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Tag: Shettima

  • Shettima: a needless front

    Shettima: a needless front

    The ruling APC could well be parting itself on the back, given a sweet elite re-pacting that has near-turned the once vibrant PDP into a pitiable sight, teeming with sorry politically displaced people (PDP)!

    Indeed, it seems a new PDP (nPDP), that repeats the tragedy and farce of the old nPDP: that plotting disloyal band that, by stealth, shot Bukola Saraki into Pyrrhic victory as willy-nilly president of the Senate, only to vanish as new PDP (that nPDP quip again!) in his native Kwara, routed from the political fiefdom his father, Baba Oloye, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, had left him, after the 2019 polls!

    Now, Saraki is in the PDP rut — an old nPDP saving a new nPDP: an old politically displaced person trying to rescue a new band of politically displaced people!  The irony never gets more savage or piquant!

    Which must have lulled some power-hungry APC blokes to open a putative self-destruct campaign at the expense of Vice President Kashim Shettima.  That’s absolutely unwise.

    That trick book is hardly new, though. Deify the president. Nullify the Vice President, though the only one in the cabinet with a shared mandate with the President.  Then, assume you can go for broke! 

    Again, that seldom ends well.  Events since 1999 are living proof.

    Olusegun Obasanjo’s henchmen felt they could — for whatever reasons — shoo off Atiku Abubakar from his constitutional due.  That marked the beginning of the end for PDP as a potent power force. 

    Read Also: How we raised TB, flood risks awareness, by Oyo NOA

    The illicit enforcers of the Umaru Yar’Adua era ended up eating crow.  Goodluck Jonathan became President, despite their horrid plots, and the plotters’ sun set at high  noon.  For PDP, however, it was a premature end, even if Jonathan was fall guy.

    Even if all those are too “far” in the past — Nigeria is notorious for poor institutional memory — what of the ridicule-turned-glory, virtually yesterday, of the pair of Edo and Ondo deputy governors that some misguided players felt they could bump off.  The one is in the victorious Edo gubernatorial camp, after helping to dismantle the Obaseki regime and reclaiming his deputy governor office by law.  The other is sitting governor of Ondo State.

    The logic is simple: you can’t sell off a constitutional mandate on the altar of cheap or convenient politics.  The President and Vice President share an elective mandate.  One is incomplete without the other.

    Besides, the Bayelsa APC tragedy of 2019 is galling reminder: a false accusation of David Lyon’s running mate of “name forgeries” turned the governor-elect’s victory into defeat. That joint ticket is incomplete without the integrated partners.

    Until we respect that fine constitutionalism, this democracy won’t come of age.  That is basic principle: beyond temporary occupiers of seats. If you respect the President or Governor, honour too their deputies. 

    Those playing reckless 2027 politics with the office of the Vice President had better cautioned themselves.  If constitutional decorum doesn’t wash, stark electoral stats should.  Of all the North East, only Borno delivered in the 2023 presidential poll.

    Let the president be wary of these flock of flatterers.  After the elite re-pacting in the South, the president can’t afford an avoidable crisis in the North.

  • Shettima inaugurates NCGC board, says new firm will unlock MSME financing

    Shettima inaugurates NCGC board, says new firm will unlock MSME financing

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Board of Directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC Ltd) at the State House, Abuja.

    A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, described the initiative as a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s grassroots economy and unlock financing for millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), 

    Describing the new institution as a “critical engine in our pursuit of economic inclusion and sustainable growth,” the Vice President said NCGC represents the Tinubu administration’s strategic response to decades of limited access to credit — a key constraint stifling Nigeria’s economic potential.

    “This is our response to a stubborn challenge that has stifled our economic potential for decades — access to finance. “These entrepreneurs do not ask for handouts; they ask for the credibility of their ideas to be matched by the confidence of our financial institutions”, Shettima said during the inauguration.

