Nigeria and United Arab Emirates are exploring ways to collaborate to enhance the development of Nigeria’s vast commodity ecosystem, with potential to unlock more than $400 billion.
The partnership, involving the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE ), seeks to galvanise private-sector investors to position Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s $1 trillion commodities market.
Nigeria alone represents about $400 billion in opportunities across agriculture, energy, gold, and lithium.
LCFE’s collaborations with the UAE are expected to advance lithium processing, livestock development, food security, and commodities trading.
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Salem Saleh Omar Al Jaberi, paid a courtesy visit to the LCFE to further talks on areas of collaboration.
Managing Director, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE ), Akin Akeredolu-Ale, highlighted the role of private-sector-led initiatives in driving efficiency, capital formation, and infrastructure delivery.
He cited projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and Sukuk-backed road networks as evidence that structured private investment ensures continuity and measurable outcomes.
According to him, the Exchange is also expanding its ecosystem of dealing member firms and commodity brokers, while promoting gold trading through LBMA-standard bars stored in Free Trade Zones, enabling tariff-free access for institutional investors, including pension funds.
Akeredolu-Ale noted that LCFE is increasing its involvement in large-scale rice production, livestock and fodder development, and the production of export-ready organic produce.
He disclosed that memoranda of understanding have been signed with some state governments, while the UAE has been granted first right of refusal on commodity exports.
He added that recent reforms decentralising electricity generation have created new private investment opportunities in metering, revenue collection, and infrastructure optimisation.
He said: “These initiatives underscore LCFE’s commitment to leveraging private-sector partnerships to drive inclusive growth, deepen Nigeria’s commodities markets, and strengthen the country’s position as a hub for Africa’s rapidly expanding commodity economy”.
Director General, AIM Congress, Walid Farghal, called for broader participation in the commodities market, particularly among entrepreneurs and youth.
He highlighted the role of digitisation, tokenisation, and strategic promotion in attracting global investors, drawing parallels with Dubai’s National Bonds model.
According to him, investor confidence is driven by liquidity, ease of exit, and secure market structures.
On Monday this week President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departs for a two-day official visit to the Republic of Türkiye. The stated agenda – military cooperation and trade partnership – is precise. But the subtext is broader: Nigeria is recalibrating its partnerships toward countries that combine strategic geography, industrial depth, security capability, and an instinct for pragmatic diplomacy.
Few nations fit that description as naturally as Türkiye, making this visit not just a sentimental jaunt but a strategic engagement, strengthening our official ties, since Turkey established a diplomatic presence in Nigeria in 1962.
Türkiye: Where civilisations converge
Long before modern states, the lands that form present-day Türkiye were the arteries of human civilisation – bordering Mesopotamia, linking ancient empires, and serving as the world’s crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Today, Türkiye remains the only major power that physically straddles two continents, controlling maritime gateways that connect the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and the global trade lanes.
Geography has always been destiny. For Africa – and for Nigeria in particular – Türkiye’s location is not symbolic; it is operational. It is a bridge to Europe, a corridor to the Middle East, and a springboard to Central and Far-East Asia.
So, Istanbul is not just a city; it is a gateway. For Nigerian exporters, investors, students, and logistics operators, Istanbul is increasingly the shortest route from Africa to global markets.
Why Nigeria Is turning to Türkiye
The President is visiting with the mindset that Nigeria’s reform trajectory – industrialisation, security stabilisation, trade diversification, and technology transfer – requires partners who do not merely sell products, but build systems.
Türkiye brings four strategic advantages:
a. Industrial Capability: From construction to defence manufacturing, textiles, energy equipment, and rail systems, Türkiye is one of the most industrialised economies, bridging emerging and developed markets.
b. Defense and Security Depth: Türkiye has become a global supplier of cost-effective, battle-tested military platforms – from drones and armoured vehicles to surveillance systems. For Nigeria, confronting insurgency, banditry, and transnational crime, this partnership is about capacity, not dependency.
c. Trade Dynamism: Türkiye is among the world’s leading exporters to Africa. Its model emphasises local production, infrastructure delivery, and joint ventures – the kind of growth Nigeria now prioritises.
d. Geopolitical Balance: As a NATO member with strong relations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Türkiye offers Nigeria strategic flexibility – not alignment by ideology, but cooperation by interest.
