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Tag: Nigeria

  • ITTF African Championships: Egypt beat Nigeria to Paris Olympics ticket

    ITTF African Championships: Egypt beat Nigeria to Paris Olympics ticket

    The Nigerian women’s team failed in their bid to win the sole slot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games against Egypt after they were beaten 3-0 in the final of the 2023 ITTF African Championships taking place in Tunis, Tunisia.

    From the start of the tournament Nigeria and Egypt remained unbeaten as they maintained their 100 percent record without dropping any set.

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    But in the final, it was the Egyptian that dominated with Dina Meshref, Hana Goda and Marwa Alhodaby beating the trio of Fatimo Bello, Offiong Edem and Olufunke Oshonaike convincingly in the final.

    The one-sided encounter was once again the dominance of Egypt in the continent and the North African are qualifying for their third consecutive Olympic Games at the expense of Nigeria.

    An elated Goda said she was happy that they claimed the sole ticket while hoping that the Egyptian team would claim more medals at the continental showpiece.

  • Tinubu offers Nigeria’s assistance to Libya over flooding

    Tinubu offers Nigeria’s assistance to Libya over flooding

    Disturbed by the devastation of some parts of Libya by Storm Daniel, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday pledged Nigeria’s assistance to the North African nation.

    He commiserated with the people and government of Libya over the storm that claims thousands of lives and swept away homes and ravaged properties.

    Storm Daniel hit parts of Libya on Sunday, with the most impacts felt in the Derna region, where two dams and four bridges were reported to have collapsed, submerging the whole city.

    More than 10,000 people were reported missing on Tuesday, while death toll was expected to escalate.

    The disastrous flooding has left more than 30,000 people homeless, according to the International Organistion for Migration (IOM) yesterday.

    The IOM has estimated 2,000 were killed and at least 5,000 are missing.

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    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to provide assistance to the people of Libya.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his profound condolences to the government and people of Libya in the aftermath of the devastating impact of the storm and the subsequent flooding that has severely affected the eastern regions of the country.

    “The President further commiserates with all families who have lost loved ones in this monumental disaster and sends his best wishes for a speedy recovery to all who have been injured during the tragic incident.

    “The Nigerian leader assures the great people of Libya of Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity and goodwill during these trying times, adding that this disheartening loss of lives, homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure remains a shared grief that further unites the people of both nations.”

  • ‘How Nigeria can drastically curb maternal, child mortality’

    ‘How Nigeria can drastically curb maternal, child mortality’

    The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMFG) keeps track of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It publishes a summary of its findings in its annual Goalkeepers Report, the 2023 edition of which was released Tuesday. In this exclusive interview with ROBERT EGBE, Country Director, BMFG Nigeria Country Office, Dr. Jeremie Zoungrana examines the report’s findings concerning Nigeria’s human development challenges, successes, prospects and risks. Zoungrana also highlighted, among others, the seven innovations and practices recommended by the report that could help drastically reduce the deaths of Nigerian mothers and their children during childbirth.

    The 2023 Goalkeepers Report shows that halfway to the deadline for the SDGs, the world is off track on some indicators, particularly maternal and neonatal mortality. How far off track is Nigeria on these indicators? What urgent action does the country need to take to stand a chance to get back on track in the nearest future?

    This year, Nigeria continues to face challenges in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), indicates that the maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is 1046 deaths per 100,000 live births. These rates are much higher than the SDG targets of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births and 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. To get back on track, Nigeria needs to take urgent action to improve access to quality maternal and newborn care services. This includes increasing the availability of skilled birth attendants, investment in new breakthroughs and healthcare infrastructure, improved access to quality maternal and neonatal care services, and strengthened health systems.

    This year the report highlights maternal and infant mortality and the decline in gains recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic. It urges the world to imagine a world through the eyes of an optimist, a world where women and children are surviving and thriving as a result of intentional progressive decisions by countries. What are some of these actions and how can they be achieved?

    New data shows that scaling up seven innovations could save two million more moms and babies by 2030. And some of the most promising interventions are simple and low-cost. In the last 10 years, doctors uncovered revolutionary information about maternal and child health—information about why babies die and what it will take to keep others alive. One initiative is Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS), which identifies the root causes of a child’s death as well as underlying drivers of a child’s death such as undernutrition or being born prematurely.