    The NCGC, established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and announced on May 29, 2025, will serve as a bridge between banks and MSMEs, offering guarantees that reduce lenders’ risks and empower productive Nigerians — from farmers and artisans to startups and traders — with affordable credit.

    “This company will ensure that when a farmer in Ibadan needs a loan to expand her cocoa farm, or a tech entrepreneur in Abuja seeks working capital, the system will no longer fail them. It is a promise that productive Nigerians will not be stranded for want of guarantees”, the Vice President declared.

    In his charge to the board, Vice President Shettima called on members to combine “prudence with courage, accountability with ambition,” saying their leadership is pivotal in actualising the Tinubu administration’s broader vision of inclusive growth.

    “This is a call to deploy your diverse expertise not only as overseers but as enablers of transformation,” he said.

    The company’s inaugural board is chaired by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, while Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo was appointed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

    Other members include: Mrs. Tinoula Aigwedo, Executive Director of Strategy and Operations; Dr. Ezekiel Oseni, Executive Director, Risk Management; and Ms. Yeside Kazeem, Independent Non-Executive Director.

    Others are Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD of the Bank of Industry; Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, MD of the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation; Mr. Aminu Sadiq-Umar, MD of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority; and Mrs. Oluwakemi Owonubi, representing the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

    In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Dogara hailed President Tinubu’s leadership for creating a platform that seeks to democratise economic opportunities through access to finance.

    “The establishment of NCGC is an attempt to give vent to our democracy to deliver on its promise. You can be alive and may enjoy all the rights, but if you don’t have the means with which to pursue happiness, you are excluded from the promise of democracy”, Dogara said.

    He emphasized that true democracy must offer more than political rights — it must provide access to economic tools that enable Nigerians to thrive.

    Also speaking, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD of the Bank of Industry and a board member, noted that the company reflects a broad-based commitment to structural economic reforms.

    Read Also: Shettima urges privatisation council on public interest, due diligence

    “This milestone is the result of collaborative efforts by key institutions such as BOI, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and the World Bank,” Olusi explained.

    He said the new credit guarantee platform will go a long way in dismantling barriers to financing for MSMEs, manufacturers, and other underserved economic sectors.

    With Nigeria’s over 39 million MSMEs contributing close to 50% of the country’s GDP, the NCGC is expected to unlock capital and spur job creation, productivity, and innovation across critical value chains.

    The company will operate as a national vehicle to de-risk MSME lending and stimulate private sector participation in Nigeria’s evolving credit landscape.

    Declaring the board duly inaugurated, Vice President Shettima concluded, “On behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I hereby declare the Board of Directors of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited inaugurated.”

  • Cassava takes centre stage in Nigeria’s industrial push — Shettima

    Cassava takes centre stage in Nigeria’s industrial push — Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that cassava is no longer just a staple food but now a strategic driver of Nigeria’s industrial development, import substitution, and energy transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Cassava Day, the Vice President said the Tinubu administration has repositioned cassava as “capital for reengineering the nation’s economy,” placing it at the heart of food and energy security, agro-industrialisation, and rural revitalisation efforts.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “we are moving from subsidy-heavy programmes to investment-led solutions,” Shettima told a gathering of policymakers, researchers, agribusiness players, and development partners. 

    “We are prioritising private capital, research, and coordinated action across government, academia, and development partners to drive mechanisation, agro-processing, quality inputs, and full commercialisation of cassava”, he said.

    The theme of this year’s celebration, “Farm to Global Markets: Driving Industrialisation, Food Security and Exports,” provided a fitting platform for Shettima to unveil the Federal Government’s ambitious cassava strategy. 

    He urged stakeholders to view cassava not only as a food crop for the vulnerable but as a wealth-creating resource for the bold.

    “Cassava is one of the most strategic assets in our agricultural portfolio. Its applications cut across food, feed, fuel, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and even construction,” he said.

    Among the flagship initiatives mentioned is the Cassava Bioethanol Project, a government-backed programme expected to save the country over ₦3 trillion annually by reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel additives.

