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Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada
Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called for strengthening of bilateral and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada.
Tuggar who recently paid a working visit to Canada where he engaged with various critical stakeholders in furtherance of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada, said during his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Tuggar that Nigeria is Canada’s largest trade partner in Africa and called on both countries to strengthen trade ties, given the ongoing implementation of the AfCFTA.
Similarly, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, stated that Canada is committed to supporting socioeconomic development in Nigeria and the wider region for mutual benefit.
According to a statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Nigeria’s Minister, Alkasim AbdulKadir, both countries resolved to take steps to finalise the outstanding MOUs, including the bilateral Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) ahead of the Canadian Trade Mission to Nigeria in June 2024.
He said, the Ministers also discussed regional security in Africa, with Joly lauding Nigeria’s leadership role in the region and offered Canada’s support in strengthening stability and democracy in West Africa.
He said: “They also agreed to work together on a range of regional and global issues, ranging from seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts to multilateral reform and countering disinformation. The bilateral engagement represents a significant step forward in the already robust relations between the two countries.”
AbdulKadir said Tuggar also met with the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF) to discuss Canada-Nigeria relations and regional African issues. He used the opportunity to explain the 4-D foreign policy thrust and ongoing developments in ECOWAS and the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Tuggar equally met with the Parliamentary Secretary, Robert Oliphant, where he explored avenues for enhanced partnership on multilateral reform, African security, education, healthcare, trade, and investment, particularly in the areas of mining, metals refining, energy, and digital economy.
He noted that Oliphant expressed deep appreciation for the visit, stating that it demonstrated the robust relations between the two countries.
AbdulKadir revealed that the Minister also met with the senior leadership of Carleton University and took a tour of its facilities, including the technology and innovation hub, as well as the Institute for African Affairs.
He said Carleton University has several partnerships with Nigerian universities and is an example of the strong educational cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
He met with the President of the Business Council of Canada (BCC), Goldy Hyder, where they discussed opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure., noting that the BCC is exploring the possibility of visiting Nigeria later this year to follow up on the productive engagement.
Tuggar also met with the Canadian Parliamentary Secretary on Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu, to expand the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries. The Minister during the visit, highlighted the linkages between democracy, stability, and sustainable growth, especially given the emergence of the AfCFTA.
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that Canada wants to support Nigeria’s economic development. They also discussed partnerships in the areas of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and AI.
Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Katsina State have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims after intercepting an armed bandit attack on Yankara-Funtua highway in Faskari Local Government Area.
Sources said on Jan. 24 at about 1:25 a.m., unidentified armed bandits blocked the highway and abducted six occupants of a green Honda Civic, registration number AAA 518 BC, en route from Funtua to Faskari.
The DPO Faskari, on routine patrol, promptly engaged the hoodlums in a tactical gunfight.
The bandits were overpowered and fled into the bush, abandoning their mission. All six victims, Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida, were rescued unharmed and safely returned to their homes.
Intensive patrols continue in the area, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man, Umar Hamza, was apprehended Wednesday night for trespassing and attempting to steal from the Emir of Bauchi’s residence.
Sources said Hamza entered one of the Emir’s son’s rooms carrying a bunch of keys and tried to commit theft around 8:20 p.m. on January 23.
He was intercepted shortly after the act and taken into the Police custody for questioning.
Police said Preliminary inquiries indicate the suspect intended to steal from the palace.
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic mission to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland.
This is just as he said Nigeria has reclaimed a frontline seat in global and regional policy conversations.
VP Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
According to the Vice President, the trip is part of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its determination to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Vice President had departed Abuja for Conakry, where he attended President Doumbouya’s inauguration, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS, while opening new pathways for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea-Conakry, Senator Shettima proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led the Nigerian delegation at the WEF 2026.
One of the highpoints of his engagements in that country was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos, the Nigeria’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade, designed as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled, “When Food Becomes Security,” the Vice President outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar of national security and macroeconomic stability.
Vice President Shettima also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, a forum advocating African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and value chains rather than foreign aid.
On the economic front, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation to 12.94 per cent.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s imminent transition into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, and the growing export of digital talent.
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
Bandits abduct another four occupants of charcoal-laden vehicle in Kajuru LGA in Kaduna
Nobody is replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima. Tinubu affirms he remains the best and envisions a strategic partnership for Nigeria’s future.
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