The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG condemns military coup in Guinea-Bissau

    FG condemns military coup in Guinea-Bissau

    Nigeria has condemned the Wednesday coup in Guinea-Bissau. 

    The federal government also urged all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots.

    Nigeria, in a statement by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, also urged the actors to allow the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body. 

    Ebienfa also assured the people of Guinea-Bissau of Nigeria’s support. 

    The statement reads, “The federal government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

    “The federal government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region. This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.

    “We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.  

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body. 

    “We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.

    “Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”

  • Soldiers seize power in Guinea-Bissau and detain the president

    Soldiers seize power in Guinea-Bissau and detain the president

    A group of military officers say they have seized control of Guinea-Bissau amid reports that the president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has been arrested.

    Shortly after gunshots were heard in the capital, Bissau, government sources told the BBC that Embaló had been detained.

    The officers then appeared on state TV, saying they had suspended the electoral process, as the West African nation awaited the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election.

    They said they were acting to thwart a plot by unnamed politicians who had “the support of a well-known drug baron” to destabilise the country, and announced the closure of its borders and imposed a night-time curfew.

    Sandwiched between Senegal and Guinea, the coup-prone country is known as a notorious drug-trafficking hub where the military has been influential since independence from Portugal in 1974.

    The election results were expected on Thursday – both Embaló and his closest rival Fernando Dias hadclaimed victory.

    Dias was supported by former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who had been disqualified from running.

    Late on Wednesday afternoon, Embaló told France 24 in a phone call: “I have been deposed.”

    Government sources have since told the BBC that Dias, Pereira and Interior Minister Botché Candé have also been detained.

    The putschists have taken army chief Gen Biague Na Ntan and his deputy, Gen Mamadou Touré, into custody too, the sources say.

    In a joint statement, leaders of election observation missions from the African Union and the West African bloc Ecowas expressed “deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’etat by the armed forces”.

    They said the country had been prepared for the announcement of the election results after what it described as an “orderly and peaceful” process.

    “It’s regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” they said.

    BBC

  • NAICOM insists on strict capital verification

    NAICOM insists on strict capital verification

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has declared that transparency and integrity in the ongoing Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) verification exercise are “non-negotiable.”

    Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, made the position known at the EY Insurance Summit on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, where he detailed the Commission’s multi-layered reform agenda.

    Omosehin explained that the Commission’s collaboration with global audit firms is central to guaranteeing credibility in the capital verification process. 

    “This is why we are partnering with the Big 4 firms to conduct independent verification of the MCR of all insurance companies,” he said.

    He compared the verification exercise to strict aviation security procedures, saying, “What we are doing is akin to the scanner at airports. Every entity must pass through the scanner to validate compliance with the MCR. Our partnership with the Big 4 firms ensures independent validation of compliance with the MCR in line with extant laws and regulations. This collaboration is a cornerstone of investor confidence and market credibility.”

    The NAICOM chief disclosed that industry operators were responding positively to the process. According to him, “Industry response has been encouraging with a significant number of insurers indicating readiness for capital verification. Boards have approved strategies for fresh capital injection, mergers, and operational restructuring. The Commission has completed reviews of recapitalization plans and issued feedback to institutions.”

    Omosehin stressed that recapitalisation is only the starting point. “Recapitalization is the foundation, not the finish line,” he said, adding that after completing the MCR exercise and issuing licences to compliant firms, the Commission will immediately begin implementing the Risk-Based Capital (RBC) framework.

    According to him, the RBC Framework “is already concluded and will soon be re-exposed for stakeholder comments. The RBC Toolkit for analysis is nearing completion and will be used for RBC computation. RBC will align capital requirements with the risk profile of each institution, encouraging prudent risk management and capital allocation.”

    He also drew attention to emerging regulatory obligations under IFRS 17, stating that the new accounting standard introduces complexities requiring actuarial depth. “The implementation of IFRS 17 introduces new complexities in valuation and reporting. Actuaries will play a critical role in pricing compulsory insurance, assessing liability valuations, supporting RBC computations, and enhancing NAICOM’s regulatory data collection and analytics infrastructure,” he said. 

    Omosehin added that the Commission is concluding plans to engage an actuary to strengthen capacity in these areas and support industry-wide actuarial development.

    The NAICOM boss further set out NAICOM’s expectations from insurers, reinsurers, actuaries, auditors, brokers, technology partners, and investors. He said the Commission expects insurance and reinsurance companies to demonstrate full compliance with MCR timelines, adopt transparent reporting practices, invest in technology, entrench sound risk management systems, and prioritise prompt claims settlement. He noted that actuarial professionals must assist companies on IFRS 17 compliance and liability valuation, while audit firms are expected to ensure the integrity and independence of the capital verification exercise. Other stakeholders, including brokers, investors, and technology partners, he said, should drive innovation in distribution, deepen customer engagement, and expand the use of Insurtech solutions to support financial inclusion.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the current NAICOM management to collaborate with all stakeholders. “The current management of NAICOM is fully committed to working with all stakeholders – insurers, reinsurers, brokers, loss adjusters, actuaries, auditors, and technology partners – to change the narrative of the Nigerian insurance industry. Our shared goal is a sector that is resilient, innovative, and globally competitive.”

    Addressing lingering industry challenges, Omosehin acknowledged concerns around mergers and acquisitions, macroeconomic instability, and capacity gaps. He stated that integration issues in M&A processes must be carefully managed, while inflationary pressures and foreign exchange volatility continue to affect capital mobilisation. He also stressed that financial strength alone is insufficient without strong underwriting expertise and robust risk management frameworks.

    He noted that NAICOM’s regulatory approach is principle-based, offering clarity while creating room for innovation within a safe operating environment.

    Looking beyond compliance, the Commissioner presented the Commission’s broader strategic vision for the sector. He said the long-term goal is to build resilience and competitiveness through digital transformation, AI-enabled fraud detection, the use of IoT for risk prevention, and fully digital insurance platforms. Omosehin also stressed the importance of embedding sustainability principles in underwriting and investment decisions to align with global ESG standards, attract responsible capital, and take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    He added that the future of the industry depends on its capacity to develop local risk models and deepen analytics to tackle new and evolving threats including climate change, cyber risks, and public health emergencies.

    According to him, achieving this vision requires strong balance sheets, cohesive regulation, and unified industry action.

  • Group urges Nigerians to back Tinubu in fight against insecurity

    Group urges Nigerians to back Tinubu in fight against insecurity

    The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu full support in the ongoing fight against insecurity, saying he has shown uncommon courage and proactive leadership in tackling the nation’s most complex security challenges.

    The group noted that at a time when violent crimes have intensified across the country, the President has demonstrated clarity, decisiveness, and capacity, showing readiness to deliver on his mandate.

    “Like the phoenix, President Bola Tinubu is demonstrating bold leadership with clarity, decisiveness, and capacity in how he has handled the situation,” the group said.

    “Nigeria may not be out of the woods yet, but the President’s actions and the results so far show that he not only knew what to do but also had the political will to do it,” HAI noted.

    In a statement on Thursday by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, HAI said the President’s firm actions show he is prepared and politically willing to tackle insecurity head-on. 

    It cited his swift response to the abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, which led to the rescue of all abductees in two states and the recovery of over 50 victims in Niger.

    The group said Tinubu’s decision to suspend his planned trips to South Africa and Angola for the G7 and African Union meetings was a defining moment, describing it as a demonstration of his conviction that national security and the safety of Nigerians must override all international engagements.

    According to the group, the President has also established a central coordination room that brings together intelligence, military, police, and diplomatic units under his direct leadership. 

    This structure, it said, has enabled faster decision-making, seamless strategy alignment, and rapid deployment of security assets nationwide.

    HAI further highlighted Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency, including the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers, redeployment of military personnel from ceremonial duties to active operations, and the recall of police officers attached to VIPs. 

    These steps, it said, form part of a broader, intensified security push involving ground offensives and aerial surveillance.

    “These rescues show tangible security improvements and reinforce public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership,” the group stated.

    It also commended the administration’s diplomatic work, including the National Security Adviser-led mission to Washington and the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ engagements in Niger Republic, which it said are strengthening regional intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.

    HAI pointed to ongoing reforms in the justice system, noting that the Nigeria Police Force prosecuted 29,052 violent criminals between 2022 and 2024, securing 16,200 convictions, while the National Human Rights Commission conducted 18 investigations and five prosecutions on religiously motivated attacks.

    These are, no doubt, challenging times. However, we are fortunate to have a resolute leader in President Tinubu, who is bold and courageous enough to confront the challenges head-on. In time, our country will reap the results of his proactive leadership in the security sector,” HAI said.

  • Rivers stakeholders hail Tinubu for prompt rescue of kidnapped students

    Rivers stakeholders hail Tinubu for prompt rescue of kidnapped students

    Stakeholders from Rivers State under the auspices of the Ekpeye Peoples Forum (EPC) and the Ekpeye Political Development Forum (EPDF) have lauded President Bola Tinubu for promptly rescuing kidnapped school girls in the northern part of the country. 

    The stakeholders observed that the President’s action and other measures taken to check the security challenges in the country were yielding positive results.

    They spoke at a joint press briefing to thank the President for appointing their kinsman and former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche as the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

    The Chairman of the EPC, VisionPaul Aluchi and his counterpart in the EPDC, Adamu Moses, spoke in Ahoada East local government area of Rivers State.

    They expressed concerns that issues of insecurity seemed to escalate “whenever it is close to the next general elections in the country” and encouraged Tinubu to keep fighting the monster.

    Aluchi said, “We wish to use this opportunity to express our concern over the recent wave of insecurity in the country and convey our sincere condolences to families who have lost relatives as a result of the terrorism in the country, especially the events of last week in which students and worshipers were abducted.

    “We equally commend president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his determination to restore security and guarantee safety of lives and properties in the country which he has demonstrated by taking bold steps including changing the Service Chiefs.

    “The president’s determination to take a lead himself in the fight against insecurity has resulted in the immediate rescue of 38 abducted worshipers in Kwara State, release of the kidnapped students from Niger and Kebbi States respectively. 

    “We therefore urge the president not to relent as experience has shown that these activities are common each time we are approaching an election period and he should remain resolute so that the enemies of his administration will not succeed in their plot to taint his administration with sponsored insecurity.”

    Aluchi said despite being the third largest ethnic group in the state ‘ in terms of population, natural endowment and population’, successive governments in the state marginalized the people until the former governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike became a governor and wiped their tears.

    He said: “As minister, Wike has facilitated the appointment of our illustrious son Rt. Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche as chairman of South-South Development Commission among others.

    In his remarks, Moses said: “Let me start by thanking President Bola Tinubu for his approach in securing the 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic church, Eruku, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.

    “The abductees who were freed on 23rd November was wholly due to the hands-on approach of the President 

    “The newly appointed Service Chiefs were not left out in their coordinated approach in assisting the Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Moses also lauded the president for deploying economic policies that caused the reduction of prices of foodstuffs and the increase in the nation’s ‘Foreign Reserves”.

    He said the FCT Minister brought more development to the Ekpeye people while he was governor than his predecessors, saying Wikes was replicating his Rivers performance in Abuja.

    Moses listed some of the projects Wike did in the area to include dualization of Ahoada – Omoku Road with Modern street lights, ‘a project that gave Ahoada a face lift, ‘the siting of Faculty of Humanities of Rivers State University in Ahoada was a major landmark development that did educational activities closer to the rural areas, it also has busted economic activities and another level of socialization.”

    He said the Ekpeye people would continue to support the Tinubu led administration and rally round the FCT Minister especially as elections draws closer. 

  • Tinubu mourns renowned Muslim leader, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

    Tinubu mourns renowned Muslim leader, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood, who died on Thursday at the age of 101.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late cleric as “a moral compass who dedicated his life to teaching and preaching.” 

    He noted that Sheikh Bauchi’s death represents a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and followers but to the entire nation.

    President Tinubu recalled the spiritual guidance and support he received from the revered scholar, especially during the period leading up to the 2023 presidential election. 

    “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason. As both a preacher and a notable exegete of the Holy Quran, he was an advocate of peace and piety. His death has created a huge void,” the President said.

    The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Tijjaniyya community across Nigeria and beyond, urging them to honour the cleric’s memory by upholding the values he espoused. 

    He called on followers to remain steadfast in their relationship with God, promote peaceful coexistence and show kindness to humanity.

    Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, widely respected for his scholarship and spiritual influence, spent decades teaching Islamic jurisprudence, mentoring clerics, and providing guidance to millions of followers.

    President Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and encouraged the nation to draw inspiration from the late cleric’s lifelong commitment to peace, faith, and moral discipline.

  • Dangote Refinery saves Nigeria ₦10bn annually — Esan

    Dangote Refinery saves Nigeria ₦10bn annually — Esan

    Mr Sunday Esan, Senior General Manager, Corporate Communications at Dangote Industries Ltd., says the Dangote Refinery has saved Nigeria more than ₦10 billion annually in foreign exchange by replacing fuel imports with locally refined products.

