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  • 39 youths for EU legislative internship

    39 youths for EU legislative internship

    The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, has welcomed 39 young Nigerians into the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme.

    This initiative offers a rare opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience with legislative practices and processes at Nigeria’s National Assembly.

    The programme, which spans 10 weeks, is designed to provide interns with practical exposure to legislative work, fostering engagement and networking opportunities with members and staff of the 10th National Assembly.

    Beyond career development, it also aims to create networking opportunities and promote skills essential for legislative engagement.
    Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca highlighted the significance of the internship and its role in empowering young Nigerians to be active participants in democratic governance.

    De Luca said: “The EU is committed to supporting democratic governance and the empowerment of young Nigerians through this internship programme.

    “We believe that investing in youth capacity and legislative knowledge is fundamental to building a more inclusive, transparent, and effective democracy. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.”

    The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, said that the programme reflects PLAC’s dedication, with the support of the European Union, to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance.

    He said: “The Legislative Internship Programme is more than just an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the National Assembly; it is a platform for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in our democracy.

    “By gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes, these interns are not only enhancing their skills but also helping to lay the foundation for stronger, more accountable governance in Nigeria. We are proud to partner with the European Union to provide this transformative experience.”

    Nwankwo also outlined the opportunities the internship offers, such as learning research methods for legislative committee assignments, participating in oversight, gaining knowledge of the legislative framework, and familiarising interns with key legislative documents like Bills, the Order Paper and Hansard.

    He said by the end of the programme, interns are expected to have a deeper understanding of how a bill is passed into law and the intricacies of the lawmaking process.

    Read Also: Yiaga Africa trains 74 legislative aides

    The EU-funded Legislative Internship Programme is a significant step in promoting the participation and involvement of young professionals in governance, aiming to build a generation of leaders with the skills and dedication needed to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s democratic development.

    The Legislative Internship Programme, organised by PLAC and funded by the EU, is a full-time initiative aimed at young Nigerians seeking insights into the legislative process.

    Participants are selected from across the states, with the EU fully funding the programme since 2018.

    Previously backed by the UK government, the EU took over funding to further its efforts in democratic empowerment and support for youth in governance.

    Despite being 100% funded by the EU, PLAC has worked closely to maintain the programme’s visibility while navigating the balance between EU support and PLAC’s programme ownership.

  • EU lists Abia as state to benefit from light project

    EU lists Abia as state to benefit from light project

    Abia State has been chosen as one of the five states to benefit from the Nigeria Solar for Health Programme, an initiative sponsored by the European Union (EU).

    The programme aims to provide solar-powered lights to healthcare facilities in the state.

    Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, announced this during a press briefing following the executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

    He mentioned that the state will contribute 30% of the funding, while the European Union will provide the remaining 70%.

    The Commissioner also emphasized that the installation of solar-powered lights will not only benefit the healthcare facilities but also the residents and businesses in the vicinity.

    He said so far the state government has installed 4500 solar-powered lights across 74 locations in the state and still counting, adding that the Light up Abia Initiative is already bearing positive results for the state.

    “The Light up Abia Initiative of the State government is already bearing positive fruits for the state.

    “Abia state through its achievements in this regard has been selected as one of the five states to benefit from the Nigeria Solar for Health Project, an European Union’s sponsored project.

    “The project is targeted at providing solar power for our state’s own health institutions. The state government will provide counterpart funding to the tune of 30 percent while the European Union will provide 70 percent.”

    Prince Kanu said that as part of ongoing reforms in the education sector, the state government has granted the Ministry of Education approval to provide funds/running costs for the office of Heads of Schools in the state to address issues of illegal fee collections and to alleviate pressure on school heads.

    “Hitherto, we used to hear stories of illegal collection of fees and so on, occasioned may be by pressure on the heads of such institutions. So the state government has gone ahead to ensure that this becomes history by providing some funds for heads of primary and secondary institutions in the state” Kanu stated.

    Prince Kanu noted that the state government has successfully completed 124 road projects in line with its zero-pothole initiative, adding that it is part of the state government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure with a principal focus on Aba and Umuahia.

    He announced that Ndoki Road which is under construction will soon be commissioned adding that the contractor is working assiduously to deliver the job ahead of schedule.

    The Commissioner highlighted that other road projects across the state are ongoing, adding that in Umuahia the Uchenna bus stop to Afara Technical School road and Agbama transformer -F-line road maintenance work have been completed while Bata junction roundabout Aba with newly installed water fountain is almost completed.

    Read Also: Adegoke Pamilerin wins 2024 EDGE award for outstanding Young Media Brand Entrepreneur

    On the transport sector, the information Commissioner said the state is also ramping up its efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens by registering all commercial vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles operating in the state and urged those affected to comply with the ongoing registration process before the commencement of enforcement.

    Contributing, the Chairman of the Abia State Unified Task Force and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs explained that it is a policy of the State government aimed at identifying who owns or operates any commercial vehicle in Abia.

    He added that it would go a long way to helping security agents in their job and said it is free of charge.

