The Nation Newspaper

Tag: progress

  • Celebrating 63 years of resilience and progress

    Celebrating 63 years of resilience and progress

    Sir: On Sunday, Nigeria marked its 63rd anniversary. It was an opportune moment to reflect on the nation’s journey, achievements, and challenges. Since gaining independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has experienced significant transformation, yet remains a nation with boundless potential.

    Nigeria’s history is a tapestry of diverse cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 laid the foundation for a united Nigeria. However, it also sowed the seeds of ethnic and regional divisions that persist today. The struggle for independence was marked by the contributions of leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello, who envisioned a united, self-reliant nation.

    October 1, 1960, marked a turning point as Nigeria achieved independence. The euphoria of self-rule was soon followed by challenges. Political instability, ethnic tensions, and a civil war from 1967 to 1970 tested the nation’s resilience. The eventual reunification of Nigeria underlines the determination of its people to overcome adversity.

    Nigeria’s economy has witnessed significant growth, primarily driven by its vast reserves of oil. The oil boom of the 1970s brought new found wealth, but also issues of corruption and resource mismanagement. Today, Nigeria stands as one of Africa’s largest economies, diversifying beyond oil into sectors like telecommunications, agriculture, and fintech.

    Despite progress, Nigeria faces numerous challenges. Corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability persist. However, the nation has made strides in education, healthcare, and technology.

    Read Also: I expect Pastor Adeboye to call out, curse Nigeria’s ‘enemies’ – DJ Switch

    Nigeria’s cultural diversity is a source of strength and unity. With over 250 ethnic groups and multiple languages, it is a microcosm of Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. Nigerian music, literature, and art have gained international recognition, showcasing the nation’s creative prowess.

    Nigeria’s youth represent its greatest asset. With a large and dynamic young population, the nation has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Tech startups like Andela, Flutterwave, and Paystack have gained global prominence.

    As Nigeria looks ahead to the future, there are pressing issues to address. Strengthening governance, curbing corruption, and investing in infrastructure are paramount. Moreover, fostering unity among its diverse populace is essential for national cohesion.

     Nigeria’s 63rd anniversary is not just a milestone but an opportunity to celebrate its resilience, culture, and achievements. While challenges remain, the nation’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. With determination and unity, Nigeria can continue to progress and fulfil its immense potential on the global stage.

    • Akinola Ayobami Steven, akinolaa61@gmail.com

  • Ugwuanyi preaches peace, unity, progress

    Enugu State Governor and Governor-elect, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has urged Christians and indeed all Nigerians, to take advantage of Christ’s resurrection, which Easter symbolizes, to sustain their abiding faith in God and promote peace, love, unity and virtues that enhance the progress of the country.

    In his Easter message, Ugwuanyi noted that the observation of 40 days of Lent through fasting, abstinence, praying and charity in memory of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, “reinvigorates the spiritual strength of Christians and God’s amazing grace for salvation of mankind”.

    While wishing the good  people of Enugu State and indeed all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, Ugwuanyi reiterated his resolve to continue to serve with the fear of God, and urged them to remain committed to the core values of their religious belief which centres on peace, unity, love and progress.

     

  • Nigeria showcases progress in tobacco control

    Minister of State for Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire has urged the global community to protect public health policies from the commercial interests of tobacco companies.

    Ehanire spoke at the Eighth Conference of Parties of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

    He said Nigerian had  made significant progress in tobacco control.

    The minister said: “Through multi-sectoral engagements involving Government and Civil Society Organisations, the Nigerian government has begun mass awareness campaigns on provisions of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, to create the enabling environment for enforcement.

    “Nigeria is strongly desirous of protecting its citizens, particularly the youths, from reckless access to tobacco products. We therefore adopted the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) directive on harmonisation of excise duty on tobacco products in member states, and revised excise tax regime on tobacco products from 16 per cent to 23.2 per cent. This is to be further reviewed upwards over the next two years, as we work with our regional ECOWAS block, towards meeting the WHO recommended excise tax level corresponding to 70 per cent of retail price of tobacco products.

