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“Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation” – British High Commissioner
“Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation” – British High Commissioner
By Michael Mike
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has urged the Nigeria Government to remain on the path of democratic consolidation.
She gave this charge while delivering her goodwill message at the 3rd Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja,
Organised by the UK funded Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) programme, the retreat is the UK’s flagship governance programme in Nigeria. the UK through it is working with the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as with civil societies in the country to improve accountability and effective use of public resources.
In the High Commissioner’s speech, she reflected on three important issues – Consolidating Democracy, Economic Resilience and Institutionalising a Culture of Accountability.
Laing while speaking on Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and the opportunity it presents to entrench democratic principles of inclusion and equality, said:
“At a time when some countries in West Africa are experiencing democratic regression and illegal removal of elected governments, I commend His Excellency, President Buhari for his commitment at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly to leave a legacy of free-and-fair elections in Nigeria. Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation because democracy matters greatly to the world. And democracy matters for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic resilience, the envoy said: “Nigeria’s economy is more resilient than most. But this global context has exacerbated Nigeria’s challenges even though it is a net exporter of oil and gas. Nigeria stands to benefit from taking difficult and brave decisions, which can free up fiscal space for its infrastructure and development priorities, unlock investment that will create better jobs in agriculture and the digital sector, and help realise Nigeria’s energy transition goals.”
Commending the Nigerian Government for prioritising the Ministerial Performance retreat, she said:“Performance Management Systems enable accountability and better delivery of essential services. These are necessary for building trust and social contract between the government and its citizens. I am pleased that the UK government is working with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to institutionalise accountability through our Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) programme.”
The High Commissioner emphasised the strong partnership between Nigeria and the UK and the UK’s commitment to a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
The retreat was attended by His Excellencies, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari; the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; former President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta and members of the Government of Nigeria, senior leaders and key stakeholders in Nigeria.
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three men have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal weapons dealings in Bauchi State, security sources said.
The suspects, identified as Peter Pama and Saleh Monday, both of Iburu, and Sunday Makama of Kasuwan Magani, were apprehended on Feb. 17 following intelligence on illicit arms activities.
Zagazola gathered that one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun from the suspects.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as security agencies work to determine the full extent of the arms network.
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an armed bandit attack in Gida Soda Village, Katsina State, neutralising two attackers and recovering a motorcycle, security sources said.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 17 when suspected bandits stormed the village. Troops, acting promptly in coordination with local police and Civil Watch Patrol Teams, engaged the attackers in an intense gunfight, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the operation, two of the bandits were neutralised, and a Boxer-brand motorcycle belonging to the group was recovered.
Tragically, one resident, Hassana Muhammad, 30, was reportedly fatally shot during the attack. She was rushed to Dansoda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Sources said efforts to track fleeing bandits and secure the area are ongoing.
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
By: Michael Mike
The 2026 edition of the Aquarian Consult’s Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS’26) will focus on boosting trade, investment, and private sector partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean, targeting a combined market valued at $40 trillion across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The Chief of Staff of Aquarian Consult Ltd, Serumun Ubwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, ahead of the summit scheduled for March 23–28, 2026.
She described AACIS as a strategic platform designed to connect African businesses with Caribbean partners, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic collaboration across key sectors.
Ubwa highlighted that the inaugural AACIS in 2025 achieved landmark outcomes, including the establishment of the first direct flight from Africa to Saint Kitts and Nevis, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in agriculture and cultural exchange, and a $40 million deep-water port agreement. She said these successes set the stage for the 2026 summit, which will expand opportunities for trade and investment.
She revealed that the 2026 summit will introduce two specialized events: the Afri-Caribbean Agriculture and Food Security Summit (March 23–24) and the Afri-Caribbean Health Summit (March 26), running alongside the main Investment Summit from March 25–28.
“By focusing on agriculture and healthcare, we aim to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance food security, open new export markets for African producers, and support policy frameworks that reduce import dependence in the Caribbean,” Ubwa said.
She added that the summit will feature structured Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) matchmaking sessions, an Investor Deal Room managed by investment promotion agencies, and sector-specific engagements in agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, digital technology, and the creative economy.
Ubwa added that over 2,000 participants are expected, including current and former heads of government, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral institutions, and private sector leaders. She emphasised that AACIS seeks to strengthen South-South cooperation and increase Africa-Caribbean trade, which currently represents less than one per cent of total trade between the regions.
Interested participants are expected to register for the summit at www.aquarianconsult.com/AACIS.
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
Bandit attack in Zamfara leaves one dead, three abducted
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
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