    Seven innovations and practices are already accelerating progress and boosting survival rates. They aren’t silver bullets, but they can save thousands of lives every year; especially when they come together to support a woman’s pregnancy and her baby. They include a bundle of interventions that can reduce postpartum hemorrhage — the number-one cause of maternal death — by 60 percent; New probiotic supplements (b. infantis), when given to the infant alongside breastmilk, combat malnutrition, one of the leading causes of newborn deaths, by helping babies gain weight and establish a healthy gut microbiome; Multiple Micronutrient Supplements, when given to a pregnant woman, help replete her nutrient stores and ensure transfer of key nutrients to the baby; A new one-time infusion of IV iron for women with moderate and severe anemia replenishes women’s iron reserves during pregnancy, protecting against anemia deficiencies affecting almost 37 percent of pregnant women. This life-saving intervention was developed by Nigerian Professor Bosede Afolabi; Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS), given to a woman who will give birth prematurely, pack weeks’ worth of maturation; Azithromycin, when given in pregnancy, reduces maternal infections and prevents infections spiraling into sepsis, which cause 23 percent of maternal deaths in the U.S. In high-mortality settings, it can also reduce mortality when given to infants and AI-enabled ultrasound in the hands of nurses and midwives allows monitoring of the pregnancy to ensure that pregnancy risks are diagnosed and addressed early.

    In addition to these interventions, there are a number of other things that can be done to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. These include: Investing in more and better healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. Training more healthcare workers, especially midwives and nurses. Raising awareness of the importance of maternal and child health. Addressing the underlying causes of maternal and infant mortality, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to education. Thankfully, these actions align with the priorities of the Honorable Minister of Health which include, but are not limited to increased health financing, deploying a coordinated approach to health security/disease outbreaks, and working closely with states to address maternal mortality rates.

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    Eradicating poverty is a tough global challenge. In the Foundation’s experience working in Nigeria and based on knowledge of the country’s status as a lower (or middle income?) country with myriads of socioeconomic, security and political challenges, what, in your view, are Nigeria’s prospects for escaping the 574 million people that will be in extreme poverty by 2030?

    Eradicating poverty is a tough challenge, but Nigeria is committed to achieving it. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic 4 in 10 Nigerians lived below the national poverty line. This means that they cannot afford to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. As a country, Nigeria needs to continue to invest in its people and economy to achieve the SDGs target of eliminating poverty by 2030. This means providing quality education and healthcare for all, investing in infrastructure, and creating jobs. Being in Nigeria for over a decade, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to supporting Nigeria in its fight against poverty. We are working with Nigerian institutions to improve access to healthcare, sanitation, financial services for the poor, and food security. In 2020, the Gates Foundation, together with other development partners supported the Nigerian government to eradicate the Wild Polio Virus in 2020. Together, we can build a Nigeria where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

    What dangers do we foresee for Nigeria if the stunting rate among children under age 5 does not reach the 2025 target of 15%? What advice would the foundation give to help avert this?

    The decline in stunting among children under the age of 5 is a positive development, but Nigeria still has a long way to go to reach the SDG target of 15% by 2025. Stunting is a major problem in Nigeria, and it has a number of negative consequences for children’s health and development. To reduce stunting, Nigeria needs to focus on improving nutrition for pregnant women and young children. This includes providing access to nutritious foods, promoting breastfeeding, and providing micronutrient supplements through fortification of affordable staples like flour, semolina, sugar, cooking oil, salt and in the near future, condiments. The Micronutrient Fortification Index which was launched in 2021 to help Nigerian consumers make informed decisions about their food purchases and incentivize food companies to comply with national food-fortification standards, is a commendable step to address stunting. This particular initiative is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, government regulatory bodies like the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and several other development partners, all working together towards the 15% goal. Nigeria also needs to improve sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases, which are major causes of stunting.

    The rate of average annual income growth from agriculture for small-scale food producers in Nigeria grew 2.15x between 2016 and 2019. It, however, appears to miss the SDG target of doubling agricultural productivity. Considering its challenging local economy and high birth rate, should Nigeria be alarmed?

