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NCSP DG Salutes China on Spring Festival, Unveils Push for Export-Driven Economic Reset

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NCSP DG Salutes China on Spring Festival, Unveils Push for Export-Driven Economic Reset

By: Michael Mike

The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has congratulated the government and people of China on the Spring Festival, describing the celebration as symbolic of a renewed and more ambitious phase in Nigeria–China economic relations.

In a statement marking the Lunar New Year, Tegbe noted that this year’s festivities coincide with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China, established in 1971. He said the milestone reflects a resilient partnership that has grown from formal diplomatic engagement into one of Africa’s most consequential economic relationships.

According to him, the relationship—now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—has expanded beyond trade to encompass infrastructure financing, industrial investment, technology cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

He said China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a major contributor to strategic infrastructure projects spanning rail, ports, power and industrial parks.

Tegbe, however, stressed that the next chapter of engagement must go beyond infrastructure development to focus on value addition, manufacturing and export competitiveness.

He described the Zero-Tariff initiative introduced by the Chinese government for qualifying African exports as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s non-oil sector. The policy, he said, opens a pathway for Nigerian producers to access one of the world’s largest consumer markets under preferential trade terms.

“The Zero-Tariff arrangement provides Nigerian businesses with an unprecedented opportunity to scale exports, deepen industrial processing and create jobs at home,” Tegbe stated. “But access alone is not enough—success will depend on quality standards, efficient logistics and strong collaboration between government and the private sector.”

He disclosed that the NCSP is engaging stakeholders across manufacturing, agriculture and export promotion agencies to ensure Nigeria maximises the preferential trade window and translates diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic gains.

Tegbe added that as both countries commemorate 55 years of diplomatic engagement, the symbolism of the Spring Festival—renewal, growth and prosperity—mirrors what he described as a strategic recalibration of bilateral ties toward sustainable development and shared prosperity.

“With deliberate execution and policy discipline, this next phase of Nigeria–China relations can redefine our export landscape and strengthen industrial capacity,” he said.

Observers say the renewed emphasis on export diversification signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s foreign economic strategy, positioning China not just as an infrastructure partner but as a gateway for industrial expansion and global market access.

NCSP DG Salutes China on Spring Festival, Unveils Push for Export-Driven Economic Reset

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.

The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.

Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.

According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.

Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.

Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.

One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

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Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha

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Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha

By: Yahqya Wakili

The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.

During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.

Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.

Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.

Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha

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Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

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Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.

The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.

Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.

Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.

Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.

Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

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