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Tag: Nigeria

  • Nigeria, others get $29.2b investment interests

    Nigeria, others get $29.2b investment interests

    Nigeria and other African countries have secured a $29.2 billion investment interests at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) in Rabat, Morocco.

    This was disclosed by the President, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina at the closing ceremony of the three-day Market Days 2024.

    Adesina, who doubles as the chairman of the AIF, said the interests were secured across 37 investment projects in the continents, adding that the.AIF was a continued process.

    He said: “I must say that the level of rigor for projects has increased, in terms of project readiness, with greater focus on investment-ready projects, an enhancement from the previous editions of the Forum.

    “The projects varied from transport, power, energy, agribusiness, industry, mining, pharmaceuticals, private equity, tourism, urban infrastructure, water management, and water and sanitation.

    “I am delighted to announce to you, that thanks to you, we have attracted a total of $29.2 billion of investment interest across projects.

    And several additional investors expressed their willingness to continue their engagement and work further on the transactions alongside with the Africa Investment Forum partners.

    “I’d like to say that some investors were seeing some of these projects for the very first time, and really, to garner such a level of investment interest and willingness to pursue work on the projects, is truly outstanding…”

    Responding to questions at the post event press conference, Adesina, who was joined by other founding AIF partners, said he was excited by a lot of the deals especially the Specialized Industrial Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Nigeria, the infrastructure project in Morocco which was over subscribed, the hydro electricity project in Cameroon, the pharmaceutical ingredients project in Egypt, as well as the instrumental project in Cote D’Ivoire that will enable the production of iron/metals.

    During a side interview with our Correspondent, Adesina whose final tenure as AfDB President will elapse next year, said he would continue to work for the progress and development of Africa.

    He said working for Africa was a mission to him, noting that there was nothing better than it.

    Read Also: Tinubu replaces Ginsau with Abdullahi as chairman of NWDC

    “I can’t think of anything more important than being given the responsibility to, and the resources, and the confidence to go work for my continent. And we’ve done that. 

    “If you look at what has happened to the African Development Bank in the last almost 10 years, first we raised the capital of the bank significantly with the support of our shareholders.

    “The capital of the bank was $93 billion when I started in 2015. Today, the capital of the bank is $318 billion. If you take a look at what has happened in terms of how the bank is viewed globally, you know, two years ago, the African Development Bank was ranked the best multilateral financial institution in the world.

    “You know, two years ago, and also last year, the African Development Bank was also ranked as the most transparent financial institution in the world. So we’re not just an African Development Institution, we’re a global institution and we’re proud of that.”

    The AfDB President said he was able to surmount the challenges encountered during his two-term tenure, adding that the most important thing was to keep working.

    Asked if he nursed political aspirations in Nigeria, Adesina said: “You know, life is not about me, life is about the people I serve. That’s what I said. I will keep serving Africa, for sure.”

  • Is Nigeria really into serious sports development?

    Is Nigeria really into serious sports development?

    By Andrew A. Erakhrumen

    Organised sporting activities tend to mimic some real life occurrences and human responses, or is it the reverse? Sports mean different things, occupy different spaces and serve different purposes, in different person’s life and living.

    The last Olympic Games in Paris, France, had its opening and closing ceremonies on July 26 and August 11, respectively. The contingent that represented Nigeria at the Games was unable to bring home a medal! Not a medal was won at Paris! One may not win, sometimes; that is sport for you! When you win, do enjoy the associated good and work harder to stay atop but if it does not go as planned, return to the drawing board! That is the way to go!

    Certainly, we wanted medals for our athletes but became unhappy when undue pressure was mounted on some of them at the Games. This is because we were not oblivious of some negative undercurrents that might have eventually contributed to the shoddy outing at the Games.

