The Nation Newspaper

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  • IShowSpeed gets Ghanaian passport after completion of Africa Tour

    IShowSpeed gets Ghanaian passport after completion of Africa Tour

    Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the country has granted citizenship to US YouTuber IShowSpeed, also known as Darren Jason Watkins Jr., following his month-long tour of Africa.

    The 21-year-old influencer, who has 50 million YouTube subscribers, was recognised for his “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.

    “@wode_maya following our discussions and subsequent confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana, I am pleased to inform you and our compatriots that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian Passport to IShowSpeed. Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud.

    “Ghana celebrates you both — you remain our worthy ambassadors, and we are ever so delighted to have granted you a diplomatic passport last year. For God, Country & Continent”, the statement reads.

    Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest defends Peller’s hustle amid iShowSpeed snub

    IShowSpeed’s tour, which began December 29, took him to 20 countries, showcased Africa’s diverse culture, tourism, and technology, challenging stereotypes and showcasing a different side of the continent.

    The move is seen as part of Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” initiative, encouraging members of the African diaspora to formalise their ties with the nation.

    The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some Ghanaians welcoming the move as a boost to the country’s global image, while others question the value of granting citizenship to foreign celebrities.

  • 32 journalists gain AI, digital newsroom skills at NLNG workshop

    32 journalists gain AI, digital newsroom skills at NLNG workshop

    No fewer than 32 journalists from various media organisations have benefitted from a three-day capacity-building workshop organised by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) in Abuja.

    The training forms part of the company’s renewed efforts to strengthen professionalism and build capacity within Nigeria’s media space.

    Held under the #NLNGChangeYourStory initiative, exposed participants to emerging trends in artificial intelligence and digital communication, with a focus on their growing influence on newsroom operations.

    Through hands-on sessions and expert-led discussions, the journalists were equipped with practical skills to enhance real-time reporting, expand audience reach and deepen engagement across digital platforms.

    Speaking at the event, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Mrs Sophia Horsfall, said capacity development remains a core pillar of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.

    Read Also: NLNG trains journalists on digital media

    She noted that the #NLNGChangeYourStory initiative is designed to empower journalists with relevant skills and confidence to deliver professional content in a fast-paced, technology-driven media environment.

    Horsfall described journalism as a vital calling that informs and shapes society, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to increase their impact.

    She also highlighted NLNG’s broader support for the media, including the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).

    Earlier, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Mrs Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said NLNG remains deliberate in its investments aimed at raising professional standards in journalism.

    According to her, the workshop addressed real newsroom challenges such as speed, verification, audience trust and relevance, with the goal of building a resilient media ecosystem capable of producing accurate and impactful journalism that supports national development.

    The workshop was facilitated by digital communication expert Dan Mason and the Journalism Clinic led by media veteran Taiwo Obe, who guided participants on digital storytelling, data visualisation, online fact-checking, audience engagement and effective digital presence management.

    NLNG said the #NLNGChangeYourStory initiative has so far empowered over 180 journalists across its various editions.

  • Oborevwori swears in six judges, earns against erosion of public trust in judiciary

    Oborevwori swears in six judges, earns against erosion of public trust in judiciary

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday warned that the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a grave threat to peace, law and order, stressing that when citizens lose faith in the justice system, they may resort to self-help, a situation capable of plunging society into chaos and anarchy.

    The governor gave the warning in Asaba during the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges for the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal, urging members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are; Justice Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Justice Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Justice Irene Boeye Ukuli and Justice Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo, while Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Justice Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as Justices of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.

    Oborevwori said the stability of any democratic society rests heavily on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary, noting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

    According to him, only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust, guarantee justice for all, and preserve social harmony in the state and the nation.

    Speaking further, the governor explained that the appointments were made strictly in line with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state governors to appoint judges on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    He disclosed that the Delta State Judicial Service Commission nominated candidates for consideration by the NJC, which carefully screened and approved those found suitable for appointment.

    Oborevwori congratulated the newly sworn-in judges, describing their elevation as a vote of confidence in their legal knowledge, integrity, professionalism and discipline.

    “As you begin this new journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to uphold the same spirit of hard work, commitment, excellence and high ethical standards that qualified you for this noble office,” the governor said.

    He cautioned judges to resist all forms of temptation capable of compromising judicial independence, stressing that during adjudication, it is often the judge, rather than the litigants, who is ultimately on trial in the court of public opinion.

    Read Also: Go tough on criminals, Oborevwori charges new Delta CP

    Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in the state, describing the swearing-in ceremony as another milestone in efforts to build a judiciary that is functional, fast, fair and accessible.

