National News
Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties As VP Shettima Receives Crown Princess Victoria

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties As VP Shettima Receives Crown Princess Victoria
** Says her visit will open doors to deeper institutional relations, foster greater cultural exchange between both nations
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria and Sweden on Monday in Abuja declared their firm resolve to deepen bilateral relations through trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
To this effect, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria will continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons, noting that both countries are poised for a partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
This was the outcome of a meeting between the Vice President of Nigeria and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria, is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of the bid to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.

Describing the Crown Princess’s visit to Nigeria as opening doors to deeper institutional relations and greater cultural exchange between both nations, VP Shettima noted that the visit is not only a continuation of dialogue but also a new chapter for both nations.
“This moment opens the door to deeper institutional ties, stimulates business-to-business collaboration, and fosters greater cultural exchange.
“We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion—areas where Sweden has much to offer, and Nigeria is eager to learn,” the VP stated.
The Vice President recalled his high-level engagement in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in October last year when he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pointing out that the visit marked a turning point in the bilateral relationship between both countries.

He continued: “From the warm hospitality extended by the Swedish government to the visionary discussions we had with Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the captains of Swedish industry, we returned to Nigeria energised by a new momentum—one that has since translated into tangible outcomes for both our peoples.
“Our meetings in Sweden last year were not ceremonial; they were catalytic. They opened doors to strategic collaborations and renewed our commitment to making Nigeria a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
“One of the most consequential outcomes of that visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Ericsson to support 5G innovation across our country.
“Beyond the digital frontier, Swedish enterprises continue to invest in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development. We applaud SchoolTry, the Swedish edtech company, for its continued work in transforming educational outcomes in Nigeria.”
VP Shettima told the Crown Princess that the aforementioned partnerships are “building blocks in a broader architecture of cooperation—one that positions Sweden as a key partner in Nigeria’s journey towards digital inclusion, educational reform, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition.”
Earlier, Crown Princess Victoria outlined Sweden’s vast interest in Nigeria, describing both nations as partners in so many sectors.
“We have been talking about Nigeria and Sweden now for a few days and it’s wonderful to see the opportunities that are here. And I think it’s specifically important during the times that we live right now,” the Crown Princess stated.
She said that it would be wonderful for Sweden to have a physical trade office in Nigeria, stating that it is something that should have been done long ago.
In his remarks, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, lauded the partnership between both countries, saying “We have seen opportunities in Nigeria when it comes to innovation, tech sector and many skills where we can learn from each other and this will shape a better future for tomorrow for our people.”
He said all is set to declare open Sweden’s trade office tomorrow, even as he noted that both nations are standing on a firm foundation of long-standing bilateral relations spanning 65 years of robust relationship.
“We also see that there is a long-standing relationship in the business sector, a strong partner with Nigeria in the MoU that was signed during your visit to Stockholm. We have opened five innovation hubs in Africa and the largest in Nigeria, in Lagos. So, I see a lot of opportunities when it comes to other sectors; in health, agriculture and others,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tugga, highlighted earlier discussions he had with the Crown Princess of Sweden, including matters involving trade and investment, agriculture, green energy, solar, green hydrogen, ICT and Business Outsourcing involving issues of employment for skilled workers.
He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Technical Aid Corp, will partner with countries that are interested in workers from Nigeria in a structured manner to reduce regional migration.

