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Tag: African nations

  • Six ancient African nations that shaped the World

    Six ancient African nations that shaped the World

    Africa is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations—nations whose histories span thousands of years, built on foundations of resilience, innovation, and cultural depth.

    These civilizations have endured both periods of prosperity and hardship, steadfastly preserving their traditions, languages, and identities through time. 

    Their influence in areas such as trade, governance, science, and architecture has left a lasting mark not only on Africa but also on the broader arc of global civilization.

    In more recent centuries, the fight against colonial domination became a turning point. The rise of independence movements helped reshape national identities and rekindled a deep sense of pride in cultural heritage.

    The stories of these countries are powerful narratives of survival, adaptation, and transformation—histories that continue to resonate in today’s world.

    Here are six ancient African nations celebrated for their rich legacies and enduring cultural significance:

    1. LIBERIA: Liberia is unique as Africa’s oldest republic, founded in the early 19th century by freed African Americans. While not ancient in the sense of millennia-old civilizations, it is the oldest modern independent African state, gaining independence in 1847.

    2. SOUTH AFRICA: While South Africa’s modern statehood is relatively recent, the region has a long history of indigenous kingdoms such as Mapungubwe (c. 11th–13th centuries AD) and later the Zulu and Xhosa nations. South Africa, which gained self-governance on May 31, 1910, has three capital cities: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). As of 2020, the country has a population of approximately 59.31 million and covers a land area of 1.22 million square kilometers. Upon its unification in 1910, the territories formerly known as South-West Africa and the Boer Republics were consolidated and officially named the Union of South Africa.

    3. EGYPT: Egypt is widely regarded as one of the oldest countries in the world, with a civilization dating back to around 3100 BC. Ancient Egypt is renowned for its monumental architecture, hieroglyphic writing, and influential culture that shaped much of North Africa and the Mediterranean. Cairo is the capital of Egypt, which gained independence from Great Britain on February 28, 1922. The country has a population of approximately 106.6 million and spans a land area of 1.002 million square kilometers. Although Egypt became formally independent in 1922, it remained under a constitutional monarchy that limited its full sovereignty. It wasn’t until 1956, following the abolition of the monarchy, that Egypt was officially declared a republic.

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    4. ETHIOPIA: Also known historically as Abyssinia, Ethiopia boasts a history spanning over 3,000 years. It is notable for its ancient Christian heritage and for being one of the very few African countries to resist colonization during the Scramble for Africa. Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia, a country that regained its independence on May 5, 1941, following the end of Italian occupation. As of 2020, Ethiopia has a population of around 115 million and covers a land area of 1.112 million square kilometers. Although the country officially declared full independence from British influence in 1955, it has long maintained a proud history of resisting colonial rule. Since 1991, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has held political power, marking a new chapter in the nation’s modern governance.

    5. LIBYA: Ancient Libya was inhabited by Berber tribes and later became part of the Carthaginian and Roman empires. Its strategic location made it a crossroads of Mediterranean and African civilizations. Tripoli is the capital of Libya, which gained independence from British administration on December 24, 1951, becoming one of the first African nations to achieve sovereignty in the post-World War II era. As of 2020, Libya has a population of approximately 6.87 million and spans a land area of 1.76 million square kilometers.

    6. SUDAN: Sudan’s history is closely linked with that of Ancient Egypt, with the Kingdom of Kush flourishing between 2500 and 1400 BC. The region has seen powerful kingdoms and empires that contributed to the cultural and political landscape of Northeast Africa. Sudan, with its capital in Khartoum, gained independence on January 1, 1956. Covering a vast land area of 1.861 million square kilometers, the country had an estimated population of 43.85 million as of 2020.

    Since gaining independence, Sudan has undergone numerous political transformations, marked by military coups, civil unrest, and shifting governments. Although the National Congress Party (NCP) held power for decades, particularly under former President Omar al-Bashir from 1989 to 2019, the nation’s political history has been far from static.

    Once the largest country in Africa, Sudan was divided into two distinct regions: the predominantly Arab-Muslim north and the resource-rich south, home to substantial oil reserves. This division ultimately led to the secession of South Sudan in 2011, following decades of civil conflict.