    He noted that appointment of the additional judges would help decongest courts, reduce delays and bring justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural communities.

    He also outlined several reforms and interventions undertaken by his administration to support the judiciary, including the approval for the construction of judges’ quarters across the state, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, and the digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now accessible on the state government’s website.

    The governor further disclosed that virtual court hearing facilities have been installed in High Courts in Asaba and in correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar installations to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.

    He added that plans were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to improve accuracy and speed in judicial proceedings.

    Highlighting broader justice sector reforms, Oborevwori said the state had introduced the Delta State Criminal Information System, a centralized digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking using biometric data, including fingerprints and DNA.

    He explained that the initiative would enhance public safety, accountability and crime prevention, while complementing virtual court hearings conducted directly from correctional centres.

    The governor also announced that, for the first time in the history of the state, a career civil servant, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, describing the feat as a reflection of the quality of Delta State’s public service.

    Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his support and respect for judicial independence, pledging that the judges would discharge their duties with integrity and without fear or favour.

    The ceremony was attended by top government officials, members of the legislature, judiciary and other stakeholders.

  • Tinubu’s ambition to build one trillion dollars digital economy not rhetoric, says Minister

    Tinubu’s ambition to build one trillion dollars digital economy not rhetoric, says Minister

    The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on Wednesday reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu towards building a one trillion dollars digital economy, saying that the commitment of the government was not a mere rhetoric.

    Dr Tijani said President Tinubu’s administration has remained clear, consistent and deliberate about its vision of achieving shared prosperity for Nigerians, including the ambition to build a trillion dollars economy.

    He said the government has within a short period built strong institutions with regulatory powers to support the commitment, stressing that the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, (NDPC) was one of such institutions with capacity for data protection and building digital trust as key pillars for Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth.

    The Minister made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering his address at the Global Privacy Day 2026 Press Conference, held at AATC Hotel, Abuja.

    Dr Tijani commended the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for its leadership in driving conversations around data privacy and protection, noting that although the Commission has existed for less than three years, it has emerged as a strong institution within government and society.

    According to Dr Tijani, technology remains central to achieving the goal of a one trillion dollar economy as it enables economic growth, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved public services.

    “Our responsibility at the Ministry is to ensure that digital technology serves as an enabler of shared prosperity, not just prosperity for a few, but for every Nigerian,” he said.

    The minister highlighted several flagship projects under the Ministry, including the Bridge Project, which aims to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide, and MilCAP, an agro-connectivity initiative targeting the deployment of about 4,000 telecommunications towers in rural areas.

    He also disclosed plans to procure two additional communication satellites for the country through NigComSat, noting that Nigeria is currently the only country in West Africa with a functional communication satellite.

    Read Also: Ogoni leaders urge Tinubu to sustain ongoing dialogue process

    On human capital development, Dr Tijani said Nigeria runs the largest technology talent accelerator in Africa, designed to build a workforce capable of competing and creating value in the global digital economy.

    However, he stressed that increased connectivity comes with increased responsibility, especially in protecting citizens’ data.

    “Data protection and privacy are the foundation of trust. Without trust, our digital economy cannot succeed,” he said.

    In his address, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, outlined the achievements of the Commission within the past three years, saying over 5.2 billion naira has been generated through the Commission into government coffers.

    According to him, no fewer than 23,000 jobs have been created within the data privacy ecosystem, while the value of the data protection ecosystem now peaked at about 16.2 billion naira.

    He said the Commission has carried out and concluded investigations 246 data protection and privacy breaches by various institutions, while appropriate sanctions have been meted out to the affected institutions.

    According to the NDPC boss, about 8155 compliance audit returns have been filed by the Commission, while training programmes have been organised for various categories of Compliance Officers across the country.

    Dr Olatunji also said that the NDPC launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness & Training Program in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to empower 5,000 Nigerian youths with digital literacy and data privacy skills.

    He added that more collaborations are still ongoing with the governments of Bauchi, Benue, Ondo and Ekiti states for awareness creation and training programmes on data protection and privacy. 

  • Tantita constructs facilities for Army, reaffirms commitment to collaboration

    Tantita constructs facilities for Army, reaffirms commitment to collaboration

    • …projects symbolises strengthened operations

    Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of accountability, collaboration and service in support of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with the commissioning of newly constructed and remodelled facilities at the 3 Battalion Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The facilities, built and furnished by Tantita as part of its corporate social responsibility, comprise 13 newly constructed offices embedded within the 3 Battalion Headquarters and the remodelling of 22 offices within Sector I Facilities of Operation Delta Safe.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, said the project reflected the company’s belief that sustainable security is driven by strong partnerships between public and private institutions.