    In this light, sport enthusiasts and pundits opined that Nigeria went on usual jamboree to squander about N12billion on a fruitless project! In the midst of the hullabaloo caused by the alleged unproductiveness, the-then minister of sports and youth development, Senator John Owan Enoh, set up a seven-member investigative committee to address “…..the organisational failures that affected the country’s athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics….. [leading] to the omission of Favour Ofili at the 100-metre event for Nigeria [and]…..Ese Ukpeseraye, who had to borrow a bike from her German counterparts to represent Nigeria in a cycling event.”

    Giving its report, the committee believes that it is “…..very mindful not to WRONGLY INDICT anyone on the basis of conflicting inconclusive evidence”. Therefore, it states, based on “conclusive evidence…..that the Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Rita Mosindi, was NEGLIGENT in her duty of communicating to the Ministry of Sports Development and the Nigeria Olympic Committee information about Favour Ofili’s event status in a reliable and timely manner. [Consequently,] Mosindi should be PENALISED by the appropriate authority…..”

    Read Also: Funke Akindele partners with Exclusive Smile to promote dental tourism in Nigeria

    Furthermore, “…..conclusive evidence also revealed that the Technical Director of AFN, Samuel Onikeku, demonstrated POOR JUDGEMENT by not reporting nor acting on the information about the non-registration of his own athlete, Favour Ofili, for the women’s 100 metres event when he first got a “hint” of the “rumour”.  Ofili’s situation might have been rescued if the Technical Director had reported or acted immediately on the information that he received. [Thus,] Onikeku should be SANCTIONED by the Board of which he is a member…..[Hence,] AFN by vicarious implication should pay the athlete, Favour Ofili, a symbolic compensation of N8million only (about $5,000) for the disappointment and depression that she suffered on account of her omission from the women’s 100 metres event…..[whereas] the cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye, should write a FORMAL APOLOGY to the Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) for the embarrassment that she caused the Federation and the Nigerian contingent to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on account of the unauthorised post that she made on social media X (Formerly Twitter) about the bicycle that she used for the cycling track event at the Olympics…..”

    Other findings and recommendations exist in that Olympics investigation committee’s report under reference. We have heard similar things in the past! The above-mentioned unfortunate events and names were merely used as a metaphor in describing some of the rottenness in Nigeria’s sport sector!

     Well now, is it not sensible for a serious country to have started preparations for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? Nigeria is noted for its expertise in “fire brigade” approach to almost everything! Why, then, should we be wondering that things kept nose-diving for the country? Success does not just happen without diligence but if it does by happenstance, surely it is almost always unsustainable! There are examples in aspects of our national life!

    Like it is commonly said: failing to plan is tantamount to planning to fail! We remember the 1980s/1990s when athletes from Caribbean countries like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, were giving established and famous athletes that included those from countries like (East) Germany, USA, USSR, etc., a run for their money on the tracks. Those “unknown” countries in athletics were collectively perceived, then, as a flash in the pan! What an absolute incorrectness because by the late 1990s/early 2000s, some phenomena not seen coming emerged from Jamaica on the sprinting tracks! One of these sprinters is Usain St. Leo Bolt (Usain Bolt). Note: this opinion should not be perceived as an attempt at disrespecting other great athletes, too numerous to mention, such as Jesse Owens (1913–1980), Florence Griffith Joyner (1959–1998), Carl Lewis, Innocent Egbunike, Sunday Bada (1969–2011) Chioma Ajunwa, just to mention a few. Rather, it is to stress the value of sound planning, focus and consistency in sports – by forward-thinking people.

    All the mentioned and unmentioned athletes in this article are doubtlessly great in their various ways. They all have track records; for example, by examining the earlier races Usain Bolt participated in, one should observe that it was not by chance that, after a disappointing showing at the 2004 Athens Olympics owing to injury, he was able to later break the 100m sprint world record (WR) setting a new one of 9.72 seconds at a Grand Prix meet in New York in 2008. The WR (before Bolt’s 9.72 seconds) was 9.74 seconds held by Asafa Powell (also a Jamaican). At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Bolt went ahead to break his WR (of 9.72 seconds) to set a new one of 9.69 seconds, winning gold in the 100m finals.