    The rate of average annual income growth from agriculture for small-scale food producers in Nigeria is encouraging, but it is not enough to double agricultural productivity by 2030. To double agricultural productivity by 2030, Nigeria needs to make significant investments in irrigation, improved seeds and fertilizers, and agricultural research and innovation. It also needs to address the challenges of climate change, which is a major threat to agricultural productivity. Specifically, Nigeria can: Develop new varieties of crops that are resistant to drought and pests. Provide farmers with access to improved seeds and fertilizers. Invest in agricultural research to develop new technologies that can improve productivity. Address the challenges of climate change, such as by planting trees and promoting sustainable farming practices. In addition to these investments, Nigeria can also improve agricultural productivity by: Improving access to credit for farmers, providing training and technical assistance to farmers, developing markets for agricultural products and reducing post-harvest losses.

    Is the foundation optimistic that Nigeria is on track to meet the SDG target of expanding access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all?

    The SDG target of expanding access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all is a critical one. Financial inclusion can help to reduce poverty, improve people’s lives, and boost economic growth. Nigeria is making significant progress in expanding financial inclusion. The latest data shows that the financial inclusion rate in Nigeria increased by 16 percentage points to 45% in 2021. This means that the number of adults with an account at a regulated financial institution, such as a bank, credit union, microfinance institution, post office, or mobile money service provider, increased from 30% to 45%. While this is a positive development, there are still many Nigerians who do not have access to financial services. Nigeria needs to continue to improve the quality of financial services available to the poor, and it needs to address the challenges of financial exclusion, such as discrimination against women and people living in rural areas. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is working with the Nigerian government and other partners to expand access to financial services and make them more affordable and accessible to everyone.

    How close is Nigeria to meeting the SDG target of ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, and combating hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases?

    Nigeria was declared Wild Polio Virus free in 2020. Its pandemic response during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that with a strong policy environment, adequate, reliable and timely implementation of sound and responsive actions and in collaboration with its partners, Nigeria can address more of its development challenges. However, Nigeria is not on track to meet the SDG target of ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases. We still have a high burden of these diseases, and new cases are being reported every year. To end these epidemics, Nigeria needs to invest in prevention and treatment programs, as well as address the underlying factors that drive these diseases, such as poverty, poor sanitation, and gender inequality. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is working with global and local partners in Nigeria to fight these diseases. Specifically, the Foundation is focusing on improving health outcomes and providing economic opportunities in Nigeria. These objectives are demonstrated in our work in health, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

  • Steven Ndukwu: How Nigeria can boost tourism industry

    Steven Ndukwu: How Nigeria can boost tourism industry

    Nigeria, West Africa’s most populous country, is on the cusp of a tourism boom, with anticipated revenues expected to reach $2.95 billion in 2023. This significant growth is attributed to the Nigerian government’s determined efforts to entice more visitors to the nation, as reported by Diplomacy Beyond.
    However, in comparison to the global tourism industry’s projected revenue of $2.3 trillion in 2023, with an estimated growth rate of 13.9%, as per IBIS World data, Nigeria’s tourism sector holds considerable untapped potential.

    To explore strategies for boosting Nigeria’s tourism industry, Steven Ndukwu, a filmmaker, and travel influencer with over 50 million online views on YouTube, recently shared his insights during a press interview.

    Creating a niche

    Ndukwu stressed the importance of carving out a unique niche in the tourism market. He pointed to successful destinations like Dubai in the UAE, which positioned itself as an affordable yet diverse travel hotspot. “Dubai is a country where with less than $300 or $400, you can come and have a good time,” the content creator explained. “And if you have up to $2,000 or $5,000, there’s also something for you. Nigeria should identify its own niche and target specific demographics to attract visitors.”

    Privatisation of the Tourism Industry

    The travel influencer advocated for the privatization of Nigeria’s tourism industry, emphasizing that this approach could harness the expertise and resources of wealthy businessmen. He said, “Privatising the industry would allow businessmen to invest in boosting the sector, with profit-sharing arrangements involving the government.” He also highlighted Dubai’s example, where the government played a significant role in tourism development, but also recognized the need for private sector involvement.

    Marketing, both Internally and externally

    Effective marketing, both within Nigeria and internationally, is essential to attract tourists. Citing an example, he said “Tanzanian tour companies for instance focus their marketing efforts in Europe and the United States, acknowledging the importance of targeting markets with substantial foreign exchange potential.” He also recommended that Nigeria collaborate with travel influencers and expand its marketing efforts to target specific regions and demographics.