    “This initiative will stimulate a circular economy in agriculture and allow us to harness cassava by-products for energy, fertilisers, and industrial inputs. What used to be waste will become wealth. This is how nations rise”, Shettima explained.

    The Vice President stressed the urgency of translating policy into impact, saying, “The world will not remember our intentions. It will remember our results.”

    He commended the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other global and local stakeholders for their leadership in innovation, particularly in the deployment of the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic (SAH) system for rapid cassava seed multiplication.

    Highlighting successful bilateral cooperation, Shettima also praised Nigeria’s collaboration with Brazil, describing it as proof that “agricultural ambition, when matched with political will, can transform even the most difficult landscapes.”

    The Vice President reserved a strong message for youth inclusion in agribusiness, urging that they be seen not as the future of agriculture but as “the present,” ready to lead and innovate the cassava value chain in the same way they have disrupted fintech and agritech.

    Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of cassava.

    “All stakeholders in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond must work together to transform cassava from a staple crop to a vehicle of industrial and economic transformation,” Abdullahi said.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, stated that cassava holds enormous potential for Nigeria’s industrial future.

    “At our Ministry, we are supporting cutting-edge R&D and collaborating with partners to elevate cassava into the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial economy,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima urges privatisation council on public interest, due diligence

    The event also featured remarks from Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, who described the celebration as part of the Tinubu administration’s vision to place cassava at the forefront of Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.

    “We are expanding rural infrastructure, empowering smallholder farmers, and ensuring they can access finance. The cassava value chain is a strategic entry point to inclusive prosperity,” he noted.

    AFREXIM Bank’s Regional COO, Mr Alain-Thierry Mbongue, reinforced the crop’s importance, calling on stakeholders to seize the opportunity to transform Nigeria’s agricultural fortunes.

    “Cassava holds the power to catalyse industrial growth, boost job creation, and improve foreign exchange earnings,” Mbongue stated. 

    He added that agriculture remains a critical area of investment for the bank, particularly in expanding fertiliser production and agro-industrial capacity.

    Goodwill messages were also delivered by Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Yu Dunhai, IFAD’s Country Director, Dede Ekoue, and representatives from Agbayewa Farms and Cavista Holdings, among others.

    The 2025 World Cassava Day celebration underscores the Tinubu administration’s broader economic reform drive — one that positions agriculture as both a development engine and a strategic solution to Nigeria’s food, fuel, and foreign exchange challenges.

  • Shettima urges privatisation council on public interest, due diligence

    Shettima urges privatisation council on public interest, due diligence

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and legal rigour in handling Nigeria’s privatisation transactions, emphasising that every deal must serve the public interest and stand the test of time.

    Speaking during the 2nd NCP meeting for 2025 held at the State House, Abuja, Vice President Shettima reminded the Council of its critical role in safeguarding the nation’s economic future.

    He underscored the importance of stringent oversight and legal safeguards to avoid costly mistakes and future litigation.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima “our legal committee must ring fence every one of these transactions”.

    “We are almost always vulnerable to arbitration and being short-changed.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

     Every transaction must be subjected to microscopic scrutiny so that ten years down the line, we will not be called upon to offer explanations as to how we conducted the transaction”, he said.

    Presiding over the meeting, the Vice President stressed that the Council carried both a legal and moral obligation to ensure that all privatisation efforts are in line with national interest and that the process remains credible and defensible.

    The meeting reviewed key privatisation activities, including the divestment of shares in Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (Ibadan Disco) by acquisition lenders, and the delineation of assets and liabilities for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN-NISO).

    Also discussed was the review of the concession agreement for the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power PLC.

    In addition, the Council received updates on the World Bank-supported $500 million Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), as well as progress reports on dispute resolution efforts involving power sector entities and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

  • Shettima to privatisation council: Safeguard public interest, ensure due diligence

    Shettima to privatisation council: Safeguard public interest, ensure due diligence

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and legal rigour in handling Nigeria’s privatisation transactions, emphasising that every deal must serve the public interest and stand the test of time.

    Speaking during the 2nd NCP meeting for 2025 held at the State House, Abuja, Vice President Shettima reminded the Council of its critical role in safeguarding the nation’s economic future.

    He underscored the importance of stringent oversight and legal safeguards to avoid costly mistakes and future litigation.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, “our legal committee must ring fence every one of these transactions”.

    “We are almost always vulnerable to arbitration and being short-changed. Every transaction must be subjected to microscopic scrutiny so that ten years down the line, we will not be called upon to offer explanations as to how we conducted the transaction”, he said.

    Presiding over the meeting, the Vice President stressed that the council carries both a legal and moral obligation to ensure that all privatisation efforts are in line with national interest and that the process remains credible and defensible.

    Read Also: Shettima backs Ethiopia’s Green Legacy, calls for practical climate action

    The meeting reviewed key privatisation activities, including the divestment of shares in Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (Ibadan Disco) by acquisition lenders, and the delineation of assets and liabilities for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN-NISO).

    Also discussed was the review of the concession agreement for the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power PLC.

    In addition, the Council received updates on the World Bank-supported $500 million Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), as well as progress reports on dispute resolution efforts involving power sector entities and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

  • Shettima backs Ethiopia’s Green Legacy, calls for practical climate action

    Shettima backs Ethiopia’s Green Legacy, calls for practical climate action

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the global community to adopt practical, country-specific approaches in tackling climate change, stressing that the existential threat cannot be addressed by rhetoric or resolutions alone.

    Speaking at the official launch of Ethiopia’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa on Friday, Shettima hailed the initiative as a bold and inspiring example of what meaningful climate action looks like, saying Nigeria and Ethiopia bear the greatest responsibility for shaping Africa’s environmental future.

    “We have long accepted that climate change is not a problem to be solved in a conference room. It is a danger we must arrest with practical actions, with each nation rising to the occasion by responding to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens they face”, the Vice President said.

    The Green Legacy Initiative, a flagship programme of the Ethiopian government, aims to plant 20 billion trees over four years, enhance biodiversity, and reverse deforestation, while creating thousands of green jobs and restoring degraded lands.

    So far, the initiative has led to the establishment of over 20,000 nurseries and the planting of billions of seedlings.

    Describing the project as “a lesson in vision, purpose, and audacity,” Shettima lauded Ethiopia’s commitment and declared that Nigeria was not only in solidarity with the East African nation but was also determined to match its climate ambition with action.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima noted “to plant 20 billion seedlings within four years, to establish over 20,000 nurseries, and to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is to show that the future is something we must plant, nurture, and build”.

    Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Shettima emphasized that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation alongside Ethiopia, had both the highest exposure to climate risks and the greatest responsibility to lead efforts to safeguard the continent’s future.

    Read Also: Shettima embarks on official visit to Ethiopia for Green Legacy launch, bilateral talks

    “Ethiopia and Nigeria are the two most populous countries in Africa. This distinction is not just statistical; it is existential. It means that more of our people are exposed to the peril of climate change, and it also means that we face the highest cost of inaction. This is why we are not mere spectators in this fight. We are partners. We are participants”, he said.

    He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the climate promises made at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP), especially the most recent one in Azerbaijan, where nations pledged to scale up mitigation and adaptation strategies.

    “This is the promise Nigeria and other nations have made at COP year after year. Today, we gather not only to stand by this promise but to celebrate the path Ethiopia has illuminated for the world”, Shettima said.

    The Vice President expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian people for their hospitality and praised the Green Legacy programme as a vision aligned with the aspirations of Africa’s youth and future generations.

    “We feel at home, not just because of the warmth extended to us, but because this initiative resonates deeply with our collective mission to leave behind a planet fit for the dreams of generations to come,” he said.