    “All over the world, experience has shown that sustainable security cannot be delivered by one institution acting alone. It thrives where there is collaboration between public and private institutions,” Pondi said, noting that the principle formed the bedrock of Tantita’s engagement in protecting Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.

    He explained that since Tantita’s engagement by NNPC Limited in August 2022, the company has worked closely with government security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.

    “The professionalism, discipline, and operational leadership of the Nigerian Army have been indispensable to the progress recorded so far,” he said.

    According to Pondi, the commissioning went beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as an investment in people, operational capacity and effectiveness, adding that the facilities were designed to enhance coordination, operational readiness and the welfare of personnel.

    He noted that the project, which commenced in August 2025, was delivered in record time, demonstrating what could be achieved when public and private institutions work together.

    “As Nigeria continues to strengthen its energy security, partnerships such as this will remain essential. Tantita remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, collaboration, and service in support of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies,” Pondi stated.

    In his speech, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South South, Operation Delta Safe, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, described the project as a clear demonstration of the value of partnership in addressing security challenges.

    While appreciating Tantita Security Services for its support to the Battalion and the Division, Emekah stressed that the intervention underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and society at large.

    “Collectively, this intervention represents meaningful value addition and reflects our commitment to role of government and the role of society’s approach in addressing security challenges. It has also reinforced the understanding that security is a shared responsibility requiring the active involvement of government institutions with private sectors and the wider society,” the GOC said.

    He added that the project symbolised deeper trust and cooperation between stakeholders in the security architecture.

    “The project goes beyond bricks and metal. It symbolises trust, cooperation and a strong resolve to strengthen our security operations, while improving the welfare of those who stand in defence of our nation, critical infrastructure, particularly, within the oil and gas domain,” Emekah stated.

    Commander 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General M. A. Shonibare, also commended Tantita’s intervention, recalling the previously poor condition of the sector facilities and noting that the company’s support had contributed to improved pipeline security and increased crude oil output in Nigeria.

    In his welcome address, the outgoing Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks, Major M. L. Salman, assured that the enhanced facilities would further strengthen operations, pledging that the unit would continue to support efforts to eradicate oil theft and criminality in the region.

    The commissioning ceremony drew key stakeholders from the security sector, including sister agencies and the energy industry.

  • ADC tasks Oyegun, Utomi, Lukman with policy, manifesto

    ADC tasks Oyegun, Utomi, Lukman with policy, manifesto

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assigned former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Prof. Pat Utomi and former APC National Vice Chairman (North West), Salihu Lukman, to lead the development of its policy document and manifesto ahead of 2027 elections.

    The trio will head a 50-member Policy and Manifesto Committee approved by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and endorsed by the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark.

    The party stated that the committee, scheduled for inauguration on Monday, is mandated to articulate a clear policy direction and produce a manifesto addressing key national issues, including governance, economic management, social development, security, and democratic reform.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Odigie-Oyegun will serve as Chairman, with Utomi as Deputy Chairman and Lukman as Secretary.

    Other members of the committee include former Bauchi State APC governorship candidate, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Dr Usman Bugaje, Prof. Anthony Kila, Pastor Funke Awowolo, Madam Jumoke Olawuyi and Prof. Sam Amadi, among others.

    According to the party, committee members were drawn from diverse professional and political backgrounds, including former public office holders, academics, technocrats, policy experts and civil society leaders.

    The Nation reports that Abdullahi said earlier that the delay in the composition of the committee was due to internal political considerations.

    “You think it’s just about putting some names together, but people begin to look at how many Christians, how many Muslims, how many people from different regions,” he said, adding that the process reflected the political realities involved.

  • Tinubu directs FG to ease tax burden on small businesses — Oyedele

    Tinubu directs FG to ease tax burden on small businesses — Oyedele

    Nigerian economist, accountant, and public policy expert Taiwo Oyedele has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Government to ease the tax burden on small businesses and stop policies that worsen poverty.

    Oyedele, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, made the disclosure during a Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) town hall meeting with artisans and traders in Abuja.

    According to him, the President has instructed that all stakeholders must work together to ensure the success of nano, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, rather than stifling them with multiple taxes.

    “You cannot build a society where businesses are not allowed to breathe,” Oyedele said. “The secret to the success of any society is enabling its 35 million nano, micro, small, and medium businesses to grow. Supporting MSMEs positively is essential because that is the real Nigeria.”

