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Tag: EU

  • EU seeks increase of women’s participation in governance

    EU seeks increase of women’s participation in governance

    The European Union (EU) has urged political parties to adopt robust measures and strategies to increase women’s participation and representation in governance.

    The organisation noted that the active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics was essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy.

    The EU further stressed that there was an urgent need for political parties to review and reform all founding and policy documents, namely political parties’ constitutions, manifestos, party rules, and procedures and strategy documents to incorporate national and international norms and obligations on gender equality.

    European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi made this known during the Women in Parliament Summit in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Women’s week, organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), with the theme: “inspiring inclusion: policy mechanisms for gender parity in politics.”

    She said: “The ongoing constitution reform process presents an opportunity to adopt an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal participation of all Nigerians regardless of gender, ethnicity, age and disability status.

    “In Nigeria, the advocacy for women’s political participation has been long drawn, and in spite of the very dynamic interventions by women’s groups and other key stakeholders, their representation remains in steady decline. For example, women’s representation in the 10th National Assembly is 7.4 percent out of 469 combined seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.

    “There has been no woman elected Governor in Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy and the percentage of women appointed to political positions still falls significantly short compared to men. I am not quoting these figures to make it seem impossible, but to show that it is indeed possible.

    “It is recognized that political parties are the ‘real gatekeepers’ on women’s political empowerment. If the political parties institutionalise gender equality measures and transform from within, it will have a direct impact on women’s equal participation and representation in Nigeria.”

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    Ambassador Isopi urged political parties to set women’s representation in their decision-making bodies such as the National Executive Councils and directorates for elections at not less than 30 percent, which is regarded as the critical figure for women to have any influence.

    She said: “The political culture in Nigeria is underpinned by patriarchy and the ‘unwritten’ rules on male privilege within political parties. Oftentimes, only women whose husband support them or have a legacy of family political activism make it to the top.

    “On our own part, Gender equality and Women’s Rights are a top priority of the European Union. This is true internally and regarding the EU’s approach to international cooperation. To achieve this, the EU launched its third Gender Action Plan on 25 November 2020.

    “The Gender Action Plan aims to help establish a gender-equal world, where women and girls enjoy their human rights in full, and fairer societies, in which everyone has the space to thrive with no one left behind.

    “The EU has provided support to women’s political participation since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Technical support has been provided within the framework of our electoral cycle support programmes, which is now in the value of over 180 million Euros.

    “We have developed a variety of approaches to support women’s political participation. Efforts focus on women in politics, women as candidates, and women as voters, as well as in electoral observation.”

    Chair, House Committee on TETFUND, Miriam Onuoha said: “We could move away from conventional advocacies and campaign points to non-conventional advocacies such as appeals to our traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, wherein these advocacies will stem from our cultural heads. They should pick a female candidate and sponsor such a person.

    “Even if we have a little bit of the numbers, if we are not on the core decision-making table, decisions that border on which of these bills comes as priorities becomes overlooked or may be watered-down because we are not there when these critical decisions are taken.”

    The House of Representative member representing Nembe-Brass Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Marie Ebikake said: “I have been in this game of politics for 44 years. I am a grassroots woman. I believe that, first, women must have the passion for this game we call politics. When people say women are not included, I say – no, you must come out to show your interest from the grassroots.

    “Women, beyond conferences and addresses, must face the practicality of this game. Don’t be afraid of any man. When we face the practicality of this game called politics, I tell you, you will enjoy it and be able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people. Be upright; integrity is very important.”

    Also, the Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu said: “In 1960, Nigeria had its first female Senator, Wuraola Esan. However, 64 years later, we just have 3 Senators that are women, out of the 109 Senators in the National Assembly. That is not progress!

    “This is a call for governmental action to ensure the amendment of the constitution to increase women representation. We need intentional efforts that can be taken to ensure legislative reforms, specifically, constitutional amendments that can increase women representation.”

    The Head of Communications and Special Projects, ElectHER, Eyitemi Adebowale said: “The statistics paint a stark picture: while women constitute approximately 49.4 percent of Nigeria’s population, their representation in the parliament falls far below this mark.

    “In parliamentary representation globally, Nigeria ranks at 181 of 193 countries, 54 out of 54 in African parliament, and currently have 4.43 percent women representation nationally. This is below the global average of 22.5 percent, the Africa Regional Average of 23.4 percent, and the West African Sub Regional Average of 15 percent.

