Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Egypt have agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” and placing emphasis on mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

This was the agreement reached between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, during the visit of the former to Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with the Egyptian government.

In the Nigeria’s delegation are also the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration. They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance, and the objectives of Agenda 2063.

Egypt and Nigeria, while recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and extremism, agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.

They also expressed a commitment to supporting conflict resolution in Africa through peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.

The ministers acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral economic engagement and agreed to encourage both governmental and private sector participation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

They also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, with a formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026.

The two foreign affairs ministers also
commended recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens of both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating easier movement and stronger people-to-people connections.

The next session of the Joint Committee at the ministerial level is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats

FFS Calls on Fuel Station Owners, Tankers Operators to Take Action at Addressing Recklessness of their Drivers , Employees

By: Michael Mike

The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji has called on fuel station owners and tanker operators to take immediate action in addressing reckless driving by their drivers, especially on major roads and dangerous bends.

The call followed the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 60 lives and left many others severely injured.

Speaking to journalists, Jaji reiterated the need for an urgent review of safety protocols governing fuel transportation across the nation.

The Controller-General while expressing concern over the frequent tanker explosions and fuel station incidents in the country, warned that even a small static spark or gas leak can result in rapid, deadly explosions.

Jaji who highlighted the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noted that it has a highly fatal risk. “Fuel vapors and leaks can ignite at any moment,” he cautioned.

He said: “Your life is worth more than a few litres of fuel,” warning that approaching a fuel spill is not only dangerous but could be fatal.

He urged the public to avoid accident sites and instead contact the Federal Fire Service for prompt intervention.

The Fire Service boss also called on Nigerians, particularly operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants, and users of gas cylinders, to strictly follow safety measures to prevent further catastrophe.

Jaji however extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent tragedy and commended the first responders for their dedication, which he described as a testament to the nation’s resilience.

He expressed his heartfelt prayers for those grieving, asking for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.

He took the time to express the importance of prioritizing safety and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens,” he urged.

He reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness and called for the swift passage of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which is currently under review at the National Assembly. He argued that the outdated law is inadequate to address current fire safety challenges and needs to be modernized to better regulate fire safety measures and reduce incidents like this in the future.

German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre

By: Our Reporter

The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annet Gunther, and the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme to Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, unveiled two projects executed by the administration of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in Monguno town.

While the German Ambassador unveiled resettlement houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Nigeria’s UNDP Country Representative conducted the commissioning of a 100-person capacity ICT centre to facilitate digital education.

The housing estate consists of 1,000 two-bedroom semi-detached low-cost houses and another 900 semi-permanent shelters with basic amenities such as a health centre and a borehole for water provision.

About 1,874 IDP families from 14 communities benefited from the housing project. Each of them received food and non-food items, N50,000 cash for the household heads and another N20,000 for each housewife.

In her goodwill message, Madam Annet Gunther commended Governor Zulum for the laudable projects that helped people affected by insurgency pick up the pieces of their lives.

She said: “This housing project is also a great example of collaboration between the government of Borno State and international partners. Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international partners.”

Elsie Attafuah corroborated Gunther’s commendation of Zulum’s administration, noting that the housing project aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilisation effort which is working towards peace restoration in communities in Lake Chad area.

Governor Zulum, in his address, explained that while the German Government funded the construction of 500 permanent and another 900 semi-permanent shelters, Borno State Government constructed the remaining 500 houses and provided amenities such as a health centre and potable water among others.

“A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Borno State Government and UNDP in 2020 under the RS German initiative to start the construction of 500 housing units. In August 2023, another LOA was signed under RSF German reintegration funds aimed at completing the 500 permanent housing units, providing an additional 900 semi-permanent shelters, and installing 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.

He added that in addition to these efforts, Borno State Government had also constructed 500 permanent housing units and provided toilets for the temporary shelters, bringing the total number of houses constructed to 1,900.

According to Zulum, these accommodations will play a crucial role in the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of some IDP camps in Monguno, ensuring a smoother transition for resettling families.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt and the European Union, among other donors for supporting Borno State.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Germany for their generous contribution and to UNDP for their unwavering partnership. 

“Additionally, we thank all other donors and contributors to the RSF, UN OFFER, and other funding initiatives dedicated to promoting peace, stability, reintegration and development in Borno State,” Zulum stated.

Dignitaries, including the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko, the head of UNDP office, Maiduguri, Mathew Alao, community leaders and citizens, gathered to witness the commissioning ceremony.

German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre