National News
At 4th AU Forum, VP Shettima Urges Integration Of Informal Economy Into Formal Intra-African Trade Framework
At 4th AU Forum, VP Shettima Urges Integration Of Informal Economy Into Formal Intra-African Trade Framework
** Demands strong MSME ecosystem for Africa’s prosperity
** Says Nigeria is deepening investments to expand capacity of small businesses
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said Africa’s future economic success depends on its ability to integrate the informal sector into the formal intra-African trade framework, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, the promise of a better future for Africa does not depend on the skyscrapers being constructed in capitals of nations or the transactions in stock exchanges but lies in the reality that the “potential of the informal sector, which accounts for nearly 90 percent” of the continent’s workforce, must be harnessed.
Senator Shettima, who stated this on Monday when he declared open the 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum in Abuja, warned that if Africa fails to harness the potential in the informal sector for small businesses to grow, the continent would “keep going round the same cycle of despair.”
To achieve this, he demanded the integration of the informal economy into the fabric of formal intra-African trade, noting that this is the reason why small businesses have remained at the heart of policy formulation in Nigeria.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, there can be no African prosperity without a strong MSME ecosystem. This forum is a continental call to action. 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.
“I am confident that through our collaborative efforts, this forum will mark a turning point. We hope to see our shared aspirations translated into concrete actions that empower our MSMEs and propel Africa towards a brighter, more sustainable future,” VP Shettima told delegates and other participants at the forum.
Welcoming the delegates and participants to the forum, the Vice President conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of assurance, of Nigeria’s hospitality, and the nation’s readiness to join other countries on the continent in learning from one another, as well as the determination to agree on the direction taken to effectively compete with the rest of the world.
He underscored the crucial role MSMEs play in the development and growth of Africa, observing that beyond employing millions of Africans, “they are engines of inclusive growth and effective tools for poverty alleviation.
“In Nigeria alone, MSMEs contribute a staggering 48 per cent to our national GDP and employ over 84 per cent of our workforce. They are a mirror to our future, and they explain why we are deepening our investments to expand the capacity of this sector,” Senator Shettima said.
Beyond building local infrastructure for entrepreneurial expansion, the Vice President implored African countries to entrench cross-border cooperation since their destinies are bound together as a continent.
He identified some of the obstacles confronting MSMEs in Africa to include limited access to affordable finance, describing this particular challenge as a recurring nightmare, just as he noted that with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), there is still hope.
“It costs our continent not just money—it costs us momentum. But we must find hope in the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is why I am particularly excited about the theme of this forum—“Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa.” The timing is perfect. The vision is clear,” he declared.
VP Shettima acknowledged what he termed a remarkable surge in digital adoption across Africa, saying technology is achieving what politics has struggled to actualise over the years.
He noted, however, that for the momentum to be sustained, policymakers must live up to their duties by “investing in robust digital infrastructure, bridging the digital literacy gap, and establishing regulatory frameworks that do not stifle innovation,” he said.
Regretting the continued dependence of MSMEs on traditional financial institutions, Shettima, however, expressed hope that change is unfolding, with fintech firms across Africa now using alternative data to assess creditworthiness and extend microloans to the previously excluded.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President/Chairman of the Host Country Committee, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a future where MSMEs are empowered to thrive.
“The forum signifies our shared commitment to a prosperous and inclusive future for Africa, a future where MSMEs have the opportunity not just to survive but to thrive. We gather here today under the theme of the Africa we want.
“It is our continental imperative and road map for unlocking the immense potential of our continent’s most vital engine—our MSMEs. An investment in our MSMEs is a direct investment in a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant Africa,” he said.
In setting the tone for discussions at the forum, the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, highlighted the significance of the forum, particularly in addressing challenges faced by budding entrepreneurs across the continent.
He underscored the need for stakeholders across the continent to collaborate and capitalise on the potential of Africa’s youthful and energetic population to transform the region’s economic landscape.
In his remarks, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, applauded the support and commitment of Vice President Shettima and Chairman of the National Council for MSME to the transformation and growth of the MSME sector in Nigeria, highlighting key initiatives supervised by his office since the inception of the current administration.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to always patronise home-grown products as part of the concerted efforts to support local manufacturers and MSMEs.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said interventions and targeted engagements through the bank have, over the years, helped in knowledge growth and adoption of digital tools by MSMEs, noting that the initiatives have impacted growth in the sector.
Also speaking, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo De Luca, stated that access to finance remains a pressing challenge for businesses in the region, especially MSMEs.
He disclosed that the European Union has committed about €1.1 billion in support of the African Union’s implementation of AfCFTA.
“Our EU initiative in support of the African Union in the implementation of the AfCFTA hovers around 1.1 billion euros. The African Continental Free Trade Area represents an unprecedented achievement towards realising Africa’s full economic potential and integration. The EU remains firmly committed to our partnership with Africa and ECOWAS for inclusive and sustainable industrial development across the continent,” he said.