    “What we are doing is that we are trying to enumerate and register all commercial vehicles in the State at no cost to both the operators and owners of the vehicles”.

  • EU IIDEA back NBA’s free legal services for Lagos residents

    EU IIDEA back NBA’s free legal services for Lagos residents

     The European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), is supporting Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in providing free legal advice and services to residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    This is aimed at ensuring that Nigerians have access to legal services regardless of their financial or social status.

    The EU, through its Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, implemented by IIDEA, is ensuring that volunteer lawyers from the public and private sectors can provide these free legal aid services. The initiative also aims to protect citizens’ rights while advocating for good governance, accountability and a corrupt-free government structure.

    As part of a sensitisation walk to commemorate this year’s Independence Day on October 1, the NBA Ikorodu branch is partnering with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) to raise awareness about human rights issues, particularly those related to domestic violence, child rights, disability rights and general human rights provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

    Read Also: Vibrant future beckons on our country, APC assures Nigerians 

    Speaking about the sensitisation walk, Bayo Akinlade, Convener of the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN), explained that besides participating in the walk, volunteer lawyers visited police detention facilities in Ikorodu community, and spoke with inmates, offering free legal services to those in need.

    He said: “Nigeria is 64, and because access to justice remains out of reach for most Nigerians, we as legal practitioners in Ikorodu believe that education and enlightenment are fundamental tools to help people understand how to access justice. In giving back to the community, we sought support from the European Union through IIDEA to deliver this service.

  • Nigeria-EU initiative will advance tech devt

    Nigeria-EU initiative will advance tech devt

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said the collaboration between European Union (EU) and the Federal Government, will help to enhance research in technology innovation, advance technology development and unlock Nigeria’s potential to explore the world of technology.

    The minister spoke yesterday in Lagos at the just concluded Nigeria-EU Innovation Days held at Landmark Centre in Oniru.

    Represented at the event by the Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, the minister said technology innovation remained the engine of economic growth of every nation.

    Read Also: Alleged N1.6bn fraud: Ex-AGF, co-defendants seek adjournment to refund funds

    “The collaboration will enhance capacity building, and government is committed to ensuring good support system from all stakeholders in the private sector and academia that will drive collaboration and innovation,” Nnaji said.

    Stakeholders that attended the forum expressed confidence that the EU-Africa Innovation Agenda would be a game-changer that will unlock Africa’s vast potential.

    The two-day event, jointly organised by the EU and the Federal Government, brought together representatives of the Nigerian, African and European research and innovation ecosystems to discuss the innovation opportunities for researchers in e-Health, Agritech and Industry 4.0 ecosystem.

  • EU’s agribusiness platform to boost food security, others

    EU’s agribusiness platform to boost food security, others

    European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS  has launched agribusiness platform to reduce food insecurity and poverty as well as attain sustainable development in Nigeria.

    The digital agricultural platform provides digital marketing, trading or investment space for commercial and/or transactional activities, interaction, communications, integration and cooperation in the agri-food system and agro-industry between Nigerian and European SMEs, It will also increase private investments in the agribusiness sector.

    Deputy Director General of Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA) at EU Commission,  Myriam Ferran, said the idea stems from commitments of the November 2020 EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue.  In consultation with Nigeria, it was decided that an EU-Nigeria agri-business platform would promote trade and attract responsible investment, and foster business linkages, particularly for SMEs.

    Agribusiness Register Limited, a private entity conversant with the agribusiness ecosystem, will manage the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform.

    The idea to hand over to a private sector-led entity in partnership with public and private stakeholders came out during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in April 2023.

    Agribusiness Register Limited, owners and managers of Nigeria Agribusiness Register, will work with, and engage with agribusinesses, farmer groups, aggregators and other critical stakeholders.

    It will also nurture partnership and collaboration with EU partners in agriculture, digital and entrepreneurship on the one hand, with agencies of in Nigeria.

    Read Also; Tinubu’s strategy on food security, water commendable – Afenifere Group

    In particular, it will work with Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria and Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.

    The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform will boost exploration and exploitation of agribusiness opportunities between Nigeria and EU through establishment and maintenance of a network of active members of agribusinesses in Nigeria and EU.

    Its focus is to create linkages and interaction between Nigeria and EU agribusiness stakeholders especially amongst SMEs; promote trade and investment between both sides.

  • Fund social protection interventions to reduce poverty – EU tells FG

    Fund social protection interventions to reduce poverty – EU tells FG

    The European Union (EU) has urged the Federal and state governments to increase funding for social protection interventions, emphasising its importance in reducing poverty nationwide.

    Mr Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call in a communiqué at the end of the 3rd edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.

    He described social protection as a crucial support system for vulnerable and poor households, providing both a safety net and hope.

    The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group (DPG) under the theme “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development.”

    De Luca stressed that social protection plays a vital role in human capital development by ensuring access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition.

    According to De Luca, this contributes to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, forming a strong foundation for the country’s overall development.

    Referencing a World Bank report that estimated Nigeria’s poor population at 104 million, or 46 per cent, in 2023, De Luca stated, “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future and fostering resilience”.

