Nigeria to Leverage Chinese Technology to Boost Sugar Production

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria is planning to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost the nation’s sugar production.

The plan was disclosed on Wednesday by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe while paying host to a delegation of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) led by the Executive Secretary, Mr Kamar Bakrin.

The working visit focused on fostering collaboration between the two organisations and exploring opportunities for partnerships to transform the Nigerian Sugar sector through Nigeria-China Collaboration.

While receiving the delegation, the DG NCSP noted the huge potentials of the Nigerian Sugar sector and lauded the commitment of the management of the NSDC led by Mr Bakrin, he added that the goal of the collaboration is to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost Nigeria’s sugar production, meeting both local demand and the requirements of target global market.

China, a significant player in the global sugar market, currently import an estimated 5 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, valued at $10 billion in addition to its domestic production of 10.5 million metric tonnes.

The local sugar market, valued at $2 billion annually, is projected to benefit from a transformed sugar sector. In addition, the country could potentially acquire a substantial share of the global market, where sugar imports by China is currently valued at $10billion.

A statement on Wednesday said the NSDC aims to position the Nigerian sugar sector as a beneficiary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. This will involve the deployment of modern technology, conversion of by-products, training of farmers on modern skills, and technology transfer, as well as access to low-interest financing to fund the development of new sugar production estates and ventures.

It said as Nigeria seeks to boost its sugar production, this collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal, which is part of the second phase of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritizes economic growth and development.

The statement added that NCSP, led by Joseph Tegbe, is committed to deepening the partnership between Nigeria and China, and this collaboration with the NSDC marks a significant step in this direction.

The delegation of the NSDC included Ms Edirin Akemu, Head of NSDC’s Strategy and Performance Management department, and Mr Teslim Bello, Head of Executive Secretary Office Department.

Nigeria to Leverage Chinese Technology to Boost Sugar Production

NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair

By: Michael Mike

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is participating in the ongoing 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair, offering a platform for beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programs to exhibit their products and services.

Themed “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation,” the event aligns with NDE’s mission to drive economic growth and employment. Speaking during the NDE Special Day, Director-General H.E. Silas Agara reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling unemployment through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, which targets 93,731 unskilled and unemployed Nigerians.

As part of its participation, NDE is launching a mobile application to connect Nigerians with services provided by its trained beneficiaries. The fair also provides young entrepreneurs with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and expand their business networks.

President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), ESV. Ishaya Idi, commended NDE’s consistent presence at the fair, highlighting its role in strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fostering self-reliance.

The Kaduna International Trade Fair remains a vital platform for businesses to gain exposure and market access, with NDE’s involvement reinforcing its dedication to self-employment creation and economic empowerment.

NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair

Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has demanded for the full investigation of circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda.

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the news of the death of the footballer in Uganda was highly disturbing.

Dabiri-Erewa while stating that the death
was under highly unclear circumstances, said the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Uganda , Ambassador Shama Shanga has demanded full autopsy and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

In a statement, Dabiri-Erewa stated that “this is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover up at all . This is so sad!

” The Nigerian government will ensure and demand a thorough and transparent investigation. May his soul Rest in Peace and God give the family the fortitude to bear this loss.”

She noted that already, the “Kajjansi Police Division say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers Sports Club, who was claimed to have fallen from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025.

Preliminary reports indicate that Lawal arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025.

According to Naima, she left Lawal , who is also a final year student at Cavendish University, in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game centre within the mall. Shortly after, at approximately 8:00 am, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.

He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were recovered from his black backpack.

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda