Centre Unveils Export Launch Pad To Boost Nigeria`s Trade Competitiveness

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03/06/2025

By Martha Agas

The World Trade Centre (WTC), Abuja, on Tuesday unveiled an export launch pad aimed at boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

The pad was unveiled by its Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Adelaja, alongside the WTC Abuja Trade Desk shortly after its webinar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the webinar was on “Navigating Global Uncertainties and Breaking Barriers to Growth”, part of its series on `Nigeria`s Trade Competitiveness.

Adelaja described the pad as WTC Abuja’s flagship business accelerator, designed to empower Nigerian exporters, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises to compete successfully in international markets.

He said that the transformative initiatives were in response to the constraints limiting Nigeria`s competitiveness to global trade which aligned with Nigeria`s economic diversification agenda and the African Union 2063 Agenda, among other policies.

He expressed confidence that the launch pad would provide solutions to concerns such as product packaging, compliance to international standards and access to logistics concerns.

“It will provide export-ready diagnostics, sector-specific market intelligence, packaging and compliance advisory and access to logistics partners, trade finance and verified international buyers.

“It will also serve as a pipeline for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade, ECOWAS regional integration and global exports, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, the creative economy and services, “ he said.

According to him, the unveiling of the export pad aims to ensure that no viable export idea in Nigeria fails due to a lack of knowledge, access, or support.

While unveiling the WTC Abuja Trade Desk, he said that it would serve as a dedicated liaison and support hub for exporters.

Adelaja said that the services of the desk would also include offering market entry assistance, regulatory support, documentation guidelines, policy issue escalation, and business matchmaking through the global WTC network.

He said that the trade desk would also work with relevant organisations such as the chambers of commerce, trade agencies, international partners, stating that the WTC was determined to become a bridge to global opportunity.

He said the trade desk would also work with relevant organisations such as chambers of commerce, trade agencies and international partners, emphasising the determination of the WTC to become a bridge to global opportunities.

The keynote speaker, Prof Jonathan Aremu, said that Nigeria`s trade competitiveness was facing both global uncertainties and domestic barriers to growth, such as global volatility, weak oil prices and infrastructure deficits.

Aremu, a professor of International Economics Relations, said that navigating uncertainty and breaking barriers to enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness involved a multi-faceted approach from both the public and the private sector.

He said that the approaches include forming strategic partnerships, embracing digital transformation, diversification, local sourcing and regional import substitution, sequencing and negotiating Nigeria’s trade agreements and reordering the priorities of trade formulation and negotiation.

He said that the range of products or services offered in Nigeria should be expanded to help businesses reduce their reliance on any single revenue stream.

“Exploring new markets, either within Nigeria or internationally, can help businesses spread risk by targeting different customer segments or expanding into new geographical areas.

“ Diversifying investments across different asset classes and currencies can help protect against inflation and currency devaluation, “ he said.

Mr Kevin Oye, the President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that the private sector plays a vital role in export competitiveness.

Represented by the Director of the Abuja Liaison Office, Mahmud Ahmed, Oye said that competitiveness couldn be achieved through driving product and process innovation, powering production infrastructure, strengthening supply chains, and promoting global marketing.

Nigeria Hosts Summit On Boosting Africa’s Green Energy Investment

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02/06/2025

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By Martha Agas

Nigeria is to host the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) to boost the continent’s natural resources through smart, cross-sector collaboration for sustainable growth.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake on Monday in Abuja.

According to Tomori, AFNIS, which will take place from July 14 to July 17, in Abuja is Africa’s leading platform for harnessing the continent’s abundant natural and energy resources to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.

He said the fourth edition of the conference to hold in Abuja would facilitate trade and knowledge sharing, support the development of enabling policies for the natural resources sector, and highlight investment opportunities across the continent.

“The fourth edition of AFNIS will bring together visionaries, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders committed to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s natural wealth.

“This year’s summit themed brings together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture and finance alongside policy makers in these sectors, across the continent,

“This is aimed at developing bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration, “he said.

He added that the 2025 summit would foster partnerships and attract investments to Nigeria, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development expected to highlight reforms positioning the mining sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth.

The four-day event ,he said, is with theme: `Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development`.

“This provides an opportunity for Nigeria to concretise partnerships that landed in multi-billion-dollar investment deals on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi 2023.

“Whilst also opening new vistas for expanded collaboration with Nigeria’s business community, “ he said.

According to him, a lithium processing plant will be unveiled at the summit, reflecting Alake’s push for local value addition, with the project expected to generate jobs, support technology transfer, and drive industrial growth.

