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3RD BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FORUM:China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

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3RD BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FORUM:
China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

As President Jinping pledges more investments in Nigeria’s power generation

By: Our Reporter

In what could best be described as a major milestone for Nigeria at the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing, China has committed to refinancing and completing the Abuja-Kano and Port- Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.

President of Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, made the pledge today while responding to requests made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who, was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing.

It would be recalled that since the launch of the projects, China is yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and commitments.

China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance 15% paid its part of the funding from inception of the project through appropriations.

The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractors named to execute the project.

The Chinese President who was visibly elated to receive the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Shettima at the Peoples Building in China, pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, saying he would, in turn, ensure that the Nigeria-China bilateral relation is stronger than before.

President Jinping promised that China will enhance political support and build cooperations in all fields, just as he appreciated Nigeria’s support of one China Policy.

Pledging to further deepen practical cooperations, the Chinese leader threw his weight of support behind the Renewed Hope Manifesto of President Bola Tinubu and his 8-point economic agenda adding that China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially as it relates to peanuts and others, even as the China – Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria.

In the area of security, President Jinping promised continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military trainings and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.

Noting that China is committed to peace, President Jinping said, “Like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated recently at the last United Nations General Assembly, Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the World. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and upholding allies’ commitments.

“Mr Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you. Nigeria is developing with big potentials. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading”.

Speaking earlier, Vice President Shettima who delivered the well-wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the rail projects as very vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country.

The vice President said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria – China tie, addng that it was laddened with respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperations.

“Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership but we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China.

“When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit I was very honest and upright with you. Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity. You don’t dictate to us who our friends are. We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, we thus appreciate your friendship,” VP Kashim submitted.

President Jinping had before his audience with Vice President Kashim Shettima formally declared the Forum which had numerous heads of states and top government officials open.

Nigeria Will Leverage On Ties With China To Improve Digital Space, Says VP Shettima

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima today said Nigeria will leverage its relationship with China to adopt programmes that will improve the country’s digital space, among other benefits.

Sen. Shettima also assured member countries of the Belt and Road Initiative of Nigeria’s readiness to “collaborate with the group and other emerging markets to bring about a positive shift in the growth and development of global economies.”

The Vice President stated these in his keynote address themed, “Digital Economy As A New Source Of Growth”, delivered during the High-Level Forum at the onging 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China.

The Vice President who spoke on Nigeria’s efforts at leveraging collaborations with partners to deploy technology in addressing some of its challenges, noted: “We are keen on using the instrumentality of the existing robust Nigeria-China bilateral relations to maximally key into projects under the platform of the Digital Silk Road for the improvement of our digital space.”

Speaking about Nigeria’s efforts in leveraging the digital space to create jobs and diversify the economy, Sen. Shettima said, “Nigeria has recorded a number of achievements including a digitalized public service, developed banking and e-payment systems, electoral reforms through the introduction of the electronic registration of voters and e-transmission of votes, thus creating ripple effects of job creation and human capacity building opportunities for our teeming youth population.”

Continuing, the VP said, “We have recently unveiled the new strategic blueprint, accelerating our collective prosperity through technical, as part of the Federal Government’s initiative to accelerate the diversification of the Nigerian economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.”

He added: “Through this strategic blue print, the Federal Government aims to achieve three key objectives namely: Accelerate the growth of Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and net exporter of talent. One of the goals of this talent hub is to train three million early to mid-career technical talents throughout the next four years (2022-2027); Deepen and accelerate’its position in global research in key technology areas; and Raise the complexity and dynamics of Nigeria’s economy by significantly increasing the level of digital literacy across the country.”

The Vice President also spoke about Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate from 50 to 70 per cent by the end of 2025 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s domestic card scheme code named “Afri Go” to rival foreign cards like Master and Visa cards, and stregthen the national payment system.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Transportation, Mr Saidu Alkali; Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda and others.

3RD BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FORUM:
China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

By: Michael Mike

Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.

She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.

Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.

Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.

Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.

She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

By: Michael Mike

A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.

He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.

The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.

On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.

Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.

In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”

The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

By: Michael Mike

Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.

The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.

Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.

Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.

The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.

Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.

A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.

On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.

To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.

The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.

West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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