From Atiku Sarki, Abuja The Federal Government has inaugurated seven planning committees for the forthcoming National Industrial Manpower Development Summit, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape by aligning it with global standards of workforce competitiveness and technological innovation. Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the summit marks a critical step in repositioning Nigeria’s industrial sector by prioritizing human capital development. “This initiative marks a defining step toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s industrial transformation through one of its most vital levers: human capital development,” the…
Author: Hussaini Ibrahim
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the House Committee on Public Accounts have resolved to strictly enforce regulations governing Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and enterprises operating within them, to ensure optimal remittances to the Federation Account. This resolution was announced in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Dr. Martins Odeh, Head of Corporate Communications at NEPZA. The decision was reached during the committee’s oversight visit to the Dangote Refinery & Petrochemicals Free Zone Enterprise and the Lagos Free Zone on Wednesday. In his welcome address, NEPZA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, reiterated…
From Sani Saleh Chinade, Bauchi The Public Relations Secretary of the Confederation of Traders Association of Nigeria (North-East chapter), Auwalu Yusuf (popularly known as Auwal Yobe), has raised concerns over the federal government’s failure to repair damaged portions of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway, warning that the neglect could severely impact businesses in the region. Speaking with our correspondent in Azare, Bauchi State, Auwalu said the government’s continued negligence—especially after last year’s monsoon floods—has left several sections of the highway impassable, particularly in Bauchi State. “The damage to this road is a major concern for traders. Anyone familiar with the Kano-Maiduguri road…
From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is currently attending the 2025 Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AFDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he was invited as a Special Guest by the continental development finance institution. A statement on Wednesday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the Governor’s participation as a reflection of the state’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with global financial institutions to unlock economic potential and enhance the living conditions of the people. At the meeting, Governor Ododo is actively engaging with AFDB leadership…
From Abba Dukawa, Abuja FELLOW Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit. Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we have faced these headwinds with courage and determination. The economic and general situation of the country I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies to stop our country from further drifting into the precipice. It was apparent that if the federal government and…
By Usman Usman Garba As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the urban renewal project in Kano State, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has flagged off the reconstruction of the 3.6-kilometer Zungeru Road in the Sabon-Gari area of Fagge Local Government. The project was initially awarded during the second tenure of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso but was later abandoned by the previous administration. This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad. In his address, Governor Yusuf described the project as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure…
By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman The Director General of the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT), Prof. Hamisu Salihu, has announced that Kano is positioning itself as the next hub for advanced medical treatment and research, following the installation of cutting-edge technologies in its health sector. Prof. Salihu made this known on Tuesday during a tour of the Centre’s state-of-the-art facility located at Kwanar Dawaki in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State. The centre is equipped with modern machines designed for research, diagnosis, analysis, and other evolving aspects of medical science. He revealed that the Centre’s latest acquisition, the…
From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar The University of Calabar (UNICAL) Management has expressed strong disapproval over the increasing involvement of some staff members in union and association activities at the expense of their official duties. In a statement released to media representatives in Calabar, the university authority described the trend as “lackadaisical” and warned that it is having a negative impact on the institution’s service delivery. According to a memo signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, “this trend has greatly impeded service delivery within the university,” citing concerns that staff productivity is declining due to excessive focus…
From Christiana Gokyo, Jos The Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, has revealed that the state government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, is set to domesticate and implement cultural policies and programs at the grassroots level. “One of our starting points is the cultural festival, which we plan to entrust exclusively to our royal fathers, as they are the rightful custodians of our traditions and heritage,” he stated. “This way, we can ensure that all our cultural efforts are well-coordinated and impactful.” Doeyok spoke on Wednesday at the Plateau State Autochthonous Language Conference in…
…Target 50% export price reduction as trade under AfCFTA advances From Atiku Sarki, Abuja In a landmark move to deepen regional trade integration, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have jointly launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor. The initiative, flagged off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is set to significantly reduce export costs and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The event drew top government and aviation stakeholders, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale…
