News Agency of Nigeria
Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy 
General News

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy 

By Rita Iliya

Niger government has commenced a financial literacy training programme for 6,000 young entrepreneurs across the 25 local governments in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Tuesday that the training was part of the government’s efforts to empower youths with skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses and productivity.

 

The training is being conducted by the Niger state government in partnerships with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre.

 

The online and offline training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY), was launched in March.

 

The programme is to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, between the ages of 18 and 35.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, advised the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and make the most of the opportunity to better their lots.

 

“A door has been opened, and they should grab it and better their future,” she said.

 

She urged them to concentrate and be attentive, noting that there were many opportunities coming up with the training session.

 

According to her, human capital development is part of the vision of Gov. Mohammed Bago to build a new Niger, adding that the youths are the drivers of development.

 

Also speaking, Lady Helen Umaru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Micro-Small Enterprise, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s world.

 

She advised the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme to empower themselves and better their livelihoods.

 

In her remarks, Mrs Mary Berje, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, said the programme was aimed at empowering women to promote economic growth and development.

 

Berje expressed optimism that the programme would provide the youths with opportunities to improve their economic status.

 

Similarly, Malam Ahmed Gwada, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise and Micro Finance Agency, explained that the training focuses on women to improve their capabilities on business development.

 

Fatima Rufai and Aisha Bosso, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity, adding that the programme would improve their skill on how to start and manage a business. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Salem University, a miracle, shaping Nigerian youths for leadership – VC
Education

Salem University, a miracle, shaping Nigerian youths for leadership – VC

By Thompson Yamput

Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo, Vice Chancellor, Salem University, Lokoja, has praised the foresight of Archbishop Sam Amaga for the establishment of the institution.

Johnson-Akubo gave the commendation during his speech at the institution’s 18th Anniversary celebration held at the Chapel of Peace in Lokoja.

“Indeed, Salem University is a miracle God performed through Archbishop Sam Amaga, the founder.

“A forest transformed by God through him. Where this Campus is presently situated is a wonder city.

“A man looked at this place that was hitherto a forest, and declared that tomorrow, you will be a city, and here we are”

“Here in Salem University, we raise change agents and global leaders in conformity with the vision of the founder, born 18 years ago. This is what we are celebrating this time around.

“The management, staff and students of Salem University are today grateful to our Founder and Chancellor for foresight and vision and for responding to God’s call that has lifted and still lifting many youths to fulfil their destinies, ” he said.

The VC told the students that they are being processed to stand shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues elsewhere, globally, any day and any time as change agents and global leaders.

Johnson-Akubo said, “since our Founder is a man of vision, I strongly charge you all, staff and students alike, to be forward thinking persons if you want to be global leaders that will impact lives.”

He encouraged the students to be focused, innovative, courageous and see far ahead of everyone and arrive their destinations far ahead of others.

According to him, the students must be resilient, ready to make sacrifices and utilise the time before them since time is of the essence to inspire others.

“Have a cross-cultural intelligence. Be open-minded to see what others see. There is nobody that knows it all. So as you relate, you learn more.

“Don’t be narrow minded but be receptive to ideas because your mind is a gate. Salem University is not about the certificate, but your mind, spirit and future.

“We have produced change agents that are creating impact globally, so take advantage of this place and be who God has destined you to be in life, ” he advised.

The Vice Chancellor prayed for longevity and prosperity for the founder.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof Sunday Okpanachi

said that Salem university has not only put behind her most challenging times, but has also seen most victories brought about by God. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration
Metro

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government has pledged to implement   sustained youth-centered policies to end irregular migration and its attendant dangers.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction made the pledge at the closing of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the Rabat Process is a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development.

NAN also reports that Nigeria, the incumbent chairman of the Rabat Process hosted its thematic.meeting themed, Youth, Education and Innovation – Driving the Future of Migration, with over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries in attendance.

Yilwatda assured that the government would prioritise skills, mobility, and dignity, advancing innovation in migration governance, to nip irregular migration in the bud.

He described the exploration of youth innovation and education as drivers of sustainable migration systems.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to lead the Rabat process with empathy, data, and integrity, emphasising the need for effective partnerships to achieve the desired migration governance.

“The meeting has addressed the influence of conflict, climate change, and economic disparity on migration, emphasising the need for a more just and humane future for migration in Europe and Africa.

“In the meeting I acknowledged the hard truths about migration, including the global narrative that casts migration in the language of fear and the limited opportunities for young people,” he added.

He said that migration should be seen as legal, dignified, and voluntary, with skills shared and youths running towards purpose, rather than from lack.

While appreciating the Kingdom of Spain for its support and partnership, the minister urged the development partners and the private sector to support skills programmes that link education with employability, especially in fragile and climate-affected regions.

He, therefore, called for shared frameworks that recognised qualifications, return talents, and open safe pathways for migration.

According to the minister, migration should be seen as the expression of choice, ability, and vision, not the consequence of despair.

Yilwatda said there was a need to give youths more than sympathy as they need structures and access.

Speaking in the same vein, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador-at-Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, promised to keep exploring ways to make more sustainable youths’ participation in the Rabat process.

Jimenez noted that there was a need to move from inclusion to the co-creation of a space of dialogue in migration governance.

“The representatives of the Nigerian youth said that they are a part of a solution. I think that youths are the solution.

“Youth is the driver of the future, and the future just started here in Abuja within the Rabat process,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Tinubu urges youths to leverage NASRDA skills acquisition project for employment
Science & Tech

Tinubu urges youths to leverage NASRDA skills acquisition project for employment

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to leverage the skills acquisition programme of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for gainful employment.

Tinubu made the call in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of NASRDA skills acquisition project being executed in collaboration with Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Represented by Mr Adewale Adeogun, Chairman, Tinubu National Think Tank (TnT), he said the project was part of the many initiatives of the government under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project targets to train 60,000 youths with relevant life changing skills.

“Most of our people are not aware of some of the policies that the President has brought forward because they were not informed, misinformed.

“The NASRDA/GBB project is here to educate, train and allow NGOs, corporate bodies, religious bodies, some support group leaders on these activities and we have millions of people unaware.

“We want Nigerians to embrace this programme, come up with ideas of how we can get millions, at least 50 million Nigerians out of this unemployment circle,’’ Tinubu said.

He said the Federal Government was in discussions with companies, government institutions to employ the youths who had benefited from the project.

“These youths, when trained through our platform, we will introduce them to ministries, agencies, parastatals and industries for employment.’’

Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said that Nigerian youths were intelligent, hardworking and creative, adding that the government was committed to giving them skills for development.

“We can use space science and technology to empower the youth to function in their own ecosystem,’’ he said.

He recalled the agency had already started a pilot skills acquisition programme on mast installation, maintenance and management of telecom infrastructure, with over 60 youths in participation.

According to him, the training is expected to touch on different sectors, states and local government levels because that is where the bulk of our youths reside.

Dr Haruna Mohammed, Technical Adviser to the D-G, said they were at the level of profiling the participants.

“The first was the pilot project, which we had over 60 participants, and we are scaling it up now, and we are profiling them, gathering data, trying to know how to spread it across the country.

“For this next stage, we are proposing 5000 youths and we recently had a request from some ministries to train about 60,000 youths,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that the youths would be trained on 27 different skills such as artistry, carpentry and painting.

Mr Ibrahim Igoche, Chief Executive Officer, GBB, encouraged other NGO partners to join the government in building the skills of Nigerian youths to reduce poverty. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Youth council inaugurates new executives in 5 states
General News

Youth council inaugurates new executives in 5 states

Ikuru Lizzy

The National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN) says it has inaugurated its newly elected executives to pilot its affairs for four years in Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Osun, Kano and Kaduna states.

Mr Sokubo Sara-Igbe, President of the council, in a statement on Monday in Port Harcourt, charged the new executives on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

He noted that the election and inauguration which held in Port Harcourt was aimed at promoting peace, cohesion and youth development in member States.

Sara-Igbe also tasked the newly elected executives to bring their wealth of experience to bear by positively impacting the youths through innovative programmes.

Describing NYCN as a non-political organisation, Sara-Igbe urged the new executives to collaborate with the government and private individuals.

He noted that such collaboration would help them develop programmes for impactful youth empowerment.

”The NYCN is not a political platform, it is a non- partisan organisation, you must not make any political endorsements using this platform.

”You must not allow yourselves to be used by politicians to act against the constitution of the council as perpetrators are liable to termination.

”As national leaders, we will continue to support and work with the government at all levels by ensuring that the interest of the Nigerian youth is protected,” he said.

Sara-Igbe, however, said that the council would continue to strive towards promoting youth inclusion in governance in order to engender peace and curb restiveness.