  • Five African nations that changed flags since 2000

    Five African nations that changed flags since 2000

    Flags serve as potent symbols of national identity, representing the values, history, and aspirations of a country. In Africa, since the millennium, several countries have updated or completely changed their national flags due to different reasons such as political changes, rebranding efforts, or shifts in national identity. 

    Here are five African countries that have altered their national flags in the 21st century: 

    1. Libya

    A country in the North African region, Libya changed its flag in 2011 following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Libya reverted to the flag it used from 1951 to 1969, which consists of red, black, and green horizontal stripes with a white crescent and star.

    The red represents the blood of those who died for independence, black, the dark days of colonialism, while green symbolizes the country’s agriculture and prosperity. The crescent and star are the traditional symbols of Islam.

    2. Malawi

    Located in Southeast Africa, Malawi changed its flag in 2010 to reflect its progress since independence, with a full sun replacing the rising sun. However, the nation reverted to its original flag in 2012 after public outcry.

    3d rendering of a textured national Malawi flag.

    The original flag’s black stripe represents the African people, the red represents the blood of martyrs for African freedom, and the green represents the land. The rising sun symbolizes the dawn of hope and freedom.

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    3. Rwanda

    Rwanda, situated in Central Africa changed its flag in 2001 to promote national unity and reconciliation following the 1994 genocide.

    The new flag features blue, yellow, and green stripes with a golden sun in the top right corner with the blue representing  peace and happiness, yellow for economic development, and green for hope and prosperity.

    The sun represents enlightenment.

    4. South Sudan

    Situated in the Northeastern part of Africa, South Sudan adopted its flag in 2011 when it gained independence from Sudan. Its flag consists of three broad horizontal stripes of black, red, and green – from top to bottom – with two narrower white horizontal stripes separating the black and red and the red and green stripes, and a blue triangle with a five-pointed yellow star within it.

    The black represents the people; the white exemplifies peace, harmony, brightness, and hope; the red stands for the blood which was spilled for freedom; the green represents Islam, blue represents the Nile River; and the star symbolizes the unity of the states of South Sudan.

    5. Lesotho

    Located in Southern Africa, Lesotho changed its flag in 2006 to mark the 40th anniversary of independence and promote peace. The new flag features horizontal stripes of blue, white, and green with a black Basotho hat – Mokorotlo – in the center.

    Looking at the meaning of the flag and what each colour represents, blue represents the sky and rain, white symbolizes peace, and green stands for the land. The Basotho hat represents the people of Lesotho.

    The changes in national flags across Africa since 2000 reflect significant political and social developments. Whether driven by a desire for unity, recognition of historical events, or a new vision for the future, these new flags symbolize a fresh chapter in the countries’ histories as the adoption of new flags sends a powerful statement of a country’s evolving narrative and aspirations on the global stage.

  • Unions demand debt relief for African nations

    Unions demand debt relief for African nations

    Labour unions led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) have demanded for debt relief for African countries.

    They called for a transformative solution to African nations’ debt crisis.

    The unions also urged governments of African countries to take immediate action on debts and borrowing. 

    They made the demands during a rally at Garden Corner Chilulu, Lusaka, Zambia tagged: “stop the bleeding, break debt chains,” attended by over five thousand Africans comprising  ITUC-Africa members from different trade unions across the continent, members of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), concerned citizens, students from universities and  secondary schools.

    The rally was part of the lineup activities of the ongoing 14th New Year School of the ITUC-Africa. 

    The campaign noted that Africa lost $89 billion annually to illicit financial flows.

    According to the unions, the money would have been enough for the continent to develop, provide required amenities and feed its people very well.

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    Addressing the representative of Zambian government on behalf of other governments in the continent, representatives of World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and members of the Diplomatic Corps, the President of ITUC-Africa, Comrade Martha Molema, said African nations needed debt relief to enable them stand on their feet and attain meaningful development. 

    The labour leader demanded that African governments desist from mortgaging the future of its people and unborn children through borrowing.