A partnership already in motion
The first Turkish Head of State to visit Nigeria was President Abdullah Gül in 2010. This milestone was followed by the official visits of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Nigeria in March 2016 and October 2021, reflecting Türkiye’s sustained diplomatic outreach and commitment to deepening bilateral relations with us.
These engagements were complemented by President Muhammadu Buhari’s official visit to Ankara on 19 October 2017, during the D-8 Summit.
Together, these high-level exchanges set the tone for the strategic and forward-looking conversations taking place this weekend as President Tinubu visits.
So, the Nigeria–Türkiye relationship has already taken tangible shape, far beyond diplomatic pronouncements, across healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, defence, and trade.
Trade at Scale- Bilateral trade now exceeds USD 1 billion annually, with historical peaks near USD 2.7 billion. Both governments have set a formal target to expand trade to USD 5 billion.
In 2024, alone, Turkish exports to Nigeria: ~$721 million, Nigerian exports to Türkiye: ~$505 million, Nigeria recorded a non-oil trade surplus of N6.1 trillion, signalling diversification aligned with Turkish industrial inputs.
According to IMF 2026 projections, Nigeria’s 4.4% growth rate compares favourably with the US (2.4%), Germany (1.1%), UK (1.3%). Nigeria is now in the upper tier of emerging-market growth, achieved through structural correction – not commodity windfalls.
Strategic Turkish Presence in Nigeria is seen in various Turksih led investments within our homeland.
•Hayat Kimya – $200m hygiene manufacturing (Ogun State).
•Ülker – $50m food processing.
•Direkçi – $22m agro-livestock investments.
•ASELSAN – defence electronics office in Nigeria.
•Türkiye Exporters Assembly missions – 150+ bilateral business engagements.
•Nigeria–Türkiye Business Council – trade matchmaking and joint investment.
Atatürk’s legacy, Tinubu’s reform path
Modern Türkiye was shaped by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a military strategist who rebuilt a nation through institutional discipline, industrial revival, and modernisation.
Nigeria, under President Tinubu, is now pursuing a similar arc – reform before relief, structure before sentiment. Exchange-rate realism, fiscal discipline, security sector reform, and trade diversification are not temporary. They are foundational corrections. Türkiye understands this path because it has walked it.
The bigger picture
This visit is not about symbolism. It is about strategic alignment. Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub, and Türkiye is one of the few partners capable of transferring technology, scaling infrastructure, and co-producing security solutions.
If we are serious about becoming Africa’s gateway to global markets, then partnering with a nation that has spent centuries being the world’s gateway between continents is not a coincidence – it is logic. By President Tinubu departing on this State Visit, the Nigerian leader is not just choosing a country to visit. Nigeria is choosing a corridor to traverse.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic mission to Guinea and Switzerland, declaring that Nigeria has reclaimed a frontline position in global and regional policy conversations.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
According to him, the engagements underscored Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its resolve to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In Conakry, Shettima said Nigeria reaffirmed its leadership role within ECOWAS while opening new pathways for bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea, the Vice President proceeded to Davos, where he led the Nigerian delegation at the 2026 WEF.
A major highlight of the visit was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos—the country’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade, designed as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled “When food becomes security,” Shettima outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar of national security and macroeconomic stability.
He also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, which advocates African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and value chains rather than foreign aid.
On the economic front, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation to 12.94 per cent.
He added that Nigeria was on the cusp of becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, alongside growing exports of digital talent.
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their resolve to deepen cooperation on religious freedom and national security, pledging sustained joint action to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.
This is contained in a joint statement issued by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. team lead, Under Secretary of State, Ms. Allison Hooker, at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Working Group was established to address issues arising from Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act.
It was also to foster practical cooperation aimed at reducing violence, particularly against Christian communities, and ensuring freedom of worship for all Nigerians.
The joint statement noted that strategic discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to improve religious freedom and enhance security across the country, while recognising the long-standing partnership between both nations, founded on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law and national sovereignty.
It said the U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing realignment of security resources, especially in the North Central states, as part of efforts to address insecurity and protect civilians.