    “The underrepresentation of women in political leadership often means that issues regarding women’s rights are often overlooked in setting the agenda for policy making. Hence, there is a need to accelerate efforts towards ensuring adequate representation of women in political leadership.”

    Also, Programme Lead, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Vaneza Udegbe Gregory added: “Together, we can overcome the barriers that hinder women’s political participation and create a more inclusive political environment in Nigeria.

    “Together, we can build a future where every woman has the opportunity to contribute her talents and perspectives to the political landscape of our nation.”

  • EU engages commissioners on gender equality

    EU engages commissioners on gender equality

    The European Union (EU) and International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development are working with commissioners for women and their permanent secretaries in the states to advance gender equality and women’s rights.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day conference in Abuja, EU’s Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law and Gender, Laolu Olawumi said the event was created to provide the participants with the needed support to tackle issues affecting women and children.

     Olawumi said the conference aimed at achieving the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day which is to “drive inclusion.”

    She said: “EU’s support includes ensuring that planning, budgeting, and implementation processes are inclusive.

    “This strategy promotes the full participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities, integrating inclusivity into governance and societal development.”

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said President Bola Tinubu would unveil a five-year EU programme for Nigerian women this month.

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    The minister said stakeholders should work closely with the federal and state governments to achieve inclusiveness and justice for women in the country.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abia State, Ngozi Felix said the organisers are providing a platform to empower the vulnerable in the society.

    “This gathering is a cornerstone for us to forge stronger collaborations and innovate on policies that impact women and children.

    “It is a platform for learning and exchanging ideas to be transformed into strategies for gender equality and empowerment…”

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, said the necessity of a second RoLAC phase to sustain the momentum and continue EU’s efforts in supporting Nigerian governments objective of strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.

  • EU Africa Working Party visits Nigeria

    EU Africa Working Party visits Nigeria

    Council of European Union’s Africa Working Party (COAFR) is in Abuja on a four-day visit.

    A statement by head of EU delegation to Nigeria, said the team will engage government agencies, civil society, regional and international bodies as well as  private sector in Abuja and Lagos.

    The statement hinted COAFR supervises and manage EU external policy towards the 46 countries of sub-Sahara Africa, African Union and others, including ECOWAS.

    COAFR comprises representatives of 27 EU member states, chaired by a permanent member of European External Action Service (EEAS), and assisted by representatives of the commission and General Secretariat.

    It works under the auspices of European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), itself comprising ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence and/or development of 27 member states of European Union.

    The team, while in Abuja, will meet top federal officials in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, among others.

    They will also have an interactive session with ECOWAS Commission on regional developments and integration processes.

    While in Lagos, the team will meet Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, consuls general of EU member states, leadership of European Business Chamber Nigeria, and visit EU-funded projects, featuring digital and innovation, critical infrastructure and connectivity and migration.

    The statement said “deliberations will centre on boosting EU-Nigeria partnership”.

    “COAFR visits to African countries promote direct contact, mutual information exchange and feedback between political and foreign policy organs of European Union and their African counterparts…’’

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    They play an important role on taking stock of state and non-state actors views, perspectives, aspirations and expectations regarding their partnership with the European Union, its closest neighbour and its sister continent.

    The team will commence a similar visit to the neighbouring Republic of Benin at the end of its current mission in Nigeria.

    This is the group’s first-ever working visit to Nigeria. In addition to the representatives of 17 EU member states, officials from EU institutions are expected to be in the team.

    This year’s working visit will be the eleventh visit of the COAFR to the African continent, and the third visit to West Africa – following earlier visits to Senegal and Burkina Faso (2015) and Ivory Coast and Ghana (2019).

  • EU, FG unveil energy demand survey in residential sector

    EU, FG unveil energy demand survey in residential sector

    • Initiative targets 5,400 households in six geopolitical zones

    The European Union and the Federal Government have launched the Nigeria Residential Sector Demand-Side Survey. 

    The EU said the survey would enable the government to assess Nigeria’s energy needs and address them.

    It was launched by  the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside other government officials in Abuja. 

    At least 5,400 households across the six geopolitical zones of the country will be surveyed in the exercise, aimed at helping the government to formulate and implement functional energy policies.

