visit by a high-level ECOWAS Court delegation, led by its President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, to the institutions’ headquarters at The Hague, Netherlands.

The four international judicial institutions all agreed to establish inter-institutional partnerships, initiate staff exchange and training programmes and research.

“These steps are expected to contribute to the continued growth and modernisation of the ECOWAS Court’s judicial operations.

“The mission aimed to deepen inter-institutional cooperation and enhance the Court’s exposure to international judicial practices,” a statement by the court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

He said that the visit included strategic engagements with the three major international legal institutions.

“Discussions focused on jurisdictional frameworks, prosecutorial processes, legal research tools, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as training, legal staff exchange, and library development.

“At the ICC, the delegation was received by Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, Second Vice-President of the Court.

“A key highlight included a lecture by Mamadou Racine Ly, Advisor to the Prosecutor and Legal Officer, Dr Ania Salinas Cerda, on admissibility criteria and prosecutorial mechanisms,” Hounkanrin said.

He also said that the PCA hosted the delegation at the Peace Palace, where its Secretary-General, Dr Marcin Czepelak, welcomed the delegation.

The Community Court’s spokesman said that legal officers of the PCA delivered a session on the institution’s history, mandate, and current caseload, emphasising its unique role in inter-state and investor-state dispute resolution.

“At the ICJ, the ECOWAS judges held a judicial dialogue with the President of the Court, Judge Yuji Iwasawa, and other sitting judges, exploring both courts’ complementary roles in the international legal order,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS
Foreign

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS

 

Indonesia and Ethiopia are considering ways to expand bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction in the BRICS bloc, according to a report by Antara News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The report indicated that the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono held a meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia Fekadu Beyene Aleka during which the two sides discussed the approach to engage in expanding the partnership.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister outlined national priorities, including poverty alleviation through better utilisation of resources.

He noted the high potential for the development of trade and economic ties with Ethiopia and expressed readiness to increase exports of competitive goods – primarily in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

Sugiono said the volume of bilateral trade between the countries reached 98 million dollars in 2024, up 55 per cent year-on-year.

He added that Indonesian companies are already present in Ethiopia in the sectors of household chemicals, food, and textiles.

The meeting focused on the prospects of signing a bilateral investment treaty, as well as food and energy security.

It is noted that the development of coconut, sugar cane and seaweed production is a priority.

The Ambassador also expressed interest in mastering Indonesian technologies for sugar cane cultivation.

The two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, science and training, as well as resume the work of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Indonesian minister invited Ethiopia to participate more actively in joint initiatives in BRICS. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Russia remains reliable partner contributing to Africa’s sovereignty – Lavrov
Foreign

Russia remains reliable partner contributing to Africa’s sovereignty – Lavrov

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Russia remains a reliable partner to Africa and will continue to contribute to the continent’s sovereignty.

The Russian Foreign Minister said this at a reception held in Moscow on the occasion of Africa Day, as published by the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, partners of TV BRICS.

The event was attended by Lavrov and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the Russian Federation, Mahamat Paba Sale.

“Russia remains a reliable partner contributing to Africa’s sovereignty,” the Russian minister said.

Lavrov also underscored the importance of Africa in international politics and the historical process.

“Our country is invariably in favour of expanding traditionally friendly relations with African partners,” he added.

He emphasised Russia’s support for strengthening education and economic development of African countries.

Responding, Sale noted the “special importance” of Russian-African relations.

“Russia has played a key role in the process of independence of African countries, supporting the aspiration for progress of their peoples,” the Cameroonian diplomat said.

According to him, Russian universities train qualified personnel who are in demand in Africa, while the expansion of trade ties brings tangible benefits to local economies.

Sale expressed confidence that the partnership between Russia and Africa will only get stronger.

He expressed gratitude to the Russian side for the attention and support it is giving to Africa. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

SON, IEC commits to partnership on global electrical standards in Nigeria
Economy/Business

SON, IEC commits to partnership on global electrical standards in Nigeria

By Lucy Ogalue

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on electrical and electronic standardisation in Nigeria.

The Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this at a Stakeholders Forum organised by SON in collaboration with IEC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Abuja.

The Forum was organised as part of the 2025 African tour and official visit of the Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the IEC, Mr Philippe Metzger, to Nigeria.

Okeke, described the visit as historic and a major boost for Nigeria’s standardisation efforts in the electrical and electronic sector.

“Today is a memorable day for us in the standardisation fraternity. We are honoured to host the IEC secretary-general, which signifies Nigeria’s growing influence and commitment to international standards,” Okeke said.

He said that Nigeria became an affiliate member of the IEC in 2006 and attained full membership in 2017, adding that the country, through SON, now mirrored 23 IEC technical committees locally.

According to him, Nigeria’s involvement in IEC activities has led to the adoption and nationalisation of international standards, with a direct impact on local production quality.

“One of our major achievements is the improvement in the quality of Nigerian electrical cables, which are now globally competitive,” Okeke stated.

The SON D-G urged Nigerian manufacturers to leverage the IEC Conformity Assessment Schemes to gain international certification for their products, boost exports, and reduce rejections in global markets.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NERC, Mr Sanusi Garba, also welcomed the IEC team, stating that the visit was timely, given the ongoing power sector reforms following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023.

