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AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
- President Tinubu Taking Wise, Statesmanly Decisions – Assures VP Shettima
- Lists subsidy removal, other policies as options taken to save Nigeria
- Says nation’s economy will witness positive changes after the sacrifices
By: Our Reporter
Again, Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the ship of state through the economic turbulence and storm he met on ground on assumption of office.
“Soon, Nigeria’s economy will experience significant growth once we’ve overcome these sacrifices. Positive changes will soon be evident across all economic indicators – inflation, per capita income, GDP numbers, poverty reduction, food security, and all aspects close to the hearts of our people,” he declared.
Senator Shettima made the appeal on Thursday during the 2nd Chronicle Roundtable organized by 21st Century Media Services, publishers of 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE, as part of its public service enlightenment series, at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The Vice President who was the Guest Speaker at the roundtable explained some key policy decisions taken by the Tinubu administration as well as its Economic and Social Agenda, including the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, which he described as the ‘biggest elephant in the room’ before President Tinubu took charge.
Appealing for patience and time to address the serious challenges he said they met on ground, especially the nation’s ailing economy which was already tottering towards an eclipse, Shettima said, “We look forward to the positive impact on the economy that will be brought by some of our new initiatives in the oil and gas sector, creative arts sector, the newly rejigged steel and solid minerals sectors, our housing sector, the blue economy, and the digital sectors, to mention but a few.
“There is no doubt that there’s a time to plant and a time to reap. In between those times, we appeal for patience and seek collective sacrifice from all, especially from us. We wish there were a way to treat this ailment without surgery”.
While delivering his speech titled, “Because These Shortcuts Are Not The Right Ways,” the VP noted that though the decision to remove fuel subsidy was quite tough considering its negative impact on the lives of the citizens, it became an inevitable option when it was discovered that the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari did not make provision for it in the 2023 budget.
He explained: “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chose the option that would save the life of the nation, instead of one that would merely prolong its imminent and predicted economic death. Before we took charge, the biggest elephant in the room was the question of fuel subsidy removal.
“We understood why our predecessor made the decision to remove it and refused to budget for it in their final fiscal year. The year before we took office, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had grown to 111.8%. The anticipated debt crisis may sound like fancy economic jargon to the man on the street, but you and I are in a better position to understand how such miscalculations have played out in other countries. It’s an economic death sentence.
“In plain terms, our debt servicing was such that if you earned, say, N100,000, the entirety of the money wasn’t only paid to your debtor; you were forced to borrow an additional N11,800 to pay the debtor. How do you intend to survive this, and how many more loans before you become a pariah?
“We are not even discussing the nation’s budget deficits, diversions of resources from critical sectors of the economy, and corruption masterminded in the subsidy regime.”
Acknowledging that government is a continuum, the VP said whoever had “succeeded the previous government would have either chosen to steer the ship through the storm as President Tinubu is doing or jumped ship and let the country implode.”
He observed that those who contested the presidency with President Tinubu did not feel morally justified to question the decision to remove fuel subsidy because it was part of the solutions they also tabled before Nigerians.
“This was because, whether in handling the subsidy matter or the forex crisis, they had also promised the solutions we had adopted. Those who attempted to eat their words were instantly proven wrong by data, history, and their antecedents—those emotionless reality checkers,” he pointed out.
Senator Shettima regretted that for long Nigeria had endured economic sabotage, leading to the resolve by Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, “to take matters into their hands to neutralise the overpowering influence of currency manipulators who had conspired to frustrate our reforms.
“Today, I stand proud to say that their interventions have translated into desired results, and Naira’s pushback against all odds is an inspiring journey that doesn’t have to be learned in Buenos Aires, as some would want us to do,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and former Finance Minister, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, praised the content of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, describing it as one of the most detailed and carefully crafted policy document in the history of the country.
He stressed the need for the Renewed Hope Agenda document to be reviewed and integrated into the medium and long-term development framework of the country, noting that policy consistency with a long-term vision to transform critical sectors of the economy, is the way to go.
Dr Usman also commended the administration’s establishment of a central coordination delivery unit to track the performance of programmes, policies and key interventions of the Federal Government, insisting that the monitoring of key performance indicators in the policy document was critical to the success of the government.
On his part, the CEO of 2nd Chronicle Newspaper, Malam Mahmud Jega had while welcoming guests to the event, said the need to critically analyse government policies and programmes was not just an expectation from the media but indeed borne out of the necessity to collectively contribute in shaping the nation’s development trajectory.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed; Chairman of 21st Century Chronicle, Amb. Gbara Awanen; notable leaders in the media industry, Dr Ishaq Moddibo Kawu; Mallam Garba Shehu; Mr Segun Adeniyi, and Malam Mahmud Jega, among others.
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s mobile and digital connectivity beyond its borders as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and lower the cost of internet services across the region.
The initiative was disclosed on Monday during the second edition of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja and organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Federal Government plans to extend Nigeria’s fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries as part of efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and tackle security challenges.