    Tackling security concerns

    Addressing security concerns is paramount to attracting tourists. Ndukwu stressed that Nigeria must prioritize and ensure safety both within the country and on its roadways, as tourists prioritize security when choosing destinations.
    “Rwanda is doing excellently well in the tourism industry, because it is ranked in the top five safest places for solo travelers at the moment. You can walk around at 2:00 a.m and nothing is going to happen to you, you feel the same way you’re in Dubai as well.”

    Promising Nigerian travel destinations

    When asked about specific travel destinations within Nigeria, the Youtuber mentioned several potential gems. He highlighted Calabar, known for its historical significance and the Obudu Cattle Ranch, offering beautiful mountainous landscapes. In addition, he suggested tapping into the desert landscapes of Yobe and the Yankari Game Reserve to rival famous African wildlife destinations.
    In the west, Ndukwu envisioned Lagos as a potential haven for resort-style tourism, leveraging its abundant shorelines. He also emphasised the importance of promoting Nigerian festivals and cultural events to attract visitors.

    The role of the new Minister of Tourism

    The content creator acknowledged the importance of the new Minister of Tourism in Nigeria. He reiterated that the challenges of insecurity and marketing must be overcome for the sector to flourish. “Security and marketing are the two critical issues,” he emphasized.

    Leveraging social media (YouTube, Instagram)

    Drawing inspiration from successful destinations, he recommended creating a niche for Nigeria and investing heavily in marketing, emphasizing, “Dubai’s niche is affordability and they spend on innovation.” He also cited Rwanda’s innovative approach of placing “Visit Rwanda” campaigns on football jerseys, saying, “I think Rwanda has this nice strategy now, where they put their ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign call on the football players’ jersey.”

    He also underscored the pivotal role of social media platforms like creating a dedicated “Visit Nigeria” page to amplify the nation’s tourism message and showcase the country’s tourism potential to a global audience. “Dubai’s only strategy was digital media and that was what they used to catch the whole world,” he said.

  • Nigeria needs morally upright leaders, says cleric

    Nigeria needs morally upright leaders, says cleric

    Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Remo Diocese of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Michael Fape, has said the nation needs leaders with sound morality.

       He noted Nigeria’s problem can be  attributed to selfish  leaders, adding there is no greater challenge a nation can face than when citizens are mostly self-centred.

     Fape was guest speaker at the 33rd convocation of West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS).

     Delivering a lecture: “Pastoral Leadership and Development of a National Ethos”, he said: “It naturally follows that until pastoral leaders are operating in an environment diametrically opposed to holiness and godliness, it will be difficult to conclude that a leader possesses the virtues and character that could have positive bearing for emergence of national ethos.

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    ‘’In other words, ability of a pastoral leader to live godly will be seen when in a dilemma existentially.

     “The big problem confronting our nation is the selfishness of political leaders, and there is no greater challenge a nation can face than when its citizens are self-centred. When men only pursue personal interest at the expense of the wellbeing of the national life.”

     Governing Council Chair, Emmanuel Oluwayemi, thanked those present for attending the programme.

     Provost, Dauda Gava, said 98 students graduated in Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies,Theology; Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Bibilical Studies; Intercultural Studies; Christian Leadership, and Christian  Education.

    Others were Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, and Doctor of Ministry.

     The graduates were  inducted into WATS Alumni.

     WATS was founded in 1989 to train pastors, missionaries and church leaders. 

     It offers degree in affiliation with University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is accredited by Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA).

  • ‘Trade between Nigeria, EU grows to 45b Euros’

    ‘Trade between Nigeria, EU grows to 45b Euros’

    Trade between Nigeria and the European Union has grown to about 45 billion Euros over the years.

    Ambassador Samuela Isopi Head of delegation of the  EU and ECOWAS made this known in Abuja yesterday when she led a delegation on a visit to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    According to Isopi, “trade has been growing over the years and by the latest figure that we have, it’s about 45 billion Euros  with the balance in favour of Nigeria and the balance is growing”.

    Since investment is a priority of the Tinubu administration, Isopi said the EU is “mapping out the presence of European companies here. We know that there’s much that can be done and we know that Nigeria is really a land of opportunities”.