    Also, the President of ZCTU, Comrade Blake Malala, said: “African workers have woken up and will not keep quiet on the issue of debt and borrowing anymore. We shall henceforth engage and hold our governments accountable for the sake of our children and their unborn children.”

    This is as workers in Africa unanimously agreed that the skyrocketing debt of African countries in the international financial institutions, would further exacerbate low wages, hunger and suffering in the continent because of austerity measures.

    They said: “We, the African Labour Movement represented by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, the Zambia Labour Movement represented by Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), the Zambia Debt Alliance, the Stop the Bleeding Campaign, CSOs, Churches and citizens come before you with an urgent plea for bold and transformative solutions to alleviate the crippling debt crisis facing not only Zambia but also many nations across Africa and the global South. 

    “Our demands are clear, and our resolve unwavering as we stand in solidarity with workers, vulnerable citizenry and communities affected by the burdens of debt, inequitable trade policies, and the climate crisis. The current plight of African and Zambian workers, exacerbated by the weight of national debt and a broken global financial architecture, cannot be understated. 

    “The burden of debt on African workers and citizens perpetuates poverty, exacerbates inequality, and hinders access to essential services, while undermining economic development and perpetuating cycles of dependency. 

    “We refuse to negotiate from a position of fear, for we are not a global liability but rather the victims of historical exploitation and systemic injustice perpetrated by slavery, colonialism, environmental exploitation, and the exacerbation of climate crises. 

    “The global financial rules are rigged and skewed against Africa and most economies in the global south. At the core of our struggle lies the insidious practices of illicit financial flows (IFFs) that siphon off rightful earnings through tax evasion and avoidance, perpetuating poverty and inequality among our people. The policies enforced by international financial institutions such as the World Bank often exacerbate our debt burden, prioritizing structural adjustments that further marginalize workers and vulnerable segments of society.

    “Privatisation of public services and state-owned enterprises, championed by powerful private players and supported by these institutions, only serves to commodify human dignity and exacerbate inequality. Women, who bear the brunt of unpaid care work and are disproportionately affected by regressive tax policies, are forced into unsustainable debt cycles as basic services become inaccessible. 

    “Despite previous debt relief efforts, the underlying structural problems remain unaddressed, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and economic dependence. Zambia’s relationship with the World Bank and IMF spans decades, yet solutions offered thus far fail to alleviate our plight, serving the interests of creditors rather than the well-being of our people. 

    “We demand immediate action: Advocate for structural reforms addressing the root causes of Zambia and other African countries’ debt crisis, including transparency, accountability, and fairness in labour practices and fiscal policies. 

    “Encourage multinational corporations headquartered in their respective countries to refrain from wage evasion, unfair tax practices, and exploitative resource management, in favour of equitable and sustainable practices. Advocate for a restructuring of the global financial architecture to prioritize the rights and needs of workers over the interests of powerful financial institutions and multinational corporations. 

    “Support the call for the establishment of a UN Tax Convention that will help to improve the governance of global tax administration in a more transparent, inclusive, democratic, effective and fair manner.  

    “We call upon the diplomatic community to advocate for structural reforms, transparency, and accountability in fiscal policies and labour practices. Multinational corporations must adhere to national laws, pay fair taxes, and observe ethical business practices for the benefit of all citizens. 

    “Our message is that Africa will not continue to negotiate out of fear, blackmail and within a rigged global rule regime. We demand our continent genuinely engaged in ways to reverse the historical injustices we have suffered as a people. 

    “We shall continue to hold our leaders accountable for the fiscal governance of our economies because we believe that the continent can build a future of dignity, equality, and prosperity for all.”

  • Ripple Effects in 20 African Nations: Leaving a Legacy in Maritime Capacity-Building

    Ripple Effects in 20 African Nations: Leaving a Legacy in Maritime Capacity-Building

    When the lights come on, Linda Etta is there to win the day. This is because as a Marine/Maritime expert she has supported more than 20 African countries to develop their national blue economy strategies and guided their implementation, and impacted young maritime professionals and coastal communities to create ripple effects long after missions and projects are concluded.

