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ASNAT Unveils 2nd Edition of Exhibitions Fair

Omowumi Samuel
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ASNAT Unveils 2nd Edition of Exhibitions Fair

The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has unveiled the 2nd edition of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibition and Fair, NATEF Abuja 2025, a platform dedicated to promoting skills development, craftsmanship, national unity, and Mutual acceptance.

The event is to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding and foster business opportunities.

National Coordinator of ASNAT, Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, who disclosed this in Abuja, the nation’s capital, says that NATEF is a working exhibition designed to stimulate economic growth by promoting local production to support artisans and technicians nationwide.

He noted that the annual tourism event will attract international visitors to witness Nigerian artisans’ exceptional skills.

“We envision NATEF as an annual tourism event, attracting international visitors to witness Nigerian artisans’ exceptional skills. We urge all stakeholders, including state governors and lawmakers, to support NATEF by sponsoring local artisans and technicians. This event will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and foster business opportunities.” He said.

READ ALSO: FG, Tikera Africa Launch Women-Led Artisanship Initiative

Mr Akinyemi further stressed that NATEF 2025 will feature a working exhibition, on-site service delivery, and display of artisans’ products and skills.

“Workshops: Hands-on training sessions for skills development, Networking: Opportunities for industry professionals and potential clients, Cultural Showcase: Promoting Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. CNG Conversion: Conversion of over 100 petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, courtesy of the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PICNG), Raffle Draws: With unique prizes to be won by delegates,
Modern Music and Cultural Displays: By different musical groups and cultural troupes,” he stated.

The National Coordinator also commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for their continuous support. ITF, under the leadership of Dr Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun.

This year’s NATEF is sponsored by ITF, ably supported by PICNG, Ondo State Government, Adamawa State Government, Taraba State Government and the National Directorate of Employment (NDF).

Nigeria’s Military Seeks Media Partnership on Security

Aisha John-Mark
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0
Nigeria’s Military Seeks Media Partnership on Security

The Defence Headquarters’ Directorate of Defence Media Operations has convened the Third Quarter 2025 Media Stakeholders Seminar in Maiduguri, Borno State, urging stronger collaboration between the media and the military to advance peace, stability, and national security.

The seminar, held at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, brought together senior military officers, journalists, government officials, and other stakeholders under the theme “Consolidating Media–Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria.”

Declaring the event open, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kange, welcomed participants and emphasised that the gathering was not just an engagement but a timely convergence of two critical institutions, the media and the military, whose roles are pivotal in shaping peace, security, and stability in the country.

He noted that Nigeria is currently confronted by multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, sabotage, cybercrimes, and disinformation, stressing that overcoming them requires a united front where both the media and the military complement each other’s efforts.

“The military component is just a fraction of the overall effort of sustaining peace. It is a collective mission that involves every stakeholder in society, especially the media, which plays a central role in shaping narratives and influencing public perception,” General Kange said.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, in his remarks, highlighted that peace cannot be achieved by security forces or the media acting in isolation. He described both institutions as strategic partners whose collaboration is critical in countering misinformation, building public trust, and promoting national unity.

He urged for structured communication, conflict-sensitive reporting, joint workshops, and the highest ethical standards in information dissemination, particularly in the digital age where fake news spreads rapidly.

Representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices in restoring peace and stability in the Northeast. He also applauded the media for their courage and professionalism in reporting conflict situations, often at personal risk.

According to him, Borno State is in a recovery and reconstruction phase, with communities returning, infrastructure being rebuilt, and economic activities reviving. He stressed that effective communication and trust-building remain crucial in consolidating these gains.

The seminar provided a platform for robust discussions on how the military and the media can deepen cooperation, counter disinformation, and sustain peace efforts across the country.

Nigeria Builds Stakeholders Capacity to Phase Out Hazardous Pesticides

Peace Piak Kanu
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Nigeria Builds Stakeholders Capacity to Phase Out Hazardous Pesticides

Nigeria has launched a stakeholder capacity-building drive to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), which have been linked to poisoning, deaths, and food safety concerns across the country.