    On August 16, 2009, Usain Bolt, at the World Athletics Championships (WAC) in Berlin, again, broke his 9.69 seconds WR in 100m sprint by 0.11 seconds, to set another with a time of 9.58 seconds; a WR that has not been broken as at the time of writing this piece!

    The following were some of the spoken words by ecstatic commentators on that day: “….. 9.58! Smashing the world record! Unbelievable! He’s done it again a year later rewriting the world record again! That’s the most incredible piece of sprinting the world has ever seen! Absolutely breath-taking! He didn’t just break his world record, he absolutely shattered it! Is there anything this man is not capable of? We’ve just seen something that’s just remarkable…..”

    Bolt also set two other, yet unbroken, WRs of: 19.19 seconds in 200m at the same 2009 WAC in Berlin and 36.84 seconds in men’s 4x100m relay done with Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan Blake at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This piece is not only about athletes’ feats but to also remind people about the importance of encouraging needed support for, and excellence in, sports.

    Today, it is clear that Jamaica is a force to reckon with in track and field events. Their achievements there have not been by wishful thinking! They worked hard, were focused and gave support to athletes. In the just concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games, it took a dramatic photo finish to determine the gold medallist in the 100m men’s final between USA’s Noah Lyles (9.784 seconds) and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (9.789 seconds). Lyles took the victory by 0.005 seconds! Fred Kerley won bronze in 9.81 seconds! Thompson is a Jamaican to watch out for on the tracks.

    All we have been talking about, here, are historical events. We expect those events to be learnt from and encourage stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports development toward excellence. History is always readily available to teach serious learners on how to avoid pitfalls of the past but can also brutally punish people by repeating its negative forms if not learnt from! A word is enough for the wise on the foregoing.

    • Prof. Erakhrumen teaches at the University of Benin.

  • Nigeria, French bodies showcase emerging tech ecosystem

    Nigeria, French bodies showcase emerging tech ecosystem

    To strengthen tech collaborations between France and Nigeria, the Regional Economic Service (RES) in Lagos and Expertise France, have kicked off a programme to showcase France’s tech ecosystem.

       The programme, which kicked off December 1 and will run till tomorrow, offers Nigerians an exclusive opportunity to engage with key players in France’s technology and innovation landscape.

       Designed to foster collaboration between both countries’ tech ecosystems, it hopes to pave the way for innovative partnerships and knowledge sharing.

    Highlights of the programme include participation in the Emerging Valley Summit in Marseille, a premier platform connecting innovators and stakeholders driving innovation between Europe and Africa.

    Delegates will also engage in networking sessions with Marseille’s tech ecosystem and participate in exploratory meetings with leading tech players in Paris.

    Read Also: BPP unveils framework to professionalize procurement in Nigeria

        The Nigerian participants include, Chiamaka Moses (Digital Innovation Analyst, SpaceNXT-Union Bank); Femi Adekoya (Founder/Managing Director, Integrated Aerial Precision); Dare Adebayo (Co-founder and COO, Edves); Peace Osayuwamen Saleh (CEO/Creative Director, Parallax Consulting Ltd); Emeka Ajene (Managing Director, Africreate); Oluwajoba Oloba (Co-Founder, The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd) and Alero Boyo (Partnerships Lead at Premia Business Network & Founder at AlexBoyo World).

    This programme reflects France’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting growth of digital ecosystems and strengthening partnerships. It builds on earlier initiatives such as the mission organised during the Vivatech exhibition in Paris in May, where a delegation of Nigerian tech leaders met key figures from France’s tech ecosystem to explore collaboration.

     Also, the SER organised two French tech bootcamps that brought together Nigerian tech innovators and French experts to enhance knowledge sharing and encourage sustainable partnerships.