    In his remarks, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised Nigeria for its support of the Green Legacy Initiative and urged African countries to localise the climate agenda by embracing indigenous, home-grown solutions.

    “This year’s Green Legacy theme is ‘Rise by Planting,’ and we are proud to say we have never received any foreign aid to achieve this goal. We thank Nigeria for supporting this initiative. With its population and growing economy, the presence of Vice President Shettima is a strong signal that Africa is ready to act”, the Prime Minister stated.

    He stressed the need for collaboration among African nations and a shift away from reliance on external aid toward internal solutions.

    “It’s time for us to move beyond aid and place more emphasis on our own capacity and ideas,” Abiy said.

    The Prime Minister also disclosed that Ethiopia is preparing to host a major United Nations climate summit in the coming months, describing it as a significant opportunity for Africa to assert leadership on global climate issues.

    Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima toured key national landmarks, including the Unity Park, Ethiopia’s cutting-edge Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum—each symbolizing the country’s rich heritage and modern transformation.

    The Vice President is in Ethiopia on an official state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, reinforcing the strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

  • Shettima embarks on official visit to Ethiopia for Green Legacy launch, bilateral talks

    Shettima embarks on official visit to Ethiopia for Green Legacy launch, bilateral talks

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on a state visit at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali on a mission aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing environmental and industrial cooperation between the two nations.

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima is expected to participate in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme—an ambitious environmental initiative designed to combat deforestation, promote biodiversity, and counter the effects of climate change through the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over four years.

    “The Vice President’s participation in the Green Legacy Programme underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional climate action and sustainable environmental practices,” the statement said.

    In furtherance of shared development goals, Vice President Shettima will embark on a comprehensive tour of Ethiopia’s key industrial zones and agricultural facilities. 

    Sites to be visited include the Adama Industrial Zone, Mojo Poultry Farm, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Lume Avocado Nursery Site, and the Bishoftu Pea Youth Farm, strategic centers that have driven Ethiopia’s progress in food production, agro-processing, and youth-led agricultural entrepreneurship.

    Read Also: AU MSMEs Forum: Shettima urges integration of informal economy for Africa’s prosperity

    The Vice President’s itinerary also features a State Dinner hosted in his honour at the National Palace by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 

    The dinner is expected to reaffirm the warm diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, which has been historically rooted in cooperation on military support, peacekeeping missions, and regional economic initiatives.

    Nigeria and Ethiopia have, in recent years, intensified dialogue on shared challenges and mutual interests within the African Union and other multilateral platforms. 

    The current visit by Vice President Shettima is anticipated to reinforce these conversations while opening new avenues for investment, technology transfer, and climate-smart agriculture.

    Senator Shettima is accompanied by senior government officials and technical experts from relevant ministries and agencies.

  • Nigeria undergoing silent, bold transformation under Tinubu – Shettima

    Nigeria undergoing silent, bold transformation under Tinubu – Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is witnessing a silent but bold transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

    Shettima said this on Wednesday at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum tagged “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor,” held in Abuja.

    The Vice-President said the renewed strategic alliance with Brazil is “grounded in intent, and rich in the potential for mutual growth”.

    According to him, Brazil’s journey, especially the strides in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and industrial development, speaks to ongoing transformation in Nigeria.

    ” Under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation.

    ” Markets are being opened; Institutions are being rebuilt; Policies are being refocused.

    “What drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake.

    ” What we seek are partners who see our direction, respect our ambition, and are prepared to walk the path with us,” he stated.

    Shettima, who underscored the need for the strategic alliance with Brazil, noted that Nigeria is embarking on a journey similar to that of the South American country.

    ” Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are taking form. Our farmers are ready to operate at scale.

    ” But, we know the difference between going alone and going far. Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation, in training and in investment.

    “We are equally attentive to your leadership in clean energy. Nigeria’s energy transition is rooted in what we can control.

    “We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil’s example provides guidance that is real and tested.

    “We are eager to learn from your experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs, supports industries and expands access to rural communities.

    ” Our teams are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice, from ideas to infrastructure,” he said.

    The Vice President disclosed that Nigeria is encouraged by Brazil’s interest in skills development and human capital.

    According to him, it aligns perfectly with one of the most pressing national goals, which is to ensure that the youthful country is prepared for future demands.

    “We welcome the opportunity for institutional partnerships that promote training, research and the exchange of knowledge in sectors where Brazil has built strength, and in areas where Nigeria is gaining ground,” he added.

    The Vice-President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through long-term cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.

    Alckmin described the moment as “one of the most promising” in the history of Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.

    “This is a necessary complement to deepen our relations. We want this moment to correspond to the production of sustainable partnerships for our people,” he said.

    He highlighted the potential in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, innovation, and energy.

    Alckmin acknowledged that, despite the strong historic and cultural ties, trade volumes between both countries are still much lower than the potential.

    “Our trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor,” he stated.

    Alckmin also spoke on the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI), a 1.1 billion dollars programme to transfer Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria, as a model of transformative South-South cooperation.

    He said that Brazil does not just export products, but offer solutions and ideas, adding that under President Lula’s administration, Brazil has simplified its tax regime.

    Read Also: AU MSMEs Forum: Shettima urges integration of informal economy for Africa’s prosperity

    He added that Brazil is exploring a direct flight route to Nigeria to ease business travel and trade.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, called for a reset in the bilateral trade dynamic, lamenting the current two billion dollars trade volume, down from $9 billion a decade ago.

    “The Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,” she urged.

    Oduwole outlined Nigeria’s priority sectors for investment, including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals.

    She also revealed efforts by the Nigerian government to streamline investors’ engagement through a digital portal tracking live project pipelines.

    “We are serious about institutional delivery. Our agencies—NEPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI—are working as one team,” she noted.

    The Director-General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zarah Mustapha, emphasised state-level reforms as critical to unlocking sub-national investments. (NAN)

  • AU MSMEs Forum: Shettima urges integration of informal economy for Africa’s prosperity

    AU MSMEs Forum: Shettima urges integration of informal economy for Africa’s prosperity

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the urgent integration of Africa’s vast informal economy into the formal trade ecosystem, stressing that sustainable continental prosperity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) hinges on the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    Speaking at the opening of the 4th African Union MSMEs Forum in Abuja on Monday, the Vice President declared that Africa’s path to a prosperous future lies not in high-rise buildings or financial indices, but in unlocking the immense potential of the informal sector, which employs nearly 90 percent of the continent’s workforce.

    According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima told delegates, “There can be no African prosperity without a strong MSME ecosystem. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to generations unborn to integrate our informal economy into the framework of formal intra-African trade.”

    The high-level forum, themed “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa”, brought together stakeholders from across the continent to chart a roadmap for inclusive economic growth anchored on MSME development.

    Shettima warned that unless deliberate efforts are made to formalise the informal sector and support small businesses, Africa risks remaining trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

    “Our future does not depend on the transactions in stock exchanges. If we fail to harness the power of the informal sector, we will keep going round the same cycle of despair”, the Vice President said.

    He noted that Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to strengthen its MSME ecosystem, citing that small businesses contribute 48 percent to Nigeria’s GDP and employ over 84 percent of the national workforce.

    “They are a mirror to our future,” Shettima declared, “and they explain why we are deepening our investments to expand the capacity of this sector.”

    Welcoming participants to the Nigerian capital, the Vice President conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of goodwill and assurance of Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, peer learning, and shared prosperity across the African continent.

    Shettima emphasised the need for cross-border collaboration among African nations, noting that shared challenges require united solutions. “Our destinies are bound together,” he said.

    Among the obstacles facing MSMEs, he identified limited access to affordable finance as a recurring impediment and a “recurring nightmare” for business owners.