    The survey, which will be conducted in the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, is the brainchild of the EU and the International Energy Agency, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, the Energy Commission of Nigeria and National Bureau of Statistics. 

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    It is in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the broader aspirations of Nigeria, particularly the 8-point agenda of the current administration.

    The survey is expected to generate accurate and comprehensive data on energy consumption and demand across the country, including the rural and hard-to-reach areas, towards ensuring unhindered access to energy to power industries, fuel transportation, and illuminate homes.

    Speaking during the launch, Adelabu assured Nigerians and development partners, including the private sector, of the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to giving reliable, uninterrupted, stable, and functional electricity to households, businesses, and to industries. 

    The minister said the provision of reliable energy to the citizens remained the only way to realise the potential of the abundance of human and natural resources in the country. 

    He said: “We have concluded the diagnosis and have passed that stage. We know what the problem is with the power sector, we know the obstacles and hindrances.” 

    Noting that Nigeria’s energy sector diagnosis had been concluded with the obstacles and hindrances identified, Adelabu assured that all the problems along the implementation lines would be crushed. 

    The minister noted that financing was one of the key issues, and stressed the need to adequately fund generation, transmission, and distribution, and ensure that all consumers are properly metered.

    He added: “This is the only way that we can actually guarantee liquidity into the sector. And these funds cannot be provided by the Federal Government alone. We need all levels of government from the federal to the states, and the local government, most especially the private sector investors, both locally and offshore.”

    He commended the EU, the World Bank, the African Development Bank (ADB) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for partnering with Nigeria to address the myriad of problems in the sector, adding that more was still required.

     “Like Oliver Twist, we’re asking for more. They need to invest more in this country. Nigeria has over 200 million people. So we are still scratching the surface. The entire world would also know when we actually achieve our full potential. This is achievable only with reliable electricity,” he said.

    The EU Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, said the survey would contribute towards addressing Nigeria’s energy problems.

    Vergos said: “The importance of this survey is to go out there, take a transparent stock of the situation, and inform the policymakers about the needs which everybody knows are enormous. This way, appropriate solutions can be found from its different location.”

    He noted that accurate data was necessary to drive investment in the energy sector, pointing out that “what is also important is that anybody that wants to invest, it doesn’t matter if it is a big investor or small investor, or a household, they need data in order to calculate the type of investment suitable for its needs.”

  • EU rolls out new process for entry of goods June 3

    EU rolls out new process for entry of goods June 3

    The European Union’s (EU) new customs pre-arrival safety and security system  otherwise known as Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will introduce a new process for entry of goods for all modes of transportation in the continent effective June 3, 2024.

    The new process will cover goods coming into Europe through  maritime and inland waterways, road, rail and air.

    According to a statement by the EU, the new process will be the third phase or release of the implementation of the new system that will extend safety and security data reporting requirements to all modes of transport.

    The statement added that similar requirements has  already  gone into force for air transportation of goods.

    With this third release, the EU said maritime and inland waterways, road and rail carriers will also need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). 

    This obligation, the EU further said  also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers.

    It reads: “In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data to ICS2.

    “Traders are strongly advised to prepare in advance for Release 3 to avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance. 

    “Affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff. 

    “From 11 December 2023, traders will also need to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities.

    “EU Member States will grant authorisation, upon request, to the affected traders to gradually connect to ICS2 within a time-limited deployment window. 

    “Member states can grant the deployment window anytime within the following time frames: from 3 June 2024 to 4 December 2024, maritime and inland waterway carriers , from 4 December 2024 to 1 April 2025.

    Maritime and inland waterway house level filers and from 1 April 2025 to 1 September 2025  for road and rail carriers. 

    It stated: “If traders are not ready on time, and do not provide the data required under ICS2, goods will be stopped at the EU borders and will not be cleared by the customs authorities.

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    “The EU is a major player in international trade – it accounts for around 14  percent  of the world’s trade in goods. 

    “By collecting safety and security data, EU customs authorities will be able to detect risks earlier and to intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain to keep trade safe for the EU and its citizens.

    “ICS2 will simplify the movement of goods between customs offices at the first point of entry and final destination in the EU.

    “ICS2 will provide a single access point to communicate with all EU Member States’ customs authorities for all EU operations instead of 27 national interfaces.