    The EU, she added, would work together with the Federal Government on “how we can tap that potential, these are one of the things that will come in priorities in the dialogue between our respective institutions”.

    Bagudu was delighted that trade between Nigeria and the EU was growing.

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    “This is consistent with the drive by our president to boast relationship, to mobilise investors, to seek support from partners, not just a development partner but a partner who can help us improve our processes and ways of engaging with the world,” he said.

    Bagudu noted that the Federal Government appreciates “the cordial relationship we have with the EU alot, and we want to demonstrate that by providing opportunities for more partners, private sector relationships which is already on ground, social and cultural relationships will also be boasted” he said.

    He said the federal government acknowledges the support of the EU “in areas of governance and improvement of the rule of law.

    On the bilateral level, the Korean Government under the auspices of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has been providing technical cooperation including Scholarship programmes at Masters and Ph.D levels and other forms of Grant Aids to promote economic and social development in Nigeria, thus culminating into reduction of social tension, poverty reduction, empowerment and skill and technology transfer.

    Earlier at a meeting with the Ambassador Kim Young Chae  of the Republic of Korea, Senator Bagudu thanked the Korean government for donating 24.9 percent of Korea’s total Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the Government of Korea, through the Korean Embassy in Nigeria”.

    The core development programmes of this ODA includes technical assistance programmes/projects for capacity and institutional development, feasibility studies and master plans.

    Bagudu noted that “KOICA in its cooperation efforts, has implemented various technical training programmes for officials of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) across the three tiers of Government in all areas of human endeavor, including those of State Governments.

    “As at 2022, about 2,000 Government officials have benefitted from KOICA supported Capacity Building Programmes” he said.

  • Nigeria 6-0 Sao Tome: Minister set AFCON glory benchmark for victorious Eagles

    Nigeria 6-0 Sao Tome: Minister set AFCON glory benchmark for victorious Eagles

    Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has congratulated Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Team over their emphatic victory against São Tomé and Principe in Uyo.

    The Super Eagles smashed their opponents 6-0 to wrap up the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 qualifying series in grand style.

    Speaking on the outcome of the encounter, Enoh congratulated the team for rewarding the support of Nigerians with a good performance, while charging the team to bring home the AFCON next year.

     “On the behalf of all Nigerians, I congratulate the Super Eagles for making the country proud with such an incredible performance. While this wraps up our qualification gracefully, I want to charge the team to go out against all odds in Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire)  next year. We want the AFCON trophy to land in Nigeria and all hands will be on deck to make this happen,” he stated.

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     “The ministry will work round the clock to ensure the team gets the best preparation possible, in our quest to bring glory to Nigeria. Our players have displayed commitment to the national colours and I hope that the renewed sense of patriotism remains in place to catalyse the team at the AFCON.”

    The Super Eagles bagged 15 points from six games to secure top spot in Group A. Lagos-born Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat trick to become Nigeria’s fourth all-time highest goalscorer with 20 goals. Goals from Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze completed the rout.

    The AFCON is billed to take place in Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) in January, 2024.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria, Sao Tome tie comes alive on StarTimes

    AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria, Sao Tome tie comes alive on StarTimes

    Anticipation builds up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s match against Sao Tome and Principe in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday.

    The match will air on StarTimes’ World Football channel at 5 pm.

    Before then, StarTimes will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers between Argentina and Ecuador today at 1am and Brazil vs Bolivia at 1:45am tomorrow.

    In the AFCON qualifier matches this week on StarTimes, the Super Eagles are in a comfortable position as they already secured a spot for themselves in the tournament’s next round given their 12 points in 5 matches.

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    With the Super Eagles’ goal fest in their last match against Sao Tome in June 2022 where they scored ten goals, football fans are eager to see if the Sao Tome national team will be able to redeem themselves or if the Super Eagles will get another one past them.

    Football stars such as Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Wilfred Ndidi, among others, will feature in this match.

    New faces such as Gift Orban, Jordan Torunarigha and Victor Boniface who are looking to prove themselves worthy of a national team call up will also feature in this match.