    He said it would ensure that every individual had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society in spite of background, location, or uncertainties.

    He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian government to address poverty.

    Read Also: Tinubu signs executive order to slash pharmaceutical prices

    “The EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector with 46 million Euro in its 2021 to 2027 programming, aimed at system strengthening and the design of social safety net programmes.

    “We are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states,” he said.

    De Luca added that the intervention would enhance the social protection system, focusing on the interoperability of related databases, maintaining a functional shock-responsive social register.

    He added that the initiative was also supporting safety net programmes in three North East states targeting communities affected by climate change.

    (NAN)

  • EU’s Spotlight initiative bankrolls new film on gender based violence

    EU’s Spotlight initiative bankrolls new film on gender based violence

    The European Union’s Spotlight Initiative has bankrolled a new film, ‘Deafening Silence,’ to sensitise and create more awareness on sexual and gender based violence in Nigeria.

    This was made known recently at a media screening of the film, which had the trappings of several film practitioners and eminent personalities in Nigeria.

    ‘Deafening Silence,’ features Toni Tones, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Daniel Etim Effiong, amongst others. The film was directed by Biodun Stephen while Emem Isong took the seat as the producer.

    In a brief chat with Ruben Alba Aguilera, Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the film was a collaboration with other agencies including the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development.

    “Deafening Silence is a production in collaboration with UNDP. It is a movie showcasing examples of gender based violence in Nigeria with a wonderful team and very well known actors in Nigeria, who are showcasing stories of sexual and gender based violence.”

    Aguilera also explained the motive behind the film saying, “The idea is basically to raise awareness and make sure we reach every corner of Nigeria to break the silence and to open a debate about the effects of gender based violence to bring about change.”

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    On the reason EU has decided to take the film route in creating awareness, Aguilera said, “So, this is part of a broader initiative which we call the EU/UN Spotlight initiative for which we have, together, mobilised a funding of more than N1 billion and this part of prevention initiative is about raising awareness, breaking the silence, making sure that people are aware that violence exists in our society and we need to play our role. We need to create awareness that it is not just okay to just accept violence against our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, or nieces, we all have to fight and play a role. And the movie is part of that initiative, we also make sure these victims have access to different services such as health services and we have set out 41 sexual assault referral services across 30 states in Nigeria.”

  • EU opens investigations into Apple, Meta and Google

    EU opens investigations into Apple, Meta and Google

    The EU has announced investigations into some of the biggest tech firms in the world over uncompetitive practices.

    Alphabet, which owns Google, Meta, and Apple are all being looked into for potential breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022.

    If they are found to have broken the rules, the firms can face huge fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

    Read Also: EU condemns `so called’ Russian election in occupied Ukraine

    EU antitrust boss Margrethe Vestager and industry head Thierry Breton announced the investigations on Monday.

    It comes three weeks after the EU fined Apple €1.8bn (£1.5bn) for breaking competition laws over music streaming.

    BBC

  • EU condemns `so called’ Russian election in occupied Ukraine

    EU condemns `so called’ Russian election in occupied Ukraine

    The European Union on Monday condemned Russia’s holding of “so-called ‘elections’” in occupied territories in Ukraine, following Moscow’s announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin had won a landslide victory.

    “The European Union strongly condemns the illegal holding of so-called ‘elections’ in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied,” it said in a statement.

    The EU was referring to the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in violation of international law back in 2014, as well as the mainland regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson.

    Read Also: EU seeks increase of women’s participation in governance

    The European Union reiterates that it does not and would never recognise either the holding of these so-called ‘elections’ in the territories of Ukraine or their results,” according to the EU statement.

    It said the elections “are null and void and cannot produce any legal effect whatsoever.”

    The statement also said that “the shocking death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny in the run up to the elections is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression.” 

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Nigeria’s VAT system not working, EU warns

    Nigeria’s VAT system not working, EU warns

    Nigeria’s Value Added Tax (VAT) system is riddled with inefficiencies, according to the European Union (EU).

    This assertion came from Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation and Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, at the fourth Session of the Steering Committee of the Support Programme for Fiscal Transition in West Africa (PAFT) in Abuja yesterday.

    De Luca pinpointed two key shortcomings. First was that the system lacks transparency and certainty. “Businesses cannot be sure of recouping the VAT they pay on purchases, making compliance difficult, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Secondly, the standard VAT rate of 7.5 percent is too low, hindering revenue generation,”De Luca said. While inflation is a concern, De Luca suggested applying a differentiated VAT structure, with higher rates on luxury goods and specific services.

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    This criticism comes amid a five-year programme funded by the EU, which aims to improve tax collection across West Africa. De Luca emphasised the importance of a robust system for attracting investment. “Unpredictable regulations and a lack of transparency discourage investors,” he said.

    De Luca acknowledged companies’ frustrations with sudden policy changes, citing the recent $15,000 expatriate levy as an example. He advocated for a predictable system where businesses contribute fairly through a well-structured tax regime.