At an inception workshop on pesticide use, Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, warned that the indiscriminate application of HHPs poses a major threat to public health and agricultural exports.

He noted that systematic reviews had documented at least 24 pesticide-related incidents between 2008 and 2021, causing more than 500 deaths.

Represented by the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, the Minister called for stronger policy frameworks, stricter regulations, and wider public awareness campaigns to reduce the risks associated with hazardous pesticides.

“HHPs have been found to be responsible for great damage especially in countries in the Global South, and yet massive amounts of these specifically harmful pesticides are still applied to a vast extent there, including West Africa,”he said.

Abubakar explained that weak regulatory enforcement has allowed pesticides strictly regulated in Europe to remain widely available in Nigeria. He stressed that the government is working to promote safer alternatives.

“Biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices should also be explored as sustainable solutions. This project will ensure that the number of pesticide poisoning and suicide deaths in Nigeria are substantially reduced,” he explained.

Abubakar also linked pesticide misuse to Nigeria’s repeated rejection of agricultural exports in international markets, citing residue levels that exceeded permissible limits.

Government agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Environment, Health and Social Welfare, and Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), are collaborating on measures such as training, regulatory adjustments, and public engagement to improve chemical safety.

PIAK

Nigeria Pledges Digital Transformation in Justice Sector

Aisha John-Mark
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0
Nigeria Pledges Digital Transformation in Justice Sector

Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a modern justice system driven by digital transformation, innovation, and coordinated reform.

Speaking at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat in Maiduguri, Borno State, Fagbemi said the retreat was another demonstration of the ministry’s dedication to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing institutional reforms, and improving service delivery. He noted that digital tools and innovation must be embraced not as luxuries but as necessities in a modern democratic society.

The minister commended stakeholders across the justice sector for their resilience despite limited resources, stressing that their dedication has kept the system moving forward. He called for stronger collaboration across institutions to break silos and ensure reforms that are holistic, effective, and sustainable.

In her remarks, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, MNI, described the retreat’s theme “Strengthening Justice Sector Delivery Through Technology, Innovation and Coordinated Reform” as both timely and apt.

She emphasised that the justice sector is at a critical juncture where evolving demands and global realities require new approaches. According to her, technology can help streamline processes, improve case management, reduce delays, and enhance transparency.

“True transformation requires coordinated reforms across the judiciary, law enforcement, correctional institutions, and other agencies. By working together, reforms can be holistic, effective, and sustainable,” Jedy-Agba said.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who also addressed participants, shared how his administration has pioneered digital tools such as electronic case tracking and virtual court sittings, particularly in conflict-affected areas. He stressed that justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust, and restoring social order.

Governor Zulum commended the Attorney General for his leadership in reviewing the laws of the federation, enhancing judicial welfare, and pushing forward digital reforms in the justice system. He called for stronger synergy between the federal and state levels to ensure justice delivery is transparent, people-centred, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

The retreat, attended by senior government officials, heads of justice sector agencies, and development partners, is expected to yield actionable recommendations that will drive comprehensive reform in Nigeria’s justice system.

Presidential Fertilizer Initiative Strengthens Nigeria’s Supply Chain

Omowumi Samuel
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Presidential Fertilizer Initiative Strengthens Nigeria’s Supply Chain

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food sovereignty, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security strategy, is advancing efforts to secure a resilient and uninterrupted supply of fertilizer to Nigerian farmers.

As it enters a new phase, PFI 3.0 is laying the foundation for a stable supply of raw materials to blending plants, with the ultimate goal of making Nigeria self-sufficient in crop production for both food and industrial uses.

As of September 2025, more raw materials have been supplied than the total supplied in 2024, and additional arrangements have been concluded with fertilizer raw material manufacturers to stock warehouses nationwide.

It says blenders will have access to as much material as their production capacity can support. This is backed by verifiable data and a proven track record by the PFI, bolstering confidence among farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

In a statement from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), new data confirms steady progress.