Those inaugurated are Ambrose Okpo (Rivers), Akinbode Oluwasegun (Osun), Muhammed Sule (Kano), Umar Abubakar (Kaduna) and Uduak Reuben (Akwa Ibom).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths
Science & Tech

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths

By Daniel Obaje/Jacinta Nwachukwu

The MTN Foundation has inaugurated a Digital Skills Academy, a platform aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital competencies to enhance their employability and economic participation.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to education, health and economic empowerment.

According to Sanya, the academy will provide structured digital learning for young Nigerians from secondary school level through to professional certification.

“We have developed a platform that is not only accessible but impactful, from guiding secondary school students through career-aligned psychometric tests to offering over 23 career learning paths.

“We believe that the person who understands digital skills and technology will eventually displace those who do not, that is why we are investing in building this capacity, especially for our youth,” she said.

She explained that the goal was to reach underserved communities across Nigeria through partnerships with government and other stakeholders, with a long-term target of training at least three million Nigerians in five years.

“We don’t want this to stay in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. We want to reach Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and the rural corners of Nigeria,” she added.

On his part, Mr Simon Aranonu, a Director in the Foundation, described the initiative as a bold step toward democratising education and empowering individuals across the country.

“We recognise that digital skills are an essential currency in the global job market, they shape the way we work and learn and challenge our ability to adapt and grow,” he said.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, commended the Foundation for the initiative, saying that it is timely and critical to national development.

“I commend the MTN Foundation for your vision, not only in launching this programme today but for everything you have done in supporting capacity development in our nation.

“The MTN Skills Academy will not only raise digital literacy but broaden the possibilities for youths in Nigeria,” he said.

He called for more collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and digital inclusion.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mrs Ebiho Agun, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development, described the academy as a timely and strategic initiative to empower Nigerian youths with essential digital skills.

“This launch is a call to action, a call to invest, and to innovate.

“The MTN Foundation Skills Academy is a bridge to opportunity and a spark for the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders,” he said.

The event drew participation from stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society, all united in the mission to create a digitally empowered future for Nigerian youths. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts
Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Niger, NGOs train 10,000 youths on financial literacy
General News

Niger, NGOs train 10,000 youths on financial literacy

 

By Rita Iliya

Niger Government says it will train no fewer than 10,000 youths, particularly young women, on financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Saturday that the training is in partnership with two NGOs; Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and MasterCard Foundation.

 

At the inauguration of the online training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY)’, Mrs Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, said the programme would equip youths with entrepreneurial business management skills.

 

Bako said that the programme was aimed at enhancing young entrepreneurs’ mindsets for transformation, employability and management capacity development.

 

“The programme is designed for mostly young female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen offering both online and in-person training sessions to foster entrepreneurial skills to succeed.

 

“The programme provides 60 per cent online and 40 per cent offline training, targeting 80 per cent young female and 20 per cent male entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35,” she said.

 

According to her, the online training is open to all Niger residents, and interested persons can register via the link: bit.ly/tny25niger.

 

She said benefits of the programme include business growth and mentorship, business registration and branding support, job placement and entrepreneurship linkages and certification.

 

In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, noted that “the programme package does not include starter packs, business grants or loans.”

 

Also speaking, Mrs Halima Rabiu from EDC, explained that the programme could also be done 100 per cent online, and participants can learn at their own pace.

 

“The courses are easy to understand, and we also have community physical learning for the state government to bring the women together to learn through zones,” she said.

 

Similarly, Mr Olawale Anifowose, Director Programmes and Partnerships of MasterCard Foundation, disclosed that the programme was designed for 10,000 entrepreneurs in Niger State, focusing on micro enterprises.

 

“The programme promises to build on past successes, offering an enhanced curriculum that covers critical areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing and digital skills,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Ismail Abdulaziz

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities
Agriculture

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities

By Justina Auta

The Ministry of Youth Development and Heifer International, an NGO, has urged youths to leverage innovative agricultural technology to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They made the call at the inauguration of the 2025 AYuTE Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, now in its fourth season, is an initiative of Heifer International.

NAN reports that the initiative aims to empower agri-tech innovators to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, noted that the initiative would empower youths to drive sustainable development, particularly within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Olawande, represented by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Special Assistant on Gender Affairs, said the initiative was a project aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths in agriculture.

“It is also fostering innovation and addressing the critical challenges facing our agricultural landscape in Nigeria, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods.

“Initiatives like these are crucial, and the focus on agri-tech solutions is particularly timely.

“We need to leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient, sustainable agricultural sector.

“This challenge provides a platform for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to the transformation of our dear country,” he said.

