National News
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country, insisting that there is need for conceited efforts from all across the world to curtail the global drug problem.
The President also assured he would continue to provide necessary support and tools for the nation’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA to fulfil on its mandate.
Tinubu, gave the assurances on Tuesday while declaring open the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President said: “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate.”
He said: “We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.
“For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.
“So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.”
He noted that: “Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.”
The President while emphasising the threat posed to countries by drug scourge, urged participants attending the conference to seize the opportunity of the gathering to come up with novel strategies to dismantle drug cartels across the African continent.
He said: “We are at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilizations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bid to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe.”
He said the choice of Nigeria to host the conference and its drug czar to chair the meeting is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs. Over the decades, criminal organizations have attempted to breach our security measures in their business of polluting nations and minds. But while it’s a compliment that drug-law enforcement organisations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted,” he added.
The President stated that: “Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed.”
In his remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) who was elected to chair the conference, while citing the details of the 2023 world drug report as a challenge for Africa, charged his counterparts across the continent to strengthen operational networks and raise the bar in the drug war.
He said: “Drug use disorders are harming health, including mental health, safety and well-being,” adding that the harms caused by drug trafficking and illicit drug use are enormous, insisting that they are also contributing to many of these threats, from instability and violence to environmental devastation.
He said: “Young people are using more drugs than previous generations, and the majority of people being treated for drug use disorders in Africa are under the age of 35. What is worse, the availability of treatment and other services has not kept pace with these developments, and women in particular are suffering from treatment gaps.
“The world drug problem, in all its forms and manifestations, affects all of us. The stakes are especially high for Africa. No one country can tackle a problem of this magnitude alone; just as well, the world drug problem cannot be tackled solely through international policymaking; it also requires effective implementation and collaboration among practitioners. This is where the HONLAF comes in. The meeting is very important, as it enables its parent body, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to learn about current regional drug trends, threats, and emerging challenges from practitioners and law enforcement experts, from all parts of the continent.
“We need regional perspectives to enrich the global policy discussion, and HONLAF is the opportunity to bring the African perspective to the global level. The sessions provide a platform to share knowledge and practices and learn from each other.
“The 31st meeting will indeed provide an opportunity for us to raise the bar and break new ground in different areas of our operations and collaborative efforts. I am as excited as a lot of us in this hall are to make presentations, listen to others, and share experiences that will positively shape our operations and redefine our cooperation at the end of this conference.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director, International Criminal Justice Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Nkiruka Jones-Nebo said “It is imperative that this conference remains proactive in addressing the legal complexities that may impede seamless cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training. These barriers must be dismantled to prevent any loopholes that could potentially facilitate the activities of drug cartels operating across our borders.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice stands committed to providing unwavering support and efficient systems to empower NDLEA in its mission.”
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe on his part, said the drug problem has changed from what it used to be 20 years ago, noting that: “Today, the picture is different, local consumption is increasing, and increasingly problematic. We need a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction. We need to invest in prevention and in treatment. And, we need alternatives to imprisonment for drug users that are more effective and help decongesting prisons. At the same time, we need to strengthen cooperation between countries along drug trafficking routes with the aim of dismantling the ever more sophisticated trafficking networks.”
The Executive Director, UNODC, Ghada Waly and the Chairman, UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs who both spoke via video messages expressed support for the gathering and charged delegates to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform.
One of the highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of a report on Organised Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment (NOCTA) produced by the National Institute for Security Studies in collaboration with security agencies and supported by the UNODC. Speaking on the report, Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke said “With investigations to connect transit and production countries, the report is hoped to encourage other partnerships to create a coalition that fights organised crime in partnership and collaboration. We must not give up, let us give Nigeria the true future it deserves.”
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
Tinubu’s Procurement Reforms, a Turning Point for National Economic Growth – NEFGAD
By: Michael Mike
The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a frontline public procurement advocacy group, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the bold, visionary, and far-reaching reforms outlined in his presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.
NEFGAD particularly commended President Tinubu’s remarks on public procurement at the presentation of the budget, stating that the President’s statement underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency, and prudent management of public resources.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s acting head of office, Barrister Unekwu Ojo, and made available to journalists on Saturday, NEFGAD lauded the President’s disclosure that the Federal Government commenced a comprehensive procurement reform framework from November last year, describing it as a decisive shift toward strengthening due process, reducing waste, and enforcing accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The statement noted that the reforms have demonstrably shortened procurement processing timelines, enhanced compliance, and strengthened sanctions against erring contractors and public officials, setting a new benchmark for governance and fiscal prudence.
The group said that November 2024, the period referenced by Mr. President, coincides with the assumption of office of the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and established beyond doubt, that the procurement reforms acknowledged by Mr. President are being driven and implemented under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun, in alignment with the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.
Of particular significance is the President’s emphasis on the Nigeria First Policy, which mandates MDAs to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and local companies in public procurement, NEFGAD described this policy as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening local content, stimulating domestic industries, creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and reducing Nigeria’s over-reliance on imports, and emphasised that procurement is no longer a mere administrative process but a powerful instrument for national economic development and industrial growth.
Ojo further commended the remarkable achievement of the Bureau of Public Procurement under Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, which has recorded over ₦1 trillion in savings within just one year through enhanced price intelligence and benchmarking mechanisms.
She insisted that: “This figure is larger than the cumulative savings recorded by the BPP in 17 years from 2007 to 2024 before Dr. Adedokun’s assumption of office, marking the most significant cost-saving milestone in the history of the Bureau and perhaps in the entire continent by any government in a single budget cycle.”