    Which initiatives in maritime capacity-building stand out as having created the most substantial ripple effects—and why?

    One of the standout initiatives has been my involvement in the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES). This strategy, coordinated across various African nations, has been instrumental in integrating sustainable practices into the maritime sector. It not only aligned countries’ policies around the blue economy but also fostered regional cooperation, which has led to significant collaboration among African nations, the private sector, and youth groups. The ripple effects are evident in the increased focus on sustainable fisheries, marine protection, and eco-friendly port development, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean. This initiative laid the groundwork for long-term regional partnerships, contributing to the development of stronger policy frameworks and enhanced local capacity building.

    How have your mentorship and training of young maritime professionals shaped the industry, and what stories of their continued impact resonate most with you?

    Mentoring young maritime professionals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. The Women in Blue Economy program, which I developed to support women and girls in the maritime, fisheries, and SME sectors, stands out. This initiative not only empowered young women but also encouraged gender inclusivity within maritime leadership. One story that resonates deeply is of a mentee who, after completing the training, went on to lead a national initiative on marine protected areas (MPAs) in her home country. Her work has massively contributed to the development of MPAs in several African nations, showcasing how targeted mentorship can translate into tangible environmental and social outcomes.

    How did you navigate the varied challenges across different nations while leaving a unifying legacy for maritime growth?

    Working across such diverse nations required adaptability and a nuanced understanding of each region’s unique needs and challenges. However, the key to maintaining a unifying legacy was the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), which provided a framework for aligning efforts while respecting local contexts. By engaging stakeholders at all levels—from national governments to local communities—and fostering collaboration across regional economic communities (RECs), I was able to ensure that while strategies were adapted to each country’s realities, they all worked toward a common goal of sustainable maritime growth. My role often involved translating complex blue economy concepts into actionable plans that resonated with each nation’s specific priorities, ensuring both buy-in and long-term commitment.

    Beyond ports and policies, how did your projects influence livelihoods, safety, or sustainability at the community level?

    Several projects had direct impacts on coastal communities, with a particular focus on sustainable fisheries and maritime safety. For example, I worked closely with local stakeholders in the Valiathura Coastal Area in India to increase resilience against environmental shocks, using a systems-thinking approach. By empowering local fisherwomen with tools for sustainable fishing practices and better access to market information, we not only improved their livelihoods but also boosted the overall health of marine ecosystems. Similarly, my collaboration with the Nairobi Convention on sustainable port development has led to green port initiatives that reduce pollution and provide safer working environments for port workers across the Western Indian Ocean.

    What approaches did you use to ensure that projects continued to deliver results long after your direct involvement ended?

    Sustainability has always been a priority in my approach. To ensure long-term impact, I focused on capacity-building and institutional strengthening, ensuring that local institutions were equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to carry on the work independently. For instance, when developing the Fisheries Management Plan for Cameroon, I not only created the plan but also trained local authorities and stakeholders to use it effectively for monitoring and enforcement. Additionally, establishing collaborative networks and partnerships with key international agencies, like the IOC-UNESCO and the IMO, ensured ongoing support and resources, even after the completion of the projects.

    What is one enduring shift in Africa’s maritime sector that traces back to your contributions, and how has it influenced regional collaboration or governance?

    One enduring shift is the increased recognition of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable economic growth and regional integration. Through my work on the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and collaborations with multilateral organizations like the African Union and UN agencies, I helped shift the focus from simply exploiting marine resources to valuing and preserving them for future generations. This shift has spurred greater regional collaboration, particularly in the areas of marine protection and climate change mitigation, as African nations now realize that their shared maritime resources require collective governance and stewardship.

    How do you hope your legacy will inspire the next generation of maritime leaders to expand on the foundations you helped lay?