  • In Nigeria, it’s still ‘African time’

    In Nigeria, it’s still ‘African time’

    Sir: How many times have you heard that phrase “No African time” and maybe if you naively wondered: What is African time? It is a colloquialism that refers to the cultural tendency in some African countries, including Nigeria, to have a more relaxed attitude towards time and punctuality.

    Keep in mind that “African time” is a stereotype, and not all Nigerians (or Africans) adhere to this cultural phenomenon. Indeed, many individuals and organizations prioritize punctuality and respect for other people’s time, but they are few in comparison.

    The term “African time” is believed to have originated from the colonial era, when Western colonizers imposed their own time-keeping systems on African societies. This disruption of traditional time-keeping practices led to a more flexible attitude towards time.

    Painfully, this attitude strays and influences not just various aspects of daily life in Nigeria but very important aspects. Imagine where start times may be delayed, and punctuality is not always expected at a doctor’s appointment, scheduled for 9:00 am, but the doctor might not see patients until 10:30 am. A business meeting might start 30 minutes late, but the attendees might spend the first 15 minutes chatting and laughing together.

    Read Also: Police academy screening: PSC chair insists on merit, respect for equity

    In Nigeria, “African time” has significant implications for politics and governance. Government meetings, events, and even court proceedings often start late, with attendees trickling in at their own pace. The relaxed attitude towards time can make it challenging to hold officials accountable for their actions and decisions. In some cases, “African time” is seen as a cultural expectation, where punctuality is not always valued.

    How many times have you seem a top government official, a governor or minister arrive early, or on time for a meeting, an even whether business or social? In fact, it is seen as demeaning for the official or dignitary to be at the venue early or on time.

    As Nigeria continues to modernize and integrate into the global economy, there is a growing recognition of the importance of punctuality and time management. I have seen the widespread use of digital technologies increasing awareness of time and promoting more efficient time management.

     To address the challenges posed by African time, it is essential to promote a culture of punctuality and respect for other people’s time. This can be achieved by implementing efficient systems and processes, fostering accountability, and encouraging citizens to prioritize punctuality.

    “African time” is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that reflects Nigeria’s cultural heritage and historical context. While it presents challenges, it also painfully promotes flexibility, adaptability, and strong social relationships. By understanding and addressing the challenges posed by “African time,” Nigeria can promote a more efficient and effective governance system, ultimately benefiting its citizens and promoting economic growth and development.

    •Prince Charles Dickson, PhD<pcdbooks@gmail.com>

  • Nigeria, S/Africa set March date for signing MoU to prevent violent attacks

    Nigeria, S/Africa set March date for signing MoU to prevent violent attacks

    …take joint position on Middle East crisis

    To forestall threats of violence, acts of criminality, and reprisals involving nationals of Nigeria and South Africa in the future, both countries have agreed to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism.

    The five-year-old MoU was structured to monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries.

    A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the decision was revealed on Tuesday in a communiqué released at the end of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape town.

    President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the meeting.

    In the wake of the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, both countries agreed to establish an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent such attacks.

    Before the 11th BNC meeting, both parties agreed to harmonise all contentious areas, conclude, and present during the 11th session of the BNC.

    The joint communique, read by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders underscored the urgent need to finalise the MoU.

    “To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations,” Lamola said.

    Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements.

    According to the communique, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit.

    “In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC.

    “The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries.

    “In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.

    Read Also: Shettima tasks NCP on maximising value of national assets

    The joint communique read, “The leaders recognised the need for the two countries to create an enabling business environment.”

    On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which both Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders committed to working towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries by utilising the opportunities provided by the agreement.

    Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to collaborate on programmes that address mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthen meaningful digital connectivity, and take leadership in developing artificial intelligence.

    They also committed to expanding digital literacy initiatives and prioritising data protection and online safety for all citizens.

    Nigeria and South Africa affirmed their resolve to coordinate their positions on the upcoming African Union elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to advancing the continent’s development agenda.