NAN reports that AFNIS 2025 will bring together senior dignitaries from over 25 nations, along with executives from leading organisations such as the African Development Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), among others.

NAN also reports that the AFNIS 3rd edition in 2024, in Abuja also bought together key stakeholders from the mining, agriculture, finance, power, and energy sectors—both renewable and non-renewable to facilitate cross sectoral collaboration.

Building on the success of its predecessors, AFNIS 2025 continues the discourse initiated in 2022, where sustainable development of African natural resources was highlighted, and 2023, which delved into the need for a just and equitable transition towards a greener Africa.

The 2024 agenda underscored the pivotal role of Africa’s abundant natural resources in fuelling economic prosperity and empowering marginalised communities.

Upper Niger River Basin: Appointment Of Speaker Tajudeen’s Brother, Questionable, Lacks Transparency – Group

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31/05/2025

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. . . Calls For Reversal Of The Appointment

A group under the auspices of Council of Political Parties Chairmen of Nigeria (CPPCN), has frowned at the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen as the Managing Director of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority.

The group described the appointment as a breach of equity, competence, and lacking due process, alleging that Aliyu Tajudeen is the biological younger brother of the Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Addressing a Press Conference at the weekend in Kaduna, the group spokeperson, Engr lIdris Musa emphasised that the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen is a total breach of equity, competence and due process.

According to Engr. Musa, ” It is documented that His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, formally Nominated Hon. Shuaibu Bawa Jaja based on merit, while his name was substituted at the eleventh hour with that of Aliyu Tajudeen, biological young brother (same father) of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

” This unilateral alteration, executed without public justification, constitutes a gross violation of due process and undermines institutional integrity,” Engr. Musa explained.

The group therefore demanded a public investigation into the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen, while also calling for reversal of the appointment and the disclosure of the publication of the shortlist, interview records, and selection criteria.

This is just as the group also argued that the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen was done on the ground of nepotism,, political favoritism, and a blatant violation of constitutional principles of fairness that is not in the interest of the unity and progress of the nation.

“The appointment of a blood relative of the Speaker to a high-level federal post within the same geopolitical zone and political network absent due process or open competition flagrantly violates the constitutional imperative.

” It is also important to know, whether federal character principles were applied; whether transparent nomination channels and competitive selection were followed; whether the Speaker’s relationship with the appointee was disclosed and reviewed per conflict-of-interest policies,” the group asked.

While calling on the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to intervene, the group added that the FCC is constitutionally mandated under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution to ensure fairness, equity, and balanced representation in federal appointments.

Menstrual Hygiene Day: AMDF and Softcare Sanitary Producers Empower Girls in Kaduna

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31/05/2025

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The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) partnered with Sunda International Company, producers of SoftCare Sanitary products, to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day by supporting over 200 girls and women in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on May 29, 2025.

The initiative aligns with AMDF’s vision to support sustainable development initiatives and improve livelihood, focusing on promoting menstrual hygiene and reducing menstrual poverty among girls.

This year’s theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” underscores the need for collaboration to ensure girls can manage their menstruation with dignity, emphasizing the importance of working together to bring about change.

AMDF’s Executive Director, Mrs. Sekyen Dadik, highlighted the unfortunate reality that many girls in these communities have never used sanitary towels during menstruation, and do not have access to clean water, stressing the need for urgent action from governments, organizations, and individuals.

To address this, she advocated for: Long-term Policies and developing strategies to tackle menstrual poverty, such as establishing pad banks in schools and communities; Changing Harmful Norms by intensifying efforts to shift societal attitudes and address challenges women face during menstruation; Tackle Poor menstrual hygiene by providing water and toilet facilities in schools to support continuous learning for girls and effectiveness for female teachers.

During the event at LEA/GSS Juji and GSS Rido, girls received health talks and demonstrations on best practices for menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene advocate, Nseingnom Victoria Domi, demonstrated for the girls how to properly use a sanitary pad and emphasized the importance of good menstrual hygiene to prevent infections, reduce odor, and maintain comfort and well being during their periods.

The Principal of GSS Juji, Mrs. Rahab David Anzah, expressed gratitude to AMDF and Sunda International Company for their support, noting it was the first time the school had benefited from such an initiative, which meant a lot to both teachers and students. Also, the Principal of GSS Rido, Mr Musa Yahaya thanked the organizations for educating and supporting his students and teachers.
Presenting the Sanitary Pads to AMDF, the
Regional Sales Manager North west, Ariyo Monday Sule noted that the comfort and well being of young girls and women is at the heart of the vision and mission of Sunda International Company, as he commits to supporting girls to go through their monthly cycle with pride and dignity.

