Progress - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Fri, 2025

CSO applauds progress, encourages continued transparency in natural resources governance

125 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The civil society organisation Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria has commended ongoing efforts to improve governance in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

It acknowledged the progress made so far in promoting better oversight and management practices within the industry.

PWYP also called on all levels of government to continue strengthening transparency and accountability in the use of the country’s natural resource revenues.

The organisation emphasised that sustained commitment was essential to ensuring long-term benefits for citizens and communities.

This appeal was made by the National Coordinator of PWYP Nigeria, Dr Erisa Danladi, during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Danladi acknowledged the challenges posed by global geopolitical developments, such as the war in Ukraine, but emphasised that these underscored the importance of sound, transparent resource management to ensure economic resilience.

She highlighted the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), enacted in 2021, as a significant milestone in improving transparency and equity in the oil and gas sector.

She said that the legislation marked a major reform aimed at strengthening governance and accountability within the industry.

She particularly noted the Act’s provisions designed to ensure that host communities benefited meaningfully from extractive activities.

“These measures aim to promote social inclusion and address long-standing issues of marginalisation in oil-producing areas.

“As the PIA marks its fourth anniversary, PWYP sees this as a valuable opportunity to reinforce progress made in areas such as open contracting and beneficial ownership disclosure.”

Danladi lauded the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for successfully incorporating 137 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) and encouraged efforts to complete the establishment of the remaining Trusts.

Reflecting on PWYP Nigeria’s journey since its founding in 2004, the same year Nigeria joined the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Danladi highlighted the organisation’s long-standing commitment to transparency and good governance in the extractive sector.

She celebrated PWYP’s contribution to major reforms, including the passage of the NEITI Act in 2007, which significantly improved public access to oil revenue data and marked a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to promote accountability in resource management.

She reaffirmed PWYP’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in the natural resource and energy sectors, working constructively with stakeholders to support sustainable development and equitable growth.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

AfCFTA lauds progress in economic integration

Lydia Beshel
Jun, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

AfCFTA lauds progress in economic integration

115 total views today

Progress

Okeoghene Akubuike

Mr Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has lauded the progress made toward realising the vision of Africa’s founding fathers for economic integration.

Speaking at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) 2025 in Abuja, Mene underscored the vital role of economic integration in shaping the continent’s future.

The meeting themed, “Realising the Vision of the African Founders: Progress Towards Africa’s Trade and Economic Integration,” brought together leaders and stakeholders to assess the gains and challenges in Africa’s economic landscape.

Mene commended Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, for his leadership in supporting Africa’s economic development.

He noted that Afreximbank had been instrumental to the success of AfCFTA, a landmark initiative to establish a single, integrated market for goods and services across Africa.

He described the establishment and operationalisation of the AfCFTA as one of the most ambitious and transformative milestones toward continental integration since the independence era.

Mene outlined several areas of progress: noting 49 countries had ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, representing 90.7 per cent of signatories.

“Tariff reductions and simplified customs procedures are easing trade. Meaningful trade is underway, with businesses benefiting from reduced or zero tariffs.

“Progress is also evident in services trade, including finance, retail, telecommunications, and tourism.”

He noted the adoption of key protocols covering investment, intellectual property, competition policy, digital trade, and the inclusion of women and youth in trade.

Mene emphasised that the AfCFTA was more than a trade agreement; a framework for inclusive and sustainable growth, especially for small-scale traders, women, and youth.

He said results already included diversification of export destinations, reduced trade barriers, increased economic activity, job creation, and SME growth. However, challenges remained.

Mene called for bold investments in infrastructure to better connect African markets and enable freer movement of goods and people.

He also highlighted the need to ratify protocols on free movement of persons and the right of establishment.

He ended by stressing the importance of sustained political will, public-private partnerships, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

“We dare not fail in this historic mission to integrate and transform Africa.

“We want African-made goods and services flowing freely across borders, generating jobs, stimulating industries, and improving lives.

“We owe it to our 1.4 billion fellow Africans to build a strong, self-reliant Africa ready to claim its place in the global economy,” Mene said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Infrastructural development, Nigeria’s foundation for progress – Wike

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Fri, 2025

Metro

Infrastructural development, Nigeria’s foundation for progress – Wike

196 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described infrastructure as not merely about roads and bridges, but about connecting destinies, unlocking potentials, and laying groundwork for national transformation.

Wike said this in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “Nigeria of our Dreams” presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Thursday

According to him, the Nigeria of our dreams cannot materialise without robust infrastructure, one of the pillars upon which people’s aspirations must be built.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is a place where a child in rural Zamfara should access the same quality of education, healthcare, and opportunity as one in urban Lagos.

“It is a nation where seamless transportation, uninterrupted power supply, and digital innovation are not luxuries but essentials, woven into the fabric of everyday life.

“Infrastructure, therefore, is the architecture of equality; it delivers dignity, inclusion, productivity, and hope.”

The minister argued that even the strongest critic of President Bola Tinubu would agree that things were getting better as far as infrastructure was concerned in the country.

Wike equally said that through massive investment in infrastructure, Tinubu had demonstrated a commitment to tackling the inherited complexities of Nigeria’s federation with candour and courage.

“Without infrastructure, development is crippled; with it, progress is not only possible – it is inevitable.