    Esan made the disclosure on Thursday in Lagos during the ongoing 2025 Media Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council.

    The theme of the event is “Unlocking Opportunities for Businesses in a Challenging Economy: The Role of the Media / Roadmaps to Energy Security in Nigeria”.

    He noted that the refinery had significantly reduced the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

    “The refinery is more than a national landmark; it is reducing foreign exchange outflows, driving GDP growth, creating jobs, positioning Nigeria as a regional energy hub, and strengthening our national energy supply.”

    Esan said the Dangote Refinery, which began operations almost two years ago, has already made substantial contributions to the Nigerian economy.

    He said these include helping to curtail PMS and diesel importation, stabilising the Naira, creating thousands of jobs, and strengthening the country’s energy supply chain.

    He highlighted that fuel imports dropped by 1.54 per cent in the first quarter of 2025.

    “While Nigeria spent $2.6 billion on fuel imports in Q1 2024, the figure declined sharply to $1.2 billion in Q1 2025.

    “Dangote Refinery has saved Nigeria over ₦10 billion annually in foreign exchange by replacing imports with local production.

    “It has significantly curtailed oil imports and created measurable economic impact, ” he said.

    Speaking on production capacity, Esan revealed that the refinery was reviewing a scale-up from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

    He added that global interest in the refinery continues to grow, with Saudi Aramco — one of the world’s largest refiners — and U.S. buyers expressing interest in its jet fuel.

    He also described the massive size of the complex, noting that the refinery spans an area approximately seven times the size of Victoria Island, Lagos, requiring a minimum of five hours to tour by car.

    “This shows the magnitude of the investment that one man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has brought to life,” he said.

    Esan added that the acquisition of 4,000 CNG trucks for product distribution has created no fewer than 24,000 jobs.

    On the role of the media in advancing energy security, Esan urged journalists, particularly NUJ members, to set the right agenda and report accurately on developments in the energy sector.

    “We want your members to visit the refinery so your reports will be accurate and well-informed.

    “When some people are bent on pulling it down, you will understand that this is a national asset we must protect,” he added.

    Also, Mr Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor at Vanguard Newspapers,stated that businesses could benefit significantly from strong media partnerships through access to credible information needed for informed daily decision-making.

    He challenged journalists to uphold credibility to strengthen trust with the business community.

    In his welcome address, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, NUJ Lagos Chairman, described the lecture as a valuable opportunity to highlight and examine the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s energy sector.

    Ajayi also acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to harness the sector’s potential for national development.

    Responding to Esan’s remarks on agenda-setting, Ajayi affirmed that the union had consistently set national agendas at both state and federal levels.

    He stressed the need for Dangote Group and other stakeholders in the energy sector to remain open to collaboration with the media.

    Mr Wale Akodu, Chairman of the Press Week Committee, reflected on the hardships Nigerians faced in previous years — particularly fuel scarcity and panic buying during the Yuletide — which, he noted, have now largely become a thing of the past.

    (NAN)

  • Lady found dead in Ondo hotel, male companion flees

    Lady found dead in Ondo hotel, male companion flees

    A yet-to-be-identified young woman has been found dead in a popular hotel in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Her body was discovered on Wednesday after hotel staff forced their way into the room when repeated calls to the occupants went unanswered.

    A hotel employee, who spoke anonymously, told The Nation that the woman had checked into the hotel earlier in the day with a man believed to be her companion. 

    The man was said to have fled before the body was found.

    “The two were seen together earlier in the day, but when staff entered the room, the lady was found unresponsive. One of us noticed something was wrong and alerted others. The matter was immediately reported to the police station in Ore,” the worker said.

    The incident has shocked the community, with residents gathering at the hotel to express concern over the tragic development. 

    The body has since been deposited in a hospital morgue.

    It was gathered that preliminary checks showed no visible injuries on the deceased, and the room showed no signs of struggle. 

    A full autopsy was said to have been scheduled to determine the cause of death.

    Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, said investigations had begun and a manhunt for the fleeing suspect was underway.

    “Yes, the incident happened, and we have begun an investigation. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect,” he said.

  • NAF pledges support for military institutions to produce battle-ready officers

    NAF pledges support for military institutions to produce battle-ready officers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed readiness to support the Nigerian Defence Academy and other military training institutions to produce battle-ready officers armed with modern skill that could surmount contemporary security challenges.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, gave the assurance when played host to the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    He said, “Sustaining a professional and combat-ready officer corps requires sustained collaboration in training, faculty development, capacity building, and exposure to real-time operational environments.” 