NEFGAD observed that these gains are a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s procurement system is entering a new era defined by efficiency, national interest, and sustainable economic growth. The organisation stressed that while the achievements are commendable, sustained reforms must be safeguarded through strict adherence to due process, impartial enforcement, and continuous transparency.
The group called on all stakeholders, including MDAs, civil society organisations, and the media, to actively engage in monitoring the implementation of procurement reforms, ensuring that the Nigeria First Policy achieves its intended goals without being hijacked by vested interests or manipulated for political patronage.
NEFGAD also urged the government to institutionalise best practices, consolidate savings, and expand the culture of accountability, warning that the long-term success of the reforms hinges on consistent oversight, robust regulatory frameworks, and unwavering political will.
According to NEFGAD, the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s procurement landscape is not only a victory for public finance management but also a template for good governance that other sectors can emulate. The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting the government’s reform agenda through advocacy, capacity building, and independent monitoring, emphasizing that procurement must continue to serve as a strategic driver of economic development, job creation, and national prosperity.
Tinubu’s Procurement Reforms, a Turning Point for National Economic Growth – NEFGAD
China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy
…10,000 Nigerians Have Enjoyed Training Programmes in China So Far
By: Michael Mike
China-Nigeria trade volume has surpassed $22 billion, China Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has said.
Speaking at the 1st Annual China-Nigeria Government Exchange Program Alumni Reunion Gala, in Abuja, Yu also disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from opportunities for the exchange provided by China.
Yu while noting that 2025 trade volume has surpassed that of the previous year, said that China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%, while Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.
He said: “ I think this bilateral relations not only has a political meaning, but it’s actually more about people-to-people relations. And I’m very happy to let all of you know that our trade volumes, this year, already surpassed 22 billion U.S. dollars.
“That’s already surpassed the total amount of last year. And China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%. And another good news is Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.”
The envoy also said his country is working closely with Nigeria authorities to implement the zero tariff policy announced in June 2025, which is meant to expand Nigeria’s export to China while also enhancing Nigeria’s position on the international global trading system.
He said: “We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero tariff policy, which the Chinese government announced last June. That is, China is going to provide zero tariff for 100% of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to China.
“And I believe that this is going to expand Nigeria’s export to China and contribute also to the enhancing of Nigeria’s position on the international global system, the trading system.”
He noted that China-Nigeria are working on other various projects which are aimed at providing mutual benefits, stating that he believed that Nigeria and China are natural partners, as both countries shared the same interest.
He therefore said both countries need to work together to enhance the current global governance, to address the active representation of African countries, and to better let our voices be heard globally.
Yu, while stating that: “China’s today is Nigeria’s tomorrow,” noted that China and Nigeria shared a lot of similarities.
On bringing the alumni together, Yu said: “is to provide a platform for our alumni who attended the Chinese Government Exchange Programme to stay connected, to exchange ideas, and thus contribute to China-Nigeria relations.
“Indeed, over the years, China has provided over 10,000 opportunities for the training programme for Nigerians.
He said the training opportunities aimed at building the capacities and sharing experience of governance, to poverty reduction, to manufacturing, agriculture, public health, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, food economy, digital economy.
He added that: “And I believe that this not only helps to enhance the capabilities of the individuals, but also contributes to the economic and social development of Nigeria.”
Yu said the alumni of the exchange programme cut across Nigeria’s cities of Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ibadan, among others.
China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy
Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting
By: Michael Mike
In a deliberate move to deepen responsible sustainability reporting and strengthen the role of the media in national development, the Sterling Sustainability Working Group has convened a high-level sustainability training for journalists as part of activities marking the 2025 National Sustainability Week (NSW).
The Sterling Sustainability Working Group champions the sustainability mandate for the Sterling Financial Holdings Company that comprises of Sterling Bank and Alternative Bank
The strategic programme, organised by the Sterling Sustainability Working Group in partnership with the Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC) in collaboration with NatureNews brought together selected media executives and journalists from across the country for a two-day hybrid engagement that began on Tuesday in Abuja.
Welcoming participants, Chairperson of the Sustainability Working Group, Mrs Bunmi Ajiboye, underscored the central role of the media in shaping public perception and policy conversations around sustainability.
She described the engagement as a pivotal intervention aimed at redefining how Nigeria’s development story is told.
According to her, sustainability has moved beyond a narrow environmental narrative to become a comprehensive development framework that touches the economy, innovation, governance and social inclusion.
She noted that journalists as custodians of public information, have a responsibility to frame these issues with clarity, accuracy and purpose.
Ajiboye also said that effective storytelling by the media can drive action, dispel misinformation and elevate grassroots solutions that often go unnoticed. She said the training was designed to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to amplify credible solutions, influence behaviour and inspire collective responsibility among citizens and decision-makers.
She further highlighted Sterling’s sustainability footprint, citing the company’s investments in renewable energy projects, support for circular economy ventures, promotion of climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment initiatives nationwide. These efforts, she said, reflect Sterling’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into business strategy and social impact.
She said: “This is not just a learning session; it is a call for partnership,” while urging journalists to work with stakeholders in building narratives that reflect Nigeria’s resilience, creativity and potential.
Participants at the training were drawn from reputable print, broadcast and digital media organisations and joined both physically and virtually.
They received expert-led sessions from seasoned media professionals, including Aliu Akoshile, Publisher of NatureNews Media; Akogun Ishiak Ajibola, former Managing Director of Daily Trust; and Victoria Bamas, Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
The training focused on strengthening digital reporting skills, deepening understanding of sustainability issues and positioning the media as a critical driver of informed public discourse and sustainable development outcomes in Nigeria.
Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting
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