    “For traders, ICS2 will also streamline requests for additional information and pre-departure risk screening by customs authorities, thus reducing administrative burdens for businesse.”

  • Presidency, UNDP, EU unite for acceleration of climate action plan

    Presidency, UNDP, EU unite for acceleration of climate action plan

    The Presidency has spoken on the urgency of accelerating climate action plans through national financing strategies and Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs).

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who noted this also underlined the importance of speeding up climate action plans through these frameworks.

    In a statement  by Special Adviser,  Media to SSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire stated this at a Climate Finance side event, hosted by her office, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), at COP28 in Dubai.

    The event showcased Nigeria’s dedication to climate action and sustainable development on the global stage.

    In addition to stressing the event’s importance in promoting discussions on financing strategies crucial for climate action, she underlined the importance of addressing climate challenges as the world approaches the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

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    Demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to the global climate agenda, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the passage of the Climate Change Act 2021 and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change.

    She reminded the audience of Nigeria’s pledges at COP26 in 2021, including the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

    The Presidential aide underscored the integrated approach to SDGs implementation in Nigeria, aligning short and medium-term national development plans with the SDGs since 2016.

    She added that the importance of the Integrated National Financing Framework as a manifestation of Nigeria’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing development.

    With an eye towards the future, Orelope-Adefulire emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to giving top priority to the important reforms and projects included in the INFF Roadmap.

    The country wants to raise public and private funding while maintaining caution in public sector spending to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notwithstanding global fiscal challenges.

    The Senior Special Assistant stressed the importance of partnerships with the United Nations Development system, private sector, and non-state actors for a holistic approach to implementing the INFF Roadmap in Nigeria.

    In his remarks during the panel session, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, who chairs the National Steering Committee on Nigeria’s INFF, highlighted how Nigeria would accelerate her Climate Action Plan through the INFF.

    He noted that with global efforts in the implementation of the SDGs, climate action, inclusive facing serious challenges, climate action and ambition must be accelerated through international cooperation, collaboration, and mobilization of the necessary financial resources.

    He also stressed that the SDGs require increased investments and alignments from public, private, domestic, and international sources, as the climate emergency is a global crisis that requires a global response.

    Also speaking, UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, praised Nigeria on the INFF initiative. She stated that Nigeria recognises that understanding its internal financing landscape, making deliberate efforts to consider all economic dynamics, would benefit economic development, social enhancement, and the tackling of climate change.

    She noted that to bridge the disconnect between the issues and funding, over 80 countries are turning to the INFF, insisting that the INFF, as one of the 12 SDGs stimulus packages, can help finance national climate goals and integrate the financing of climate actions and Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs.

    “Let’s not forget, climate change has an unwavering attack and impact on development gains. We are losing a lot of ground because of climate change. Many investments that have been made over decades are being lost. So, what we are looking at today is a serious threat to our very essence. Let’s fight back by using the INFF as a tool to accelerate and build a resilient economy and resilient communities.” She sated.

    These positions were also echoed by the Deputy Minister on Maritime and Natural Resources/Head of National SDGs Secretariat Ministry of National Development Planning, Vivi Yulaswati, Director Global Committee on social business for SDGs China, Alex Wang, and Ahmad Salihijo of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, who were the other members of the panel.

  • Presidency, UNDP, EU push for acceleration of climate action plan through INFF

    Presidency, UNDP, EU push for acceleration of climate action plan through INFF

    The presidency has echoed the urgency of accelerating climate action plans through national financing strategies and Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs).

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who noted this also underlined the importance of speeding up climate action plans through these frameworks.

    In a statement issued by SA Media to SSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, Orelope-Adefulire stated this at a Climate Finance side event, hosted by her office, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), at COP28 in Dubai. 

    The event showcased Nigeria’s dedication to climate action and sustainable development on the global stage.

    In addition to stressing the event’s importance in promoting discussions on financing strategies crucial for climate action, she underlined the importance of addressing climate challenges as the world approaches the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

    Demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to the global climate agenda, Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the passage of the Climate Change Act 2021 and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change. 

    She reminded the audience of Nigeria’s pledges at COP26 in 2021, including the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

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    The presidential aide underscored the integrated approach to SDGs implementation in Nigeria, aligning short and medium-term national development plans with the SDGs since 2016. 

    She added the importance of the Integrated National Financing Framework as a manifestation of Nigeria’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing development.

    With an eye towards the future, Orelope-Adefulire emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to giving top priority to the important reforms and projects included in the INFF Roadmap. 

    The country wants to raise public and private funding while maintaining caution in public sector spending to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notwithstanding global fiscal challenges. 

    The Senior Special Assistant stressed the importance of partnerships with the United Nations Development system, private sector, and non-state actors for a holistic approach to implementing the INFF Roadmap in Nigeria.

    In his remarks during the panel session, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, who chairs the National Steering Committee on Nigeria’s INFF, highlighted how Nigeria would accelerate her Climate Action Plan through the INFF. 

    He noted that with global efforts in the implementation of the SDGs, climate action, inclusive facing serious challenges, climate action and ambition must be accelerated through international cooperation, collaboration, and mobilization of the necessary financial resources. 

    He also stressed that the SDGs require increased investments and alignments from public, private, domestic, and international sources, as the climate emergency is a global crisis that requires a global response.

    Also speaking, UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, praised Nigeria on the INFF initiative. 

    She stated that Nigeria recognises that understanding its internal financing landscape, making deliberate efforts to consider all economic dynamics, would benefit economic development, social enhancement, and the tackling of climate change. 

    She noted that to bridge the disconnect between the issues and funding, over 80 countries are turning to the INFF, insisting that the INFF, as one of the 12 SDGs stimulus packages, can help finance national climate goals and integrate the financing of climate actions and Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs.

    “Let’s not forget, climate change has an unwavering attack and impact on development gains. We are losing a lot of ground because of climate change. Many investments that have been made over decades are being lost. So, what we are looking at today is a serious threat to our very essence. Let’s fight back by using the INFF as a tool to accelerate and build a resilient economy and resilient communities.”

    These positions were also echoed by the Deputy Minister on Maritime and Natural Resources/Head of National SDGs Secretariat Ministry of National Development Planning, Vivi Yulaswati, Director Global Committee on social business for SDGs China, Alex Wang, and Ahmad Salihijo of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, who were the other members of the panel.

  • EU earmarks 5.4m euros for teachers’ devt

    EU earmarks 5.4m euros for teachers’ devt

    The European Union (EU) has earmarked 5.4 million euros to build the capacity of teachers.

     EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, made this known in Abuja during the launch of 40 million euro intervention programme on education and youth empowerment in the Northwest through the Global Gateway initiative.

     According to her, the additional fund was to ensure teachers get upgraded skills and learning needed to nurture students armed with requisite knowledge to become an army of solutions to the many challenges confronting Nigeria and Africa.

    She said: “Actually, this component is complemented by a 5.4 million euros separate programme that we signed today, which is dedicated to teachers, aiming to build their resilience and capacity in challenging environments. We have to remember that there is no education without teachers and that’s why we also have to invest in teacher training.

     “The third objective of our programme is really that it empowers youth with the skills they need, providing vocational education as promoting behavioral change campaigns to challenge harmful social norms and empower girls.”

     Urpilainen also said the European Union was equally out to provide vocational education and training for youths to equip them with the skills required to excel in the labour market.

    She said: “This ambitious programme launched today has been designed with Nigerian authorities to ensure the ownership and an adequate response to the local needs. The EU is not only targeting the youth through this specific programme, it is also bringing the youth to the driving seat and this is why as the EU, we set up the Youth Sounding Board, also here in Nigeria, as well as in many countries to make sure that what we do is for the youth but also by the youth.

    “We have to include young people in the decision making, we have to create spaces and structures where young people feel that they are visible and they watch this and this is precisely what the European Union is doing.”

    Urpilainen noted that Nigeria was not only the economic powerhouse on the continent and the most populous country in Africa, but the country was also a strategic partner of the EU in the West African region.

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    While describing education as the most transformative sector with ability to change the fortunes of a country, she noted that the programme would focus on lifting out – of – school – children off the streets to get the required education, especially girls through various components aimed at achieving one objective; access to quality education and youth empowerment.

    She said: “Education is the most transformative sector in which we can invest and it is the cornerstone for creating resilient societies and finding solutions to the biggest challenges of our time.

    “So, the EU investment on access, skills and quality education and youth empowerment in Northwestern Nigeria brings actually all these different components together. It will be deployed in Northwest Nigeria.

    “The programme which we are launching today supports access to education for out of school children with a specific focus on bringing and keeping girls in schools. It also includes direct assistance to families, cash, transfers, social protection, income generation, gifts and indirect assistance through agricultural practices. I think it’s important that we are able to provide access to education to each and every child in Nigeria so no one is left behind.

    “Another talk and overall objective of our programme is that it really promotes validated teaching and learning in targeted schools. So it will support child centred medical, sexual reproductive health racial gender equality training and support community based and state level capacities to deliver on education.”

     Speaking on behalf of the Northwest states, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, who appreciated the EU for helping the region tackle the menace of out-of-school children, said they were committed to making education in their respective states a priority and have decided to invest heavily in the sector.

    He said: “The Northwestern states have the highest population in the country, we are more disadvantaged when it comes to education so this support is coming at the right time.

    “For each of us education is a priority and we have decided collectively and individually to invest in education and we are ready to change the narrative in next four years.

    “This support has come at the right time and I assure you that this support will go a long way in helping us to revamp education in our various states. This intervention we will utilize in the best way possible and I assure you that the outcomes would be something commendable to improve our educational system and other aspects of social development.”

    Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, warned that any attempt to downplay education would cost the country a fortune in terms of welfare and security.

    He said: “If our youths are not properly catered for, trained and empowered, we are toying with the future of the country. Not catering for them will allow poverty to grow, insecurity to foster.”

    Mamman, who urged state governors to focus on prioritising education and youth empowerment, disclosed that the soon to be released education sector roadmap covered the same objectives of the European Union in revamping the sector.

     “Our focus is shifting to basic education, out of school children, adolescent girls who need to be trained and empowered. Our government is ready to commit 25% of the budget on education, all the President needs according to him is policies that will justify that budget and that is what we are working on,” Mamman explained.

  • EU, Netherlands to boost jobs in Nigeria

    EU, Netherlands to boost jobs in Nigeria

    The European Union (EU) and the Dutch government have pledged to support Nigeria’s job creation push towards tackling poverty and irregular migration, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said yesterday.

    It was learnt that that the commitment followed a meeting at The Hague, The Netherlands, between top representatives of Federal Government and EU officials.

    Present were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Betta Edu; EU Commission’s Director-General for International Development Erica Gerrestsen; Minister for Justice and Minister of Security Netherlands; Netherlands Secretary-General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paul Huijts; Netherlands Special Envoy for Migration Peter Schuurman, Head of Section Sahel, West Africa and Great Lakes Tijmen Rooseboom, among others.

    Deliberations at the meeting centred on areas of immediate support to Nigeria on jobs creation for its teeming youths to fight poverty, unemployment and irregular migration in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

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    The Netherlands and EU leadership promised to demonstrate their commitments with a visit to Nigeria for situation analysis and stakeholders’ engagement.

    Other areas of support include the implementation plan for poverty alleviation in Nigeria and the return of long-stay visa issuance from The Dutch Embassy in Ghana back to The Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, amongst others.

    In the Nigerian government delegation were the Ambassador of Nigeria to The Netherlands, Dr. Eniola Ajayi; Federal High Commissioner on Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Ahmed; the representative of the Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo; Mrs Dukpe; Representative of the Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigerian Immigration Service, amongst others.

  • EU unveils Global Gateway Initiative, targets €150bn infrastructural investment for Nigeria, others

    EU unveils Global Gateway Initiative, targets €150bn infrastructural investment for Nigeria, others

    • Says €820m invested on Nigeria’s digital economy

    The European Union (EU) has unveiled the Global Gateway Initiative, which plans to disburse €150 billion in four years by 2027 to Nigeria and other African countries to enhance infrastructural development.

    According to Urpilainen, the Global Gateway Initiative is crafted to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and its partner countries, including Nigeria.

    The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen said this during the unveiling of the Global Gateway initiative in Abuja yesterday.

    She said the EU launched a digital economic package for Nigeria worth €820m with support of the European Investment Banks.

    She said the EU was also supporting the roll out of digital IDs nationwide, mobile network expansion with MTN in Lagos and other states.