    They reiterated their mutual support for equitable representation within African Union institutions that reflect the continent’s diverse perspectives.

    South Africa congratulated Nigeria on the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, as both countries agreed to work closely together in international organisations.

    South Africa solicited Nigeria’s support for its candidate, Ms Swazi Tshabalala, for the position of President of the African Development Bank.

    Equally, Nigeria solicited South Africa’s support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

    The Heads of State and Government are committed to working closely with the African Union and each other to advance the African Agenda in pursuit of the implementation of Agenda 2063.

    Nigeria highlighted its efforts, as well as those of other members of the ECOWAS bloc, to foster and promote peace and security.

    South Africa also outlined the efforts undertaken by the Southern African Development Community to support peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mozambique.

    “The Delegations also underscored the need to redouble efforts to realise the African Union Agenda 2063 Aspiration to “Silence the Guns”.

    “In this regard, the Heads of State and Government expressed concern at the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property and a humanitarian crisis.”

    Similarly, the two presidents agreed to intensify support for the cause of Western Sahara for self-determination, freedom, and justice.

    Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024. It commended South Africa on its priorities: inclusive economic growth, industrialization, inequality reduction, food security, artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation.

    On the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the two countries adopted a joint position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy.

    They emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, and promoting sustainable peace in the region.

  • Nigeria, South Africa to deepen ties in infrastructure, mining, others

    Nigeria, South Africa to deepen ties in infrastructure, mining, others

    Nigeria and South Africa yesterday resolved to strengthen their strategic partnership, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector.

    The commitment was reiterated by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) ministerial session in Cape Town.

    Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would present a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration with South Africa on the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in the field.

    The meeting co-chaired by her and Lamola was a precursor to today’s presidential Bi-National Commission (BNC) where President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa will jointly lead the discussion

    Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: ‘’I must stress that Nigeria is prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields.

    ‘’Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructural projects capable of benefiting our two economies, we are seeking collaboration with South Africa in capacity development in the area of certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in that field.

    ‘’To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.

    ‘’We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.’’

    The ministerial session will agree on the minutes from the working groups on the thematic areas and a draft communique to be adopted at the presidential level BNC.

    The key areas under discussion include trade and investment, political consultations, consular and migration matters, defence and security cooperation, and collaboration in banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector.

    Bianca-Ojukwu urged the delegates to the meeting to maintain a high spirit until the end of the process while underscoring the strategic nature of Nigeria-South Africa bilateral relations and a shared belief in their common destiny as leading economies on the continent.

    ‘’The BNC owes a lot of promises for the future off Nigeria, South Africa relations and we have got many more miles to go. Let us therefore approach it with zest and faith.

    Read Also: Nigeria, South Africa set to deepen ties in infrastructure, mining

    ‘’Together, we shall win for our respective countries and for Africa . I look forward to working alongside my co-chair, Honorable Lamola to make today’s proceedings and that of our principals a resounding success,’’ she said.

    Nigeria’s delegation to the ministerial meeting includes Ministers of State, Defence, Women Affairs,  Industry Trade and Investments, Agriculture and Food Security,  Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.

    They were joined by their South African counterparts and senior government officials from both nations.

    This year’s Bi-National Commission marks the 25th anniversary of the framework established to strengthen ties between Africa’s two leading economies.

    Lamola emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have existed for 30 years, following decades of Nigeria’s relentless support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

    ‘’This is a gesture we will always cherish,’’ he said.

    The minister called for the expansion of trade relations within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to reflect the potential for growth.

    ‘’Whilst we have made progress in achieving our objectives, it is also apparent that we need work even more to realize our goals to the mutual benefit of both our nations, one of the overriding imperatives of our bilateral relations is the need to increase our investment and trade relations to higher levels.

    ‘’The relatively large size of our economy logically dictates that our economic collaboration should be yielding much bigger results to galvanize economic cooperation and to build upon the already established sectors that both our investors have in our markets.

    ‘’The identification of bankable projects, particularly in infrastructure development, is one of the key priorities we should jointly pursue,’’ he said.

    Lamola acknowledged the historical responsibility of both nations to promote peace and dialogue globally, expressing concern over regional conflicts and the need for reform of international institutions like the United Nations.

    On South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025, the minister assured that it will serve as an avenue to project African developmental priorities.

    The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the countries have exchanged an MoU on  Consular and Migration Matters, which should be finalized by June 2025.

    She said the proposed MOU seeks to address enhanced cooperation on migration, facilitation of visa processes, and the dignified handling of nationals from both nations facing deportation.

  • Nigeria seeks South Africa’s support for G20, BRICS membership

    Nigeria seeks South Africa’s support for G20, BRICS membership

    In a significant move to strengthen its position on the global stage, Nigeria has sought South Africa’s backing for its bid to join the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).

    This request was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the Ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa.

    South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the Group of 20, a club including the world’s wealthiest nations on December 1. The expanded BRICS, of which South Africa is also a member, boasts of being the engine of global economic growth in recent years, accounting for about 37 per cent of the world’s GDP.

    Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, the Minister urged South Africa to lend its support in accelerating the peace process in Sudan. 

    She said President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the ad-hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, has prioritized resolving the crisis to foster peace and stability in the region.

    ‘‘We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated.

    ‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ she said.

    The Minister lauded the officials of both countries for working hard to present the draft communique and facilitate amendments and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC.

    The draft communiqué and agreed minutes will be presented to President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session on Tuesday in Cape Town.

    In his response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, affirmed that South Africa would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and ‘noted Nigeria’s requests.”

    “We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” he said.

    Read Also: $1.27b BRICS capital inflow excites Nigeria

    Lamola, who co-chaired the BNC session, emphasized the mutual resolve to deepen dynamic and vibrant bilateral relations.

    ‘‘Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely so that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced,’’ he said.

    Dr. Lamola highlighted priority areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security.

    He stressed the importance of expediting the finalization and implementation of outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.

    The ministerial meeting sets the stage for the high-level engagement between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, where key agreements will be signed and initiatives to strengthen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa unveiled.

  • Nigeria, South Africa set to deepen ties in infrastructure, mining

    Nigeria, South Africa set to deepen ties in infrastructure, mining

    Nigeria and South Africa are poised to strengthen their strategic partnership, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector.

    This commitment was reiterated by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) ministerial session in Cape Town.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria will present a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration with South on the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in the field.

    The meeting co-chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola is a precursor to Tuesday’s presidential BNC where President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa will jointly lead a discussion.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: ”I must stress that Nigeria is prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields.

    ”Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructural projects capable of benefiting our two economies, we are seeking collaboration with South Africa in capacity development in the area of certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in that field.

    ”To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.

    ”We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.’’

    The ministerial session will agree on the minutes from the working groups on the thematic areas and a draft communique to be adopted at the presidential level BNC.

    The key areas under discussion include trade and investment, political consultations, consular and migration matters, defence and security cooperation, and collaboration in banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector.

    Bianca-Ojukwu urged the delegates to the meeting to maintain a high spirit until the end of the process while underscoring the strategic nature of Nigeria-South Africa bilateral relations and a shared belief in their common destiny as leading economies on the continent.

    ”The BNC owes a lot of promises for the future of Nigeria, South Africa relations and we have got many more miles to go. Let us therefore approach it with zest and faith.

    ”Together, we shall win for our respective countries and Africa. I look forward to working alongside my co-chair, Honorable Lamola to make today’s proceedings and that of our principals a resounding success,’’ she said.

    Nigeria’s delegation to the ministerial meeting includes Ministers of State, Defence, Women Affairs, Industry Trade and Investments, Agriculture and Food Security, Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.

    They were joined by their South African counterparts and senior government officials from both nations.