Also, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, emphasised the need for enabling ecosystems to help MSMEs move from resilience to scalable impact.
She said, “Across our continent, MSMEs are the builders of local prosperity. They employ, they innovate, and they adapt, but they cannot thrive on resilience alone. They need ecosystems that work for them, platforms to commercialise innovation, access to working capital and markets both domestic and continental that recognise their value.”
On his part, Permanent Representative of the African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Afolabi Oke, announced the appointment of Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Job Creation and MSMEs, as the Special Adviser to the AU 6th Region on Job Creation and MSME Development.
“The African Union Sixth Region Global is dedicated to representing and advocating for the African diaspora worldwide. As an extension of the African Union, we serve as the ‘Sixth Region,’ uniting people of African descent living outside the African continent and Friends of Africa,” Oke said.
On Nigeria’s export and industrialisation, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, reiterated the bank’s commitment to MSME financing as a strategic pathway to value chain development and AfCFTA success.
“There’s a need for Africa to look inward to develop its value chain. We need to facilitate the success of the AfCFTA, and this is dependent on boosting production,” he said.
At 4th AU Forum, VP Shettima Urges Integration Of Informal Economy Into Formal Intra-African Trade Framework
Nigeria, UN Rally Global Support for Peace as IGP Honours Fallen Peacekeepers
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has renewed its commitment to global peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation, with the United Nations and the Nigeria Police Force calling for greater investment in peacebuilding as the world confronts rising conflicts, insecurity and humanitarian crises.
The call was made on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Abuja, where the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, paid tribute to peacekeepers who have served and died in missions across the world.
Held under the theme “Invest in Peace,” the event brought together government officials, diplomats, security agencies, development partners and serving peacekeepers to celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of men and women deployed under the United Nations flag.
The United Nations described peacekeeping as one of the most enduring symbols of international solidarity, stressing that peace remains the foundation of sustainable development and human progress.
Speaking at the ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator said peace was built not only through security interventions but also through investments in education, justice, social cohesion, youth empowerment and inclusive development.
“Every investment in peace is an investment in humanity,” the UN official said, citing the position of UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, that peace remains the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.
The UN noted that more than two million people have served in peacekeeping operations since 1948, while over 87,000 military, police and civilian personnel are currently deployed in missions around the world.
The world body also highlighted Nigeria’s impressive peacekeeping record, revealing that the country has contributed more than 200,000 military and police personnel to 41 peace support missions since the 1960s.
According to the UN, Nigeria currently has 335 uniformed personnel serving in United Nations operations, including 138 officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Resident Coordinator commended Nigerian peacekeepers for their professionalism and dedication in conflict zones, saying they had helped protect civilians, strengthen democratic institutions and support post-conflict recovery efforts across several countries.
“You carry trust. You carry the hopes of families you protect. You walk into difficult places so others can live in safety. You stand between uncertainty and stability,” the official told Nigerian officers serving under the UN flag.
In his remarks, IGP Disu paid glowing tribute to peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace and security.
He disclosed that since the establishment of UN Peacekeeping Operations in 1948, more than 4,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives while protecting vulnerable populations and helping stabilize conflict-affected societies.
“Peace is not free. It is often secured through extraordinary acts of courage, selflessness and dedication,” Disu said.
The police chief emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to international peace operations through the deployment of police officers to various United Nations missions across Africa and beyond.
According to him, Nigerian police personnel have distinguished themselves in areas such as civilian protection, electoral assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, institution building and community policing.
He said the professionalism displayed by Nigerian officers has earned the country international recognition and strengthened its standing as a responsible contributor to global peace and security.
Disu used the occasion to advocate increased investment in peacebuilding initiatives, arguing that preventing conflicts is more cost-effective and sustainable than responding to crises after violence has erupted.
“Investing in peace means strengthening institutions, promoting justice, protecting human rights and addressing the root causes of instability before they escalate into conflict,” he said.
The IGP also stressed the need for continuous training and capacity development for peacekeepers, noting that modern peace operations require personnel equipped with operational competence, mediation skills, cultural sensitivity and community engagement capabilities.
He further underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in peacekeeping missions, saying inclusive peace processes produce more sustainable outcomes and strengthen the legitimacy of peace operations.
Disu paid special tribute to the families of peacekeepers, describing them as unsung heroes whose sacrifices and emotional support make international service possible.
The event also coincided with Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Nigerian officials reiterated the country’s support for international cooperation, global peace efforts and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing emerging global challenges.
The United Nations, meanwhile, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for efforts to promote peace, security and national stability, noting that peacekeeping abroad and peacebuilding at home are inseparable elements of sustainable development.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria through partnerships with government institutions, civil society groups, traditional leaders, women, youth and development partners to advance dialogue, human rights, humanitarian assistance and social cohesion.
Speakers at the ceremony agreed that peace should not merely be defined as the absence of war but as the presence of justice, opportunity and human dignity.
