AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides

By: Michael Mike

Participants at the just concluded Artificial Intelligence (AI) Paris Summit including Nigeria have launched a platform to promote AI accessibility, as part of its strategy to reduce the digital divide, and ensure AI is open, inclusive, and transparent.

This was disclosed in a press release from the French Government regarding the AI Summit, with details regarding the different steps taken so far. The details were contained in the statement on “Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet,’ signed by Nigeria, France, and 56 other countries including the European Union and African Union Commission at the summit.

Nigeria is among the eight founding members of the “Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator”. The purpose of this platform and incubator is to “support, amplify, decrease fragmentation between existing public and private initiatives on Public Interest AI and address digital divides. The Public interest AI Initiative will sustain and support digital public goods and technical assistance and capacity building projects in data, model development, openness and transparency, audit, compute, talent, financing and collaboration to support and co-create a trustworthy AI ecosystem advancing the public interest of all, for all and by all.”

The signatories of the Paris Statement agreed to encourage AI deployment that positively impacts the future of work, promotes sustainable growth, and supports both people and the planet.

The statement also seek global reflection on issues like security, human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity and sustainable development.

The statement noted that, “In line with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet and the principle that countries should design their own transition strategies, we have identified priorities and launched concrete actions to serve the public interest and bridge the digital divide by accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals.

“Enabling innovation in the field of AI by creating conditions conducive to its development and preventing market concentration, thereby supporting industrial recovery and development.

“Our actions follow three key principles: science, solutions (with an emphasis on open AI models that respect national frameworks) in accordance with international frameworks.”

The statement further stated, “We recognise the need to enhance our shared knowledge on the impacts of AI in the job market, though the creation of network of Observatories, to better anticipate AI implications for workplaces, training and education and to use AI to foster productivity, skill development, quality and working conditions and social dialogue.

“We underline the need for a global reflection integrating inter alia questions of safety, sustainable development, innovation, respect of international laws including humanitarian law and human rights law and the protection of human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity, protection of consumers and of intellectual property rights. We take notes of efforts and discussions related to international fora where AI governance is examined.

“We look forward to next AI milestones such as the Kigali Summit, the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI hosted by Thailand and UNESCO, the 2025 World AI Conference and the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 to follow up on our commitments and continue to take concrete actions aligned with a sustainable and inclusive AI.”

AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides

Nigeria, Caribbean Nations to Deepen Trade Ties at Upcoming Summit

By: Michael Mike

As part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, Aquarian Consult Limited (ACL), in partnership with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, is set to host the Aquarian Consult Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS ’25) from March 25–28, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Themed: “Bridging Continents: Africa and the Caribbean—A Partnership for Prosperity,” the summit aims to foster cross-regional investment, unlock new economic opportunities, and facilitate high-level discussions on trade and development.

In a statement made available to the media on Tuesday, the Summit Coordinator, Hyelsinta Linda Ojo, emphasized the significance of the event in promoting credible investment opportunities and fostering partnerships in key sectors such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and finance. She noted that the summit will bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for enhancing bilateral trade and economic collaboration.

Ojo highlighted Aquarian Consult’s 16-year track record in business advisory, strategy development, and capacity building, stating that the company has played a key role in facilitating industry growth and supporting sustainable development in an evolving global economy. According to her, the summit will provide a platform for high-level dialogue, strategic networking, and impactful partnerships, further solidifying trade and investment relations between Africa and the Caribbean.

According to the statement, the event is expected to attract distinguished speakers and policymakers, including Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, who will deliver the keynote address alongside an official delegation. Also scheduled to speak is Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius, who will share insights on investment and economic development strategies.

Among the key highlights of the summit are keynote addresses, plenary sessions, and sector-focused discussions on trade policies and business growth. An exhibition showcase will feature innovations, startups, and investment-ready businesses, providing entrepreneurs and investors an opportunity to connect and explore potential collaborations.

The statement revealed that a major aspect of the summit will be discussions on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, a key revenue source for Caribbean nations. Ojo noted that the summit will help Nigerian businesses and investors explore opportunities in the Caribbean, while also allowing Caribbean investors to assess potential ventures in Africa. She emphasized that while Caribbean nations offer vast lands and investment-friendly policies, Nigeria has a wealth of innovative entrepreneurs and businesses in need of investment, making the summit a timely opportunity for economic collaboration.

Interim Chief Operating Officer of Aquarian Consult, Abisola Bamtefa, highlighted the summit’s potential to create new opportunities for African entrepreneurs and small businesses, stating that the event could serve as a gateway for securing investment and expanding business operations.

AACIS ’25 represents a significant step toward strengthening Africa-Caribbean economic relations, fostering long-term investment partnerships, and opening new trade frontiers. With growing interest in cross-border collaborations, the summit is expected to pave the way for deeper engagement between Africa and the Caribbean, reinforcing a shared vision for economic prosperity.

Nigeria, Caribbean Nations to Deepen Trade Ties at Upcoming Summit

35-year-old after establishment, NDLEA gets first barrack

By: Michael Mike

Thirty-five years after the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Federal Government on Tuesday 18th February 2025 commissioned the first barracks that will provide office and residential accommodation for officers, men and women of the anti-narcotics body.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the first NDLEA barracks in Yola, Adamawa state, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, charged the personnel that the well-deserved investment in their welfare was a call to higher responsibility and unwavering dedication to duty.