“The road to Nigeria we envision is paved, quite literally, with concrete investment in infrastructure, and with leadership bold enough to see it through.

“The rapid transformation of Abuja is a clear testimony to the President’s dedication to infrastructural revolution in Nigeria.

“It goes without saying that although I drive the process in Abuja, it would not have been possible without the overwhelming and ceaseless support of President Tinubu,” Wike said.

He pointed out that just within two years, Abuja had accelerated its evolution into a befitting modern city and capital of a great nation like Nigeria.

He added that in the journey towards realising the “Nigeria of our dreams”, it was both necessary and noble to acknowledge the efforts of Tinubu through his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Wike said that the renewed hope agenda was not just a mantra, but a bold recalibration of national priorities aimed at repositioning Nigeria on the path of sustainable development.

He identified other pillars upon which the Nigerians aspirations would be fulfilled as democracy and good governance, rule of law, quality education, health and human development, and economic prosperity and inclusive growth.

Others the minister said include security and national cohesion, unity in diversity, cultural renaissance and moral rebirth, and strengthening local government and community resilience.

On democracy and good governance, Wike envisaged a thriving democratic culture that transcends periodic elections and manifests in everyday accountability, transparency, and active citizen participation.

He added that democracy and good governance were dreams rooted in the belief that leadership must be anchored on competence, integrity, and a genuine spirit of service.

“In this vision, public office is not a privilege to be exploited, but a sacred trust to be honoured, a platform for transformation, not self-enrichment.

“Good governance is the engine that drives this dream, ensuring that institutions function efficiently and equitably, and that the government remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

“As we reflect on this noble ideal, let us be reminded that democracy, though the best form of government, is perhaps the most challenging to establish on firm footing and even more difficult to sustain,” he said.

The minister further said that democracy was not a potted plant that could simply be transported into any soil and expected to flourish without commitment, sacrifice, and vigilance.

He agreed with Larry Diamond, a professor of political science and sociology at Stanford, who argues that “it is one thing to get democracy and another thing, often more difficult, to keep it.”

“The Nigerian dream, therefore, calls us not just to wish for democracy, but to work for it – to build it daily through responsible leadership, engaged citizenship, and unyielding commitment to justice and equity,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Workers Day: CSO urges workers collective action against corruption

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Thu, 2025

General News

Workers Day: CSO urges workers collective action against corruption

181 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha

A Civil Society Organization (CSO), Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC), has urged workers to unite against all forms of corruption for national progress.

Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, President of the CSO made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Workers Day in Abuja on Thursday.

While congratulating workers on May Day, Nnam said that Trade unions and civil servants could play a crucial role in advocating for anti-corruption policies.

‘This is possible by supporting workers who report corruption.

“Refusing to pay bribes, resisting demands for bribes, even when facing pressure, can help disrupt corrupt practices,” he said.

Nnam who commended workers for their dedication to the development of Nigeria, said that workers play a crucial role in fighting corruption through reporting unethical behaviour.

He advised workers to be active in the fight against corruption by implementing robust whistleblower protections, and promoting transparency and accountability within their organizations and communities.

According to him, these efforts can help create a culture of integrity and discourage corrupt practices.

The ILDC president who commended President Tinubu for his commitment in addressing the plight of workers, urged workers to continue to support him.

He acknowledged the present economic challenges, expressing hope that it would soon be over.

Nnam said that the future of workers and Nigerians generally was bright with ongoing economic reforms of the federal government.

He urged Nigerians not to give up in their selfless service to national progress as there’s light at the end of the tunnel. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Network woos investments in Africa’s talent, resources for mutual benefits

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

General News

Network woos investments in Africa’s talent, resources for mutual benefits

700 total views today

By Diana Omueza

Africa Intercontinental Network has called on international organisations to tap into Africa’s vast talents and resources to boost the continent’s progress and global recognition.

Mr Precious Osagie, National Coordinator of the group, made this appeal at a news conference in Abuja to announce the 2024 Africa International Network Conference and Global Awards.

He said the conference and awards ceremony aimed to create a platform for networking, empowerment, entertainment, and recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to Africa.

Osagie said that by leveraging this event, Africa Intercontinental Network sought to create a sustainable platform for economic growth and development across the continent.

According to Osagie, the conference will feature 50 awardees that have impacted Africa, either directly or through affiliation, with thousands of audience members.

He also highlighted the group’s collaboration with Build-Up Africa, which had empowered over 2,000 individuals worldwide, fostering innovation, leadership, and progress.

“The award ceremony will honour icons that have made a lasting impact in Africa, inspiring others to pursue excellence, resilience, and leadership.

“This recognition will not only highlight their achievements but also set a standard of excellence for younger generations,”Osagie said.

Mrs Abiemwense Moru, Assistant Editor-In-Chief at News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded the initiative, stating that it would promote Africa’s positive image and attract investors to the continent’s rich heritage and abundant resources.

Also, Mr Onuche Kingsley, Founder of Peace Ambassadors of Nigeria, stated that there was a need to promote the values and worth of Africa and the personalities who have made immeasurable impacts.

Misra Anurag, a representative of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, also commended the organisers for the initiative to woo investors to Africa.

A representative of Lexicon Media, Promise Rabi-Dauda, called for the support of the public and other media organisations to create awareness about the forthcoming event. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru