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VP SHETTIMA AT PEBEC REGULATORS’ FORUM

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VP SHETTIMA AT PEBEC REGULATORS’ FORUM

By: Our Reporter

Regulatory Agencies Must Eliminate Overlaps, Align With President Tinubu’s Agenda

Says FG will streamline regulatory systems to facilitate ease of doing business

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged regulatory agencies to eliminate overlaps and align their actions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for economic growth and improved ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to streamlining the regulatory environment in Nigeria.

This, the Vice President said, is crucial in driving the coordination, transparency and global competitiveness required for the nation’s economic transformation.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Regulators’ Forum to build an effective Regulatory Impact Framework (RIA) for Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the administration’s journey towards a “regulatory system built on trust, consistency, and collaboration is ongoing, and it is a journey that requires” all and sundry to remain committed.”

The Vice President implored the government regulators to be “willing to reinvent processes and innovate, guiding Nigeria towards a future where we are not economically disadvantaged but positioned to thrive.

“Our duty to the private sector is clear: to listen, process their concerns, and develop solutions that drive growth. In recent months, there have been pockets of complaints regarding certain directives from our regulatory agencies. I have personally intervened on several occasions to ensure we are not hampered by conflict, but instead move forward with unity and purpose,” he added.

Underscoring the importance of streamlining the regulatory system, the VP said, “The success of this forum today does not solely depend on our ability to collaborate, share knowledge, and align our regulatory actions with the broader national agenda.

“It also depends on our capacity to recognise and address criticisms and shortcomings, while striving for a nation that does not feel like a battlefield for businesses, but a place where investors can thrive without fear of unnecessary hurdles.”

VP Shettima charged the regulators to heed President Tinubu’s call to action, noting that the President envisions a country where regulatory excellence drives economic growth, attracts investment, and ultimately improves the quality of life for all citizens.

He continued: “Time and again, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured the business community of his commitment to easing any bottlenecks they may encounter, and each regulator here must adopt the same mindset in their dealings with private enterprises.

“The work of PEBEC, particularly through initiatives like the Regulatory Reform Accelerator, has been pivotal in reducing the obstacles faced by businesses.

“Today’s forum offers an unparalleled opportunity to address these issues head-on and chart a new course towards regulatory cohesion. This is not merely an event – it is a defining moment for us to reflect on the duties we owe our nation.”

On the task ahead, Senator Shettima urged participants at the meeting to recognise the gravity of their role as regulators.

His words: “Your actions do not stop at your desks; they have ripple effects that can shape or disrupt policies, influence investment decisions, and, most critically, impact the daily lives of Nigerians who rely on a stable and efficient economy.

“As such, this forum provides an invaluable opportunity to take ownership of the crucial reforms needed to eliminate regulatory overlaps, misalignments, and contradictions that often cause unnecessary delays and burdens on businesses.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia outlined PEBEC’s 2024 outlook highlighting Nigeria’s business and investment climate reforms through its five strategic pillars, comprising regulatory, judicial and legislative reforms, among others.

He said deliberations and actions at the forum would be aligned with national economic goals that can make Nigeria a more attractive destination for business and investment.

“Through your participation and active contributions, this Forum will play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that it enhances our global business competitiveness,” Senator Hadejia noted.

Also, Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that regulators must act as enablers, evolving to support and nurture the very ecosystem they oversee.

“Regulators should be assessed based on the health of the businesses under them. If the businesses are dying, the regulator should be concerned,” she said.

She quoted David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the UK, who stated in the 2015 Better Regulation Framework Manual: “We need to tackle regulation with vigour to free businesses to compete and create jobs, and give people greater freedom. I want us to be the first Government in modern history to leave office having reduced the overall burden of regulation rather than increasing it.”

Heads of federal government’s regulatory agencies present at the PEBEC meeting included Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Others are National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
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Military

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is designed to unite African militaries and provide indigenous solutions to the continent’s security challenges.

Musa disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the summit would be the first time African defence leaders would sit together, as brothers, to openly discuss Africa’s problems and chart practical ways forward without relying on external prescriptions.

“For too long we have been seeking solutions from outside, and that has prolonged our issues. The reality is that our challenges are within us, and it is only within us that we will create the solutions,” Musa said.

According to him, the success recorded in West Africa through engagements among ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence informed the decision to scale up the initiative across the continent.

He noted that the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, which has faced delays due to challenges of doctrine, strategy and funding, would receive fresh impetus during the summit.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to look at it holistically and get the buy-in of all Africans,” he added.

The CDS stressed that terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism were common threats across the regions, and only collective action could address them effectively.

He further emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society” approach, noting that insecurity was worsened by unproductive populations and widespread illiteracy that made youths vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

“We must go back to the African culture of brotherliness, of a community raising a child, of not allowing anything to harm your neighbour. That is the kind of solution we must revive,” Musa said.

On the level of participation, the CDS disclosed that about 90 per cent of invited countries had confirmed attendance, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.

He said the summit would also feature dignitaries from within and outside the continent, including senior UN officials, retired service chiefs and security experts.

“The end state is a better Africa, a more secure Africa, and an Africa where we project and work for our own development. Nobody can love you more than yourself,” he said.

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

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Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

By: Michael Mike

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has bridged the cultural gap with Nigeria by hosting the 13th Korean Film Festival in Abuja from August 21st to 23rd, 2025.

The festival aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties through the universal language of cinema .

This three-day event showcased a selection of remarkable Korean films, offering Nigerian audiences a unique window into Korean society, values, and dreams, beyond just entertainment.

Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria , Mr. Jeon Juho, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural ties.

He highlighted that the event is not merely about film screenings but about fostering deeper connections between the two nations.

“This festival isn’t just about watching movies. It is about building bridges between Nigeria and Korea, between culture and community, through the powerful medium of films,” Jeon stated.

He further elaborated on the festival’s offerings, noting that: “We will showcase live Korean remarkable films, each offering a unique window into the heart of Korean society, each value, each struggle, each dream.”

These narratives, he explained, transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, connecting audiences through shared human experiences.

The Permanent Secretary for Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, represented by Samuel Okpevo, highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural relations.

“This event highlights shared cultural ties and affinities and also the dance can foster people-to-people connections,” Okpevo stated.

He encouraged attendees to engage with the festival’s offerings, emphasizing its potential to inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers. “Ladies and gentlemen are hereby enjoying us to key into this event, the Korean Cultural Festival history and values which can inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers,” he urged.

Okpevo also expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

“As I conclude, I encourage all the guests to enjoy the festival, learn from each other, forge meaningful connections. Together we can promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. I wish to thank the organizers of this great event for building a successful event of this magnitude, solidifying cultural ties between both countries.”

He acknowledged the significance of cultural events like the Korean Film Festival in enhancing bilateral ties.

“Let me also at this junction refer to this event for strengthening cultural ties between both countries, Nigeria and the Korean people,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festival Association (NFFA), Uche Agbo,, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) for its efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

“What is being done today here is very significant and to me worthy of emulation,” Agbo remarked.

“I believe and I hope all the cultural centers that are here present or that are represented can replicate such because it offers us as filmmakers an opportunity to tap into the world of cinema of the country that is being projected.”

He further encouraged other embassies to organize similar events, stating, “I will encourage more of this from various other embassies if I may put it that way.”

Expressing the NFFA’s willingness to collaborate, Agbo added, “The Nigerian Film Festival Association as an umbrella body representing the entire film festivals in the country will want to further engage on how we can promote what we are doing here today and we are more than willing to cooperate in that regard.”

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

By Augustine Wereuche Praise

As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.

 
Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.
The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise, balanced, and almost graceful. Watching it, I imagined how such robots could one day assist in environments too dangerous for humans.
Next came the quadruped robots—the “dog-like” machines. They captured everyone’s attention as they navigated stairs with remarkable ease. Designed for stability and adaptability, these robots demonstrated the potential for use in rescue missions, exploration, and even household assistance.
 

Most of the presentation was delivered in Chinese, which posed a language barrier for me. However, the power of technology transcended words. The demonstrations spoke for themselves, showing how engineering and design can create machines capable of interacting with the physical world in dynamic ways. With the help of my teacher, I was able to understand a few more about the growth and advancement the company has experienced. It was so amazing getting a firsthand information about the different challenges and adjustment the company has made to keep up with the varying demands of the market.

As I took photos, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these innovations represent more than technical achievement. They reflect humanity’s endless pursuit to build, to solve problems, and to make life better. For me, seeing these robots in action was like stepping into a scene from science fiction to reality
This visit also reminded me of the role education and international collaboration play in advancing technology. Being part of this experience as an international student underscored how innovation is a shared language.

Our visit ended with more demonstrations and a chance to observe the robots up close. I left Unitree feeling inspired, curious, and hopeful about the future. This visit transformed how I see my role as a Nigerian student in China’s tech ecosystem. We’re not just passive observers of innovation, but active participants in a global conversation that will define how these technologies integrate into our societies. The robots at Unitree moved with mechanical precision, but they represented something profoundly human – our endless capacity to imagine, create, and improve the world around us.

Augustine Wereuche Praise
majors in Communication Engineering at School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

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