Both sides, the statement said, reaffirmed their “strong and unflinching commitment” to the principles of religious freedom.
“They also agreed on the need for active and sustained measures to safeguard the rights to freedom of religion, expression and peaceful assembly in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it added.
The statement further emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and ensuring accountability for those responsible for acts of violence.
It added that both countries agreed to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering efforts, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The U.S. side, according to the statement, commended Nigeria for its prompt actions to enhance security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths affected by terrorism and criminal violence.
The joint statement concluded that the next meeting of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group would be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.
In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, iLEAD AFRICA has convened the Future for Democracy Policy Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Rebuilding Trust in Nigeria’s Elections through Youth Participation and Civic Innovation.”
The one-day forum brought together youth leaders, civic actors, policy experts and media practitioners to develop practical strategies for rebuilding public confidence in the country’s electoral institutions.
Speaking at the opening session, iLEAD AFRICA Chief Executive Officer, Yusuff Liadi Abiodun, emphasised that young Nigerians must move beyond being mere voters to becoming co-owners of democratic governance.
He called for deeper youth inclusion in political and decision-making processes.
A key outcome of the dialogue was the proposal for a 50/50 representation framework between youth and adults in political and governance structures, aimed at addressing long-standing youth marginalisation in Nigerian politics.
Participants identified major barriers to youth participation, including weak political organisation, financial exclusion, limited civic awareness and voter apathy.
To address these challenges, stakeholders recommended strengthening youth political blocs, introducing early civic education, encouraging active party engagement, and simplifying voter registration processes.
Technology-driven civic engagement featured prominently in the discussions. iLEAD AFRICA’s iMonitor platform was highlighted as a strategic tool for reporting electoral incidents, tracking government projects and supporting youth-led election observation. Recommendations included securing INEC accreditation for the platform, expanding regional observer mapping, deploying USSD and barcode-based reporting for low-connectivity areas, and amplifying advocacy through digital influencers.
The forum also underscored the importance of election security, stressing the need for observer neutrality, early detection of violence risks, and proactive voter education to reduce electoral tensions. Experts further called for evidence-based mapping of electoral hotspots and closer collaboration with INEC to ensure the safe deployment of sensitive election materials.
In closing, iLEAD AFRICA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, noting that rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s elections requires more than procedural reforms.
The organisation stressed that youth leadership, credible civic innovation and sustained collaboration between institutions and citizens are critical to strengthening democratic accountability and safeguarding the electoral process.
The Presidency yesterday dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by religious targeting, insisting that violence across the country affects people of all faiths and should not be framed as a religious war.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Abba Tijjani Hashim, said this during an interaction with the Methodist Archbishop of Anambra, Most Rev. Vincent Onoh, as part of ongoing engagements between government officials and religious leaders on peace, unity and national stability.
Hashim cautioned that narratives portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as genocide or faith-based conflict risk deepening divisions and undermining national cohesion at a critical time for the country.
Says nation must rise above religious, tribal sentiments
The DikeOha 1 of Uga Kingdom, Air Vice-Marshal John Chris Ifemeje (rtd), is a seasoned military strategist and national security thinker whose career spans decades of distinguished service at the highest levels of Nigeria’s armed forces. Known for his commitment to discipline, institutional integrity and accountable leadership, he represents a generation of senior officers shaped by both operational command and strategic governance.
His career culminated in his appointment as Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Nigeria’s premier institution for training junior and senior operational level officers and other ranks in the military operational command and staff responsibilities.
In this interview, AVM John Chris Ifemeje (rtd.) argues that the 1966 coup (15th January and 29th July 1966), were not accidents of history but the outcome of leadership breakdown and institutional failure, with both the civilian and military drawing decades of command and strategic experience for leadership reforms as Nigeria’s only viable path to healing and renewal. He spoke with KALU OKORONKWO. Excerpts…
Recently, you participated in the inaugural conference of the Forum for National Reconciliation and Restoration. What does national reconciliation mean to you, and why do you think Nigeria needs it now?
Nigeria has experienced numerous crises—religious, political, ethnic among others—without adequately addressing their root causes. A divided nation cannot move forward. You cannot expect Nigeria to truly belong to the comity of nations when citizens distrust and resent one another, unable to agree on common national issues.
