National News
EU remains Nigeria’s Strongest Trade Partner- Envoy
EU remains Nigeria’s Strongest Trade Partner- Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Samuela Isopi has claimed that the European bloc remains Nigeria’s strongest trade partner over the years.
Isopi, who is also the head of the EU Delegation to the rest of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) while addressing a press conference in Abuja on the forthcoming Europe Day 2022 and also provide information on several issues, including the European Union’s engagements with Nigeria and with ECOWAS, revealed that the total EU-Nigeria trade in 2021 stood at €28.7 billion.
She noted that EU imports from Nigeria at the last count was €17.5 billion with exports to the country during the last fiscal year standing at €11.2 billion.
The EU Head disclosed that the trade balance in 2021 stood at €6.4bn in favour of Nigeria, while the year-on- year change between 2020 and 2021 recorded a surplus of 25.8 percent.
She said that: “The EU is Nigeria’s most important trading partner accounting for 20.9% of Nigeria’s trade with the world.”
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She also added that: “EU is the first export destination for Nigeria, accounting for 25.4% of its exports,” while the EU is second in Nigeria’s imports from the world accounting for 16.1% of its total imports.
Isopi however noted that the EU is oftentimes not seen as the most important business and trading partner of Nigeria because the EU is seen with the eye of different countries with varying trade and bilateral relationship with Nigeria.
She said this is a misconception as the EU is a trading bloc and should be seen as such, while noting that the European Union has a long-standing partnership with Nigeria.
She added that: “The recent launch of the Multiannual Indicative Programme (2021-2027) last February, is an important step in reinforcing and concretising the EU’s cooperation with Nigeria. It will enable the EU and Nigeria to continue working together on programmes and projects that are built on shared objectives, principles and values.”
She recalled that the recent visit to Nigeria of the Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Ms. Margrethe Vestager focused on a positive economic, innovation, youth and digital agenda in line with the outcome and objectives of the EU-AU Summit.
Isopi said one of the plans to further improved trade and bilateral relationship with Nigeria is EU-Nigerian Business Forum organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, scheduled to take place in Lagos on 30 June and 1 July, under the theme, ‘Nigeria and the new world economy’, which will address key issues relating to doing business in Nigeria – the opportunities, but also the challenges and the second day will be devoted to EU involvement in the agricultural sector.
The EU Head in the country while lamenting that Nigeria is currently facing manifold security crisis with violence encompassing various phenomena, such as terror attacks, armed banditry and organised crime, including kidnapping and human trafficking, noted that on several occasions, national stakeholders have raised the alarm about insecurity and violence in the country.
She said that with several non-state armed groups challenging the state’s monopoly of violence in different portions of the territory, the EU has responded by supporting, government efforts to fight against terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism, including through a criminal justice programme; Operation Safe Corridor through a DDRR programme in the North East, the strengthening of civilian protection policy and practice; the enhancement of state and community-level conflict management capability in the North East; the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) to address conflicts between farmers and herders; Multi-stakeholders Dialogues in the Niger Delta; and ECOWAS peace and security architecture and operations.
EU remains Nigeria’s Strongest Trade Partner- Envoy
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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