    He added that the President has also ordered an end to taxing poverty, capital, and seed, urging instead that government policies should support investment and business growth so that small enterprises can thrive.

    “The President directed that we should stop taxing poverty, capital, and seed. We should invest with the people so that the seed can turn into fruit,” he said.

    Read Also: Tax: Banks can’t debit account without owner’s consent

    Oyedele noted that most businesses in Nigeria operate at the nano level, expressing optimism that many could grow into billion-naira enterprises annually if given the right support.

    He also acknowledged growing public concerns about tax reforms, attributing them to misinformation. “There is a lot of negative misinformation about tax reform. Instead of excitement, people are afraid,” he said.

    “We understand that some of these accountants and payroll managers may not understand how to do the calculation on this new tax reform, so we are organising a virtual platform to put them through, so far twelve thousand people have registered. If the twelve thousand get it right which I know they will, millions of Nigerian workers will benefit. Before now anything goes, but it is not going to be business as usual”.

    He said, under this reform all the categorization apart from high earners in millions will be exempted from corporate income tax, again this is part of the Corporate Affairs Commission and SMEDAN partnership where the CAC is registering small businesses for free, Presently, CAC received five thousand applications everyday for free registration.

    “This is one of the deliberate policies of the government to encourage formalization of businesses. Formalization makes your businesses organise as you keep records. If your business is registered with CAC you enjoy a corporate tax rate at zero percent, you will also not pay the 4% development levy.

    Whether you are registered with the CAC or not, if your business does not make more than one hundred million naira a year you don’t need to charge VAT, BAT when anyone is paying you, you are not allowed to charge withholding tax or hold on to withholding tax either. Your money must be complete when you are being paid.

    Under this new reform tax law, employees are completely exempted from all forms of tax.

    For big companies, there is a provision to reduce their corporate tax rate from 30% to 25%. There are companies making more than one billion a year, there is good news for them too,  if you pay VAT on business products like manufacturing machines, vehicles, mobile phones including airtime that is used for business, these can be claimed back with receipts.

    Speaking the Director General SMEDAN, Charles Odii said, current Small Medium Enterprise right now stand at 39million as President Tinubu earmarked two hundred billion naira for SMEs. It is for them to access it as a single digit business loan. We will keep encouraging our small businesses on production of made in Nigeria. 

  • Senate to debate Electoral Act report Thursday, backs electronic transmission of results

    Senate to debate Electoral Act report Thursday, backs electronic transmission of results

    The Senate will on Thursday consider and debate, clause by clause, the report of its committee on electoral matters, with electronic transmission of election results topping key recommendations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    One of the major proposals in the report is a provision mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) immediately after vote counting.

    The decision to schedule the report for consideration was taken at plenary on Wednesday following a motion by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti North), who informed lawmakers that copies of the report would be circulated in advance to allow for detailed scrutiny.

    Bamidele, with the approval of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also disclosed that a brief closed-door session would precede the general consideration of the report at the Committee of the Whole.

    A copy of the report obtained by The Nation shows that a new subsection (3) has been introduced on page 45 of the Electoral Act 2022 (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at curbing result manipulation and ballot box snatching.

    The proposed provision states: “INEC shall electronically transmit election results from each polling unit to the IREV portal in real time, and such transmission shall be done simultaneously with the physical collation of results.”

    The committee further introduced a new subsection (2) to Section 77, making it an offence for presiding officers to fail to sign and stamp ballot papers and the results announced by them.

    In addition, Sections 47(2) and (3) were amended to replace the term “smart card reader” with “Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” in line with current electoral practice.

    To address abuse of the voting process involving persons with disabilities, the report amended Section 54(1) to bar political party agents, candidates or officials from accompanying visually impaired or incapacitated voters into the voting compartment.

    The committee also recommended stiffer penalties for the buying and selling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), proposing an increase in the fine prescribed in Section 22 from N500,000 to N5 million.

    Describing the Electoral Act amendment as a sensitive and far-reaching legislation, Senate President Akpabio urged lawmakers to study the report thoroughly ahead of its final consideration.

    “Distinguished colleagues, as suggested by the Leader, please study the report very well ahead of tomorrow’s final consideration, first at the closed-door session and then at the Committee of the Whole,” Akpabio said.

  • Shettima preaches peace, tolerance during visit to Gbong Gwom Jos

    Shettima preaches peace, tolerance during visit to Gbong Gwom Jos

    • …says Nigerians are bound by common heritage, urges unity beyond differences
    • …hails Plateau political realignment as pathway to peace and development

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the country’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division.

