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FG To Sign Over 30 MoUs As 2nd Nigeria-Brazil Dialogue Kicks Off Monday

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FG To Sign Over 30 MoUs As 2nd Nigeria-Brazil Dialogue Kicks Off Monday

** Agric, energy, defence, innovation, others top new investment drive

By: Our Reporter

The federal government is set to sign over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), as Nigeria prepares to host the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) scheduled to begin on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Agriculture, energy, defence, the creative economy and innovation are among the key sectors driving this new investment initiative.

The three-day event provides the platform for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to tap into new investment flows, facilitate technical cooperation, and open pathways for enhanced strategic engagements for businesses.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, during a press conference at the Presidential Villa on the planned visit of the Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, to Nigeria.

He said the visit of the Brazilian delegation is a landmark event in Nigeria’s international diplomacy and a strategic platform for deepening bilateral relations between the two influential regional powers.

Sen. Hadejia said the session is particularly significant as it aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises economic revitalisation, global partnerships, and the repositioning of Nigeria on the world stage.

“During the visit of the Brazilian delegation, we will engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at expanding collaboration across key sectors such as trade and investment, agriculture, energy, defence, innovation, and cultural exchange. These areas are critical to the sustainable development aspirations of both nations,” the Deputy Chief of Staff noted.

In her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the bilateral dialogue, first established in 2013, has gained significant traction following President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil in late 2024.

The Minister revealed that a Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum will take place on June 25, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, and over 400 million combined consumers.

A major highlight of the forum will be the introduction of sector-specific engagement platforms, including a Digital Trade Room.

“Brazil’s expertise in digital inclusion and Nigeria’s dynamic fintech ecosystem offer powerful synergies for scalable innovation,” the Minister added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria and Brazil have held discussions to enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas such as research and development in animal genetics, soya beans production and related areas endorsed under the SDM.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will leverage the SDM platform to expedite the implementation of the Green Imperative Programme (GIP) – a 4.5-billion-dollar investment programme designed to establish agricultural project delivery offices across the 774 LGAs in Nigeria.

For her part, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry will leverage the shared cultural heritage between both countries to transform the Afro-Atlantic cooperation and impact the creative and tourism industry in Nigeria.

She expressed optimism that the signing of MoUs by both countries in the sector would open new vistas for economic and cultural transformation and for the growth of businesses in the creative and tourism industries in Nigeria.

Also, Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representative of the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Janet Olisa, said the meeting will advance economic diplomacy between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on trade, agriculture, digital innovation, and private sector collaboration.

“We are focusing on our areas of strength to bring out the best in us. We have close to 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) under negotiation across agriculture, defence, health, creative economy, and more.

“Some of these will be signed next week, while others will be concluded during the President’s state visit to Brazil. We’re ensuring every ministry brings its best,” she said.

On her part, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), Marion Moon, noted that planning has extended beyond the national level to involve states and the private sector.

“Efforts have been made towards the success of this meeting, not just at the national but also at the subnational level. We plan to host Brazilian investors and take them to states like Kebbi, Plateau, Lagos, Edo, Nasarawa and the FCT.”

The SDM being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President is designed not just as a diplomatic event but as a strategic platform to secure real investment outcomes and deepen South-South cooperation.

FG To Sign Over 30 MoUs As 2nd Nigeria-Brazil Dialogue Kicks Off Monday

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Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

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Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe have intercepted a truck loaded with suspected vandalised iron railway sleepers and arrested eight suspects, including five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a targeted operation in Katarko area of Gujba Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place on July 8 at about 4:00 p.m., followed credible intelligence about the movement of vandalised railway materials.

The truck, was intercepted while en route to Damaturu. A Hilux vehicle marked NSCDC CD 234 A, believed to be providing escort for the illegal consignment, was also impounded.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the railway materials were vandalised from a section of the tracks around Kukuwa, also in Gujba LGA.

Further findings revealed that the arrested NSCDC officers were allegedly invited by the vandals to provide safe passage in exchange for monetary compensation.

A cash sum of ₦128,500, believed to be proceeds of the illegal escort, was recovered from one of the NSCDC officers. The money was reportedly concealed in his inner clothing.

The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to sweep the recovered materials to ensure public safety.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.

Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

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NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

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NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising incident of human rights violation in the country, stating that last alone over 320,000 cases were reported across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.”

He lamented that: “Every month, when we gather to present this human rights dashboard, we are confronted with a sobering reality of the lived realities of those affected by violence, injustice, discrimination, and systemic neglect. These numbers compel us to reflect deeply on our collective responsibility and ask ourselves the difficult question: Are we doing enough? The events of June 2025 demand not just reflection, but an honest and urgent response.”

He said: “Last month, Nigeria witnessed a harrowing surge in violent attacks, with devastating consequences for affected communities and our national conscience. Among the most tragic incidents were the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost. These were not mere figures on a report; they were fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners; families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and futures extinguished in moments of senseless brutality.

“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces. In Kaduna and Niger States, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilizing already fragile regions. Equally distressing was the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida, brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities, only to pay the ultimate price.

“Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”

Ojukwu noted that: “The wave of insecurity plaguing our highways has also intensified. In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States. These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation, and personal dignity. These abductions inflicts lasting trauma on victims and their families while further eroding public trust in the safety of our roads. This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”

He added that: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.

“To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues. This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change.

“Let us never forget; every complaint documented, every statistic recorded in these dashboards represents a Nigerian citizen, a fellow human being seeking justice, safety, and the fulfilment of their basic rights.

“The National Human Rights Commission remains unwavering in its mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights across Nigeria. We will forge ahead with purposeful and sustained action.”

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

By:Michael Mike

The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.

A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.

The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).

“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”

He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.

He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.

He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.

He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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