From 2022 to date in 2025, 48 distinct vessels have delivered critical raw materials for fertilizer blending under the PFI.

In 2025 alone, 10 vessels have already discharged and are expected to discharge cargoes, accounting for more than 560,000 metric tonnes of inputs received at Nigerian ports.

This steady inflow is laying the foundation for robust production and ensuring continuity of supply and stability across Nigeria’s fertilizer value chain.

Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, said that the focus of PFI extends beyond mere volumes.

“We are meticulously building a system that can insulate farmers from global market shocks and instill the confidence needed for long-term agricultural planning.

“We see the PFI as a prime example of public–private collaboration that can solve complex national challenges, and its future is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity for strategic reform,” he said.

This strategic inflow has enabled consistent local production, with over 4.5 million metric tons of finished fertilizer produced between 2021 and 2024.

Cumulatively, since its inception, the PFI has facilitated the production of over 128 million bags of fertilizer, delivered directly to farmers across the country.

READ ALSO:Kaduna to Distribute Free Fertilizer to 100,000 Smallholder Farmers 

The Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) confirmed that a growing network of blending plants is key to this sustained output. We have witnessed significant improvement in productive capacity since the PFI’s inception,” said Sadiq Kassim, President of FEPSAN.

“The number of operational blending plants has increased to over 90 across the country, giving us a total blending capacity of up to 13 million metric tonnes. This capacity is a critical asset in ensuring fertilizer is consistently available for our farmers, bringing it closer to their farms and reducing transportation costs.”

Although the supply is robust, industry leaders acknowledge farmers’ concerns regarding rising prices in recent seasons.

They clarify that these pressures are a direct result of foreign exchange volatility and global raw material costs, not local scarcity.

To address these external pressures, the PFI is preparing for its third phase, PFI 3.0, which was endorsed at the August 2025 Stakeholder Roundtable in Abuja.

MOFI is set to take over operational management from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) by November 2025.

This transition is expected to strengthen governance and provide seamless continuity as the programme enters its next, more ambitious phase.

The PFI’s central mission remains providing Nigerian farmers with timely, affordable, and reliable access to fertilizer, and the system is now more resilient and dependable, giving farmers confidence in consistent supply.

Building on this foundation, PFI 3.0 under MOFI will introduce strategic reforms focused on year-round nationwide availability, enhanced cost efficiency, and stronger traceability to curb hoarding and diversion.

A key priority is accelerating local sourcing, with a clear push to increase the proportion of inputs produced domestically over the coming years. This shift will strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial base and reduce reliance on unpredictable imports.

The PFI is a flagship programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria designed to provide farmers with reliable and affordable access to high-quality fertilizer.

Since its inception in 2016, the PFI has revived local blending capacity, created jobs across the agricultural value chain, and significantly contributed to strengthening national food security.

Digital Overhaul of Capital Market Essential – Operator

Omowumi Samuel
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Digital Overhaul of Capital Market Essential – Operator

Nigeria’s capital market is undergoing a digital overhaul aimed at tackling decades-old inefficiencies that have, for the longest time, locked up billions of naira in unclaimed dividends and eroded investor confidence.

The Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars, Oluseyi Owoturo, said the reforms are essential if Nigeria’s capital market is to attract serious investors.

Owoturo said, “When dividends worth billions remain unclaimed, we’re not just talking about investor frustration—we’re talking about inefficiency that drains liquidity and undermines confidence across the market.”

READ ALSO:Agency Aims To Create Nigeria’s Digital Capital

According to him, these inefficiencies have in various ways stemmed from shareholders struggling with delays, paperwork, and opaque processes.

He said to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, market operators are rolling out digital solutions by introducing platforms aimed at making participation easier for both investors and issuers.

Before now, the Securities and Exchange Commission estimated that unclaimed dividends—some stretching back years had weakened liquidity.

Nigeria Calls for Action to Support IDPs

Peace Piak Kanu
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0
Nigeria Calls for Action to Support IDPs

Helen Shok Jok, Abuja

Nigeria has urged a shift from policy frameworks to concrete action in addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), stressing that solutions must go beyond temporary relief to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and create self-reliance.