    My hope is that my legacy will inspire young leaders to view the blue economy as an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. By fostering a sense of ownership over Africa’s maritime future, especially among youth and women, I believe the next generation will continue to build on the frameworks I’ve helped establish—focusing on inclusive governance, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. I want them to understand that the ocean economy is not just about resource extraction but about creating resilient, thriving communities and ecosystems.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Yes, I would like to state the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in advancing maritime capacity-building. One of the things I have learned over the years is that maritime issues do not exist in a vacuum—they intersect with environmental, economic, social, and even geopolitical concerns. My work has always focused on bringing together diverse stakeholders, whether it’s governments, private sector actors, local communities, or international organizations, to find solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

    Also, innovation and data-driven decision-making are key to the future of Africa’s maritime sector. Whether it’s utilizing space-based technologies for better resource management or developing ocean-climate nexus projects, integrating new technologies into policy and project development is crucial for sustainable growth.

    I have seen firsthand how young people—especially women—can transform the maritime sector when given the right tools, support, and opportunities. Investing in the next generation of maritime leaders is not just important; it’s essential for ensuring that the blue economy reaches its full potential for both Africa and the world.

    I’m excited to see how these efforts will continue to evolve, and I remain committed to supporting innovative solutions that will ensure a sustainable and inclusive maritime future for Africa.

  • FG urges African nations to scale up innovation, industrialisation

    Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama has called on African countries to scale up employment generation, infrastructure development, innovation and industrialisation.

    Onyeama spoke in a statement by his spokesman, Dr Tope Elias-Fatile, in Abuja yesterday.

    The minister spoke at the ongoing 32nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    He was reacting to the Report of the AU Ministerial Follow up Committee on the implementation of Agenda 2063.

    Onyeama underscored the need for Africa to scale up employment generation for the youth, Social Investment Programmes, Youth and Women empowerment, Good governance, Infrastructure development, Science, Technology, Innovation and industrialisation.

    He said Nigeria strongly believes that through the accelerated implementation of Agenda 2063- “The Africa We Want,” the African development landscape will change for the better.

    “To this end, Nigeria is committed to four strategic vehicles of implementing Agenda 2063, which are: orientation, ensuring efficiency, financing, and accountability.”

    He intimated the Council that in its effort to align and deliver on Agenda 2063 and its first 10-year implementation, Nigeria had mainstreamed the Agenda along with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) into its national planning process.

    He explained that this was reflected in the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan launched in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The minister assured that Nigeria would continue to play an active role in the implementation of the flagship projects under the First 10-Year Implementation Plan (2014-2023).

    He stressed that this in particular included the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area, free movement of persons, silencing the guns in Africa by year 2020, and establishment of the single African Air Transport Market.

    “Altogether, these are meant to enhance intra-Africa trade and integration of the entire continent,” he said

     

  • Trump questions taking of immigrants from ‘shithole countries’

    Trump questions taking of immigrants from ‘shithole countries’

    President Donald Trump has questioned why the U.S. would want to have immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as “shithole countries,” according to two sources familiar with the comments.

    Trump’s remarks, made in the White House, came as Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham briefed the president on a newly drafted immigration bill being touted by a bipartisan group of senators, according to the sources, who asked not to be identified.

    Sources said government officials were present during the conversation.

    The lawmakers were describing how certain immigration programs operate, including one to give safe haven in the United States to people from countries suffering from natural disasters or civil strife.

    One of the sources who was briefed on the conversation said that Trump said, “Why do we want all these people from Africa here?

    “They’re shithole countries … We should have more people from Norway.”

    The second source familiar with the conversation, said Trump, who has vowed to clamp down on illegal immigration, also questioned the need for Haitians in the United States.

    Many Democrats and some Republican lawmakers slammed the president for his remarks.

    Republican U.S. Representative Mia Love, a daughter of Haitian immigrants, said the comments were “unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values”.

    Love called on Trump to apologise to the American people and to the countries he denigrated.

    Another Republican Representative, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who was born in Cuba and whose south Florida district includes many Haitian immigrants, said: “Language like that shouldn’t be heard in locker rooms and it shouldn’t be heard in the White House.”

    Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a frequent Trump critic, said the president’s comment “smacks of blatant racism, the most odious and insidious racism masquerading poorly as immigration policy.”