VP Shettima pledges Nigeria’s commitment to stronger ties with tech giant, Ericsson
In another development, Vice President Shettima on Monday pledged Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Swedish tech giant, Ericsson, by promptly operationalising the Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) signed between the country and the company in 2024.
The Vice President stated this when he received a delegation from the tech giant led by its Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mr Patrick Johansson, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Senator Shettima said Ericsson is a part of the Nigerian experiment, recalling that the firm laid the foundation for other tech giants at the time.
Noting that the company has kept faith with the nation as a partner in progress and a collaborator in her shared story of transformation, the VP commended the tech giant for its current investments in the establishment of innovation hubs and support for small businesses in the country, which he said is a consolidation of the partnership with the company.
The Vice President urged Ericsson and other investors to leverage the potential of the Nigerian nation, particularly harnessing the enthusiasm of its youthful population.
“We cherish our relationship with Sweden and your company and I must urge you to harness our manifest destiny. We are a large nation with a tech-savvy population. We are making efforts across different fields. A good number of the Unicorns that we have in Africa are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria,” the VP noted.
On his part, the Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area, Europe, Middle East and Africa of the company, Mr Patrick Johansson, emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Ericsson through the promotion of grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship, among other projects of Ericsson.
In the same vein, the company’s Vice President and Head of Customer Units, West and South Africa at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, Majda Lahlou Kassi, said Nigeria occupied an important place in the company’s history.
He said Ericsson believes in Nigeria’s potential and is proud of the existing relationship, especially the possibilities for growth in the local market and entrenchment of a digital culture among the citizenry.
Also present at the meeting with the VP were Ericsson’s Director of Public Affairs, Government and Industry Relations and the company’s Senior Solutions Architect, Mr Efosa Aigbe.
Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties As VP Shettima Receives Crown Princess Victoria
National News
Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Hosts Strategic Engagement Meeting with Thlama Peace Foundation

Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Hosts Strategic Engagement Meeting with Thlama Peace Foundation
By: Our Reporter
The Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under the leadership of the Acting Commissioner and Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu Safana, convened an engagement meeting today with key stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) alongside representatives from the Thlama Peace Foundation.
The session commenced with a warm welcome address by Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu Safana, who emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships with development-oriented organizations to drive inclusive and sustainable development across the state.
As the coordinating body for all NGOs operating in Katsina State, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning plays a crucial role in supporting, validating, and harmonizing the activities of NGOs. This coordination ensures alignment with government priorities, enhances planning, and strengthens the delivery of social protection interventions. The Ministry is committed to promoting synergy, avoiding duplication of efforts, and maximizing the impact of all development initiatives in the state.
During the technical session, Mr. Kadafur Joseph, the Programme Officer of the Thlama Peace Foundation, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the Foundation’s history, objectives, and ongoing peacebuilding and development initiatives. He outlined the Foundation’s mission to promote social cohesion, community empowerment, and conflict resolution through grassroots engagement and collaboration with government and civil society actors.
Following the presentation, the Acting Commissioner facilitated an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the Thlama Peace Foundation team. Attendees asked critical questions and provided insightful feedback aimed at strengthening future collaboration.
The engagement meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including directors from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning: Dr. Tijjani Umar, Director of Social Protection; Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Danrimi, Director of Planning; Executive Director of the SEMA, Hajiya Binta Dangani; representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs Hajiya Hajara Yusuf; Mr. Paul Maful from Mercy Corps; and other development partners.
The meeting marks a significant step toward building strategic partnerships for peace and development in Katsina State.
Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Hosts Strategic Engagement Meeting with Thlama Peace Foundation
National News
Children’s Day: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Future of Nigerian Youth

Children’s Day: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Future of Nigerian Youth
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called for immediate action to protect the future of Nigerian child.
Speaking in Abuja on this year’s Children’s Day, themed “Tapping the Untapped Natural Treasure,”the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called for urgent, unified action to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerian children.
He urged the government at all levels, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to acknowledge the dire conditions facing many children in Nigeria and to prioritise investments that secure their future.
Mamedu described the situation of the Nigerian child as alarming and untenable, stating that: “Despite the day’s celebratory nature, the reality for many Nigerian children is far from joyful. The convergence of escalating insecurity, deepening poverty, and widening digital divides has created a crisis that threatens the well-being and future of the country’s children. Our children are the heartbeat of this nation, yet many are trapped in cycles of poverty, conflict, and neglect. We must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to ensure every child has access to education, nutrition, safety, and the digital tools necessary for their development.”
He noted that according to UNICEF, over 18 million children in Nigeria are currently out of school, with girls disproportionately affected by entrenched gender norms, economic hardship, and insecurity, decrying the security situation, particularly in the northeast and northwest, is worsening. The continued presence of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP has led to the displacement of thousands of families, leaving children vulnerable to violence, trauma, and disrupted learning.
He noted that digital exclusion is another pressing barrier. Only 36% of Nigerians currently have access to the internet, and an estimated 78% of youth lack the digital literacy needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. This limits their access to quality education, opportunities for skill development, and future employability.
Mamedu said compounding these challenges is the harsh economic climate. Various economic reforms and inflationary pressures have pushed basic food prices beyond the reach of many families. As a result, 33 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, with children bearing the brunt of the nutritional crisis.
He said: “To truly unlock the potential of Nigerian children, we must go beyond policy on paper and confront the gaps in implementation. While education may legally be free under the Universal Basic Education framework, the reality is that millions of children—especially girls, displaced children, and those with disabilities—remain excluded due to insecurity, poverty, and lack of infrastructure. We urge policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to prioritise inclusive, quality education; expand social protection to tackle hunger and health gaps; strengthen community-based child protection systems; and invest in digital infrastructure and skills that will prepare our children to thrive in today’s world.”
ActionAid Nigeria reiterated that investing in the well-being of every Nigerian child is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for national development, peace, and prosperity.
Children’s Day: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Future of Nigerian Youth
National News
VP Shettima: Our Institutional Policy Reforms Will Solve 80% Of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges

VP Shettima: Our Institutional Policy Reforms Will Solve 80% Of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges
** Says President Tinubu engraving new era of economic discipline, policy clarity
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said there is an urgent need for institutional reforms as the foundation for solving the majority of Nigeria’s public policy challenges.
According to him, strengthening the nation’s institutional frameworks would address 80 per cent of Nigeria’s public policy challenges.
The Vice President stated this on Monday during the official presentation of the draft National Public Policy Development and Management Framework by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination/Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman.

VP Shettima described the new policy framework as a transformative approach that has been “long overdue” in Nigeria’s governance architecture.
“If we get our institutional frameworks right, we will solve 80% of our public policy challenges. This approach is long overdue,” he said.
The Vice President called for a national reset in the way public policy is conceived, communicated, and implemented, noting that the mitochondria of every government is a workable national public policy.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, VP Shettima praised the President’s unique blend of public and private sector experience and his readiness to implement bold reforms.

“For the first time, we have a leader who understands the dynamics and speaks the language of economics. He has the courage to take far-reaching decisions. We cannot but commend President Tinubu for his very promising reforms across all sectors of the national economy,” he said.
The Vice President also stressed the importance of policy clarity and communication, pointing out that reforms must be clearly understood by the public and consistently implemented across all tiers of government.
Highlighting the role of e-governance and digitisation, VP Shettima advocated for data-driven policy execution and real-time monitoring, just as he also called for enforceable consequences within the policy framework.
“There must be targets and deliverables; if people fail to perform, they should be made to pay the price. Implementation without accountability is another word for lunacy. People must be made to account for their stewardship,” the VP said.
Emphasising the need to build strong institutions over reliance on individual leaders, the Senator drew a leaf from former United States President Barack Obama, saying, “Like former President Barack Obama said, what nations need is not strong characters or leaders, but strong institutions — institutions guided by strong, fair, and acceptable laws.”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, told the Vice President that the draft National Policy Development Framework was conceived by the realisation that the federal government had no document that conceptualised government policies.
“It is interesting, Your Excellency, to know that at the beginning of this administration, it was quite baffling that the federal government did not have a guiding document which specifies the process by which policies should be conceptualised.
“Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government had been operating in silos, often producing overlapping and outdated policies. This has led to fragmentation, policy inconsistency, duplication of efforts, and ultimately inefficiency in the government’s endeavours.
“These challenges have not only impeded the realisation of government goals, but it has also weakened public trust and discouraged investor confidence. Recognising this urgency and the need to address these systemic issues is what enabled us, as a team, to initiate this process,” she stated.
Hajiya Usman, however, expressed confidence that the Draft National Policy Development Framework will address deep-rooted challenges of policy management and lack of coherence and consistency across MDAs.
The Draft National Policy Development Framework, she noted, is the result of extensive collaboration between her office, Office of the Vice President, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the National Economic Summit Group.
The Presidential Aide assured that with the input of the Vice President, the draft framework will provide the much-needed clarity, structure, and coherence that will enable the development of policies with clear intent.
VP Shettima: Our Institutional Policy Reforms Will Solve 80% Of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges
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