National News
European Reconstruction Bank Sites First West African Office In Lagos
European Reconstruction Bank Sites First West African Office In Lagos
** As VP Shettima restates President Tinubu’s resolve to sustain stronger ties with EU
** Welcomes partnership with Asian Consortium to manufacture electric cars, solar equipment in Nigeria
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian government has reiterated its deep commitment to strategic partnership with the European Union, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to open its first West African office in Lagos.
Nigeria officially became the EBRD’s 77th shareholder in February 2025, following the bank’s limited and incremental expansion to sub-Saharan Africa approved by its Board of Governors in 2023.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the EU’s longstanding support, highlighting the growing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and youth empowerment.
“You are our natural partners and allies. Beyond the geography that binds us, we have a cultural affinity that goes back centuries,” VP Shettima said.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria is entering a new phase of economic openness under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said took bold steps from day one to dismantle key structural challenges.
He said, “Some of the dysfunctions in the Nigerian economy – the opaque exchange rate regime and the fuel subsidy – President Tinubu had the courage to remove them. All the encumbrances toward investment in this country are gradually being eliminated.”
Welcoming the EBRD’s expansion into Nigeria, VP Shettima said the opening of its Lagos office is a symbolic and strategic development for both parties, as “it will send a message across the borders.
“More than ever before, Nigeria is ready for business,” he added, emphasising that Nigeria’s partnership with the EU extends beyond economics, just as he made reference to the EU’s significant humanitarian and stabilisation efforts in conflict-affected regions such as Borno State, where he served as governor.
“I know the prominent role that the EU played in stability and humanitarian support in Borno State. You deserve commendation, not condemnation. We will always stand by those who stood by us in our hours of need,” VP Shettima said.
The Vice President also spoke on migration cooperation, expressing satisfaction with ongoing engagements under the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, and called for a revitalisation of youth-focused programmes like the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
“There is a need for us to recalibrate the programme for the good of our young men and women,” VP Shettima said.
Earlier in his remarks, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mignot, said given the turmoil and very difficult political climate globally, it is important to have a reliable relationship with Nigeria, noting that the European Union sees Nigeria as a key partner in the 21st century.
Mr. Mignot explained that all the EU ambassadors in Nigeria have met to reaffirm their partnership with Nigeria.
He stated that the EU is a strong supporter of the UN Charter, the Sustainable Development Goals, and global gender equality initiatives of the international community.
“The EU believes in free and fair trade, international partnerships as relations among equals, mutual benefits and respecting sovereignty. West Africa and Nigeria are priorities for us because we are neighbours and our destinies are closely linked.
“Therefore, we are determined to keep our commitment globally and here in the region and Nigeria in terms of partnerships, cooperation and humanitarian aid,” he said.
VP Shettima Welcomes Partnership With Asian Consortium On Electric Cars, Solar Equipment Manufacture In Nigeria
In another development, Vice President Shettima applauded the proposal for partnership between Nigeria and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of South Korea for solar equipment and electric vehicle manufacturing, as well as for advanced Information Technology for security enhancement in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria was ready for partnerships that would advance the industrialisation agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and improve the lives of the citizens.
The Vice President stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the AEDC South Korea led by its Chairman, Mr Yoon Suk-hun, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Senator Shettima added that Nigeria is open to and interested in any form of arrangements that would lead to the transfer of technology and the establishment of industries for solar equipment production and electric vehicle manufacturing in Nigeria, among others.
He reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to creating the enabling environment for private investments in the country, assuring the delegation of the government’s cooperation.
“This government wants to be the facilitator for businesses to thrive in Nigeria. We will create a safe passage and a conducive environment for private businesses like yours to thrive.”
The Vice President commended South Korea’s commitment to the development of Africa, given their shared history, just as he praised the country’s investments in human resource development and technological advancement, especially in automobile manufacturing and the alternative energy sector.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Suk-hun, said the delegation was in the country to explore areas of partnership in solar technology, electric vehicle manufacturing and information technology infrastructure for security enhancement, among others.
He said the AEDC believes in the present leadership of the country to harness the enormous potential there, leveraging technology and the resources that abound across the country.
Mr Suk-hun said the organisation’s proposal for investment in Nigeria was not for profit maximisation but to ensure the transfer of technology in key areas, including solar technology, electric vehicle manufacturing and information technology capacity for security enhancement.
Also present at the meeting were the Founder/Chairman of AMMASCO Group, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad; Shin Kyeong-seub; Kim Se Hun and Yang Jin Won, all from the AEDC.
European Reconstruction Bank Sites First West African Office In Lagos
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
By: Michael Mike
In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects led by grassroots organisations have been awarded USD 395,000 through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.
Awardees will receive between US$5,000 and US$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The announcement was livestreamed at an event showcasing the grant winners.
The Small Grants Programme is an important tool for achieving the G20 GLI’s mission of reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be supported, promoted and recognized,”
Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elderly.
The programme was set up in 2024 to support community-level non-profit organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress across global aided restoration priorities, such as soil fertility enhancement, forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation.
The statement added that beyond reclaiming land, the projects are enhancing livelihoods, strengthening community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and eco-preneurship.
“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the network which we create and the visibility it provides — both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience,” Thummarukudy added.
Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight their potential for scaling and replication across regions.
The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.
Stressing that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about to start,” Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.
He noted that the second call for applications will open in 2025 with increased funding and expanded
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide.
Innovative community-led restoration initiatives are essential for creating green jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.
Examples of selected 2024 grantees include: Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while empowering 90 women as landowners of fully organic cooperative farms. By integrating climate-smart and artisanal farming methods, the project aims to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities.
Up2Green Foundation (India) is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience for flood prevention, and training local communities in sustainable agroforestry practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Studies Endeavor (Nepal) is working to restore
ecological balance along the mythological Nagaraj Trail. By revitalizing degraded farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches.
The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
National News
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.
In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
National News
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
By: Michael Mike
The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.
A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.
“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”
According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.
The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.
Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
Three Bandits Killed as Terrorists Attack Chediya Community in Tsafe LGA
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
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