Sen Bala Ibn Na’Allah Mourns Death Of Former Rivers State MILAD, Col. Dauda Musa Komo

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31/05/2025

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…Patriot Of The Highest Order

Sen.Bala Ibn Na’allah says the passing of one of Zuru’s most illustrious and distinguished son, rtd. Col. Dauda Musa Komo, who died on the evening of Friday, May 30, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is a profound loss not only to the people of Zuru but to the entire nation of Nigeria
Col. Komo was in Port Harcourt to honour an invitation to a public event when he passed away. .
Sen. Na’allah in a tribute on behalf of his family, extends their heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness Gen. Dr. Sani Sami Gomo II, the immediate family of the late icon, and the entire Zuru Emirate.
“This is indeed a painful loss. Col. Komo was not only an outstanding military officer but also a patriot of the highest order. As a former President of the Zuru Emirate Development Society (ZEDS), he played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Zuru. His indelible contributions will forever be remembered and should serve as a beacon of inspiration for current and future generations.

“Col. Dauda Musa Komo was truly a great icon, a man whose life embodied service, integrity, and commitment to the advancement of his people. We bid farewell to a hero and a pillar of our community.
“Adieu, our dear Col. Dauda Musa Komo”, he concludes

Reflect on Member States Challenges and Incorporate People-centered Approach – Liberian Group Tasks ECOWAS

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28/05/2025

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As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank wants all member states to move from a Heads-of-states Approach to an improved People-center Approach to accelerate stable economic growth, inclusive governance, peace and security.

Amidst the growing threat of some member states opting out of ECOWAS, terrorism, and human rights abuse, it is the right time to incorporate citizens’ participation in decision-making.

This is a bedrock to deepen economic ties, foster unity, and implement structural reforms to strengthen its members’ political governance.

The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank made the call in a statement titled “A Time to Reflect on Member States Challenges and Incorporate People-centered Approach instead of Heads-of-States Approach” as member States commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the sub- region.
“West African states have collectively come a long way in preventing conflict and promoting economic growth which is sine qua non to mitigate the huge unemployment rate in West Africa. With ECOWAS coordinating and projecting member states developmental paths, more needs to be planned, executed, and results evaluated. Citizens must participate in the making of decisions that affect them.
“The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank believes this will include ensuring free, honest, and transparent elections and limiting the mandates of heads of state. It will also show capacity gaps and provide strategies to enhance the region’s human development index- a fulcrum to transformation across the region.

“LiDTT calls on ECOWAS to be more proactive in monitoring and strengthening democratic governance within its member states. It must prioritize civic education, improve the quality of electoral processes, and impose sanctions on heads of state that circumvent the constitution or prolong their stay in power through constitutional maneuvering- changing the constitution to suit their needs once their tenure is about to end.

“LiDTT believes that ECOWAS can do better by reinforcing stability and security within its member states given the ongoing security challenges in the region. ECOWAS must strengthen its role in maintaining peace and security, including addressing terrorism and violent extremism.

“Finally, there is a growing and urgent need for ECOWAS to strengthen the ECOWAS Commission, members of state parliament, institutional capacity, and structural reform, while also promoting citizen participation in decision-making at all levels. West Africa must do things differently to enhance the gains the region has made over the years.
About Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank
LiDTT is an apolitical diplomatic research group that endeavors to promote and harness peace, security, and economic growth through diplomacy.

FG, FCT Schools Pledge To Sustain Menstrual Hygiene Education, Access

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28/05/2025

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By Justina Auta

Representatives of FCT secondary schools and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs pledged to sustain efforts to close menstrual hygiene education gaps and improve sanitary product access, continuing the Tabitha Cumi Foundation’s initiative.

They made the commitment on Wednesday during the baseline dissemination meeting for principals and vice principals under the Always Keeping Girls In School (AKGIS) project.

The project is funded by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America) and implemented by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) in Abuja.

Mrs Nendirmwa Ohah, Programme Manager at TCF, said the study aimed to establish a detailed baseline of various qualitative and quantitative indicators of the AKGIS project to guide its activities.

She explained that the findings revealed menstrual education gaps, limited access to sanitary pads, poor hygiene facilities, harmful taboo practices, and low awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among the 140 respondents.

“The AKGIS project aims to increase retention of 1,600 marginalised girls by providing hygienic sanitary materials and accurate information on menstrual hygiene management in FCT, Lagos, and Benue states.

“We need to drive the sustainability of these programmes ourselves. Community-led or school-led initiatives are essential, where girls can access this information in schools and clubs.

