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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
Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, conducted an assessment of some vital infrastructure including roads, bridges and hospitals damaged by the flood disaster that struck Maiduguri Metropolis and the surrounding local government areas.
The devastating September 10 flood, described as the worst seen in Maiduguri in over three decades, has caused damages, isolated communities and hindered the movement of essential goods.
The governor’s assessment includes visits to key areas such as Gwange maternity, road networks and Fori, Moro-Moro and Gwange bridges.
Zulum, while lamenting the destruction caused by the flooding pointed out that the houses built on the river banks obstructed the passage of water from river Ngada.
He said, “the quantum of the destruction was enormous, you can see we had just visited one place. It is very unfortunate that some people choose to build houses right inside the waterways which obstructed the water passage. Otherwise, the water could have passed onto the lowland without affecting the main city.Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, conducted an assessment of some vital infrastructure including roads, bridges and hospitals damaged by the flood disaster that struck Maiduguri Metropolis and the surrounding local government areas.
The devastating September 10 flood, described as the worst seen in Maiduguri in over three decades, has caused damages, isolated communities and hindered the movement of essential goods.
The governor’s assessment includes visits to key areas such as Gwange maternity, road networks and Fori, Moro-Moro and Gwange bridges.
Zulum, while lamenting the destruction caused by the flooding pointed out that the houses built on the river banks obstructed the passage of water from river Ngada.
He said, “the quantum of the destruction was enormous, you can see we had just visited one place. It is very unfortunate that some people choose to build houses right inside the waterways which obstructed the water passage. Otherwise, the water could have passed onto the lowland without affecting the main city.
Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood
Borno Flood: Zulum Presents N61 billion Supplementary Budget for Reconstruction
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in order to begin reconstruction of damage infrastructure as a result of devastating flood which submerged over half of the capital city, Maiduguri and its environs, has requested the State House of Assembly for an additional N61 billion to the initial N358.7 billion total budget size which was signed into law on January 10, 2024.
The governor’s request was read on the floor of the State Assembly by the Speaker of the House, Abdulkarim Lawan, seeking to amend the 2024 appropriation act.
The additional funding would specifically target key infrastructures that were severely damaged by the September 10 flood which affected nearly 2 million people and completely submerged parts of Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.
In addition to the reconstruction of key infrastructure, the supplementary budget would also cover the funding of other government expenditures such as emergency relief and humanitarian aid, support to farmers, economic recovery as well as environmental management.
Zulum on Thursday conducted the assessment of the destroyed bridges, road networks and hospitals to ascertain the extent of damage. He noted that the devastation from the flood was massive.
Meanwhile, Borno State House of Assembly has extended sympathy and condolences to the flood victims. The house also commended individuals, local and international organisations, state governments, medical personnel, and security agencies for their contributions in ameliorating the plight of affected persons.
Borno Flood: Zulum Presents N61 billion Supplementary Budget for Reconstruction
Taraba Government House Renamed to Honor T.Y. Danjuma’s Contributions
The Taraba State Government on Friday officially renamed the Taraba Government House to “T.Y. Danjuma House” in recognition of Gen. T.Y. Danjuma’s significant contributions to the state’s development.
Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Alkali, who also chaired the renaming committee, stated that the honor reflects the state’s appreciation for Danjuma’s vital role in both nation-building and the growth of Taraba. “This renaming recognizes his tireless efforts and serves as a token of gratitude for his enduring impact on the state,” Alkali said.
At the inauguration of the remodeled government house, Danjuma expressed his gratitude, calling the gesture a motivation to continue fostering development in Taraba. He urged for unity among Taraba citizens, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious differences, to support Governor Kefas’ administration.
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