Many of these divisions stem from unresolved historical grievances, particularly the events surrounding the January 15, 1966 coup. Some parts of the country perceived that the actions of those young military officers represented an ethnic betrayal. While mistakes were made, we cannot continue to live permanently in the past. What we need now is renewed understanding, trust, forgiveness, and belief in one another. Unfortunately, that singular event triggered a chain reaction such as the July 29, 1966 counter-coup, the widespread killing of Easterners, and eventually the civil war, during which between two and three million people died. Conflicts often escalate in this way. We see similar patterns globally. When violence is unleashed, retaliation follows, and innocent people suffer endlessly.
If the January 1966 crisis had been properly managed and if the leadership at that time had adhered strictly to the rule of law, pacified aggrieved parties and acted responsibly, Nigeria might never have experienced a civil war. Sadly, leadership failures compounded the problem. Today, we are still grappling with the same leadership deficiencies because we have never honestly examined where the cancer began. No country can grow when citizens lack patriotism; when they go abroad only to denigrate their own nation. That is why we initiated the concept of National Reconciliation and Restoration to heal old wounds and restore Nigeria to the promising path it was on before January 15, 1966.
At that time, the regions were thriving. The East was a global agricultural powerhouse, driven by palm oil. The West led in cocoa production and pioneered radio and television broadcasting in Africa. The North built institutions like Ahmadu Bello University through proceeds from groundnut pyramids and agriculture. Can we say the same today? Sadly, no. Restoration can only come through reconciliation. That is the purpose of this forum. When Dr. Okechukwu presented the idea to me, I immediately agreed because it aligned with what I had long been thinking. What we held recently was a planning conference to begin that journey.
Your explanation suggests that Nigeria’s unity depends on resolving deep-rooted issues. Can you specify the cultural or structural challenges that must be addressed?
God created us without consulting us on where we would be born, North, South, East, or West or what religion we would practice. Yet today, we use ethnicity and religion as weapons to destroy ourselves. There is nothing inherently wrong with religion; the problem lies in how it is practised. Religious bigotry must be rejected. If leadership choices are based on religion, then leadership itself has failed.
Culturally, mutual respect is essential. Wherever you reside, respect the culture of the host community. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. If I live in Ghana, I must respect Ghanaian culture. If others live among my people, they must respect ours. Disrespect breeds suspicion, tension, and conflict.
All religions practised in Nigeria—Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions—teach moral discipline and good values. The problem arises when religious leaders manipulate followers for economic gain, poisoning minds to build influence and wealth. That is not the teaching of Prophet Muhammad or Jesus Christ. People should never kill one another in the name of religion. These are the fundamental issues we must confront.
How could the Forum for National Reconciliation and Restoration practically influence governance, especially in engaging government and shaping policies?
We have already begun engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders nationwide. The forum enjoys broad grassroots support. The next critical step is engaging political leaders, because they control policy implementation and resources.
Strong governance requires strong, independent institutions. You cannot claim to practice democracy when the arms of government are weak or constantly interfered with. If government embraces reconciliation, it can awaken the conscience of political leaders.
For example, the National Assembly should prioritise policies that benefit ordinary Nigerians. Before passing laws, lawmakers must ask: how will this affect the poor man on the street? Governance must not burden the masses.
Reconciliation leads to restoration. Citizens must be central to policy decisions; not an afterthought. Otherwise, our efforts become mere social media noise. When citizens are enlightened, they can identify and reject bad leadership.
Good leadership should never be based on religion, ethnicity, or sentiment. Whether Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian, or mixed tickets, what matters is competence, integrity, and results. In the 21st century, Nigeria must rise above tribal psychology.
In discussing reconciliation, we must also confront insecurity. As a senior military officer, how do you assess Nigeria’s current security architecture? What in your opinion is working and what is broken?
Security is everyone’s responsibility, not just the military’s. Insurgency thrives when it gains local support and often by exploiting religion or grievances. Without local backing or political sponsorship, insurgency collapses.
Our armed forces are well-trained and capable. The problem is not competence; it is leadership direction. In a democracy, soldiers act on political directives. They cannot move without clear authorization. Body language from political leaders matters.