    Air Marshal Aneke who once served as Deputy Commandant of the NDA, described the NDA as “the cradle of military professionalism, where the future leadership of the Armed Forces is shaped.”

    He noted that the NDA remains central to producing officers who are “mentally resilient, morally upright, and operationally prepared to defend our nation in an evolving security environment.” 

    The CAS assured the NDA Commandant of the NAF’s readiness to deepen cooperation.

    “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to support the NDA to ensure it produces officers who are fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to national defence,” he said. 

    The Commandant pledged to build on the structures, reforms, and legacies established by his predecessors. 

    He said the NDA under his leadership will strengthen collaboration with all services of the Armed Forces.

    “We are committed to ensuring that the Academy remains globally competitive, academically sound, and strategically aligned with the contemporary needs of the Armed Forces,” he said. 

    Gen. Olatoye said the NDA was dedicated to enhancing its curriculum, leadership development frameworks, and character-moulding processes, noting that “our goal is to produce officers who embody excellence, discipline, and readiness for the demands of modern warfare.” 

  • Minister leads digital trade mission to Sierra Leone, signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation

    Minister leads digital trade mission to Sierra Leone, signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation

    Nigeria and the government of Sierra Leone have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, promote digital inclusion and boost the economies of the two countries. 

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Sierra Leone for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission.

    According to a statement emanating from the Minister’s office in Abuja, the top level discussions culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation across digital public infrastructure, digital trade, cybersecurity, youth innovation, and technology transfer.

     “This engagement comes on the heels of Dr. Tijani’s participation in the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in Benin Republic, reinforcing Nigeria’s proactive leadership in shaping West Africa’s digital future”, the statement noted. 

    It added that the mission featured ecosystem hub tours, press engagements, technical sessions, and Government-to-Government deliberations hosted by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology & Innovation, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah. 

    The government statement reads in part, “Discussions focused on digital trade coordination, cybersecurity collaboration, skills development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, reflecting the shared ambition of both nations to accelerate regional digital integration. 

    “Following two days of bilateral engagements, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening regional integration, expanding digital infrastructure, and building a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive West African economy. 

    “Specific highlights of the discussions include, Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation

    Both Governments agreed to enhance collaboration across priority areas of mutual interest, including:

    Digital public infrastructure and interoperable government systems, broadband expansion and resilient connectivity, digital identity, cybersecurity, and data governance,

    Artificial Intelligence development and responsible innovation.”

    Others are “Digital literacy, talent development, and institutional capacity building

    Cross-border digital trade and private-sector partnerships”

    On the MoU, the statement noted that the governments of Nigeria and Sierra Leone signed MoUs establishing structured cooperation on:

    Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

    Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies

    Talent development and digital skills

    Broadband infrastructure and spectrum collaboration.

    It said private-sector companies were not left out in the engagements from both countries as they signed multiple partnerships and MoUs.  

    The government said the MoUs also touched expansion of digital services across markets, 

    Strengthening fintech, edtech, healthtech, govtech and cloud solutions, Driving joint innovation projects, Supporting startup exchange and enterprise growth

    “Nigeria remains fully committed to enabling a more harmonised, secure, and innovative digital region. Our partnership with Sierra Leone is not only a bilateral engagement, it is part of a broader vision to ensure that technology, talent, and trade flow seamlessly across our continent,” Dr. Tijani said. 

     He qouted his Sierra Leonian counterpart as saying that “Together, we are laying the foundations for a digital economy that empowers our young people and creates shared prosperity”.

    According to Dr Tijani, the Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology & Innovation, welcomed the cooperation, and highlighted its potential to accelerate Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

     She stressed the need for both countries to build their relationship and shared history towards accelerating the continent’s digital economy, Dr Tijani said. 

    According to the statement, the Mission’s emphasis on private-sector collaboration was further demonstrated by the participation of leading Nigerian technology companies, including IHS Towers, Flutterwave, CcHUB, Miden, Cybervergent, Prunedge, Itana, and Awarri, whose presence highlighted Nigeria’s depth of innovation capacity and commitment to fostering regional investment flows. 

    “These companies engaged Sierra Leonean counterparts in structured B2B matchmaking sessions designed to stimulate cross-border partnerships, digital infrastructure development, and knowledge exchange”, noted the government. 

    The Nigerian delegation included agency heads from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy including Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB).

    Others are Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR); and Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).