Olawande therefore reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s youths and tech innovators to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, said a $40,000 grant would be awarded to the top three finalists of the challenge to provide them with the necessary support to scale their agri-tech innovations.

He said this would help transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Describing the challenge as an enterprise development programme, he stated that it aims to identify, nurture, and support innovative, technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale, and thrive.

“It is to ensure that the youth of today take hold of the agriculture they want tomorrow, and it also provides them with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and generate employment for others,” he said.

He added that the organisation also provides participants with technical assistance, business development support, and introductions to potential investors.

He said this support would continue until participants successfully commercialise their technologies.

“Some of them become our programme partners and implement initiatives that offer solutions to farmers’ challenges.

“By virtue of their participation, others have found them interesting and invested in them, enabling them to continue growing,” he said.

According to him, the organisation has impacted over 46 million smallholder farmers across America, Asia, and Africa since its inception 80 years ago.

Also, Abdulmutalib Mohammed, representing the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU), said: “Technology is a very important catalyst in achieving food security.

“If it’s not anchored by the youth and tech-savvy individuals, we don’t see how we can catch up”.

Some past beneficiaries of the grant testified to its impact in equipping them with technology-driven solutions to address challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They said it has contributed to food security, economic growth, and youth empowerment. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

ECA, AfCFTA to boost visibility of women, youths through e-commerce
Economy/Business

ECA, AfCFTA to boost visibility of women, youths through e-commerce

By Lucy Ogalue

Women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria will benefit from improved access to African markets following the validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform.

An Economist with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA), Mamudou Sebego, said this at the Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Validation Workshop, in Lagos.

According to him, the entrepreneurs will gain visibility under the AfCFTA initiative.

“This event marks the third consultative engagement between the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, with support from the UN-ECA and Nigerian businesses, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of women and youths in cross-border trade.

“The platform and guide aim to simplify trade processes, enable visibility for products, and connect vendors with buyers across the continent.

“It is expected to address longstanding challenges such as logistics bottlenecks and difficulties with export documentation, which many small business owners have faced.”

Sebego added that the platform was designed to serve three key purposes: giving visibility to products, facilitating vendor-buyer matchmaking.and enabling cross-border transactions.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure AfCFTA implementation.

“Registration, product verification, and customs documentation remain under the purview of various institutions such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The e-commerce platform will not override regulatory processes but will integrate them over time.

“The goal is to simplify and eventually connect these processes online, but regulatory bodies will still play their role,”he said.

The Representative, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, Franca Achimugu, expressed the country’s readiness to implement AfCFTA commitments.

“Nigeria has taken a significant step forward by participating in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), a pilot phase of AfCFTA aimed at testing trade processes among willing and ready state parties.

“So, GTI allows countries that are ready to start trading and test the processes.

“Nigeria joined the GTI in June 2024 and successfully made its first shipment to Kenya in September, which arrived at its destination in December 2024,” she said.

Achimugu said that while the pilot shipment exposed gaps needing adjustments, Nigeria was  almost good and ready to go.

She said that the ultimate goal was to enhance the competitiveness of women and youth in the AfCFTA, noting that information was more important than money.

“This work is showing us where the opportunities are across Africa and what the requirements are for each market,” she  said.

Mrs Bukola Ajani, President, Association of Women in Fashion Tech, commended the initiative and expressed concerns about production cost.

“It will work similarly to platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and business owners have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reduce the burden associated with physically moving goods across borders.

“This will help us sell our products without travelling out of Nigeria. That is a major advantage, but concerns about production costs remain.

“Challenges such as high energy costs and currency devaluation still undermine competitiveness in the free trade market.

“With a little push and support, we are ready to showcase our products to Africa and beyond,”Ajani said.

Dr Blessing Irabor-Oza, National President, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), described the guide and platform as game-changing for women-led businesses.

“Some of our members are already exporting to the UK and US, but this will help many more women tap into the African market.

“The e-commerce platform will showcase our products and simplify payment systems,” she said.

She reiterated the potential for Nigerian products, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, to thrive under AfCFTA.

“Our African fashion and Shea butter products are in high demand globally, and with proper packaging and standards, we can compete with the best,” she added.

Mrs Margaret Adepetu, Women’s Coordinator for the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, also commended the initiative.

Adepetu said that while digital tools were helpful, addressing fundamental issues like the high cost of fuel and improving the value of the naira remained crucial.

“We can have all the platforms, but if the cost of fuel and electricity remains high, our products will still struggle to compete,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of government, stakeholders, entrepreneurs and partners. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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