According to him, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in about ninety thousand kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure that will connect Nigeria with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.
Tijani explained that the regional connectivity project would help reduce the cost of internet capacity in neighbouring countries, where the price of connectivity is significantly higher than in Nigeria.
He noted that while the project would improve digital access and affordability, it would also support national security operations along the country’s borders.
“This fibre network will also provide opportunities for the military because it will run across our borders, which means we will have stronger capabilities for fibre sensing and surveillance,” the minister said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic advantage as the only country in West Africa operating its own communications satellite through Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, noting that the platform plays a critical role in providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities.
According to Tijani, satellite infrastructure supports sectors such as agriculture, education, business and security, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are limited.
He commended President Tinubu for approving the acquisition of additional satellites, describing the move as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to building future-ready digital infrastructure.
The minister added that investments in infrastructure must be accompanied by practical applications capable of driving real development outcomes.
“Satellite technology is a powerful enabler, particularly in the area of security,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the event reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to harnessing space technology for national development.
She highlighted initiatives such as Project 774, which aims to provide satellite-enabled connectivity to all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.
Egerton-Idehen also noted that the agency is strengthening its global partnerships, including collaborations with Eutelsat and the Kenya Space Agency, while Nigeria currently serves as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association.
She explained that the role allows Nigeria to participate actively in shaping international satellite policy and spectrum management discussions.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised the importance of satellite technology in strengthening communication systems and supporting critical services.
According to him, satellite infrastructure has become vital for communication, emergency response, education, security and broader technological advancement.
The Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore opportunities within the satellite and digital infrastructure ecosystem.
Participants say the event provides a platform for collaboration aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital and satellite economy.
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, late Hajiya Fatima Umma.
The Vice President who paid the El-Rufai family at their Abuja residence called for collective effort in uniting the nation aside political differences.
Senator Shettima prayed for the repose of the soul of the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family.
The late Hajiya Fatima Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 96.
The Vice President was received by former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmad Adamu Muazu; former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdurrahman Dambazau; Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, and the member Representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai.
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, development agencies, and civil society have called for stronger collaboration and expanded financing to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The call was made on Monday during a special project-specific interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition organised under the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organization Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production project in Abuja.
The event brought together representatives of industries, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, policy makers, and members of the media to review the progress of the initiative and explore opportunities for expanding sustainable industrial practices across the country.
Speakers at the session emphasised that improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in industrial operations are essential for lowering production costs, boosting competitiveness and promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Opening the session, the project leadership said the initiative had recorded significant progress in promoting industrial energy efficiency and resource-efficient production methods within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
According to the National Project Coordinator, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP Project, Jacob Oladipo revealed that the project has supported capacity building programmes, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement and innovative financing mechanisms designed to help industries reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.
He explained that the project had demonstrated that sustainable industrial practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial to businesses.
The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the outcomes of the project and identify lessons that could support the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production systems across industries.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kunle Fadare said the initiative was both timely and strategic for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He noted that the industrial sector accounts for more than thirty per cent of the country’s total energy consumption but still operates far below optimal efficiency levels.
Fadare said studies have shown that improvements in energy efficiency within Nigerian industries could lead to savings of between twenty and forty per cent in energy use.
He added that such gains would translate into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
He also highlighted the environmental implications of industrial waste, noting that Nigeria generates more than thirty-two million tonnes of solid waste annually, a significant portion of which originates from industrial activities.
According to him, adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production practices would not only reduce waste but also strengthen long-term business sustainability.
Fadare further praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, describing it as an important platform for recognising businesses that are taking concrete steps toward sustainable production.
He said the initiative would help showcase best practices and encourage other companies to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
Global trends, he added, show that markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production systems, particularly as access to international markets becomes tied to sustainability and environmental compliance.
He therefore urged Nigerian businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency and cleaner production practices to remain competitive in regional and global markets.
Also speaking, the Global Environment Facility desk officer commended the collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the project.
The official expressed appreciation to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for providing technical guidance and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for supporting the implementation of the initiative.
The desk officer also acknowledged the role played by various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in advancing the project’s objectives.
According to the official, the interactive session was designed to allow stakeholders to examine emerging issues related to energy use in industries, share experiences, address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
The official stressed that sustainable economic growth requires strong collaboration among government, industry, development partners and civil society.
Participants were therefore encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights that could help strengthen the implementation of energy-efficient industrial practices in Nigeria.
Representatives of the organised private sector also highlighted the need to scale up financing mechanisms that support industries seeking to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
They noted that while progress had been made through innovative financing models and technical support programmes, wider adoption would require increased investment, stronger policy support and continued capacity building for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.
Stakeholders agreed that the engagement of the organised private sector, non-governmental organisations and the media would be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the project.
They emphasised that awareness creation, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy would play key roles in expanding the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate the transition toward a more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.
Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
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VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
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