    Read Also: “Obama sold the finest embassy for Peanuts,” Trump cancels UK visit

    In an apparent response to his critics, Trump took to Twitter late on Thursday night.

    Trump tweeted: “The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process.

    “It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!”

    The programme that was being discussed at the White House is called Temporary Protected Status.

    In November, the Trump administration decided to end the status for immigrants from Haiti and Nicaragua.

    It gave the approximately 59,000 Haitian immigrants who had been granted the status until July 2019 to return home or legalise their presence in the U.S.

    Nicaraguans were given until January 2019.

    On Monday, Trump moved to end the status for immigrants from El Salvador, which could result in 200,000 Salvadorans legally in the United States being deported, beginning in September of 2019.

    Reuters/NAN

  • African nations must close ranks against terror, says President

    African nations must close ranks against terror, says President

    President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that recent developments had made it more important for Nigeria and other African nations to close ranks and work together against terror.

    He spoke when he received a special envoy of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said since terrorism no longer respects national borders, the international community must evolve and implement more effective collaborative measures to enhance global security.

    He said: “Good neighbourliness is essential for the security and economic development of African countries.

    “Terrorism no longer respects borders. Therefore, we must keep on improving joint measures and actions against terrorism and other trans-border crimes.

    “It was with this necessity in mind that I visited all of Nigeria’s neighbouring countries immediately after my assumption of office and we will continue to do our best to strengthen regional and international cooperation against terrorism,” the President said. The envoy, Mr. Agapito Mba Mokuy, told Buhari that the security of Nigeria was very important to the entire West African region.

    Mokuy, who is also Equatorial Guinea’s minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, said Mbasogo was impressed by the progress Nigeria was making, under Buhari’s leadership, towards ending Boko Haram insurgency.

  • IMF cautions African nations on Eurobonds

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned African countries against rushing to issue Eurobonds, saying they may face exchange rate risks and problems in repaying their debts.

    African countries, which are finding it difficult getting foreign aid have been borrowing to fund roads, power stations and other infrastructure, provoking comments that this could raise their debts.

    IMF’s African Department Director Antoinette Sayeh, who spoke with Reuters, said: “It comes with some risks; whereas what it costs the countries to issue these bonds can often look lower than what they would pay on domestic borrowing. The real cost in the final analysis will also depend on the evolution of exchange rates in the course of the life of the bond issuance.”

    In 2007, Ghana became the first African beneficiary of debt relief to tap international capital markets, issuing a $750 million 10-year Eurobond. Since then, previously debt-burdened countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Zambia and Rwanda have all joined.

    He said: “In the last two years, we’ve seen new issuers-Kenya issuing the largest amount of sovereign bond this year and Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), as well also having issued this year and then Rwanda last year.

    “In 2014 alone we’ve seen some $7 billion already in sovereign bond issues, which is a record high for the region.”

    Tanzania is in the process of securing credit rating and plans to issue a debut Eurobond worth up to $1 billion in fiscal year 2014/15. Ethiopia aims to make its first foray into the international bond markets by January, while Rwanda is planning another sovereign bond.

     

  • FG wants African countries to collaborate on mining

    The Federal Government has called for purposeful collaborations among African countries to ensure a common mining regime in the continent, the the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    This is contained in a statement from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development issued by Mr. Stephen Kilebi, an assistant director in the ministry, in Abuja on Saturday.

    It stated that the Minister, Mr. Musa Sada, made the call when the Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Tagelsir Ali, paid him a visit.

    According the statement, the minister stressed the need to develop a common mining regime to ensure value addition to the mineral resources exploitation in the continent.

    It stated that this would forestall the problem of flight of mineral resources outside the continent which had been militating against the growth of the minerals and metal sector.

    “One of the best ways to move forward is to join forces among ourselves to add value to the minerals and be shielded from being shortchanged and to ensure common exploration regime,” it stated.

    The statement also enumerated various reforms such as legal and institutional frameworks that had been put in place to develop the Nigeria’s minerals and metals sector.

    It noted that the reforms in Nigeria’s minerals and metals sector gave birth to the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, Jos.