    ”The Nigerian government has reviewed the Standards for Cigarettes to include the complete ban on cigarettes with characterising flavour, including menthol.  Nigeria ratified the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. The instrument of accession will be finalised and deposited at the UN Headquarters imminently”.

     

     

  • Why Kwara has not made progress, by aspirant

    Former Commissioner for Health in Kwara State Dr. Tajudeen Olaosebikan is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He spoke with ADEKUNLE JIMOH in Ilorin, the state capital, on why he wants to suceed Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.  

    What informed your decision to delve into Kwara politics?

    My participation in Kwara politics did not just start today. I have been involved for many years. I have been playing positive roles in building character, setting good examples and being a good ambassador of Kwara State anywhere I am. I believe that Kwara is a great state and Kwara State has played a great role in the old North where we were very educated and we produced many great civil servants, judges, doctors, engineers, industrialists, great religious people and clerics, artists of great repute. However, Kwara has not developed as it should. People don’t have water to drink in Kwara State. The roads are bad. The schools are not functioning properly. The health sector requires transformation and workers’ salaries are not paid on time.

    Kwara has challenges and needs a new approach to governance and these issues are what motivated me to delve into politics now to provide leadership to address these challenges and promote unity in Kwara state.

    We are one Kwara and one Nigeria and we can achieve a lot because we have the human capital. We are the bridging state between the North and the South and we have great potentials that we can mobilise to make Kwara a more developed state. I believe that my sojourn over the years in many states in Nigeria has prepared me for the task ahead and Iwill be of tremendous benefits to my state.

    On which platform do you intend to realise your aspirations sir?

    The people will decide the platform through which I will realise my aspiration. I am consulting and meeting people across Kwara State. I will go where my people are going; that is responsive leadership.

    For now, I am building a new movement, the ‘One Kwara Movement’ for new thinking and new ways of doing things for total development of Kwara State. The old method has not worked and it has not satisfied the needs of people of Kwara State. We must find an end to poverty in Kwara State and gross underdevelopment. Like Emerson said: ” you can get new result doing things the same way.” I am a different politician. If they say politics is dirty, I will wash it clean in Kwara State and we shall be a model for Nigeria. So, within the next few weeks, I will announce the platform through which I intend to contest. We are mobilising and regrouping first and we are doing this in all the 16 local government areas in Kwara State. We want to promote integrity in government and we are also working in line with INEC guidelines and timetable for 2019 elections.

    You are relatively unknown in Kwara politics. How do you think this aspiration can be achieved?

    I am know in Kwara State. I was born in Kwara State and I schooled in Kwara State, my primary school at St Marks school Offa, my secondary at Oro Grammar School, Oro and my higher studies at Kwara College of Technology, Ilorin. I also did my housemanship at the General Hospital, Ilorin in 1981. The foundation is what matters in a building.

    Throughout my formative years, I grew up in Kwara, not in England. So, I am known in Kwara. I have also participated in party politics and contested for senatorial election  twice in Kwara State in 2003 and 2011. I have served in government as Commissioner for Health in Kwara State during the first term of Dr Bukola Saraki administration. I was the first Commissioner for Health during that era from 2003 to 2005. And those in Kwara at that time knew that the time I served as Commissioner for Health was the golden era for health in the state. When I am elected governor of Kwara State by the grace of God, we shall have the best health system in Nigeria. Mother and children will have excellent primary health care, maternal health care, children health care, and there will be massive transformation of all general hospitals in the 16 local government areas of Kwara State. I have also served in Kwara as Commissioner for Environment and Tourism and I have worked with many political stakeholders in Kwara and the people know me and they have also heard of the good works I have been doing in various places in Nigeria. I have rich experience in private sector and economic development and I am always bringing light to where ever I am and my return will usher in a glorious light in Kwara State and massive empowerment and economic transformation. What is important is the philosophy of the government. Is it for the people or for few elites? I will run a government that will totally serve the people.

    Do you have the support of your people?