The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr Tijanni Ahmed, made the call on Tuesday at the National Culminating Conference of the Public Service International (PSI) in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Chinwe Nwachukwu, the Commissioner described displacement as one of Nigeria’s most pressing humanitarian, development and peace challenges, noting that millions of Nigerians had been uprooted by conflict, disasters, and other crises.

“Whether through voluntary return, local integration, or relocation to new communities, durable solutions must be safe, free from threats and persecution, sustainable and supported by livelihoods, housing, and services as well as inclusive by respecting the rights and voices of displaced persons,” he said.

Ahmed added that frameworks such as the Kampala Convention and the draft national durable solutions strategy had laid the foundation but insisted that “the time has come to move beyond frameworks to implementation, monitoring, and accountability.”

He listed five priorities: strengthening governance, investing in livelihoods, ensuring legal protection, promoting peacebuilding, and instituting monitoring systems.

Josefine Johansson of ASSR Sweden lauded the cooperation between Nigerian trade unions, civil society groups, and the Swedish labour movement in defending the rights of frontline workers while advocating public services for IDPs.

She noted that the project had raised awareness about dangers faced by workers in displacement areas, including kidnapping, sometimes forcing families to raise ransom.

“The training manual we are launching today will serve as a tool to spread this work even further. We are proud to be part of a project that not only supports IDPs but also advocates for the rights and safety of frontline workers, who are often exposed to kidnapping, harassment and exploitation,” Johansson said.

She further stressed that displacement was not unique to Nigeria, citing recent flooding in Sweden as evidence that climate-driven crises could affect any country, and called for stronger global solidarity.

PSI Project Coordinator, Mr Luis Monje, said the project had initially faced challenges due to a lack of reliable data on displacement but had since generated critical insights through collaboration with unions and frontline workers.

“This project has helped affiliates to see the nexus between IDPs, decent work, and access to quality public services. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all citizens, including IDPs, enjoy full access to their human rights,” Monje said.

He added that participatory methods had enabled broad engagement across unions, strengthening dialogue and positioning them as key actors in Nigeria’s development.

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Benson Upah, described frontline workers as the “backbone of humanitarian response”, stressing that they operate in extremely difficult conditions.

“In Nigeria, frontline workers have been instrumental in responding to the needs of IDPs and refugees, often at great personal risk, yet they continue to face inadequate protection, insufficient resources and limited access to support services. We must ensure that they have safe and healthy working environments and access to the necessary support for their wellbeing,” he said.

Upah called for stronger protections, awareness campaigns, and joint action among government, civil society, and humanitarian groups to create an enabling environment for workers and strengthen humanitarian responses.

PIAK

Tunisia Reaffirms Readiness To Host 2025 ITTF African Championships

Mosunmola Ore
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Tunisia Reaffirms Readiness To Host 2025 ITTF African Championships

Tunisia has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 2025 ITTF African Championships scheduled for October 12 to 19 in Rades.

The North African country, described as Africa’s Table Tennis Hub, has successfully staged several ITTF-sanctioned events, including the African Cup, Youth Championships and multiple regional competitions.

Secretary-General of the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation, Mrs Faten Tebina, told reporters on Wednesday that Tunisia viewed the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Seals ITTF World Youth Championships Spot

Tebina said; “Being considered a hub shows the trust the African table tennis community places in Tunisia’s ability to deliver.

“It motivates us to maintain momentum, invest in infrastructure and position Tunisia as a permanent reference point for table tennis development on the continent.”

Tunisia stepped in to host the championship after Rwanda’s withdrawal earlier this year, responding swiftly to ensure continuity of the competition.

“Our response was immediate and positive. We accepted the challenge fully aware of its importance for African table tennis.

“Within days, we restructured our organisational team, renewed our operational framework and mobilised resources to meet the demands of hosting,” Tebina said.

She noted that international events had strengthened the Federation’s internal capacity and deepened collaborations with both public and private stakeholders in Tunisia.

