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Tag: JICA

  • Nigeria, JICA, MIGA in talks to boost foreign investment

    Nigeria, JICA, MIGA in talks to boost foreign investment

    Nigeria is deepening engagement with international development partners to attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and strengthen the country’s project pipeline through renewed collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

    High-level bilateral discussions between the Federal Ministry of Finance and representatives of JICA and MIGA held on the sidelines of the ongoing World Bank Group and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C.

     The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and members of the Nigerian delegation.

    The talks focused on exploring new opportunities for cooperation aimed at boosting investor confidence, expanding private sector participation, and supporting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

    According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging international partnerships to accelerate economic growth and development.

    Read Also: Fed Govt secures $40m JICA cash for digital hub

    “The Nigerian Government remains committed to working with international development partners to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and strengthen critical sectors of the economy,” the statement said.

    JICA and MIGA, both long-term development partners, expressed their readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s development agenda, particularly in areas such as infrastructure financing, project guarantees, and investment facilitation.

    The ministry’s statement further noted that the collaboration between Nigeria and these agencies is expected to open new avenues for investment and deepen economic cooperation. “As Nigeria continues to prioritize economic diversification and growth, the collaboration with JICA and MIGA is expected to play a key role in unlocking new opportunities for the country,” it added.

    The meeting also reflected the growing confidence of international development agencies in Nigeria’s reform agenda and the government’s commitment to creating a stable environment for investment and business growth.

    Both JICA and MIGA have been active partners in supporting development initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa through financial guarantees, technical assistance, and partnerships aimed at mitigating investment risks and promoting inclusive growth.

  • Fed Govt secures $40m JICA cash for digital hub

    Fed Govt secures $40m JICA cash for digital hub

    The Federal Government has secured $40 million funding for digital innovative hub to be established in Abuja from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA.

    The government would also support the initiative with about $20 million from the Nigeria Sovereignty Wealth Investment Fund, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Malam Kashifu Inuwa disclosed this in Abuja yesterday.

    Inuwa said Nigeria was set to turn its economy around with the power of technological innovations and revolution by taking advantage of the 4th industrial revolution which revolves around digital innovations and inventions.

    Inuwa made the remarks at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja while delivering the 3rd annual Economic Confidential lecture with the theme “agenda for a digital global economy.”

    The event which was organised by PR Nigeria, an Abuja-based media outfit also came with an award to Director General of NITDA, and presentation of three books written by Youth Corps members serving in the organisation.

    Read Also: ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for lecturers, others 

    Inuwa praised President Bola Tinubu for anchoring its Renewed Hope Agenda on digital innovations and technology to promote financial inclusion, agriculture, education, social investments, health, security and improved infrastructures amongst others.

    Inuwa said Nigeria economy is projected to grow by 20 percent should the present administration deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to implement its new tax regime beginning from next year.

    According to the Director General the deployment of AI to automate 30 percent of tax revenues would lead to 20 per cent economic growth for the country. He said the economy would grow exponentially, while Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would peak at annual growth of 20 per cent.

    He added that with such deployment Nigeria chances of achieving one trillion dollars economy will be a reality before 2030.

    Inuwa said it had become imperative for Nigeria to be active participant in the 4th industrial revolution and use Artificial Intelligence to maximise its economic growth and development.

    Inuwa said:” In the 4th industrial revolution, talent is key and the survival of our products and services will depend on technology and its inclusive adoption.

    “The world population is affected by aging and it’s estimated that by 2030, the world would be plagued by 85 million digital skills deficit. Nigeria can leverage on its youthful population to produce between 1.5 million and 2 million digitally skilled citizens per year. If this is done, Nigeria can earn 50 billion dollars annually from the jobs/opportunities that would come from global digital ecosystem.”

    The NITDA boss also outlined the 8 pillars under which the agency has over years promoted digital literacy, inclusive access to digital infrastructures to connect the unconnected and strengthen cybersecurity for the country.

  • FG secures $40million funding for digital innovative hub from JICA

    FG secures $40million funding for digital innovative hub from JICA

    The federal government has secured 40 million dollars funding for digital innovative hub to be established in Abuja from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

    The government would also support the initiative with about 20 million dollars from the Nigeria Sovereignty Wealth Investment Fund, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday. 

    Malam Inuwa said Nigeria was set to turn its economy around with the power of technological innovations and revolution by taking advantage of the 4th industrial revolution which revolve around digital innovations and inventions. 

    He made the remarks at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja while delivering the 3rd annual Economic Confidential lecture with the theme “agenda for a digital global economy.”

    The event, which was organised by PR Nigeria, an Abuja-based media outfit, also came with an award to Director General of NITDA, and presentation of three books written by Youth Corps members serving in the organisation. 

