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Nigeria Decries that Global Inequality is On the Rise, Many Countries Incapable of Meeting SDG 2030
Nigeria Decries that Global Inequality is On the Rise, Many Countries Incapable of Meeting SDG 2030
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has decried that global inequality is on the rise leaving many countries incapable of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.
Speaking on Thursday at the ongoing Nordic-African Business Summit in Oslo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassor Yusuf Tuggar while noting that the Summit is potentially an epoch-making event in the history of the relationship between Nordic Countries and Africa, said: “We gather at a time of weakening global economic performance, even if the Inflation Reduction Act has had a salutary effect on the largest economy on the planet- the US. Inequality is on the rise, as it becomes all the more apparent that we are unlikely to meet our Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”
Tuggar said: “More unsettling is the state of geopolitical affairs, as we made the transition after the Cold War from a bipolar order to a unipolar moment and then a multipolar system. Protectionism and trade barriers have made a comeback in what we thought had become an interconnected, globalised world. Now whether or not this is a result of the transition to a less stable multipolar system should not detain us here.
“What is clear is that it has become a less safer, scarier world and the businessmen and women in this room should become all the more concerned. Conflicts rage in Ukraine, Sudan and the Levant, each with the potential of spilling into a wider global conflict. That of the Levant has already become one, with Israel’s pre-emptive strikes at Iran drawing a response two days ago. In my region, the expanding Sahel has become a theatre for Unconstitutional Changes of Government, organised criminal gangs and banditry.
“Migration has been weaponised, with eco-fascists calling for border closures and the far-right becoming mainstream in some countries. The gratuitous use of migrant fear has forgotten the admonishment of Adam Smith- the father of Economics: Free Circulation of Labour is the Foundation of any Free Trade System. When the Covid-19 Pandemic went global in 2020, we witnessed the onset of vaccine apartheid, as wealthier countries pulled up the draw bridges, depriving others of the intellectual property to reproduce the vaccines, even if they had the capacity.”
The Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister insisted that: “Much of what is wrong today has been supercharged by the scary notion that we are living in a post-factual era that feeds on the pursuit of identity politics. Social media is making it increasingly difficult for us to relate to people who are not like us and has become a space for performed contempt. Being louder means being right.”
He however added that “having painted that gloomy picture, I am happy to say that we have an opportunity to do something very special here today between Nordic and African private and public sector. It was no less a businessman like you- Alfred Nobel- who deemed it fit to bestow the administering of the Peace Prize to a Norwegian Committee. He knows what he saw in Norway and Norwegians, even though he was not one. The entrepreneurs here have the unique opportunity to use their individual agency to take advantage of the enormous opportunities that exist on the African continent.
“Yes, Africa’s share of global trade is miniscule, but the growth opportunities for those who hitch on early are enormous. And the African Continental Free Trade Area is becoming a reality; presently, only 17% of Africa’s exports remain on the continent, compared to 69% for Europe and 59% for Asia. The AFCFTA is going to change this with tariff removals that will unleash a value of $50-70bn. We want to see clean energy-run Norwegian vessels ferrying goods from Lekkideep-sea port in Lagos to Zanzibar. Norway’s trade with the whole of Africa currently stands at a paltry $8.5bn. it is not enough.”
He posited that: “The mere fact that 70% of the 220 million Nigerians are under the age of 30 and that most have mobile phones and are getting fast speed internet, is proof that it will be key to future global economic growth. For additional proof that Nigeria is going to succeed in the future, I urge you to please meet a successful Nigerian entrepreneur and engage them in discussion. They are African latter-day Vikings who can succeed anywhere in the world. It is not a fluke. They are resilient problem solvers with an indefatigable can-do spirit.”
Nigeria Decries that Global Inequality is On the Rise, Many Countries Incapable of Meeting SDG 2030
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Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
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