Intelligence gathering is another major challenge, not because intelligence is lacking, but because it is poorly utilised. Agencies like the DSS are excellent at intelligence collection. I have worked with them, and their information is often accurate. The failure lies in ignoring or delaying action.There is no war won without intelligence. Too often, we adopt a fire-brigade approach, responding only after the damage has been done.
Border security is another weakness. Even technologically advanced countries fence and monitor their borders. Nigeria’s porous borders enable insurgents to retreat, regroup, and return. Border fencing, surveillance drones, satellites, and controlled entry points are achievable solutions.
We also must address morale. Soldiers observe how political leaders live. If leaders enjoy luxury while troops suffer hardship, motivation collapses. Soldiers must be properly paid, equipped, and respected. In countries like the United States, soldiers are publicly honored. We must do better in Nigeria.
Beyond security, does the military have other roles in national development?
Absolutely! In disasters, the military provides immediate relief. Retired officers can also contribute immensely to intelligence gathering at the grassroots. In countries like the Philippines, retired soldiers serve as community-based intelligence assets. Here, we retire trained personnel and abandon them. That is wasteful. They can still serve the nation.
The military can also contribute to agriculture and economic development. In Bangladesh, the military runs large-scale fisheries, mushroom farming, and exports agricultural products. Why can’t we convert ungoverned spaces like Sambisa Forest into agricultural zones? Security and development must go hand in hand.
Many believe the Igbo are losing relevance in national affairs. As an Igbo leader, what must be done?
The Igbo must learn to listen to informed leadership. Too many people speak confidently without accurate information and refuse guidance. We must organise politically and respect leadership. Governors responsible for security are insulted instead of supported, even when they possess critical intelligence. This attitude undermines progress.
Historically, the Igbo were organised and respected, especially during the First Republic under leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe. Today, disunity weakens us. Youth disrespect for elders has grown, traditional institutions are compromised, and even religious institutions have lost moral authority. Religious leaders must preach responsibility, productivity and truth, not encourage idleness or crime. Leadership is the key. Reconciliation will only succeed if people are carried along from the grassroots upward.
Since retiring from the military, you have been active in civic engagement. What inspired this transition?
I believe in objective analysis, not sentiments. Even in service, I was deeply involved in civil-military relations and governance. I served as military assistant to a governor, attended executive and security council meetings and managed civil crises.
Military officers are not isolated from governance. Many of us have managed civil affairs at strategic levels. Retirement does not mean irrelevance. Society still benefits from our experience. That is why I engage in politics, not for personal gain, but to contribute to building visionary leadership and solving societal problems.
You were recently honoured with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Leadership Award. What does this recognition mean to you?
Sir Ahmadu Bello was a leader for all without religious or ethnic discrimination. I admire that model of leadership. The award reassures me that integrity and fairness are noticed, even when you are unaware. Throughout my service, I never favoured tribe or religion. Merit always came first. Leadership must be just. Mentorship, fairness and patriotism are values I tried to instill in those I trained. That recognition is deeply humbling.
Finally, what message would you leave for Nigerians on peace, unity, and shared destiny?
When Nigerians go abroad, they unite proudly as Nigerians. Why can’t we replicate that unity at home? Our national motto is Peace and Progress. Without peace, progress is impossible. We must respect one another’s cultures and religions, uphold the rule of law and reject injustice. Injustice breeds bitterness, and bitterness breeds conflict.
Nigeria is rich in resources, yet poverty persists because we are divided and disorganised. Unity will empower citizens to hold leaders accountable. Let us embrace reconciliation, peace and patriotism for the sake of our children and the future of this nation.
Nigeria and Austria have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen multilateral cooperation, and advance mutually beneficial partnerships across key strategic sectors.
The commitment followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumiegwu-Ojukwu, and Austria’s Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs, Nikolaus Marschik, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the engagement provided a platform to assess the trajectory of Nigeria–Austria relations, exchange views on emerging global and regional challenges, and identify practical opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The talks took place amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, economic realignments, and security concerns affecting Europe, Africa, and the broader international system, underscoring the need for sustained diplomatic engagement.
Odumiegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Austria’s long-standing partnership, noting that bilateral relations have remained cordial and consistent for more than five decades. She recalled Austria’s historical diplomatic presence in Nigeria and acknowledged the contributions of former Austrian envoys in strengthening institutional and people-to-people ties.
She added that cultural familiarity and mutual goodwill have helped foster positive perceptions and enduring affinity between both nations, reinforcing the foundation of their relationship.
Outlining Nigeria’s priorities, the minister emphasised the country’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Austria, particularly in trade and investment. She identified renewable energy, green and environmental technologies, food security, agro-processing, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and information and communications technology as priority sectors where Austrian expertise and private-sector involvement could support Nigeria’s development objectives.
She encouraged Austrian firms to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area as a gateway to wider regional markets, noting that ongoing economic reforms and diversification efforts are aimed at attracting long-term, value-driven investment.
The discussions also highlighted cultural, educational, and academic collaboration as enduring pillars of bilateral relations. Odumiegwu-Ojukwu referenced existing memoranda of understanding on cultural exchange and noted growing interest among Nigerian students and professionals in studying and training in Austria.
She expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand scholarship programmes, academic partnerships, and institutional collaboration between universities, research centres, and cultural institutions in both countries, describing education and cultural diplomacy as critical to sustainable partnership.
Security cooperation and regional stability featured prominently in the dialogue. The minister briefed the Austrian delegation on Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime, particularly in the Sahel and West African sub-region. She outlined Nigeria’s engagement with international partners to counter Boko Haram, rebuild post-conflict communities, support internally displaced persons, and strengthen intelligence-sharing and capacity-building frameworks.
She stressed that terrorism and insecurity are global challenges requiring collective action, shared responsibility, and sustained international cooperation.
Migration management was also discussed, with Odumiegwu-Ojukwu advocating balanced and humane approaches that promote orderly and regular migration while addressing root causes such as unemployment, skills gaps, and socio-economic pressures.
She highlighted Nigeria’s interest in skills development, vocational training, and capacity-building initiatives that empower youth domestically while enabling structured mobility and knowledge exchange with partner countries.
In his response, Marschik commended the constructive engagement and reaffirmed Austria’s respect for Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, citing the country’s demographic, economic, and strategic significance. He disclosed that Austria is developing a modern and comprehensive Africa strategy anchored on equality, mutual respect, and shared learning.
He described Nigeria as one of Austria’s closest and most important partners on the continent, noting that Nigerian perspectives will play a central role in shaping Austria’s future engagement with Africa.
The report further explained that the emerging strategy seeks to consolidate fragmented sectoral policies into a coherent framework, balance national interests with commitments to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and adopt a results-oriented approach that emphasises measurable impact and continuous review.
Priority areas include peace and security, economic cooperation and market interlinkages, migration and mobility focused on skills exchange rather than brain drain, and cooperation in education, science, culture, and environmental protection. Reference frameworks guiding the strategy include African continental priorities, Africa–Europe partnership principles, and global sustainable development objectives.
Multilateral cooperation and the defence of a rules-based international order formed a central theme of the meeting. The Austrian delegation highlighted Austria’s role as a neutral country hosting major international organisations and its strong commitment to multilateral diplomacy. Appreciation was expressed for Nigeria’s support for Austria’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council, with assurances of reciprocal support for Nigeria’s future multilateral aspirations.
The Minister of State reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy as essential tools for managing global crises and preserving international peace and security. The Minister also shared Nigeria’s perspective on regional dynamics within West Africa, including challenges confronting regional integration, constitutional governance, and collective security.
She emphasised Nigeria’s continued engagement with regional partners to preserve stability, promote democratic norms, and address transnational threats, while acknowledging the complexity of the current regional environment.
Both sides recognised that regional instability, whether in Africa or Europe, reinforces the imperative for cooperation among countries committed to international law, peaceful coexistence, and institutional dialogue.
Education, capacity-building, and people-to-people exchange emerged as additional areas of convergence. The Austrian delegation highlighted opportunities for Nigerian participation in training programmes at Austria’s Diplomatic Academy and expressed openness to institutional collaboration between diplomatic training institutions.
She welcomed these initiatives, noting that investment in human capital and professional training is essential for navigating an increasingly complex and competitive international system. She emphasised that sustained exchanges between young professionals, diplomats, academics, and cultural practitioners are vital to building long-term trust and cooperation.