    This year’s Bi-National Commission marks the 25th anniversary of the framework established to strengthen ties between Africa’s two leading economies.

    South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation emphasized the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have existed for 30 years, following decades of Nigeria’s relentless support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

    ”This is a gesture we will always cherish,” he said.

    The minister called for the expansion of trade relations within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to reflect the potential for growth.

    ”Whilst we have made progress in achieving our objectives, it is also apparent that we need to work even more to realise our goals to the mutual benefit of both our nations, one of the overriding imperatives of our bilateral relations is the need to increase our investment and trade relations to higher levels.

    ”The relatively large size of our economy logically dictates that our economic collaboration should be yielding much bigger results to galvanize economic cooperation and to build upon the already established sectors that both our investors have in our markets.

    ”The identification of bankable projects, particularly in infrastructure development, is one of the key priorities we should jointly pursue,” he said.

    Read Also: We are legislative commitment to Nigerians’ welfare, says Speaker Abbas

    Lamola acknowledged the historical responsibility of both nations to promote peace and dialogue globally, expressing concern over regional conflicts and the need for reform of international institutions like the United Nations.

    On South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025, the minister assured that it will serve as an avenue to project African developmental priorities.

    Speaking to reporters, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the countries have exchanged a MoU on Consular and Migration Matters, which should be finalized by June 2025.

    According to her, the proposed MOU seeks to address enhanced cooperation on migration, facilitation of visa processes, and the dignified handling of nationals from both nations facing deportation.

  • Primate urges leaders to pray for Nigeria

    Primate urges leaders to pray for Nigeria

    The Primate/Founder of the Mountain of Salvation C&S Unification Church of Christ of Nigeria and Overseas, Baba-Aladura Adeyemi Odusoga, has called on leadership at all levels in Nigeria and the masses, to commit Nigeria to prayers.

    Odusoga made this call during the church’s  Ark of Covenant Anniversary Celebration.

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     He urged Nigerian leaders to use their knowledge in governance in order to attain and access divine blessing in Nigeria.

    He, however, noted that this year’s celebration of the Ark of Covenant is organized for all attendees to come and pray and receive God’s divine blessing.

  • Nigeria secures €300m development partnership with France

    Nigeria secures €300m development partnership with France

    The federal government of Nigeria has entered into a €300 million development partnership with France to advance key sectors of the economy, including healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.

    The agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Mr. Antoine Armand, alongside the French Development Agency (AFD), shows a shared vision for economic growth and sustainable development.

    The partnership, sealed in France, includes two critical agreements aimed at driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Edun noted the broader significance of the collaboration.

    “This partnership goes beyond financial support. It is about building robust, sustainable systems that foster development and empower Nigerians. It reflects the confidence of international partners in the progress of Nigeria’s economic reforms,” he stated.

    The agreements include a Letter of Intent co-signed by Edun and Armand, and a dedicated AFD commitment to fund initiatives that address Nigeria’s critical development needs.

    The agreements prioritize investments in the following sectors: Urban Infrastructure and Transportation Networks designed to enhance connectivity and mobility across Nigeria.

    Others are Healthcare Systems to strengthen service delivery to improve access and outcomes; Renewable Energy to support Nigeria’s energy transition and expanding access to sustainable energy solutions.

    There is also Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security initiative to boost agricultural value chains and ensuring food security and education, with a STEM Focus to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to drive innovation and human capital development.

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    AFD’s CEO, Rémi Rioux, gave the assurance of the agency’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s development, aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. AFD pledged to support projects in energy access, agro-logistics hubs, MSME financing, and sustainable urban infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to foster job creation, improve livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth.

    The agency also noted the importance of efficient project implementation to maximize the impact of these investments.

    The partnership reflects the growing strength of Nigeria-France relations, emphasizing mutual commitment to sustainable development. The agreements guarantee AFD’s continued support for Nigeria’s transformative projects, fostering shared prosperity.