    Malam Inuwa praised President Bola Tinubu for anchoring its Renewed Hope Agenda on digital innovations and technology to promote financial inclusion, agriculture, education, social investments, health, security and improved infrastructures amongst others. 

    Inuwa said Nigeria economy is projected to grow by 20 percent should the present administration deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to implement its new tax regime beginning from next year. 

    According to the Director General the deployment of AI to automate 30 percent of tax revenues would lead to 20 percent economic growth for the country. He said the economy would grow exponentially, while Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would peak at annual growth of 20 percent. 

    He added that with such deployment Nigeria chances of achieving one trillion dollars economy will be a reality before 2030.

    Inuwa said it had become imperative for Nigeria to be active participant in the 4th industrial revolution and use Artificial Intelligence to maximise its economic growth and development. 

    He noted, “In the 4th industrial revolution, talent is key and the survival of our products and services will depend on technology and its inclusive adoption. 

    Read Also: AAUA lecturers urge FG to sign ASUU agreement, warn of looming strike in public varsities 

    “The world population is affected by aging and it’s estimated that by 2030, the world would be plagued by 85 million digital skills deficit. Nigeria can leverage on its youthful population to produce between 1.5 million and 2 million digitally skilled citizens per year. If this is done, Nigeria can earn 50 billion dollars annually from the jobs/opportunities that would come from global digital ecosystem.”

    The NITDA boss also outlined the 8 pillars under which the agency has over years promoted digital literacy, inclusive access to digital infrastructures to connect the unconnected and strengthen cybersecurity for the country. 

    In his address, the Editor in Chief of PR Nigeria, Malam Yushau Shuaibu, said the 3rd Edition of the annual lecture was significant given the steps taken by the present administration to drive the economy with digital tools and innovations. 

    Shuaibu noted that the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu was critically examined and put into contexts by the three books, following various conversations and publications on the impacts of the administration’s policies on the well-being of the People. 

  • NITDA, JICA sign agreement to build $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja 

    NITDA, JICA sign agreement to build $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja 

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed an agreement for the commencement of a $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja.

    The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who announced this in Abuja, said that the project began with the launch of the iHatch, an initiative designed to co-train and incubate startups, supported with seed funding by JICA.

    The project is in collaboration with a consortium of Consultants amongst which were Chief Consultant, Consortium of Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd.

    According to the Director of Corporate Communications of NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the project, backed by a $11.2 million grant from JICA, is designed to significantly boost Nigeria’s innovation landscape by providing vital infrastructure and support for startups.

    Hajiya Hadiza also said it would serve as a centre for creativity, research, and technological development.

    “To strengthen this relationship, JICA decided to give us a grant to build an innovation hub, so that after training the startups, they can have access to a makerspace where they can turn their ideas into products and services, JICA is giving us a grant worth of $11.2 million to build this innovation hub,” she said in a statement. 

    She said the DG of NITDA lauded the collaborative efforts aimed at deepening the relationship between the Nigerian and Japanese technology ecosystems.

    Inuwa highlighted the importance of ongoing exchange programmes, which not only foster knowledge sharing and skills transfer but also open new avenues for collaboration between innovators in both countries.

    These initiatives, he noted, are instrumental to creating a more enabling environment for Nigerian startups to grow into sustainable, innovation-driven enterprises capable of competing on a global scale.

    “It’s about building the entire ecosystem; we are not just training startups, we are also giving them the tools, the environment, and the financing they need to thrive,” he stated.

    “Beyond infrastructure, the hub is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth by nurturing homegrown talent and promoting entrepreneurship.

    “It will serve as a critical bridge between training and commercialisation, offering a conducive environment for startups to ideate, experiment, and scale their businesses, ” the DG asserted. 

    “By equipping innovators with the resources that they need to thrive, such as mentorship, incubation support, and access to seed funding, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading tech and innovation hub in Africa,” Inuwa added.  

  • NITDA, JICA’s IgniteHer Bootcamp empower 90 women entrepreneurs

    NITDA, JICA’s IgniteHer Bootcamp empower 90 women entrepreneurs

    The IgniteHer Bootcamp, an initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), concluded on March 7 after five days of intensive training of women entrepreneurs.

    The programme, which brought together 90 female entrepreneurs, focused on equipping participants with essential digital skills, business strategies, and mentorship opportunities to scale their ventures and contribute to economic growth.

    Held as part of NITDA’s commitment to fostering gender inclusivity and digital transformation, the bootcamp addressed systemic barriers that often hinder the involvement of women in entrepreneurship.

    Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and real-world case studies, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and the use of technology to drive growth.

    The bootcamp kicked off with a deep dive into gender disparities in business, exploring challenges such as funding gaps and societal biases. Participants were equipped with strategies to overcome these obstacles, setting the tone for the days ahead.

    The second day focused on business planning, with sessions on the Lean Business Model Canvas, break-even analysis, and setting SMART goals to help the attendees develop structured business plans, according to Tech Digest.