According to her, rising Tunisian players such as Wassim Essid, ranked among Africa’s top U-19 talents, have already benefited from increased international exposure.

“We have developed a strong volunteer network and created opportunities for young Tunisian players to accelerate their growth,” Tebina explained.

The 2025 African Championships will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, with slots available in singles, doubles and team events.

“Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere in Rades, with world-class competition and a celebration of African talent.

“Online audiences will also enjoy improved coverage. Our goal is to create an inclusive championship that inspires fans across the continent,” she said.

 

 

NAN

Police Reforms: President Tinubu Hails Former Inspector General Adamu

Peace Piak Kanu
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0
Police Reforms: President Tinubu Hails Former Inspector General Adamu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, for his decades of service and his role in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Nigerian Police Force.

Congratulating Nigeria’s 20th Inspector General of Police on his birthday, President Tinubu praised the reforms initiated by the former police chief, noting that they continue to shape internal security management.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Mr. Adamu for mentoring a generation of officers.

He highlighted the former IGP’s steady leadership in maintaining law and order, as well as his contributions to modernising policing standards nationwide.

President Tinubu wished the former police chief good health, renewed strength, and many more years of fulfilment.

PIAK

Nigerian Governors Commit to Driving Digital Transformation

Omowumi Samuel
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0
Nigerian Governors Commit to Driving Digital Transformation

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has reiterated its commitment to advancing the country through the implementation of the Digital Public Infrastructure, DPI, for effective governance.

The commitment was made at the opening of a two day workshop of the public review for the Draft DPI Live Event and the Draft Technical Standard for the Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The workshop with the theme: Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through standard, data exchange, and e-Government transformation, organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the NGF, aims to provide a unified and secure framework for data sharing across government institutions and private sector entities, streamline service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and drive innovation across key sectors.

The Director-General, of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Abdulateef Shittu represented by Mr. Shina Ayotola, commended NITDA for its leadership in convening the workshop at a time when the conversation around Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) had become critical to Nigeria’s development aspirations.

He called for collaborative efforts in building secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems.

READ ALSO:NGF Reaffirms Commitment To Democracy

According to him, “This goal cannot be achieved by each government in isolation. It requires strong federal-state collaboration and robust multi-stakeholder partnerships.

“At the NGF, we have been intentional about ensuring that state governments take the lead in their digital transformation journey. Our DPI Readiness Report, the first comprehensive assessment of digital public infrastructure, policies, and capabilities across Nigeria’s 36 states, was a major step in this direction.”

“This report not only provides a baseline understanding of where each state stands in terms of their digital identity systems, payment systems, and data exchange frameworks, but also offers concrete recommendations to close existing gaps and accelerate sustained digital transformation in all states of the federation.”He added .

“ It highlights the opportunities that exist for governments and the private sector in promoting and building shared infrastructure, services, and skills, all of which are critical to attaining the level of scale and sustainability that Nigeria requires to meet its development aspirations. “

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy Dr. Wariowei Dimie, called for collective participation of stakeholders in reviewing the DPI framework and developing the Nigerian Data Exchange.

He called on governments both at the national and sub national levels to unite in achieving Nigeria’s digital transformation targets.

“We need the DPR framework and the Nigerian data exchange to work together to achieve the desire to make Nigeria a digitally empowered country.”

“We cannot do that alone, only at the federal level. The sub-nationals are going to be critically part of this so that it will be a whole of government approach to solving this critical problem. Of course we all know the various things we can do with the DPI and then the data exchange.”

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Rafiu Adeladan, represented by the Director e-Government, Mr Johnson Bareyei, highlighted the significant role the NGF has to play in achieving Nigeria’s DPI and Data Exchange framework.

According to him “Today’s engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is so significant.”

“Our States are at the frontline of service delivery, and the success of Nigeria’s DPI journey depends on how well the Governors integrate these systems into their development strategies.”

“By keying into initiatives like the Nigeria Data Exchange (NGDX), Governors can enable more efficient land administration, digital tax collection, health and education services, and improve ease of doing business in their respective states.”

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