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Nigeria-China Relationship More Pragmatic than Others, Says Foreign Affairs Minister

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Nigeria-China Relationship More Pragmatic than Others, Says Foreign Affairs Minister

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has described Nigeria China relationship as perhaps the most pragmatic for the country better than most other foreign relationships the country has currently.

The Minister disclosed this at a day dialogue to chat the way forward due to the current tarrifs war by the United States of America (USA),

The dialogue was organised by the Centre for Chinese Studies on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme: “Maintaining Resilience and Seeking Opportunities in Nigeria-China Cooperation, amidst International Trade Disruptions and Tariff Wars “

The Minister, who was represented by Amb. Mohammed Haidara, said that though Nigeria-China relationship was a later one, but has come with a lot of benefits.

He said: “I must say, for Nigeria, our relation with China is maybe a latter-day relation in comparison to our interaction with Europe or the Western world.

“Our relations with China has been more pragmatic than relations with the rest. Chinese are very engaging.”

Speaking further he said, “the trade disruptions occasioned by the tariff regime instituted by the United States might perhaps even give us another opportunity, perhaps a greater opportunity for Nigeria; indeed, Africa, to trade more with China, which we all know is a formidable force in the trade and economic era in the world.”

He also noted that the Nigerian government will soon come up with its response to the USA trade trariffs. “Let me also say that the Nigerian government, through inter-agency efforts, are also trying to articulate and make a position, a common position, on how to respond within the 90-day window that we’ve been given.

“But what I can assure you is that ours is not going to be confrontational. We’re going to be as constructive as possible while responding to these measures.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said China and her partners must work together to survive this tarrifs war.

Speaking through a Chinese Diplomat, Hairong Dong, Yu said: “This tariff levied by the U.S. government has impacted all its trading partners throughout the world, and also China and of course, Nigeria.

“We need to work together to sail through this turbulent and torrent waters. And as we all know that China and Nigeria have been very close partners, especially in trade. We are key partners.

“Our trade volume reaching 22 billion U.S. dollars. And it’s among the highest in the African countries. And we value our cooperation and coordination with Nigeria, “

“We’re very eager to hear your insights from the business world, from the government, and from the academics, and also from the media, from all the communities in Nigeria to share your insights and your views, to exchange views and your opinions, especially your advice to us on how to move forward, to build a strong relationship, and also to advance our mutually beneficial cooperation in the years ahead.”

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yiwatda, speaking through her Special Assistant, Paul Dawnson said, “China, Nigeria has a long history. They used to say, China say what it means, and China means what it says. So the relationship of Nigeria and China has been a relationship of trust.”

The Director, Centre for China Studies, Charles Onunaiju, said the dialogue was organised to:

“Discuss, examine, interrogate those new opportunities that we assembled here, so amid contradiction and crisis, there is also new opportunities. And it is actually the purpose of our meeting today, to examine, interrogate, and extrapolate potential opportunities amidst these disruptions and conflicts.

“In every crisis, there is opportunity. And actually, it is that opportunity that we intend to discuss today in the election to our cooperation and engagement with China.”

Nigeria-China Relationship More Pragmatic than Others, Says Foreign Affairs Minister

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NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

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NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it has no agents for modification of data and that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.

The Commission made the announcement on Monday in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke.

The statement read: “The attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been drawn to a media report alleging that some enrolment agents in Abuja are collecting money from applicants for falsification of dates of birth.

“For the records, all NIN data modifications are done online through the NIMC self-service modification portal – selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng – and no physical modification is allowed. NIMC does not have agents for modification of data and the Commission operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.

“The public is hereby reminded to adhere to the approved statutory modification processes with official guidelines and fees. The Commission urge NIN holders to report any cases of extortion or misconduct through our official complaint channels:

(+234-9-134959433, 08155015388); actu@nimc.gov.ng; ieu@nimc.gov.ng

“NIMC reassures that the integrity of the National Identity Database remains secure and will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.”

NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

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Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

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Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

By: Michael Mike

Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that signals the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.

The centre, jointly facilitated by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected not only to curb harmful vehicular emissions but also to generate employment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.

Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.

He said: “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”

He emphasized that the project aligns with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.

“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as is applicable globally,” Kambari added.

The event also highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari said: “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who… worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the Centre.”

Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that political will and collaboration were central to the project’s success.

She said: “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day… The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.”

She further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stating that: “This Centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”

Speaking for the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman underscored the socio-economic potential of the centre.

He said: “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state,” adding that: “To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”

Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

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Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

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Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

The Adara Development Association (ADA) has expressed deep shock and sadness over a deadly attack by unknown gunmen on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.

According to a statement by the ADA National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, heavily armed attackers invaded the village, blocking entrance routes to prevent possible assistance from neighbouring communities.

The assault left eight people dead and nine others seriously injured. Victims were reportedly given mass burial, while the injured are receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Alheri Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Kachia. Several properties, including a bus, were destroyed, causing millions of naira in losses.

The association noted that such attacks have become increasingly frequent in Adara communities since, despite the presence of security in the area. ADA strongly condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.

“ADA leadership calls on the Kaduna State Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.

It added that the Adara community is ready to collaborate with government and security agencies to curb the ongoing attacks.

The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

ADA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all indigenes and residents of Adara land to work with government and stakeholders to build sustainable peace in the region.

The Kaduna state government are yet to visit the affected communities or make any statement on the attack.

Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

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