    During digital literacy on the third day, participants learned about cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and financial management. Practical workshops on digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management provided hands-on experience.

    The fourth day centered on digital transformation, with entrepreneurs exploring how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to scale their businesses. Topics included digital branding, marketing, and tools for operational efficiency.

    The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts, including a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist. Moderated by an ecosystem accelerator, the session offered insights into business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu positions Lagos as prime investment destination at Alaro City

    Participants engaged in an open discussion to reflect on their learning and plan their next steps. They praised the bootcamp for its practical approach and transformative impact. Imaobong Edukere, one of the attendees, described the experience as life-changing.

    “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience,” she noted. “It’s my first time being in a network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and learning from their knowledge. I feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and to impact society.”

    Hadiza Isah Mohammed shared how the program reignited her entrepreneurial spirit. “I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers,” Mohammed said.

    Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized that the agency’s commitment to support women-led businesses aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic growth. “NITDA is ready to handhold these businesses to make an impact,” Inuwa assured.

    The training by JICA will enable Nigerian entrepreneurs to network with Japanese companies and explore potential partnerships. Participants were encouraged to submit pitch decks or business plans for consideration. Those selected will travel to Japan in August 2025 for a startup event.

    The IgniteHer Bootcamp has set a new benchmark for empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By providing access to cutting-edge tools, expert mentorship, and a supportive network, the program has equipped women to thrive in the digital economy.

  • Osinbajo pledges FG commitment to Lagos-Abidjan highway realization

    Osinbajo pledges FG commitment to Lagos-Abidjan highway realization

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has pledged the commitment of the Federal Government to the realization of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway development and its completion on schedule.

    Osinbajo made the pledge in his keynote address at the 9th Steering Committee Meeting for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway development on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the Federal Government was excited over the opportunities provided by the project to small businesses, adding that when completed, it would constitute the primary driver of economies of the sub-region.

    According to him, the development of the corridor will hopefully set a stage for the formalization of the vast informal economies that exist in and around countries of the region.

    He said that the steering committee meeting was a testimony to the strong relationship existing among ECOWAS countries.

    “We may live in different countries, speak different languages, spend different currencies but we share a common history, goals and aspirations.

    “The development of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor is one of the flagship projects of the ECOWAS and we believe it will promote regional integration, trade, tourism and other forms of economic activities.

    “There is no doubt that connecting West Africa by means of an efficient road network is one of the easiest and most direct ways of boosting local and international economies.”

    The vice president said the development of the corridor would also go a long way in resolving hindrances to cross border trading in West Africa.

    Osinbajo commended the commitment of development partners including the African Development Bank, Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and other financial institutions to the realization of the project.

    He urged members of the committee to also deliberate on ways to promote unity, peace, good neighbourliness, security and rule of law within ECOWAS and the African Union.

    Earlier, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, commended the supportive role of the ECOWAS Commission and the African Development Bank toward the delivering the project.

    Fashola, who is also the Chairman of the Steering Committee, said the project would promote cross border trade, social and cultural integration as well as enhance prosperity in the sub-region.

    He said the committee was moving toward the completion of the preparatory work, adding that Nigeria had ratified the treaty and signed the financing agreement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Cote D’Ivoire are the countries involved in the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway development.

  • Buhari committed to improving lives of Nigerians – Osinbajo

    Buhari committed to improving lives of Nigerians – Osinbajo

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has assured that the Muhammadu Buhari presidency is committed to improving the life of Nigerians.

    He gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said: “The critical thing is improving the life of the people generally and we are working as hard as possible to ensure that.

    “It is a lot of work, especially at a time when the economy is not doing as well as it could.”

    He also lauded the commitment of JICA for collaborating extensively with the Buhari administration and acknowledged the Agency support to Nigeria.

    Osinbajo said the government is also focused on the Northeast, stating that rebuilding the region is of paramount concern and Japanese support would be welcomed alongside other local and international contributions in the effort.

    In particular, he observed that the fallout of the insurgency in the area has created such humanitarian concerns including 49,000 orphans in Borno State.

    “These are young children, some of them saw their parents killed,” he noted

     

     

  • Japan spends $2m on rice production

    Japan spends $2m on rice production

    Chief  Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agenc, Mr Tetsuo Seki  said his  agency  spends $2million annually  to  support Nigeria’s  effort to  double  rice production and help alleviate poverty.

    Speaking with The Nation after the kick off of rice seeds distribution to vulnerable farmers  in Benue  and Nasarawa   states, in Lafia, Seki said  JICA  was  particularly interested in  transferring the expertise gained during his country’s ‘green revolution’ to  Nigerian farmers.

