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
National News
President Tinubu Commends Zulum over dividends of Democracy even as he commissions new projects in Borno
President Tinubu Commends Zulum over dividends of Democracy even as he commissions new projects in Borno
By: Bodunrin kayode
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday commended Prof Umara Zulum for doing a good job even as he delivers series of new project for his people.
The President who made the remarks during the commissioning ceremony of several projects performed separately, commended Governor Zulum for his transformative leadership which is really touching the lives of the people.
“I congratulate the Governor and the people of Borno State for this transformation. Government is all about people, and Professor Zulum is doing a very good job of caring for people.” Said Tinubu.
Tinubu had Commissioned three newly constructed mega schools and a fleet of 620 fully electric vehicles and tricycles delivered by the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum.
The President highlighted the projects as tangible evidence of effective governance and a blueprint for holistic state development needed in times like these.
The commissioned schools include: Mafoni Day Secondary School, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government Day Secondary School and Mafoni Primary School.
They are part of Governor Zulum’s ambitious 104 Mega School Initiative designed to drastically improve access to quality education and rebuild the sector after over a decade of insurgency.
Each of the school complexes is equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and an administrative complex to create a conducive learning environment.
Earlier, the President had also commissioned the international terminal of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, in preparation for the commencement of international operations.
Responding to the President’s gesture Zulum expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Borno’s infrastructure, economy and human capital.
President Tinubu concluded his state visit by attending the wedding ceremony of the son of the former Borno State Governor Senator Modu Sheriff’s, conducted at the Maiduguri Central Mosque in front of the Palace of the Shehu of Borno state.
The event was attended by state government officials, traditional rulers community leaders and a group of federal officials in the Presidential convoy.
President Tinubu Commends Zulum over dividends of Democracy even as he commissions new projects in Borno
Tinubu’s Procurement Reforms, a Turning Point for National Economic Growth – NEFGAD
By: Michael Mike
The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a frontline public procurement advocacy group, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the bold, visionary, and far-reaching reforms outlined in his presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.
NEFGAD particularly commended President Tinubu’s remarks on public procurement at the presentation of the budget, stating that the President’s statement underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency, and prudent management of public resources.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s acting head of office, Barrister Unekwu Ojo, and made available to journalists on Saturday, NEFGAD lauded the President’s disclosure that the Federal Government commenced a comprehensive procurement reform framework from November last year, describing it as a decisive shift toward strengthening due process, reducing waste, and enforcing accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The statement noted that the reforms have demonstrably shortened procurement processing timelines, enhanced compliance, and strengthened sanctions against erring contractors and public officials, setting a new benchmark for governance and fiscal prudence.
The group said that November 2024, the period referenced by Mr. President, coincides with the assumption of office of the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and established beyond doubt, that the procurement reforms acknowledged by Mr. President are being driven and implemented under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun, in alignment with the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.
Of particular significance is the President’s emphasis on the Nigeria First Policy, which mandates MDAs to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and local companies in public procurement, NEFGAD described this policy as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening local content, stimulating domestic industries, creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and reducing Nigeria’s over-reliance on imports, and emphasised that procurement is no longer a mere administrative process but a powerful instrument for national economic development and industrial growth.
Ojo further commended the remarkable achievement of the Bureau of Public Procurement under Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, which has recorded over ₦1 trillion in savings within just one year through enhanced price intelligence and benchmarking mechanisms.
She insisted that: “This figure is larger than the cumulative savings recorded by the BPP in 17 years from 2007 to 2024 before Dr. Adedokun’s assumption of office, marking the most significant cost-saving milestone in the history of the Bureau and perhaps in the entire continent by any government in a single budget cycle.”
NEFGAD observed that these gains are a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s procurement system is entering a new era defined by efficiency, national interest, and sustainable economic growth. The organisation stressed that while the achievements are commendable, sustained reforms must be safeguarded through strict adherence to due process, impartial enforcement, and continuous transparency.
The group called on all stakeholders, including MDAs, civil society organisations, and the media, to actively engage in monitoring the implementation of procurement reforms, ensuring that the Nigeria First Policy achieves its intended goals without being hijacked by vested interests or manipulated for political patronage.
NEFGAD also urged the government to institutionalise best practices, consolidate savings, and expand the culture of accountability, warning that the long-term success of the reforms hinges on consistent oversight, robust regulatory frameworks, and unwavering political will.
According to NEFGAD, the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s procurement landscape is not only a victory for public finance management but also a template for good governance that other sectors can emulate. The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting the government’s reform agenda through advocacy, capacity building, and independent monitoring, emphasizing that procurement must continue to serve as a strategic driver of economic development, job creation, and national prosperity.
Tinubu’s Procurement Reforms, a Turning Point for National Economic Growth – NEFGAD
China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy
…10,000 Nigerians Have Enjoyed Training Programmes in China So Far
By: Michael Mike
China-Nigeria trade volume has surpassed $22 billion, China Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has said.
Speaking at the 1st Annual China-Nigeria Government Exchange Program Alumni Reunion Gala, in Abuja, Yu also disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from opportunities for the exchange provided by China.
Yu while noting that 2025 trade volume has surpassed that of the previous year, said that China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%, while Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.
He said: “ I think this bilateral relations not only has a political meaning, but it’s actually more about people-to-people relations. And I’m very happy to let all of you know that our trade volumes, this year, already surpassed 22 billion U.S. dollars.
“That’s already surpassed the total amount of last year. And China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%. And another good news is Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.”
The envoy also said his country is working closely with Nigeria authorities to implement the zero tariff policy announced in June 2025, which is meant to expand Nigeria’s export to China while also enhancing Nigeria’s position on the international global trading system.
He said: “We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero tariff policy, which the Chinese government announced last June. That is, China is going to provide zero tariff for 100% of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to China.
“And I believe that this is going to expand Nigeria’s export to China and contribute also to the enhancing of Nigeria’s position on the international global system, the trading system.”
He noted that China-Nigeria are working on other various projects which are aimed at providing mutual benefits, stating that he believed that Nigeria and China are natural partners, as both countries shared the same interest.
He therefore said both countries need to work together to enhance the current global governance, to address the active representation of African countries, and to better let our voices be heard globally.
Yu, while stating that: “China’s today is Nigeria’s tomorrow,” noted that China and Nigeria shared a lot of similarities.
On bringing the alumni together, Yu said: “is to provide a platform for our alumni who attended the Chinese Government Exchange Programme to stay connected, to exchange ideas, and thus contribute to China-Nigeria relations.
“Indeed, over the years, China has provided over 10,000 opportunities for the training programme for Nigerians.
He said the training opportunities aimed at building the capacities and sharing experience of governance, to poverty reduction, to manufacturing, agriculture, public health, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, food economy, digital economy.
He added that: “And I believe that this not only helps to enhance the capabilities of the individuals, but also contributes to the economic and social development of Nigeria.”
Yu said the alumni of the exchange programme cut across Nigeria’s cities of Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ibadan, among others.
China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy
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