The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Senator Aniekan Bassey

  • Senate Committee seeks commitment to regional harmony 

    Senate Committee seeks commitment to regional harmony 

    The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations has condemned the recent protest in Ghana targeting Nigerian nationals, describing it as unfortunate, unwarranted, and inconsistent with the values of African unity and regional cooperation.

    The protest, which has gained widespread attention through viral footage on social media, showed a group of Ghanaian citizens demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from their country over alleged behavioural concerns.

    Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, Senator Aniekan Bassey, called for restraint and reaffirmed the importance of preserving the longstanding diplomatic and socio-cultural ties between Nigeria and Ghana.

    “Such actions undermine the spirit of African brotherhood and the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement. Nigeria and Ghana have a historic obligation to lead the region by example, through peace, dialogue, and mutual respect,” Senator Bassey stated.

    The Committee commended the prompt and responsible interventions of the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, for engaging relevant diplomatic channels to address the situation constructively.

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    It also lauded the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions for working in close coordination to de-escalate tensions and reinforce bilateral understanding.

    Reassuring the Nigerian community in Ghana, the Senate Committee emphasized that the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a top priority. It noted that diplomatic engagements between the two countries are already in motion to ensure the rights, safety, and dignity of Nigerians are fully safeguarded.

    “The Committee stands in full solidarity with all law-abiding Nigerians residing in Ghana and urges them to remain calm, responsible, and committed to peaceful coexistence while this matter is being addressed through formal diplomatic avenues,” Senator Bassey added.

    The Committee also called on Ghanaian authorities to act with fairness and adhere to regional commitments under ECOWAS, particularly those that promote tolerance, integration, and cross-border unity among member states.

  • 2nd anniversary: Sen. Bassey lauds Tinubu, Eno

    2nd anniversary: Sen. Bassey lauds Tinubu, Eno

    As Nigeria commemorates two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, has praised both leaders for prioritizing infrastructure and economic reforms that are transforming lives and revitalizing communities.

    Senator Bassey stated that both administrations have placed strong emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and economic inclusion, laying a solid foundation for long-term prosperity. 

    “From roads and bridges to power and education facilities, we are witnessing a governance model that understands the link between infrastructure and inclusive economic growth,” he remarked.

    At the state level, Governor Umo Eno’s execution of the ARISE Agenda has led to the construction and rehabilitation of over 599 kilometers of rural and inter-local government roads. 

    This, according to Senator Bassey, has unlocked commercial potential in previously isolated communities, expanded logistics networks, and enhanced agricultural trade.

    In the education sector, the development of 17 fully equipped model public schools with digital tools and science labs reflects the administration’s focus on future-ready infrastructure.

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    Senator Bassey also commended the healthcare system’s expansion, including 16 upgraded solar-powered health centers and a far-reaching medical outreach program.

    The agricultural sector has been energized through the Dakkada scheme, with thousands of farmers gaining access to modern equipment, inputs, and training.

     Meanwhile, targeted youth empowerment through ₦650 million in grants under the “One Youth One Skill” programme is spurring microenterprise development across the state.

    Nationally, the Senator highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure as a central pillar of economic transformation. 

    Projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway are opening up vital economic corridors. 

    Under the current administration, more than 400 roads and bridges have been reconstructed or initiated.

    “President Tinubu has demonstrated foresight by aligning infrastructure with national economic goals,” Senator Bassey said, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate reforms as enablers of capital inflow and investment confidence. 

    He also pointed to the National Food Security Council and mechanized farming clusters as strong responses to inflation and food supply challenges.

    With ₦2.1 trillion allocated to security infrastructure and growing investment in digital innovation through the Digital Nigeria Programme, Senator Bassey emphasized that Nigeria is well on its way to becoming a more secure and economically competitive nation.

    He concluded by urging citizens and stakeholders to support infrastructure development and reform continuity: 

    “We must protect the gains we’ve made and support the policies that are building a stronger economic backbone for our country,” he said.