    Urpilainen said: “Last year, we launched a digital economic package for Nigeria. With EU and European Investment Banks, investments worth 820 million Euros, it is a lot of money. We are already supporting the roll out of digital IDs nationwide, mobile network expansion with MTN in Lagos and other states.

    “We are also about to launch the construction of a line between Katsina and Daura twin lines, and we are proposing to reinforce the Nigeria-Benin interconnection of the framework of the West African power pole.”

    According to her, Nigeria, alongside other countries in Africa, would receive €150 billion in 2027 through the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway initiative.

    She said Nigeria will feature prominently in the initiative’s investment package.

    The Global Gateway initiative is crafted to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and its partner countries, including Nigeria.

    Through the initiative, the EU will support Nigeria to achieve enhanced infrastructure connectivity, including transport, energy, and digital networks; support agriculture, economic growth, health and education; promote sustainable development and environmental protection; and foster cooperation and partnerships with Nigeria and other partner countries.

    She said: “We are living in an increasingly fragmented world. The war that Russia started against Ukraine last year, the military takeover in Niger in July, and the escalation in Israel-Palestine conflict, are just stark reminders of that.

    “In such a world, the Global Gateway strategy is our positive offer to build resilient connections in the world through strategic partnerships to jointly address the challenges of our times from fighting climate change to improving health systems.

    “Together, we intend to mobilize 300 billion Euros in investments by the year 2027, and half of them for Africa. For Africa, it is 150 billion Euros by the year 2027. When it comes to Nigeria, Nigeria features prominently in the Global Gateway investment package.”

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    While stating that the EU will support the 5G rollout in Nigeria, she stated that as part of efforts to support the digital economy, the EU was working on a potential loan to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the digital and print sectors.

    She also stated that the EU has committed financial resources to support the energy sector, including the setting up of mini grids and small hydropower plants for productive and public purposes.

    “Education is the most transformative investment one can make, and I am very glad to launch the empowerment in North Western Nigeria Project. I think this project is a tangible sign of our cooperation with the Government to promote quality basic education in the northern regions.

    “Nigeria is also a major beneficiary of the student mobility and higher education cooperation project under Erasmus+. I was looking at the figures, last year, over 2,020 students from Nigeria were granted scholarships for studying in the EU.

    “Global Gateway reinforces the EU-Nigeria partnership. It really brings opportunities to all. We want to continue working together with you to take our partnership to a higher level of shared prosperity. We will do that together with the Government, Member States, Civil Society Organizations, as well as with the business community,” she said.

    Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani stressed that initiatives like the Global Gateway, aimed at achieving collective regional and global prosperity, are in full alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    He emphasised that the core of this administration’s agenda was a developed Nigeria that was not only for a few, but for all, providing the government the opportunity to actualise its plans in sectors that it wants to focus on.

    He said: “Africa’s relationship with Europe has deep historical roots, and has been built on years of shared values, collaboration and mutual respect. While we enjoy geographical proximity, we also have increasingly intertwined culture, and more importantly, a shared future. As we seek a better future together, we can only fully actualize and realize this dream by leveraging the ties that we have always had.

    “We can build a more resilient world. If we empower and enable Africa to leverage its resources to contribute to the world, while strengthening its local economies. On the other hand, working together with the EU gives us the opportunity to leverage its structure and historical resources to do more for the world, specifically also for Africa.

    “For us in the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, our role takes on further significance as we have a portfolio that will be central to all we want to achieve under the Global Gateway program.

    “Nigeria is a country that is extremely blessed; not only are we blessed with natural resources that can provide opportunities for us to help meet global challenges, food security, we are also blessed with a very young, agile population.

    “As a continent, Africa is blessed with a population of about 40 per cent young people under the age of 25, which is extremely exciting. Nigeria in particular is blessed with about 60 per cent of our population being under the age of 25. This population of young people are digital natives. The investment of our Government is providing opportunities for these young people to participate in the global economy. While doing that, we are conscious of the fact that these resources are not only for the development of Nigeria, but the development for the world as a whole.”

    The EU is committed to a long-term partnership with Nigeria under the Global Gateway to achieve shared goals and objectives.

    The EU’s long-term commitment will see investments into the following sectors of the country: Agriculture (€42,000,000), Energy (€37,000,000), Health (€45,000,000), Digital (€55,000,000), Education (€45,000,000), and Social Protection (€46,000,000).