  • ‘Nigeria offers best returns on investment’

    ‘Nigeria offers best returns on investment’

    • Tinubu woos Indian investors
    • $14b new investments coming

    Nigeria offers the best returns on investments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told some Indian investors at a business roundtable yesterday in New Delhi, India.

    He urged the businessmen to take advantage of the array of opportunities to invest in Nigeria.

    The Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference was organised by the Nigerian High Commission in India in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Nigerian Indian Business Council (NIBC).

    Tinubu commended the Indian investors for pledging to invest $14 billion in the Nigerian economy.

    Assuring that nowhere else offers the sort of investment opportunities now available in Nigeria, the President said his administration has resolved to drive an economy that will support profit-making investments.

    He said the location of one of the biggest petrochemical companies in the country by Indorama attested to his claim, recalling how he directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to resolve the teething problems facing the company in less than 21 days.

    The President assured the investors of his administration’s preparedness in creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, promising to be at the forefront of driving a prosperous and performing economy.

    Allaying the fears of negative and inconsistent policy impacts, Tinubu said whatever might have happened in the past should be recorded for the twists and turns of politics, which he said, are not peculiar to Nigeria, but also applicable with some of the oldest contemporary democracies like the United States (U.S.).

    He said: “We are the people that pledged to represent the bureaucracy, the authority in many ways here before you and the captain of that ship is myself, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I can only promise you that I will captain the vessel of development, prosperity and democracy, fully for Africa, the largest democracy, and for the rest of the world.”

    “You know where the shoe pinches. Thank you for the collaborative effort of looking far ahead, and seeing the future, nobody has a crystal ball. Without risk, there can be no return, there can be no success and no one succeeds alone, we have to partner, we had to make positive efforts at promoting people and collaborating in a friendly manner and that’s what Nigeria is all about. Perhaps when my friend Sunil was coming to Nigeria, he just saw the opportunity and today he’s one of most respected Indian-Nigerian and many of you the same.

    “What you have seen in the past where you might be frustrated, that is the twist and turn of democracy. It will happen, if it is happening in America of over 250 years, then expect the twists and turns, the hill and valley in African continent.

    “But I come here to assure you that definitely we are open for business, you’ve heard it. We have capable, intelligent and highly committed individuals in the government to drive the economy of Nigeria and to be able to give you the best return possible. There is nowhere else.

    “You pinch penny in America and any other part of the world. Nigeria offers the best return on investment as at today, so invest. And many of you who are there can attest to that. You heard the Managing Director of the Stock Exchange saying there is high elation in the stock market, which has been very bullish, since I assumed office. I’m proud of that.

    “As for decision making no problem, be relaxed. Here is one of the examples; Indorama. They had a lingering problem for years, between the NNPC and them. I stepped in when it came to my attention. I said give me result in 21 days. Before 21 days, he brought the paper to my office… “I’ve solved the problem sir.

    “Indorama is alive to its billing, it’s going to pump in money to invest more and create more employment, isn’t it? Your problem is solved.

    “That’s the example I just want to bring before you and the assurance that I don’t have free lunch to serve you, but I have good economy and policies to place before you. I have able men and women who can drive the goal.

    “I had the statistics of the infrastructure development that is operating. It took me some hours to get here, if you have a good aviation synergy between Nigeria and India, it would be easier, so we have to promote all of that.

    “Information technology is a must for us and you can see one of the most dynamic and youngest in the cabinet driving it because as we push up for today, plan for tomorrow, we might build for the day after. It is in your hands and I promise you, just don’t keep quiet, don’t procrastinate, don’t be frightened about investments in Nigeria.

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    “Bring it on, ask your questions, make your requests. The trade and investment opportunity is enormous. I have a team and I’m the captain of that team. I assure you, we solve problems.”

    Indorama Petrochemical Limited has pledged a fresh investment of $8 billion in the expansion of its fertilizer production and petrochemical facility in Eleme, Rivers State.

    Jindal Steel and Power Limited, one of India’s largest private steel producers, has committed to investing $3 billion following discussions with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit.

    Founding President of SkipperSeil Limited, Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, promised to invest $1.6 billion in the establishment of  100mw-capacity power generation plants in 20 arrears across some states in the North.

    The plants would add 2000mw to the national grid , within the next four years.

    In a statement, presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelele said his boss has approved finalisation on a $1 billion agreement to bring the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to 40 per cent self-sufficiency in local manufacturing and production of defence equipment in-country by 2027 through a comprehensive partnership with the Managing Arm of the Miltary-Industrial Complex of the Indian Government.

    The statement said another Indian firm – Bharti Enterprises -, which is a major first-generation corporation in India with interests in space communications, digital solutions, insurance, processed foods, real estate, and hospitality, has expressed its commitment to invest an additional $700 million.

    Ngelale noted that President Tinubu expressed gratitude to all Indian companies and individuals who have responded positively to his administration’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s macroeconomic and investment climate.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who spoke on the conference theme: “Building partnerships with renewed hope for a diversified and prosperous economy,” thanked Mr. Naveen Jindau, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited, for the new $3 billion investment in local iron ore processing and steel development.

    Commending the Tata group and so many others who have immediately responded to the President’s bold and decisive moves to correct the major systemic faults in the macro-economic and investment climate, Edun noted: “I also wish to thank Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, for his continued commitment to invest in the first phase at least $700 million dollars more in Nigeria.”

    Edun further used the opportunity to explain the underlying principles of Tinubu’s eight-point strategy, emphasizing that the agenda aims at the promoting  of growth and job creation, poverty reduction, food security, improved access to capital, inclusivity, business and citizen security, and fair play on a foundation of rule of law and anti-corruption.

    Mr. Mittal, who spoke for the investors, said: “You have unified the FX market. You have freed up crucial capital to upgrade your public infrastructure. Now, you have just dropped your prepared remarks and have spoken from your heart.

    “Our investors have heard from a leader who is doing everything possible to attract capital to Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians and our companies. Mr. President, we will bring these investments to Nigeria, and with your inspiring leadership style, we can only do more and more.”

    Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy and his counterpart from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions to be implemented at total population scale for digital transformation.

    The minister also signed another MoU with the  Central Square Foundation for co-operation in the field of sharing successful ecosystems, which involve interventions relating to education technology, to be implemented at population scale for digital economic transformation.

    Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, signed the third MoU on Infrastructure Development between the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited (InfraCorp) and Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India.

    Closing the interactive session, Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, the Director-General of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), noted that the Presidential Roundtable serves as a robust foundation for Indian businesses looking to engage with Nigeria and would encompass cooperation across key areas, such as capacity building, skills development, agriculture, and the enhancement of digital and physical infrastructure, among others.

    The roundtable was attended by  Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Dr. Tijani and Dr. Uzoka-Anite.

    Also there were captains of industry –  Founder of the Eleganza Group, Chief Razaq Okoya; NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari; Founder, Bolmus Group International, Hajia Bola Shagaya; Chairman of MSM Group, Muazzam Mairawani; CEO of Sun Africa, Hakeem Shagaya; and the Founder of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, among others.

  • Navigating the Future of Front-End Engineering in Nigeria: The Road to a Thriving Digital Economy

    Navigating the Future of Front-End Engineering in Nigeria: The Road to a Thriving Digital Economy

    By Owoseni Abdulhamid

    In Nigeria, the digital economy is rapidly expanding, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment. At the heart of this digital transformation is front-end engineering, an area that plays a pivotal role in creating user-friendly applications, websites, and digital services. However, while the demand for skilled front-end engineers is growing, the journey to establishing a sustainable and competitive front-end engineering field in Nigeria is not without challenges. From the scarcity of structured training to limited resources and an underdeveloped tech infrastructure, the road is complex. Yet, these obstacles also present unique opportunities to shape a digital ecosystem that meets Nigeria’s needs and showcases the nation’s potential on the global stage.

    A Rising Demand and the Skills Gap

    The need for skilled front-end engineers in Nigeria has never been more pronounced. Businesses are increasingly recognizing that a strong digital presence is essential to remaining competitive and accessible, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digital adoption worldwide. As a result, front-end engineers—those responsible for creating intuitive, visually appealing, and responsive user interfaces—are in high demand.

    Despite this need, there exists a significant skills gap. Many Nigerian developers lack formal training in core front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React and Angular, which are essential for creating dynamic web applications. While some Nigerian universities offer computer science courses, they often focus more on theoretical aspects of software engineering and less on practical, industry-relevant skills. To close this gap, it is essential to create more specialized training programs and boot camps that focus on the evolving demands of front-end development, providing hands-on experience and exposure to real-world projects.