    He  said the Japan-funded Emergency project addresses  critical needs in rice seed and data, adding  that Japan is providing significant support to provide enhanced access to quality seed of improved rice varieties

    He  said  his  agency is  collaborating  with the  Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and   the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, to train  Nigerians  on rice processing and packaging. The  training   is  to ensure self-sufficiency in rice production in the country.

    He  said  JICA support   include rice milling machines, rice pre-cleaners, rapid steam par boilers, destoners, probe moisture metres and bag sewing machines.

    The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said the government is aiming to increase paddy rice production to about 13.27 million tons by 2018 under the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) initiative, and an improved rice seed sector is important to meet the goal.

    CARD is collaboration among the  JICA, Growing Africa’s Agriculture (AGRA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

    The pilot phase of the initiative involves identification of strategies to improve rice seed supply. The Technical Coordinator of CARD Secretariat said  a stable and timely supply of quality seeds is important for increasing rice production and productivity.

    Most of the CARD members consider seed sector as one of the priorities to be tackled, he adds.

    Nigeria is expected to pass the National Agricultural Seed Law (NASL), which will include points such as upgrading of available seed testing laboratories to international standards, consistency in agricultural policies, increase in the annual budget of seeds, and timely release of budgetary provisions.

    Nigeria is aiming self-sufficiency in rice production by 2015. However, this could be a challenge for a country that imports almost 3 million tons of rice per year.

    According to the USDA, Nigeria’s milled rice production is estimated at 2.8 million tons (about 4.4 million tons of paddy) in MY 2013-14, less than half of an estimated domestic consumption of around six million tons.

  • FG, JICA collaborate on national water resources master plan

    The Federal Government has officially received the revised edition of Integrated National Water Resources Master Plan document from Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).

    The document was developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in partnership with the JICA.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, who received the National Water Resources Master Plan, has also inaugurated Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) team, a committee that would monitor the implementation of the master plan document.

    The first edition of the document was formulated by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and supported by the JICA (JICA) in 1995.

    The minister said that JICA commenced the review of the master plan document in August 2011 with progress reports one and two presented to the steering committee and other stakeholders during discussion and workshops.

    Ochekpe said that the final report of the document was a guide to all activities in the water sector not only at the federal level but also to states and local government areas, including all the private stakeholders in the water sector.

    Inaugurating the monitoring committee for implementation of the master plan, Ochekpe appealed to the members to take the assignment very seriously.

    The committee has 15 members with the director, Planning Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Laraba Bagaiya as chairman.

     

     

    The Chief Representative for JICA, Mr. Seki Tetsuo, said that the revised edition of the Master Plan marks the beginning of a new era in the water sector in Nigeria.

     

  • We won’t hand over polio in 2015, says Jonathan

    We won’t hand over polio in 2015, says Jonathan

    Tambuwal promises judicious use of $50m JICA loan

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday promised that his administration will not hand over polio to the next government in 2015.

    Jonathan spoke in Abuja at a forum of the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health, at the Banquet Hall of the State House.

    At the forum, some governors were given awards for eradicating polio in their states.

    Awards were given for last year’s Best Performing States in each of the six zones.

    The winners are: Ondo State (Southwest), Cross River (Southsouth), Kogi (Northcentral), Anambra (Southeast), Borno (Northeast) and Zamfara (Northwest).

    Niger State won the award for the most improved state.

    Jonathan announced a national honour for the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates.

    He hailed Gates for his commitment to rid Africa of health challenges.

    The President noted that besides helping Nigeria to fight polio and providing life-saving tools, Gates also assisted the country’s agriculture.

    He also hailed the President of Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for supporting the government in all sectors.

    Jonathan thanked the traditional rulers for their roles in fighting polio.

    He said: “For those who have won this award, the challenge is that we will not want to see polio in your state again. Otherwise, we will wipe out the award. You now have very strong partners, a partner with the Federal Government to eradicate polio.

    “Like Dangote mentioned, there is no reason we should not eradicate polio by 2014. Let me assure you that the Federal Government is totally committed to eradicating polio. We promise that we will work hard because we don’t want to hand over polio to another government in 2015. With the support of all stakeholders present here, I believe we will succeed in our commitment to eradicate polio.

    “I charge you all to be so committed, especially as the elections are coming. In fact, from the analysis I was just briefed now, I’m really surprised that in 2011 there was a lapse and it was attributed to the elections. I learnt that during campaigns for elections, politicians think more about winning the elections and forget about other things…”

    Announcing the honours for Bill Gates, Jonathan said: “As the President and Commander-In-Chief, I hereby confer on Bill Gates one of our prestigious titles, the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). His decoration will come up during the award ceremony in December.”

    House of Representatives Sepaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has assured Gates and Dangote that the $50 million JICA loan for Nigeria’s fight against polio would be well utilised.

    Gates told Tambuwal during a visit yesterday that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Dangote Group, in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), initiated a new $50 million loan conversion mechanism, called the JICA loan conversion, for Nigeria.