“No girl should be left behind on menstrual hygiene management and information because it is a normal biological function,” she emphasised.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs (FMoWA), noted that menstrual health had long been shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and neglect in spite of being a vital aspect of public health, gender equality, and education.

Represented by Mrs Gloria Michael, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of FMoWA, she commended TCF for supporting women and girls in managing their menstrual periods safely and confidently.

“Many girls are forced to miss school or drop out entirely, undermining their potential and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

“I am proud to say that Tabitha Cumi Foundation has given hope to these downtrodden girls.

“We are expanding menstrual hygiene education, supporting local production and distribution of sanitary materials, and advocating for menstrual-friendly policies in MDAs, schools, and public institutions.”

The minister added, “Our aim is clear: no girl should ever have to choose between her education and her period.

“We know this is not a task government can achieve alone. It requires collective action from all stakeholders,” she said.

Also, Dr Safiya Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of the Placement and Gender Unit at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), said the agency would ensure that findings from the project’s impact were addressed.

“We have seen the positive impact on our girls. It came at a timely moment because some principals, especially men, did not fully understand menstrual hygiene management before this sensitisation,” she said.

Abdurazaq Ademola, Principal of Abuja School of the Deaf, Kuje, said, “Tabitha Cumi Foundation has intervened in the menstrual hygiene situation.

“In the past, some of our students used rags or other materials during their menstrual cycle.

“But now, through the intervention supplying pads in schools, our students have access to sanitary products and have learned to maintain proper hygiene during their periods.”

Hajiya Gold Fatima, Principal of Junior Secondary School, Area 11, added that students attended classes more regularly and did not stay home during their menstrual cycles thanks to the AKGIS project.

She said, “When girls come to the office for assistance during their periods, we quickly provide help, enabling them to feel free and stay in class to attend lessons.”

Mr Ikpangetor Isaac, Head Teacher of FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje, expressed appreciation to the organisation for empowering girls with special needs with information and sanitary products to manage their menstrual cycles.(NAN)

Nigeria: Foundation Marks Children’s Day, Seeks More Support For Young Cancer Patients

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28/05/2025

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By Justina Auta

In a bid to create more awareness and advocate for increased support for childhood cancer, a non-governmental organisation, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF), took action on Children’s Day 2025.

The foundation marked the celebration with young cancer patients in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing attention to their struggles and the need for early detection, care, and support.

Ms. Kemi Adekanye, Founder and Chief Volunteer of OkapiCCF, led the initiative on Tuesday at the National Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

She stated that the exercise was designed to celebrate the strength of children battling cancer and emphasised the importance of early detection and care.

According to Adekanye, the day also served as an opportunity to spend quality time with young patients, while offering support and encouragement to their parents and caregivers.

“There is currently no structured support or government intervention for children with cancer.

“We are helping to reduce some of their financial burdens by covering part of their treatment costs and offering psychological support, just like we are doing here today.

“We all need to come together to raise awareness and support for these children. Even for those who are not yet diagnosed, cancer is more common in children than most people realise,” she said.

Malam Sani Abdulkarim, father of five-year-old cancer patient, said the initiative brought smiles and hope to children in the hospital, reassuring them that they were not alone in their fight.

“We appreciate the foundation for making these children happy on this special day.

“I also appeal to the government to support these families, especially financially, and to establish more oncology centres,” he urged.

Mrs Francesca Augustine, mother of a two-year-old, also expressed gratitude:”When she was diagnosed, it was devastating, but God sent Okapi Foundation to restore our hope and support us.

“She has now completed her treatment.”

Dr Oyesakin Adewunmi, Chief Consultant Paediatrician and Head of the Oncology Unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, lauded the foundation for its decade-long support of children with cancer.

“Through their contributions, we’ve been able to finance treatments to completion, and some of these children are now survivors who have returned to school,” she said.

Adewunmi also highlighted persistent challenges in the fight against childhood cancer, including lack of funding, access to blood and blood products, and socio-cultural factors.

She stressed the importance of timely medical intervention and adherence to treatment to improve survival rates.

Similarly, Dr Ifeoma Ezeukwu, Head of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, called for a unified effort:”Everyone should support children with cancer.

“The belief that cancer doesn’t occur in children is outdated. It does, and it is treatable if detected early.

“We urge the government to make cancer treatment for children free and include it in the national health insurance scheme. This will ease the financial burden on families.”

She also acknowledged OkapiCCF’s continued partnership in supporting children through diagnosis, investigation, and treatment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the Children’s Day celebration, the foundation distributed hampers filled with food items and gifts to children undergoing cancer treatment.(NAN)

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