    The Growth of Self-Taught Developers and the Need for Structured Education

    In response to the limited access to formal tech education, many Nigerian front-end developers are self-taught, utilizing resources such as online tutorials, coding boot camps, and open-source projects. This approach has produced many talented engineers who are resourceful and capable of learning independently. However, the lack of formal mentorship and structured curriculum can create challenges in skill development, particularly in areas such as design principles, user experience (UX), and collaboration within large engineering teams.

    To support self-taught developers, it is crucial to establish mentorship programs, communities, and industry-led initiatives that can supplement their education. Platforms like Andela, for example, have made strides by connecting African developers to global tech companies. By expanding these types of programs, Nigeria can build a community of front-end engineers who not only have technical skills but also an understanding of the professional and collaborative environment in which these skills are applied.

    Bridging the Infrastructure Gap

    Nigeria’s underdeveloped tech infrastructure is another barrier to the advancement of front-end engineering. Limited internet access and high data costs make it challenging for many Nigerians to access the online resources they need to learn and work effectively. Additionally, power outages remain a recurring issue, hampering productivity and reducing the appeal of tech jobs for those who live in regions with poor electricity.

    Addressing these infrastructure issues will require both governmental and private sector investment. The government can incentivize internet providers to offer affordable data plans for educational use, while tech companies could partner with local communities to establish co-working spaces that provide reliable internet and power. Some initiatives, like Google’s Project Loon and Facebook’s Free Basics, have sought to improve connectivity in underserved areas. Building on these efforts with local solutions could help create a more inclusive environment for front-end engineers in Nigeria.

    Creating a Thriving Community of Nigerian Front-End Engineers

    Nigeria’s tech community has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with hubs like Lagos becoming key centers for innovation in Africa. However, building a collaborative and supportive ecosystem specifically for front-end engineers could further accelerate this progress. Local meetups, hackathons, and workshops provide invaluable networking opportunities and a platform for knowledge exchange. Communities like ForLoop Africa, which connects African software developers, are already paving the way for this kind of engagement, but more focused communities for front-end engineering could enhance collaboration and inspire innovation.

    Creating a national platform or annual conference for Nigerian front-end engineers would not only showcase local talent but also encourage mentorship and collaboration across levels of experience. The presence of such a community would offer developers a stronger support system, enabling them to stay updated on the latest front-end trends and technologies while also sharing resources and tips on overcoming common challenges.

    Embracing Remote Work Opportunities

    One silver lining of the global shift to remote work is the expanded opportunities for Nigerian front-end engineers to access international jobs and gain exposure to advanced projects. This trend has opened doors for Nigerian engineers to work with global tech giants, startups, and companies seeking diverse perspectives and expertise. However, remote work also requires an understanding of virtual communication tools, time management, and the ability to work independently—all skills that need to be nurtured alongside technical expertise.

    To fully leverage remote work opportunities, Nigerian front-end engineers can benefit from targeted training that equips them with soft skills essential for thriving in a remote work environment. Additionally, the Nigerian government and local tech companies can support remote workers by advocating for improved internet infrastructure and providing digital tools, helping make remote work a viable and attractive option.

    Looking Ahead – Building a Sustainable Front-End Engineering Future

    The future of front-end engineering in Nigeria looks promising, but it depends on addressing current challenges and seizing growth opportunities. By investing in specialized training programs, improving infrastructure, and building a strong community, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in front-end development within Africa and beyond. This investment is more than an economic imperative—it’s an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Nigerian developers to contribute to and shape the digital future.

    Ultimately, front-end engineers are crucial in defining how users interact with digital platforms. Their work shapes the online experience for millions of people and plays a critical role in the success of businesses and public services alike. In Nigeria, building a skilled workforce of front-end engineers can drive the nation’s digital transformation, enabling it to harness the full potential of technology and create a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative society.

    The journey may be challenging, but with the right support and initiatives, Nigerian front-end engineers can rise to meet these challenges, turning Nigeria into a hub of digital creativity and technical expertise.

    About the author

    Owoseni A. is a front-end developer with 2 years of experience user-friendly digital product interface. He has experience building EdTech, FinTech, and PropTech products. A graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.