National News
Prioritize migration to rescue Nigeria economy, Stakeholders tell FG
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Prioritize migration to rescue Nigeria economy, Stakeholders tell FG
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The federal government has been advised by some stakeholders in the migration industry to prioritize migration as a viable economic option in rescuing the country from economic sabotage.
The call was made at the Global Migration Movie Festival, 2021 organized by the International Organization for Migration, IOM on Friday.
Two movies (Hide; Sierra Leone and Lodgers; Nigeria) were premiered and used as case studies to analyze the rate of irregular migration, causes and effects.
The stakeholders acknowledged that irregular migration caused by poverty, unemployment, insecurity and instability is eating deep into the country and impacting the psychology of affected children, youths, and women.
The Executive Director, Africa Youth Growth Foundation, Dr. Arome Salifu said “Government needs to prioritize migration as an option to get out of economic challenges. If not, we would keep looking at migration as a challenge. If the government will consider it as an option and an area to explore, all they need to do is to standardize and certify our skills to conform with the country’s specific labor standard. Now that way, Nigeria can now explore bilateral, multeral labor instruments, agreements and resolutions to allow Nigerians leave Nigeria officially to work in those countries.
Also Read: COVID-19: West African countries need to look within for…
“Canada is looking for a certain number of doctors coming into their country. There is nothing stopping Nigeria as a country to have an understanding with the Canadian government to have a certain number of Nigerians as long as we meet the specific requirements and qualifications.
“The same for Germany. There is nothing wrong for Nigeria to set up German schools purely for the German language. Nigerians learn the language in preparation to leave Nigeria and work in Germany. Indians and the Philippines are doing so. They are looking at migration as a viable economic option.
“If the government wants to actually look locally to solve the problem of unemployment and poverty. The government makes sure that there is a functional industrialization sector, good educational and health system which is capital intensive. So we need to look for a shortcut to solve this problem.
Also toeing the same line, the National Project Officer, Labour Migration and Diaspora, IOM, Elizabeth Puage said: “Until all these issues such as socio-economic, political issues are addressed, there is no way forward in tackling the irregular migration. Government needs to do a lot. There is a need for coordination among relevant stakeholders. There is a need for strengthened capabilities to handle or manage migration and sustain awareness.
“Government needs to release fundings for relevant stakeholders to implement migration activities and to address major drivers of migration such as Gender Based Violence, child trafficking, poverty etc.”
Prioritize migration to rescue Nigeria economy, Stakeholders tell FG
National News
Nigeria to Leverage Chinese Technology to Boost Sugar Productio
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Nigeria to Leverage Chinese Technology to Boost Sugar Production
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is planning to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost the nation’s sugar production.
The plan was disclosed on Wednesday by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe while paying host to a delegation of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) led by the Executive Secretary, Mr Kamar Bakrin.
The working visit focused on fostering collaboration between the two organisations and exploring opportunities for partnerships to transform the Nigerian Sugar sector through Nigeria-China Collaboration.
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While receiving the delegation, the DG NCSP noted the huge potentials of the Nigerian Sugar sector and lauded the commitment of the management of the NSDC led by Mr Bakrin, he added that the goal of the collaboration is to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost Nigeria’s sugar production, meeting both local demand and the requirements of target global market.
China, a significant player in the global sugar market, currently import an estimated 5 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, valued at $10 billion in addition to its domestic production of 10.5 million metric tonnes.
The local sugar market, valued at $2 billion annually, is projected to benefit from a transformed sugar sector. In addition, the country could potentially acquire a substantial share of the global market, where sugar imports by China is currently valued at $10billion.
A statement on Wednesday said the NSDC aims to position the Nigerian sugar sector as a beneficiary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. This will involve the deployment of modern technology, conversion of by-products, training of farmers on modern skills, and technology transfer, as well as access to low-interest financing to fund the development of new sugar production estates and ventures.
It said as Nigeria seeks to boost its sugar production, this collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal, which is part of the second phase of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritizes economic growth and development.
The statement added that NCSP, led by Joseph Tegbe, is committed to deepening the partnership between Nigeria and China, and this collaboration with the NSDC marks a significant step in this direction.
The delegation of the NSDC included Ms Edirin Akemu, Head of NSDC’s Strategy and Performance Management department, and Mr Teslim Bello, Head of Executive Secretary Office Department.
Nigeria to Leverage Chinese Technology to Boost Sugar Production
National News
NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair
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NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair
By: Michael Mike
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is participating in the ongoing 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair, offering a platform for beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programs to exhibit their products and services.
Themed “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation,” the event aligns with NDE’s mission to drive economic growth and employment. Speaking during the NDE Special Day, Director-General H.E. Silas Agara reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling unemployment through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, which targets 93,731 unskilled and unemployed Nigerians.
As part of its participation, NDE is launching a mobile application to connect Nigerians with services provided by its trained beneficiaries. The fair also provides young entrepreneurs with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and expand their business networks.
President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), ESV. Ishaya Idi, commended NDE’s consistent presence at the fair, highlighting its role in strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fostering self-reliance.
The Kaduna International Trade Fair remains a vital platform for businesses to gain exposure and market access, with NDE’s involvement reinforcing its dedication to self-employment creation and economic empowerment.
NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair
National News
Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda
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Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has demanded for the full investigation of circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda.
The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the news of the death of the footballer in Uganda was highly disturbing.
Dabiri-Erewa while stating that the death
was under highly unclear circumstances, said the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Uganda , Ambassador Shama Shanga has demanded full autopsy and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
In a statement, Dabiri-Erewa stated that “this is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover up at all . This is so sad!
” The Nigerian government will ensure and demand a thorough and transparent investigation. May his soul Rest in Peace and God give the family the fortitude to bear this loss.”
She noted that already, the “Kajjansi Police Division say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers Sports Club, who was claimed to have fallen from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025.
Preliminary reports indicate that Lawal arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025.
According to Naima, she left Lawal , who is also a final year student at Cavendish University, in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game centre within the mall. Shortly after, at approximately 8:00 am, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.
He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were recovered from his black backpack.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda
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