UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria as the country
navigates rising energy costs and the growing urgency of the climate crisis,

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter made the commitment on Wednesday at his residence in Lagos in a statement at the second edition of W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, a high-level forum for Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition and key stakeholders, hosted by Alitheia Capital, a pioneer in gender-lens impact investing private equity firm, in collaboration with Manufacturing Africa, a UK government programme focused on attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the manufacturing sector.

Themed “Scaling Sustainable Manufacturing & Energy Transition for Women-led SMEs in Africa,” this year’s edition brought together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and energy solution providers to explore the pivotal role of women-led businesses in Africa’s sustainable industrial transformation.

The discussions, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria. addressed the acute pressures SMEs face amid surging fuel prices and electricity tariffs – conditions that have made sustainable energy adoption both an environmental and economic imperative. Insights from Alitheia’s own portfolio reveals that adopting renewable energy can cut operational costs by as much as 60%, underscoring the financial viability of clean energy for scaling women-led businesses.

Participants examined practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to access clean energy solutions, scale sustainable manufacturing practices, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s green economy.

In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter stated: “We are proud to collaborate with Alitheia Capital on W.O.M.A.N. (Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition) to drive Africa’s green industrial future. We recognise the indispensable role of women in this transition and are committed to expanding access to capital and capability to ensure sustainable growth. This event reflects our shared vision for inclusive and transformative development, and we are committed to supporting this journey through targeted investments and strategic private partnerships.”

Also speaking, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael said: “We are no longer just talking about sustainability as a nice-to-have. It’s an economic imperative, especially for women entrepreneurs at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial transformation and through W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, we’re not only spotlighting solutions—we’re scaling them. In our own portfolio, we’ve seen up to a 60% reduction in energy costs among businesses that have adopted clean energy. This is proof that green transition is not only possible but profitable.”

The event also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with industry leaders including Yemisi Iranloye (CEO, Psaltry), Affiong Williams (CEO, ReelFruit), Temilola Adepetun (Managing Director, SKLD), James Fabola (CFO, Arnergy Solar), Bukola Badmos (Executive Director & CFO, Starsight Energy), and Sarah Ogbewey, (Head, Strategic Partnerships, Renewable Energy & Mobility, Sterling Bank).

Alitheia Capital also launched Nzinga, its SME capacity-building platform designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools for scaling their businesses sustainably. In parallel, Manufacturing Africa unveiled its Green Business Building (GBB) accelerator, which will drive the growth of green businesses through strategic support on core business problems, leading to the development of an ecosystem for green manufacturing and green jobs in Nigeria.

The day closed with an ESG knowledge session, exhibitions from green energy and manufacturing solution providers, and a resounding call to action: expand access to capital, strengthen ecosystems, and enable policy that supports inclusive green industrialization.

UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian public has been told to take full ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as their input is very important in ending the scourge.

The charge was given on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) at a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to announce the weeklong activities to commemorate this year’s World Drug Day.

Marwa said: “As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA. It is a collective duty—one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public. On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim.”

He noted that each year, the World Drug Day is guided by a unique theme that shapes the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months, adding that this year’s theme “will once again serve as a framework for our awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts, with the theme for this year being: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

Marwa said: “We have lined up a variety of impactful activities beginning with today’s press briefing, culminating in the grand finale on 26th of June. These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. The following day, Saturday, 21st of June at 8am, we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the University campus in Gwagwalada.

“On Sunday, 22nd of June, a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10 am. We will begin the following week with the final stage of an Essay Competition on Monday, 23rd of June. In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme: “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.” The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi. The day will also include a range of NGO-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.

“Our focus on Tuesday, 24th of June, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8 am. Finally, on Thursday, 26th of June, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale—a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9 am.”

He said as part of efforts to address the country’s drug use situation, the NDLEA has also continued on an upward trajectory in terms of arrests, convictions, and seizures.
“We are also modernising our approach to the enforcement of drug laws by embedding innovation in our operations. Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities. Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons.

“In the four and a half years of my leadership, the Agency has been advancing steadily on the path of reform and progress.”

He said earlier this year, in February, we commissioned our first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State. In April, we commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano. At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion”, he added.

Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure who was represented by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, emphasized the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem. He said “the illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups further destabilizing affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”

While commending Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria, the UNODC called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by the NDLEA at the centre.

He said: “Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states. We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralized.

“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted. We are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities; enhance regional responses to transnational organized crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.

“We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery. We also commend the leadership of NDLEA and the chairmanship of General Marwa whose strategic and courageous efforts continue to make an impact on both supply and demand sides of this crisis. And UNODC is really proud to be a partner of this vital journey.

Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking

Gov. Buni Chairs Lake Chad Basin Commission Meeting in Ndjamena, Chad

By: Mamman Mohammed

Yobe state Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Governor’s Forum Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN today chaired his first meeting with the Lake Chad Basin Commission at its headquarters in Ndjamena, Chad, as the Forum’s chairman.

Gov. Buni attached importance to today’s meeting saying, “today’s inaugural engagement between the Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum and Lake Chad Basin Commission is very special to me being the first since my emergence as the Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum, placing a greater responsibility on me to reinforce our collective resolve for peace, stabilization, and prosperity in our region”.

He noted that the outcome of the fifth Forum meeting in Maiduguri was built on the pillars of security, cooperation, humanitarian response, sustainable development, and climate resilience, underscoring our collective resolve to move from declarations to delivery.

“Among our major resolutions were the need to enhance the operational capacity of the Multi National Joint Task Force, deepen cross-border infrastructure development, mobilize finance through the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund and the Nexus Funding Facility, support community-based reintegration and reconciliation policies.

“The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling emerging threats such as youth radicalization, illicit arms trade, and ecological degradation. Notably, we welcomed the validation of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization Recovery and Resilience and the initiation of transformative projects such as the Support Project for the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake
Chad Basin aimed at promoting climate resilience, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihoods in the Lake Chad Basin region and Early Warning System initiative, both of which the Lake Chad Basin Commission will anchor.
At this critical juncture, we must intensify our regional diplomacy and advocacy” he emphasized.

The Governor expressed his commitment to work closely with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, commending the federal government for working towards achieving the ideals of the commission

“l am pleased to inform the commission that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently approved the reconstruction of key roads within the corridors, including the Dikwa–Ngala and Bama–Banki roads under the Dangote Tax Credit Scheme”.

“As a forum, we are focused on expanding the reintegration programmes and advocating the reinstatement of donor support to stabilization programmes, particularly in Niger Republic. These are not just national concerns, they are regional imperatives.

” As we deepen collaboration with Lake Chad Basin Commission, I urge the Commission to continue playing its central coordination role especially in harmonizing our investment efforts and strengthening mechanisms for joint monitoring and accountability.

” Finally, as the rainy season sets in, the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen security and empower our people with agricultural inputs to facilitate agricultural production for food sufficiency and security cannot over emphasized.
Therefore, we should explore the opportunities at our disposal to improve agricultural production and development among the member states to fast track economic growth” Gov. Buni urged.

Earlier, the Governor of N’Djamena Amina Kodjiana and the Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Development Commission, and Amb. Nuhu Mamman, commended Governor Buni for his commitment to actualizing the goals of the commission.

They assured their support to the tenure of Governor Buni as the chairman of the Lake Chad Governors Forum to the benefit of the members states to promote regional, strategy, stabilization and security.

Gov. Buni Chairs Lake Chad Basin Commission Meeting in Ndjamena, Chad