    However, he expressed optimism that with platforms like AfCFTA, a new era of opportunity is emerging for African entrepreneurs.

    “We must find hope in the promise of the AfCFTA. The timing of this forum is perfect. The vision is clear,” he said, praising the theme as a rallying call for immediate and practical solutions.

    The Vice President also hailed the rise of digital innovation across the continent, noting that technology is achieving the integration that politics has long failed to deliver.

    However, he warned that for this momentum to be sustained, governments must invest in digital infrastructure, bridge literacy gaps, and create innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks.

    He lamented that MSMEs still rely heavily on traditional banks, which often exclude them from credit, but expressed hope in the emergence of fintech firms using alternative data models to assess creditworthiness and expand financial inclusion.

    In his welcome address, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Host Country Committee, reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to building a future where MSMEs thrive.

    “This forum signifies our shared commitment to a prosperous and inclusive Africa. An investment in our MSMEs is a direct investment in a self-reliant continent”, he said.

    Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, noted that the forum was a timely intervention in tackling the practical challenges faced by African entrepreneurs.

    He urged collective efforts to harness the potential of Africa’s youthful population for economic transformation.

    Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, praised the Tinubu administration’s support for MSMEs and called on Nigerians to patronise local products to sustain the sector’s growth.

    Also speaking, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, highlighted the bank’s sustained efforts in empowering MSMEs through knowledge transfer and digital tool adoption, which he said have improved efficiency and productivity across the sector.

    The European Union, represented by Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reiterated its support for Africa’s economic integration.

    Read Also: Shettima condemns Konduga suicide bombing, vows swift govt response

    He revealed that the EU has committed €1.1 billion to support the AU’s implementation of AfCFTA.

    “The AfCFTA represents an unprecedented achievement. The EU remains firmly committed to our partnership with Africa for sustainable development,” De Luca said.

    UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, echoed the need for ecosystems that support MSMEs beyond survival.

    “They cannot thrive on resilience alone. They need capital, market access, and platforms for commercialisation”, she said.

    In a symbolic gesture, the Permanent Representative of the African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG), Ambassador Afolabi Oke, announced the appointment of Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson as Special Adviser to the AU 6th Region on Job Creation and MSME Development.

    “We unite people of African descent worldwide,” Ambassador Oke said, explaining the AU Sixth Region’s role as a bridge between the African continent and its diaspora.

    On the importance of regional industrialisation and export readiness, NEXIM Bank Managing Director Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello stressed the necessity of building internal value chains to ensure the success of AfCFTA.

    “There’s a need for Africa to look inward to develop its value chain. Boosting production is central to this,” he said.

  • Shettima condemns Konduga suicide bombing, vows swift govt response

    Shettima condemns Konduga suicide bombing, vows swift govt response

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned Friday night’s suicide bombing at a local food joint in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, describing it as a “heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians.”

    The tragic attack, which claimed more than ten lives, has sparked fresh concerns about the resurgence of extremist violence in parts of the Northeast. 

    In a statement on Saturday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Borno State, while reaffirming the federal government’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “The federal government will not relent in our efforts to ensure that those responsible for this despicable act face the full weight of the law,” Shettima stated.

    He further directed relevant government agencies to expedite investigations into the incident and ensure prompt support to those affected.

    Read Also: Tinubu-Shettima: A tag-team Presidency anchored on trust, unity

    “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence. The government stands with them in this difficult time and will provide all necessary support,” the Vice President said.

    The attack, which occurred in an area that has suffered years of insurgent violence, comes amid renewed efforts by the Tinubu administration to stabilize the region and support victims of terrorism. 

    Shettima, a former Borno Governor, underscored the government’s resolve to sustain gains recorded in recent years in the fight against terrorism.

    “The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security to the Northeast and all parts of Nigeria. We will not allow our enemies to undermine the progress we have made in degrading their capabilities,” he added.