U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations

By: Michael Mike

The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Lagos has partnered with the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce’s (NACC), Kaduna

Chapter and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) to host a “Discussion Roundtable on

Innovative Approaches to Agricultural Trade for Economic Growth and Food Security.”

The event was attended by Nigerian agricultural trade policy advisors, legislator

representatives, agribusiness leaders, researchers, regulators, and U.S. agricultural trade associations. The discussions focused on the impacts of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production, and investment. Experts presented on

innovative approaches to agricultural trade that have successfully been used in other

countries and could be adapted in Nigeria to support its economic growth and food

security goals.

The event featured the presentation of Nigerian-led research conducted in consultation with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on the impact of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production, and value-added processing.

Key findings from the NIPSS research highlighted the adverse effects of

agricultural trade restrictions, including increasing food prices for consumers, shifting trade to informal channels which reduce government revenues and decrease food safety oversight, and a lack of regulatory clarity for Nigerian agribusinesses engaged in trade.

Recommendations included adjusting trade restrictions to ensure long-term stability of

food prices and raw material availability. Experts presented case studies of innovative agricultural trade practices, such as tariff rate quotas and a private-sector led export trading company mechanism that transparently values and distributes the financial benefits of an import quota to domestic stakeholders for scientific, educational, or promotional programmes.

During the event, Chairman of NACC’s Kaduna Chapter, Matthew Obogbaimhe, shared that “Revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector requires more than trade restrictions; it demands innovation, sustainable practices, and investment in infrastructure. This vision is why the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce chose to partner with FAS to drive

agricultural innovation and trade across Africa.”

“The roundtable provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and explore innovative

agricultural trade policies that benefit the consumers and farmers from Nigeria and the United States,” said Agricultural Counselor for the FAS office in

Lagos, Christopher Bielecki, adding that: “By fostering dialogue, we discussed innovative solutions to strengthen agricultural trade, reduce costs for agribusinesses and consumers, and drive prosperity for American and Nigerian farmers.

NABG Director General, Jafar Umar, noted “As the leading voice of agribusiness in Nigeria, we believe this roundtable is both timely and highly relevant to the national discourse on advancing trade and strengthening food security. We are happy to partner with FAS on this important initiative, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration through many more impactful engagements in the future.”

The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service office in Lagos looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and agribusiness stakeholders to translate the Roundtable’s recommendations into action. By working together to advance innovative

agricultural trade policies, the United States and Nigeria can foster greater food security,

create opportunities for valued-added processing, investment, and strengthen trade for our agricultural sectors.

U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China jointly celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, an age-old Chinese tradition symbolizing family reunion, harvest, and blessings in Abuja on Thursday.

The colorful cultural festival showcase also served as a platform to reaffirm the deepening friendship and cooperation between both nations.

The celebration, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, featured captivating performances by top artists from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.

Guests were treated to a vibrant blend of dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and music inspired by Chinese poetry and folklore.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the cultural and symbolic significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

He said: “On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side,” the envoy noted, quoting a famous Chinese poem: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.”

Yu also highlighted the unique role of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.

“Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Events like this are a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship,” he said.

The Ambassador further introduced Shenzhen, home to the performing artists, as a shining example of China’s transformation. Once a fishing village, the city has evolved into a global innovation hub with a population of 18 million and a GDP surpassing $500 billion in 2024.

Alongside its technological growth, Shenzhen has nurtured a vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity.

Guests also explored a photo exhibition titled “The Charms of Shenzhen” at the Cultural Center’s Multi-Function Hall, offering insights into China’s modernization journey.

Representing the Nigerian government, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, praised the cultural showcase and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through cultural diplomacy.

“The theme of today’s event resonates deeply: The people of China and Nigeria, with their mutual respect and love, celebrate together the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival symbolizing harvest, reunion, and blessings.

This is not merely a statement; it is a true reflection of the blossoming relationship between our two great nations,” Dr. Muhammad said.

He described the Mid-Autumn Festival as a shared value between both countries, noting that Nigeria also celebrates harvests, family unity, and blessings.

“This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” he added.

Muhammad also underscored the historical significance of the 2025 festival, pointing out that both Nigeria and China will mark their national days on October 1, a coincidence he described as “a powerful symbol of aligned aspirations for national pride, development, and progress.”

Reflecting on his recent visit to Xi’an, the historic Chinese city, he commended the depth of China’s cultural heritage, particularly its Terracotta Army, which he called “an awe-inspiring silent legion guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.”

As the evening drew to a close, guests shared mooncakes—a traditional Mid-Autumn delicacy—while toasting to renewed friendship.

Both Ambassador Yu and Dr. Muhammad agreed that cultural and creative exchange is central to strengthening China-Nigeria ties. From shared artistic performances to tourism and creative economy partnerships, the festival underscored the role of culture in bridging distances and deepening collaboration between the two nations.

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

Gunmen abduct daughter of judge, one other in Lafia

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have abducted two persons, including the daughter of a High Court judge, in Maraba Gurgu community on the outskirts of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday when the gunmen invaded the residence of the judge.

The victims were identified as Hauwa Anisa Shikaru, daughter of the Chief Judge of High Court 4, Maraba Gurgu, and one Abdulkarim Ahmed Iliyasu.

According to the sources, the attackers stormed the house and whisked the victims away before security operatives and neighbours could respond.

They said a search party had since been mobilised in a bid to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.

Gunmen abduct daughter of judge, one other in Lafia