Garba said that with states now empowered to regulate electricity within their jurisdictions, there was an urgent need for alignment and adherence to robust national and international standards.

“Standards are essential for safety, efficiency, and reliability in the electricity market. We must ensure operators comply with them to avoid unnecessary accidents or system failures,” he said.

Also speaking, the IEC secretary-general urged Nigeria to fully embrace international standards in the fields of clean energy, digital technologies, and smart grids.

According to Metzger, this will help to boost the country’s integration into global supply chains and accelerate industrial innovation.

He emphasised the IEC’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability through cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and smart energy systems.

According to Metzger, these technologies are tools to enhance productivity and innovation, not mere trends.

He reiterated the importance of standards in safeguarding quality and preventing unsafe products from entering the Nigerian market.

He further stressed the role of IEC in enabling smart grids that manage multi-way power flows and integrate renewable energy effectively.

The secretary-general also underscored IEC’s work on emerging energy solutions, including certification for low carbon hydrogen and robust cybersecurity standards tailored for industrial environments, critical to Nigeria’s growing energy sector.

On sustainability, Metzger reiterated recent IEC initiatives such as carbon footprint verification and circular economy services, aimed at supporting Nigeria’s ambitions for environmentally responsible industrial growth.

He called for increased participation of young Nigerian engineers and experts in IEC’s programmes, noting the essential role of digital natives in shaping the future of standards and innovation.

“Nigeria has incredible know-how and talent. Your young professionals must be empowered to inject new ideas into global standards,” he said.

Metzger expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership with Nigeria and encouraged stakeholders to deepen collaboration through the national committee to harness the full potential of clean energy and digital transformation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the forum include academia, manufacturing sector, regulators, and consumer groups.

The aim of the forum was to enable the stakeholders engage with the IEC delegation and discuss ways to further deepen Nigeria’s role in global standardisation efforts.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

SGBV: Women Affairs ministry, foundation partner to enhance healthcare services
Health

SGBV: Women Affairs ministry, foundation partner to enhance healthcare services

By Justina Auta

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMoWA) has partnered with Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), an NGO, to enhance Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) healthcare services for survivors nationwide.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted WARIF’s expertise in establishing and operating Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
“The initiative aims to provide survivors with immediate access to professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care.
“The partnership will focus on capacity building for healthcare providers, case managers, and frontline responders, as well as drive policy reforms, survivor-centered service delivery, and nationwide awareness on SGBV.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that strong partnerships were crucial in creating systemic change to address SGBV.
Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder and President of WARIF, reiterated their commitment to bringing expertise to the partnership, particularly through its health pillar and pioneering work in establishing SARCs.
The WARIF founder added that he partnership aimed to reduce SGBV cases and ensure survivors had access to healthcare services to cope with trauma.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation
Agriculture , Food Security

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Katsina State Government have pledged to transform the country’s food system and create jobs for the populace.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Gov. Dikko Radda, to the Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Radda identified agriculture as the mainstay of the nation’s economy, which provides over 60 per cent of employment for the country’s populace.

He said that the country has no option but to invest in agriculture to position it better to be an export-dependent country, and not import-dependent, as well as be self-sufficient in food production.

“We have no reason to be hungry; we have no reason to be poor. If we can harvest all the potential we have, we will have a great nation, with great people, who will be able to move the nation forward,” he said.


The governor said his visit was to formally congratulate the NADF Executive Secretary on the appointment, as well as see how the state could leverage the fund to transform the food system for the benefit of its populace.

“I pray for this agency to be one of the leading agencies in the country, and also to seek partnership and collaboration with the sub-nationals, especially Katsina State, in transforming agriculture,” he said.

The governor said about 90 per cent of the state population was into agriculture and agricultural value chains, small and medium-scale enterprises from production to processing.

He, however, said that the best investment for any state, especially those in the northern part of the country, was investment in agriculture.

According to him, when one invests in agriculture, the person has invested in the vast majority of the people.

“When you construct a road, it will help in the transportation of agricultural produce, too.

“So, there is nothing we will do to support our people other than to support them in agricultural enterprises.

“But when you invest in agriculture, you are investing in about 90 per cent of your people who are living in abject poverty in the rural areas with no means of livelihood,” he said.

Radda said his administration in 2024 bought over 400,000 bags of fertiliser, which were distributed to every polling unit in the state, considering the impact of agriculture on the livelihood of the large population of the state.

He further said the state distributed solar-powered pumps to rural farmers to reduce the cost of production.

In his remarks, Ibrahim said part of the agency’s mandate was to work with sub-national governments in promoting agricultural development and food security.

According to him, the visit enabled the governor to essentially discuss what the state government was doing and to see how they could leverage its resources.

NADF has a mandate to promote sustainable development and food security by bridging the funding gap, facilitating farmers’ access to finance, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Yakubu Uba

Nigeria, EU deepen ties on solid minerals
Economy/Business

Nigeria, EU deepen ties on solid minerals

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

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

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

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