They stressed that investments in schools, healthcare, community development, youth empowerment and accountable institutions remain essential for preventing violence and building resilient societies.
As global conflicts, terrorism, displacement and political instability continue to challenge international peace and security, participants called for stronger cooperation among nations and renewed commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.
They maintained that the greatest legacy the current generation can leave behind is a peaceful world where future generations can live in safety, dignity and hope.
Nigeria, UN Rally Global Support for Peace as IGP Honours Fallen Peacekeepers
National News
Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa
Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract local and international capital into Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe declaring the electrification of over 35,000 health facilities nationwide as one of Africa’s most attractive investment opportunities.
Speaking at the National Healthcare Electrification Investor Matchmaking Forum held in Lagos under the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), Tegbe urged investors to embrace innovative and sustainable financing models capable of ending the chronic energy deficits that continue to undermine healthcare delivery across the country.
The forum, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with UK PACT, brought together government officials, development partners, hospital administrators and private sector leaders to explore pathways for mobilising private capital into healthcare electrification.
Tegbe said reliable electricity had become indispensable to modern healthcare delivery, stressing that access to power was no longer merely an infrastructure issue but a critical determinant of patient outcomes, emergency response capabilities and the overall effectiveness of health institutions.
Describing himself as an early stakeholder in the initiative before assuming office as Minister of Power, he reaffirmed his commitment to driving its implementation, noting that the programme aligns with the power sector reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the country’s more than 35,000 registered primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities represent a vast pipeline of commercially viable projects capable of attracting investment into solar mini-grids, hybrid energy systems, battery storage technologies, smart metering, energy management platforms and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“The opportunity before investors is significant and scalable,” Tegbe said, adding that healthcare electrification offers long-term prospects for sustainable returns while addressing a critical social need.
He assured prospective investors that the Federal Government would provide the policy support, regulatory certainty and inter-ministerial coordination required to de-risk investments and ensure successful project delivery.
Tegbe disclosed that the Ministry of Power is already implementing similar interventions through the World Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project, under which solar mini-grids and hybrid energy solutions have been deployed in healthcare facilities across the country.
He also pointed to the provisions of the Electricity Act as a robust regulatory framework that supports power purchase agreements, mini-grid licensing and increased participation by state governments in electricity projects.
The minister maintained that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and position Nigeria as a preferred destination for quality healthcare services in Africa.
Also speaking at the forum, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the NPHI as a strategic departure from traditional donor-dependent interventions towards a commercially sustainable Energy-as-a-Service model.
Under the framework, he explained, specialised energy providers would finance, install and maintain power systems for healthcare facilities, thereby eliminating one of the most persistent obstacles to effective healthcare delivery.
Salako noted that unreliable power supply continues to threaten the operation of theatres, diagnostic equipment, vaccine cold-chain systems and emergency services across many health institutions.
He said the initiative is built on blended financing mechanisms, institutional preparedness and national scalability, with the first phase targeting federal tertiary hospitals before expanding to primary and secondary healthcare facilities nationwide.
According to him, a new governance structure has already been established to drive implementation, strengthen investor confidence and unlock private-sector participation in the healthcare energy market.
The renewed push by government signals a major attempt to leverage private investment to solve one of the healthcare sector’s most enduring challenges, while simultaneously opening a potentially multi-billion-dollar market for clean energy developers and infrastructure financiers.
Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa
Muslim Media Practitioners Demand Public Holiday for Islamic New Year
By: Michael Mike
The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the federal and state governments to declare the first day of the Islamic calendar, Muharram 1, a public holiday, arguing that millions of Muslims deserve the same recognition accorded Christians on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.
The group made the demand as Muslims across Nigeria and the world marked the commencement of Hijrah 1448 A.H on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, MMPN said the declaration of a public holiday for the Islamic New Year would reflect fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law while strengthening religious harmony in the country.
“Muharram 1 is our own January 1. We want both the Federal and state governments alike to declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony in the country,” Balogun stated.
The association argued that official recognition of the Islamic New Year would give Muslims a greater sense of belonging and further reinforce national unity in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.
MMPN also urged governments at all levels to formally recognize and use the Islamic calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar in official engagements.
The group called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage government authorities on the issue and other matters affecting the Muslim community.
While congratulating Muslims and non-Muslims on the new Islamic year, Balogun urged adherents of Islam to use the occasion for self-reflection, moral renewal, and prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He also commended governors in several northern states as well as Oyo and Osun states for declaring public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year and urged other state governments to emulate the gesture.
On security, Balogun condemned ongoing attacks and killings by insurgent groups, describing them as un-Islamic, and appealed to perpetrators to embrace peace and end violence.
He further advocated tougher legislation against rape, kidnapping, and terrorism, lamenting what he described as a culture of impunity that allows many offenders to evade justice.
The MMPN president urged Nigerians to celebrate the Islamic New Year in moderation and pray for peace, stability, and progress in the country.
Muslim Media Practitioners Demand Public Holiday for Islamic New Year
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