    I have the support of my people, the people of Kwara State. Everywhere that I have been to inform Kwarans of my intention, they are very happy and they have promised to support me to build a modern Kwara, to revive the greatness of Kwara State, to transform the state for the benefits of all. We have one Kwara and we must build it. This generation of Kwarans and the coming generation deserve a Kwara that is working, that have developed institutions and that are inclusive and egalitarian. The youths are expecting this new development and the economy of Kwara will be transformed and Kwarans in the Diaspora are also happy and are coming home. I shall also be bring multi-billion dollar investment to Kwara from Asia when am elected as the governor and the great people, the great achievers, the great talents of Kwara people would be recognised. I will create an agency for innovations, talents and creativity. The Chinese build China. So, it is our people that will build Kwara State. You can’t suppress the people and expect development. This is my message and Kwarans are supporting me. I will release the great potentials of Kwara people and

    I want all those great Kwarans abroad to return home to join me to develop a modern Kwara. Kwara can become the Dubai of North Central Zone. Most people in politics and in government now in Kwara or in Abuja know me and my capacity. The present generation of politicians in Kwara, we came in the same year in 2003. But, I left in 2005 and now I am back. The Kwara electorate know me and they also trust me because when I was Commissioner for Health, I stood for one Kwara, growth and the development of Kwara State. I promise the people of the state transparency and accountability. Kwara’s wealth will be used for Kwara State.

    Do you have the political structure and financial muscle to achieve this?

    Structure in politics is not like building. So, when people talk about structure in politics, you are talking about people. Yes, I have political structure in Kwara State. Right from my secondary school days in Oro Grammar school, I have always been a leader and up to my university days and also within my professional association, the Nigerian Medical Association, I have always played leadership and political roles. As far back as 1992, during the SDP and the NRC days ,I have been coming to Kwara  to support political development and I promoted democracy during June 12 in 1993. I became an active politician from 2002 when I first contested to be a senator. I know Kwara state and Kwarans know me. There are 16 local governments in Kwara State, three senatorial districts and 183 wards.

    I started politics in Kwara in 2003 to be a senator when Dr Saraki was contesting for governor. It is interesting that I also served later in his campaign organisation that year as the director of organization in 2003.  I am one of those who worked very hard politically for him to win the party ticket that year and also to win the election against an incumbent that year.

    I also served as member of the inauguration committee of the governor-elect in 2003 before I was also appointed commissioner

    It is also interesting that after eight years, when I contested again for the Senate in 2011, Dr. Bukola Saraki who was concluding his second term, also contested that year to become a senator and he was represented at the party screening before the primary by somebody. I remember that I was screened that day with Alhaji Shaaba Lafiagi and Senator Simon Ajibola. They all went to the Senate. So, you can see that I belong to the first eleven in Kwara politics. I hope that now that the former governors are now senators, they would support me to be the governor too, as we exchange seats in the service of our people. I have also served in the Kwara State Executive Council with the incumbent governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.

    How do you think you can ‘demolish’ the solid structure of Saraki dynasty?

    I am not in politics to destroy anybody or any dynasty. I am a builder and I am in politics to build, to develop and to serve the people. I am in politics to empower the people of Kwara and to transform Kwara’s state economy so that the people of kwara state will enjoiy better life, so that they will have food to eat at the right time,good and regular water to drink, good roads, better education, good health care and timely payment of workers’ salaries and to bring modern investments to kwara state. I have travelled to more than 30states in Nigeria in the last 30years. I have worked in many states and in some state. I am a cosmopolitan aspirant. I have served as Consultant to state government. So, I am a builder and technocrat, I am not a demolisher. I will build on what I meet and I will make development and progress the cardinal objective of our administration. I know  Oloye Saraki. I was like his son and I know Dr Bukola I worked with him. So, I am not contesting to destroy any dynasty or anybody. I do not believe in politics with bitterness. I am contesting to serve all kwarans. I am for one Kwara and one Nigeria and I have the exposure and the intellectual capacity to tackle the issues of poverty and underdevelopment in Kwara State. I am creative and only creative people can do the job.

    Are you aspiring under the structure?

    I am aspiring to be the next governor of Kwara State by the grace of God, to contest and to win the election under the people’s platform. Those who have contested and won don’t have two heads. I am aspiring on the people’s platform. My platform will be known soon. We are still within the INEC guidelines and timetable.  I want to be the candidate of all Kwarans, workers, farmers, students, market men and women, Muslims, Christians, traditional rulers, kings, chiefs, youths, pensioners, professionals. I am the most experienced, most prepared and most equipped of all the aspirants for the office. I am also the only aspirant with a national honour and I am going to contest with the best platform in Kwara State and the people will use their PVCs and smart card readers to vote for me. I am sure I will win like George Weah because of my programmes, because of my services to my state, my reputation, my selflessness and my love for the masses. I am a humanitarian to the core and Kwarans will enjoy my administration. I will run an open government with a caring heart. I believe that, as we go on in this process, many political groups, associations and tendencies will come together and adopt me as the best candidate. I am the candidate with the richest ideas.

  • Nigeria making steady progress under Buhari, says minister

    Nigeria making steady progress under Buhari, says minister

    Nigeria is in very safe and competent hands with President Muhammadu Buhari piloting its affairs, Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said.

    He spoke at a mini town hall meeting with the staff of Nigerian Embassy and a cross-section of Nigerians living in Madrid, Spain, at the weekend.

    Mohammed said contrary to the fake news being peddled on the social media, Nigeria is making steady progress, especially in revamping the economy, tackling insecurity and fighting corruption – the three cardinal programmes of the Buhari administration

    The minister said: “Don’t believe everything you read on the social media. Nigeria is neither at war nor in crisis. Contrary to what you may be reading on the Internet, the Buhari Administration is putting Nigeria on a solid footing, after the years that were eaten by the locust.”

    Naysayers, he noted, were spending millions of Naira to distort the true situation of things in Nigeria and to make the administration look bad.

    The minister explained that the administration’s achievements should be evaluated against the background of the tough challenges that it has faced since coming into office on 29 May 2015.

    “It is said that if you don’t know where you are coming from, you won’t know where you are going,’’ he said.

    Mohammed listed challenges as the drastic fall in the price of crude oil, the low foreign reserves at $24 billion, the fact that the Federal Government was borrowing to pay workers’ salaries and many states were unable to pay salaries as some of those challenges.

    Mohammed also said when the administration came into office, unpaid pensions had run into billions of Naira in many states, contractors had abandoned sites across the country because they were being heavily owed, infrastructure was in poor state, power generation was 2,690 megawatts, billions were being paid as ‘fuel subsidies’ to fat cats and corruption was the order of the day.

    He added that 20 of the 27 local governments in Borno State were under the firm control of Boko Haram.

    “Today, the trend is being reversed, and the results are showing: Foreign reserves are now $42.8 billion, the highest level in four years, inflation has fallen for 12 consecutive months to 15.13 per cent, N108 billion has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks before Treasury Single Account (TSA), the nation is being saved N24.7 billion monthly with the full implementation of the TSA and the elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation N120 billion.

    “With improved macro-economic conditions, capital inflow is on the upswing, reaching $1.8 billion in the second quarter of 2017, which is almost double the $908 million in the first quarter, Nigeria’s stock market is one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 per cent, Nigeria jumped 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world,’’ he said.

    The minister also told the meeting that the administration’s agricultural revolution is moving Nigeria close to self-sufficiency in many staples, especially rice, the home-Grown School Feeding Programme has created jobs for 61,352 cooks and it is providing 6.4 million school children in 33,981 schools across 20 states with one meal a day.

    Mohammed added that power generation has increased to 7,000 megawatts, that Boko Haram has been massively degraded and that the administration’s is embarking on a massive infrastructural renewal.

    The minister, who urged the Nigerians to download the FGN-iAPP to get authentic news from Nigeria, later fielded questions from the Nigerians, with many of them seeking to know when Nigerians in the diaspora will be able to vote, how they can access the national identity card, how they can get authentic information from Nigeria and what the federal government is doing to end the herder-farmer clashes.

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain Mrs. Susan Aderonke Folarin led the embassy staff to the town hall meeting, which was held at the embassy premises.

  • Buhari to Christians at lent: pray for Nigeria’s unity, progress

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Christians on the solemn occasion of the beginning of this year’s Lenten season.

    As they join their counterparts worldwide to emulate the worthy example of Jesus Christ, who fasted 40 days at the beginning of His earthly ministry, the President urged Christian brothers and sisters to pray fervently for the country’s unity and progress.