    Shettima said Nigeria has the potential to become one of the greatest nations in the world if citizens learn to live together in peace, noting that Nigerians are one people bound by a shared heritage that outweighs whatever differences may exist among them.

    The Vice President spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Jacob Gyang Buba.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “We are all connected one way or the other. We must, therefore, continue to live together. What binds us together supersedes what separates us.”

    He was in Plateau State to attend the grand reception of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other political leaders into the All Progressives Congress.

    During the palace visit, the Vice President described traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in nation-building, noting that beyond being custodians of culture, they play a vital role in promoting peace and stability within their domains.

    “They are not just the custodians of our cultural heritage. They help in upholding society by preaching peace among their subjects,” he said.

    Shettima lauded the improving relationship between the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Mutfwang, describing the political realignment as a positive development for Plateau State.

    According to him, their cooperation would translate into increased dividends of democracy for the people.

    Read Also: Mutfwang’s defection reaffirms APC as truly national party, says Shettima

    “The National Chairman was the opponent of the Governor at the last election, but today they have agreed to work together. There can be no development without peace,” he added, expressing confidence that the alliance would enhance peace and stability in the state and across the country.

    Earlier, Governor Mutfwang commended the cordial working relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, saying it would continue to yield positive outcomes for the nation.

    In his remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos appealed for strengthened security measures and genuine reconciliation efforts to address the challenges confronting Plateau State and other parts of the country.

    He urged Nigerians to respect one another, stressing that Islam and Christianity both reject violence and insurgency.

    The monarch thanked the Vice President, the APC National Chairman and the Plateau State Governor for the political realignment, describing it as a welcome development for both the state and the nation.

    The Vice President’s entourage included the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Wase; members of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs; and other prominent indigenes of the state.

  • FG, Japan, UNESCO sign arrangement letters to address flood impacts in Niger

    FG, Japan, UNESCO sign arrangement letters to address flood impacts in Niger

    • …Japan commits 53,000 dollars to project

    The federal government, the Japanese government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) on Wednesday signed letters of arrangement on a project designed to address the impacts of flood disasters in Niger state with specific attention to Mokwa local government.

    The letter of Arrangement which was signed at the United Nations Building in Abuja signalled the inauguration of the 12 months project aimed at addressing the impacts of climate-induced flooding in the state.

    The project proposal was titled “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Nigeria to foster long-term Societal Stability – Focus on Niger State.”  It is also expected to address parts of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) programmes.

    About five communities within the Mokwa axis in Niger state would benefit from the project which is expected to strengthen flood resilience within the area.

    According to the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, the government of Japan would commit about 53,000 United States dollars to the project.

    Speaking at the event, Ambassador Hideo said the ceremony was not just a signature on paper, but a commitment to transforming vulnerability into strength and the crisis of flooding in Mokwa into opportunity.

    He recalled the 2025 flood disasters in Niger state which claimed about 500 human lives, displaced thousands of families and submerged critical infrastructures and farmlands, saying that his country is willing to support Nigeria and the people of Niger state to overcome the challenge of flooding.

    “In that incident, over 500 lives lost, thousands displaced, critical infrastructure and vast farmlands submerged, and these are not mere statistics but human stories of loss and hardship.

    Read Also: Fed govt partners UNESCO REF to empower 4.5 million in climate-smart agric

    “Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the loss. This is why the government of Japan is proud to support this UNESCO-led project with approximately 53,000 U.S. dollars,” Ambassador Hideo said.

    He called for a shift from a reactive disaster response to proactive climate resilient development, through capacity-building, youth engagement, and strengthening of early warning systems to address the challenges of flooding in the country.

    Providing details of the Project, the Ambassador of UNESCO to Nigeria, Dr Hajo Sani, said the proposal was developed to address the growing impact of climate-induced flooding in Nigeria, particularly in Niger State, by shifting from short-term emergency response to a more proactive, risk-informed, and climate-resilient development approach.

    He said, “The project aims to strengthen national and community capacities for flood preparedness and response through improved institutional coordination, climate-risk-informed decision-making, and targeted capacity development.

    “In full alignment with the priorities of the Japan Supplementary Budget on disaster risk reduction and human security, and Nigeria’s efforts to reduce loss of life, protect livelihoods, and safeguard critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas.”

    He said the Arrangement Letter Signing Ceremony marks the formalization of the partnership between the Government of Japan and UNESCO for the implementation of the project.

    The Permanent Secretary of Ecological project Office, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, commended the government of Japan for the project, saying that Japan had a history of collaboration with Nigeria to address critical challenges and offer assistance.