She finally reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with Austria to expand bilateral cooperation across identified priority areas, guided by mutual respect, shared values, and a results-driven mindset.
…says ‘Back to the Farm’ initiative will tame inflation, cut FX on imports
Nigeria has unveiled a sweeping macro-strategy that places food security at the heart of national stability, inflation control, and regional cohesion, with Vice President Kashim Shettima declaring that the country no longer views the issue through a narrow agricultural lens.
Speaking at a high-level panel, “When Food Becomes Security,” at the Congress Centre during the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Vice President Shettima said the Federal Government has begun a multi-dimensional agricultural drive, designed to insulate Nigeria from global shocks while restoring productivity across its food-basket regions.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “In Nigeria, we don’t look at food security purely as an agricultural issue. It is a macroeconomic, security, and governance issue. Our focus is to use food security as a pillar for national security, regional cohesion, and stability.”
He explained that Nigeria’s food security strategy rests on three pillars: increased food production, environmental sustainability, and deeper regional integration within West Africa.
According to him, changing global trends and supply-chain disruptions have compelled the country to rebuild resilient food systems tailored to diverse ecological zones.
“Nigeria is a very large country, and there is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology. In the Sahelian North, we are dealing with desertification, deforestation, and drought. In the riverine South and parts of the North Central, flooding is our major challenge,” he noted.
To confront these realities, the Vice President said the government is promoting drought-resistant, flood-tolerant and early-maturing varieties of staples such as rice, sorghum and millet, while redesigning food systems in flood-prone southern regions to withstand climate shocks.
Security, he added, remains a binding constraint because many conflict-affected areas double as major food-producing zones.
“Most of the food baskets of our nation are security-challenged. That is why we are creating food security corridors and strengthening community-based security engagements so farmers can return safely to their land,” he said.
Shettima disclosed the launch of the Back to the Farm Initiative, aimed at resettling displaced farmers with inputs, insurance, and access to capital to restart production.
On macroeconomic vulnerabilities, he identified import dependence and foreign-exchange volatility as key drivers of food inflation.
“We largely import wheat, sugar, and dairy products, and this has a direct impact on inflation. Our strategy is to accelerate local production and promote substitutes such as sorghum, millet, and cassava flour to correct these structural imbalances,” he said.
Positioning agriculture as a frontline response to economic and security threats, the Vice President said Nigeria’s approach aligns food security with national stability, inflation control, and regional cooperation.
He further stated that the country, dubbed “the African giant”, has “woken up from its slumber” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that within 12 months the government would make “it possible for smallholders and fishers to become investable at scale.”
Highlighting continental dynamics, Shettima said intra-African trade has “almost become a necessity,” adding that “there have been some alignments.”
He urged African leaders to intensify cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area, expressing optimism that ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda reforms would soon translate into climate adaptation moving from pilot to reality, and a boom in intra-African trade far beyond 10.7 per cent.
The Federal Government has said Nigeria could save more than ₦3 trillion each year in foreign exchange by blending bioethanol with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
This is aimed at cutting the country’s dependence on imported fuel and strengthening domestic agricultural and industrial value chains.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stated this at a capacity-building workshop for stakeholders on the Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project for the South East zone, held in Enugu, Enugu State.
The Minister was represented by the Director of Economic Growth in the ministry, Mr Auwal Mohammed.
Bagudu said the proposed shift toward domestically produced bioethanol would place millions of smallholder farmers at the centre of a new growth strategy for the cassava sector, noting that the government had begun steps to empower about 14 million farmers to play key roles across the cassava value chain under the Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the national Bio-Economy Policy, which seeks to move beyond simple production and consumption of ethanol toward a broader circular economy model. “We are looking at the entire value chain, from high quality stems and starch to the CO2 captured during fermentation and the animal feeds produced from distillery grains,” he said.
He explained that the project is designed to combine agricultural innovation, private sector investment and institutional support through a Triple-Helix knowledge transfer partnership.
The framework, he said, will focus on delivering high-yield, disease-resistant cassava varieties, attracting investments, facilitating access to technology and markets, and ensuring that the right infrastructure and policy environment are in place to support sustainable growth.