    He believed that Nigeria’s existence as one united country is a divine arrangement and nothing should be done to put it asunder.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, enjoined Nigerians to intensify love, brotherliness and concern for the less-privileged members of their communities to strengthen the bond of togetherness.

    “As Christians begin the period of increased prayers, piety, sacrifice and selfless services, the President wished them and all Nigerians well,” the statement said.

  • Remarkable progress

    Remarkable progress

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered about N511.9 billion in 2017. This disclosure was made by the commission’s chairman, Ibrahim Magu,  at the defence of his agency’s budget before the House of Representatives’ Financial Crimes Committee. The recovery included N473bn, $98.2m, 294,851 thousand pounds sterling. Apart from the loot retrieved in 2017, the disclosed recoupment for 2015 and 2016 was N738.9 billion ($2.9 billion).

    Undoubtedly, recovery of N500billion of stolen money from government purse in one year is a big task that should be commended, given the tortuous way recovery of loot via prosecution or plea bargaining has become in the country. It is, therefore, not surprising that a German organisation cited the EFCC as one of the most active anti-corruption agencies a few days after Magu’s release of the size of his agency’s repossession in 2017. It is also reassuring that the commission has confirmed to the House of Representatives that all recoveries had been passed to the Federal Government.

    But the commission needs to appreciate the need for a direct communication between an agency fighting corruption and the public. Responding at all times to the citizens’ right to know is a sure way to grow citizens’ confidence in the fight against corruption.

    For example, EFCC’s penchant to release important information about progress of the commission at special national or international events needs to include direct briefing of citizens. For example,  the commission’s boss had to wait for the need to defend the budget of the agency for 2018 to tell the nation how much was recovered in 2017. Similarly, when the chairman announced last year that $2.9billion was recouped from 2015 to 2016, he gave the information at a meeting at the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Vienna. Citizens do not have to be kept in the dark at anytime about activities of this important agency nor do they need to be kept abreast of the commission’s activities by foreign media.

    It is in order that Magu confirmed at the House hearing that all funds recovered from corrupt individuals and companies had been passed to the Federal Government. We, however, urge the government to take quick decision on the future of such monies, more so that such funds had been subject of undue speculation in the past. Further, we call on the commission not to relent, in spite of daunting challenges, on looking for stolen public funds wherever they may be.

    There is also urgent need for the agency to hone the skills of its prosecutors so that they can win more cases and thus make more recoveries. Above all, citizens have the right to know all the faces behind the looting of public funds, especially those who have volunteered for plea bargaining instead of facing trial as well as other conditions given to such individuals at the plea-bargaining table.

    There is no good reason to delay release of such important information till when citizens or the media feel the need to invoke the Freedom of Information Act to request for such important details. Nothing should prevent the EFCC from posting important information about completed corruption cases on its website. Disclosing information about how much money has been recovered without providing full information on the individuals who have defrauded the nation is tantamount to taking the sting out of the anti-corruption fight.

  • Ambode’s wife canvasses prayers for peace, progress

    Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, last Sunday enjoined Christians to continue to make conscious efforts in sustaining peaceful atmosphere in the state.

    She made the call at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, during the celebration of its 2017 annual family re-union harvest thanksgiving service of the chapel.

    She urged Christians to lead from the front and continue to pray for not just the progress of the state but the nation.

    She assured that Lagos State government will continue to promote fairness, justice and everything that will make life more comfortable for Lagosians.

    “At this critical period in the history of our nation, the church and indeed everyone who believes in the efficacy of prayer have a responsibility and patriotic duty to pray for the wellbeing and progress of our state and nation.

    “Prayer is the master key and there is no challenge that cannot be surmounted with prayers,” she stated.

    The governor’s wife urged the gathering to develop and strengthen the powers of self-control and be close to God.

    She thanked them for the prayer offered for the state, the first family and cabinet members.

    Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rev. Chukwuemeka Uche, admonished the people of God to always give to the needy.

    “Some youths are eating their fruits in their youths just the same way the elders are eating.

    “They have forgotten that the elderly is eating from the seeds planted in their youth,” he stated.

    Uche commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the several laudable projects initiated since he assumed office, saying residents were greatly feeling the impact across the state.

  • Poverty – The rusty clog on the wheel of progress!

    Poverty – The rusty clog on the wheel of progress!

    Poverty is the rusty clog that makes the wheel of progress grind slowly or come to a complete halt, especially in a country like ours where there is a wide gap between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless.

    Closing this gap seems so impossible because our society seemingly despises the weak, poor and vulnerable, and adores the rich, strong and powerful.

    Our society which crucifies the poor in overt and blatant manners, but venerate the rich regardless of the enormity of crime(s) committed.

    Nowadays, people really do not care about the source or process in which humongous and overnight wealth is acquired; the pitiable mantra seems to be the end justifies the means.

    Therefore, people engage and indulge in several unscrupulous and unethical means to acquire the mazuma.

    The rich continue to get richer and rule over the poor.

    Don’t you think it’s funny how they send their children to Ivy League schools and place them in political and economic positions where we in turn serve father, mother, and children….even grandchildren?

    You might argue that success is not dependent on the status or how expensive the school you attend is; however, the fact still remains that those “expensive” schools give their students more exposure and richer networks of people than the common schools.

    Even with a first class degree, the child of the common man still has to work extra-hard to secure even the basest of employments.

    Being poor is really and truly a disease; once you are poor you will perpetually live in dis-EASE, and you might be denied your fundamental human rights.

    Like the saying goes – Money won’t make you happy, but everyone wants to find out for themselves.

    Everybody desires to be rich, famous and respected because it seems to be the major currency of valuable exchange in our society today.

    Therefore, the poor ones who are looked down upon become restless, they then start striving for that “high-end” life style.

    No doubt man has changed, and his craving for money knows no end.

    However, that craving is not that of determination, probably it once was, but has now degenerated to desperation, no wonder we now have young teenager getting involved in rituals, or Yahoo plus…just anything to get rich.

    Therefore, it would be safe for the writer to say that the same poverty that prevented man from moving forward, is also the source of man’s desperation.

  • Nigeria, EU, others consolidate progress on trade facilitation

    Nigeria, EU, others consolidate progress on trade facilitation

    Nigeria, Brazil, China, the European Union (EU) and other leading economic powers announced that they have made tremendous progress on investment facilitation initiative for development.

    The group made this known in Marrakech, Morocco, during the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mini-Ministerial meeting.

    In a breakthrough for Nigeria, the group of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Friends of Investment Facilitation for Development (FIFD) pledged support for the success of the High-Level Investment Forum scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 3- 4.

    The Forum will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Commission in partnership with FIFD.

    In a statement, the Communication & Strategy Adviser to the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr Okechukwu   Enelamah, Mr. Constance lkokwu, explained that FIFD is an initiative by some WTO members, including Nigeria as a core member to drive trade and investment with deliverables in mind.

    The WTO investment coalition, he stated, is made up of Nigeria, Argentina, China, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Canada and the EU.

    lkokwu stated that a draft declaration is being negotiated for finalisation at the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the deliverables for the Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ministerial Conference in December. According to him, one of the objectives of the investment coalition was to place investment facilitation as a priority for the WTO Ministerial MC11 in Buenos Aries, Argentina.

    The others, he said, was to achieve coherence between the trade and investment policy communities and position the WTO to be more pro-development with actual deliverables for its members while seeking active investment opportunities in their countries.

    Quoting the minister, lkokwu explained: “Nigeria is part of this coalition because government sees investment and trade facilitation as a positive and pro-development agenda.” Furthermore, he said it was the belief of government that the WTO is better responsive to domestic economic priorities.

    “This investment facilitation initiative is potentially significant to position WTO better to respond to the investment needs of developing countries in general and African countries in particular,” the minister added.

    The Director-General/Chief Negotiator, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe, expressed delight at the progress made so far, saying: “This is for economic growth and recovery, creation of employment opportunities and connection to global value chains.”

    The Abuja event titled: “High-level forum on trade and investment facilitation for development” is expected to bring together African investment and trade decision makers as well as private sector representatives to share perspectives on leveraging trade and investment opportunities on the continent.

    It seeks to connect actual investors within and outside the continent with African policy makers in order to produce concrete outcomes.