He said the facility, which includes modern administrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, is not just a physical structure but a critical investment in human capital and a testament to President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to create an environment where NDLEA officers and their families can live and thrive with dignity and security.

Fagbemi said: “The role of NDLEA in our society cannot be overstated. The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. It is a battle to protect our youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade. This barracks, therefore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future.

“I would like to re-assure of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my personal conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement. This facility is a critical component of the rule of law—ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties. It reinforces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.”

He urged NDLEA officers who will inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their service. “I urge the officers who will call this facility home to remain steadfast in their service to their motherland. The nation looks to you, not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of our shared hope for a safer, healthier society. This investment in your welfare is a call to higher responsibility, one that requires unwavering dedication and resolute commitment. This day should serve as more than the commissioning of a physical structure. It should be a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can thrive—free from the perils of drug abuse and the destruction it brings. Together, through concerted effort and unwavering determination, we will secure the promise of a better and brighter Nigeria for all.”

Fagbemi, while commending former President Muhammadu Buhari under whose leadership the project was approved and set in motion, praised President Bola Tinubu for aiding the dream into fruition, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state for his exemplary cooperation and support in ensuring that the project was executed in a conducive and harmonious environment, even as he appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu towards the operational successes of NDLEA.

He said: “I must acknowledge the unwavering support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership this commissioning is taking place. His steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law, empowering institutions, and ensuring that critical agencies like the NDLEA have the resources they need to succeed is well known and evident in today’s event. Additionally, the foundational contributions of the previous administration, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, must also be recognized, as it was during his tenure that this initiative was approved and set in motion.

“This project, which has been conceptualized and driven by Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the dynamic Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, is a reflection of the forward-thinking leadership that has defined his tenure in the Agency. I am proud to note that General Marwa has revitalized the operational framework of NDLEA, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to public service delivery.

“The establishment of this barracks is a long-awaited yet timely endeavour. It aligns perfectly with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to rebuild every facet of the Nigerian state. The agenda includes strengthening our public services and fortifying our security apparatus. NDLEA is a critical component in this framework, tasked with tackling the menace of illicit drugs and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.”

In his remarks, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasized the significance of the barracks project to the safety of the agency’s personnel 35 years after its establishment.

He said: “This year marks the 35th anniversary of NDLEA. Over the years, the absence of dedicated accommodation for our officers has led to challenges, including exposure to risks for them and their families. Tragically, quite a number of our personnel have been trailed to their houses and murdered. Such incidents emphasise the urgency of providing secure housing for our personnel.”

He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and belief in the NDLEA mandate. “Mr. President, your administration’s unwavering commitment to improving security, strengthening institutions, and ensuring the welfare of law enforcement personnel inspires us all. We are thankful for being beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Agenda”, he stated.
Speaking on the project, Marwa said “this facility, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, reflects our commitment to the safety, welfare, and operational efficiency of our personnel. The Yola Barracks includes office structures, accommodation and auxiliary facilities. The office structures consist of a modern administrative building for the NDLEA Adamawa State Command, a detention facility, a state-of-the-art exhibit room, watchtowers, and operational pavilions. The accommodation includes lodges for the state and zonal commanders, 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats.

“The auxiliary facilities comprised enhanced security features, a generator house for uninterrupted power supply, parking spaces, a parade ground, a service bay, and a perimeter fence. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our resolve to win the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. It symbolises our commitment to the welfare of our personnel and serves as a bold statement of our determination to build a safer nation.”

In his message at the occasion, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri commended President Tinubu, Marwa and other stakeholders for their foresight, vision, and commitment to the barracks project.

He said: “This barracks is a testament of their unwavering dedication to save-guarding our nation and its people, particularly our youth, who are our valuable assets and leaders of tomorrow from the many illicit drugs. The establishment of this facility is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about fortifying our determination and collective resolve to protect our prosperity from the threat of illicit drugs towards peace and stability.”

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in his remarks presented by AIG Rex Dundun said “this milestone underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for our national security agencies to thrive. The NDLEA plays a critical role in safeguarding our nation’s health, safety and well-being by combating the menace of drug trafficking and abuse. I laud the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, (Rtd), and his management team for their tireless efforts in leading the charge against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.”
“Your dedication and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed. To the personnel of NDLEA, I urge you to continue demonstrating exceptional courage, resilience and professionalism in the discharge of your duties. This new facility is a testament to the government’s appreciation of your hard work and commitment to serving our great nation”, Mallam Ribadu added.

Also speaking, Chairman Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo noted that “the job of the officers and operatives in the NDLEA requires a mix of humanity, detection and enforcement, which requires the provision of adequate motivation for the workforce. Hence, this project will collectively, among other things, build a seamless organization which is people-centered, motivating the workforce, creating job satisfaction, and also address service delivery challenges.”

House of Reps Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun represented by the deputy chairman of the committee, Hon. Idris Dankawu said that ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of NDLEA personnel is not just a responsibility but a necessity, adding that the House of Representatives remains “steadfast in advocating for a better funding, improving working conditions, and enhancing operational capacity for the Agency.”

Other dignitaries at the ceremony include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, members of the National Assembly from Adamawa state, first class traditional rulers from across the state, among others.

35-year-old after establishment, NDLEA gets first barrack