The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to review the policies governing the implementation of its National Blockchain Policy. This aims to incorporate new emerging technologies and economic realities, expanding the policy’s reach to sectors such as land registration, health, and education. Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), announced the review at a three-day co-creation workshop in Abuja. The event focused on validating trends in blockchain technology and integrating new stakeholders to ensure inclusive adoption and implementation. Blockchain, as defined by Investopedia, is a digital database that allows for simultaneous use and…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
TotalEnergies has chosen Angola over Nigeria for its $6 billion energy projects due to Angola’s stable policy framework, according to CEO Patrick Pouyanne. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Pouyanne highlighted the lmportant role of a consistent policy environment in attracting substantial investments. “Nigeria’s policy inconsistency and frequent legislative debates have made long-term investments untenable,” Pouyanne stated. Despite the Niger Delta’s status as the most productive oil region in West Africa, the region has seen no new oil exploration for 12 years due to the erratic policy environment. “In Nigeria, there’s always a new legislature about petroleum laws,…
The Nigerian Army has handed over 350 individuals rescued from Sambisa Forest to the Borno State Government for rehabilitation and reintegration. The handover ceremony took place on Monday in Maiduguri, where Major General Kenneth Chigbu, Deputy Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, highlighted the successful 10-day clearance operation in Sambisa Forest that led to the rescue. “The people we are handing over today, totaling 350, comprised six adult males, 134 females, and 209 children found in Sambisa Forest,” said Maj.-Gen. Chigbu. “This effort is a demonstration of professionalism exhibited by the joint task…
In a distressing incident late Monday evening, two students from Lagos State University (LASU) were injured by stray bullets in the vicinity of a popular student residential area known as PPL, situated outside the campus premises. Details surrounding the incident remain sparse, with neither the identities of the victims nor the shooter(s) being disclosed at the time of reporting. The unfortunate event occurred around 8 pm when the students ventured out to procure food. The alarming situation was first brought to public attention through social media, with a user identified as Baddy of Lasu, tweeting under #belikebaddy, issuing a cautionary…
The revered Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has levied accusations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging complicity in aiding crimes within the country. The monarch made these allegations during a meeting with the newly appointed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, at his Palace in Benin on Monday. Oba Ewuare II referenced a particular case involving former palace officials who were apprehended for fraud and subsequently handed over to the EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution. The monarch claimed that certain EFCC operatives handled the case with leniency, resulting in the release of the accused…
The Nigerian High Commission in London has found itself in the spotlight as it emerges that it has accumulated a staggering £8.4 million in unpaid congestion charges. Transport for London (TfL) released a revealing datasheet, exposing the extent of unpaid fees and fines amassed by diplomats over the years, dating back to the inception of the congestion charge scheme in 2003 until the close of last year. The congestion charge scheme, implemented by TfL, imposes a £15 daily fee for driving within central London during specified hours on weekdays and weekends. While various groups, including residents, taxis, and electric cars,…
The United States and Nigeria have strengthened their partnership through a series of recent engagements. From high-level diplomatic meetings to collaborative initiatives in digital transformation and cultural exchange, both nations are committed to advancing shared goals. The U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission held in Abuja from April 29-30 marked a significant step forward in addressing mutual economic, governance, and security priorities. Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf M. Tuggar spearheaded discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two populous presidential democracies. One of the focal points of this partnership is digital transformation, exemplifying the potential derived from government, business,…
The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, has granted pardon to 18 inmates at the Makurdi Medium Correctional Centre. This decision follows a review of 120 remand cases by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee in Benue state. During a two-day visit to the Makurdi Medium Correctional Centre, Justice Ikpambese, alongside other committee members including the Commissioner of Police Benue State and the Controller of Corrections Benue State Command, meticulously examined the cases of inmates held in remand for various offenses, ranging from robbery to culpable homicide. According to a statement issued by Stephen Tsegba, the Public…
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has forged partnerships with foreign agencies and local stakeholders to enhance export standards. At a national workshop held in Lagos, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, outlined the agency’s strategy to tackle this challenge. Adeyeye stated the importance of regulatory supervision in ensuring the safety and quality of exported products, highlighting key partnerships with organizations such as the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services. Adeyeye stressed the need for automation in the export licensing process to streamline procedures and ensure…
The United States and Zambia have joined forces by signing the U.S.–Zambia Partnership to Prevent Trafficking in Persons (P2P). This pioneering multi-year initiative, signed by U.S. Embassy Zambia’s Chargé d’Affaires Linnisa Wahid and Zambian Minister of Home Affairs, the Honorable Jack Mwiimbu, aims to strengthen Zambia’s efforts to combat trafficking through improved coordination and comprehensive support. The P2P initiative, hailed as the first of its kind globally, emerged after extensive discussions between representatives of the Zambian government, the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office), and the U.S. Embassy in Zambia. This…
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf M. Tuggar in Washington on May 17, 2024 to address critical economic, governance, and security issues affecting both nations. Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister Tuggar for Nigeria’s role in hosting the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission in Abuja last month. This event highlighted the importance of the bilateral partnership and set the stage for advancing shared priorities. “The U.S. is committed to a strong relationship with Nigeria,” Blinken affirmed. “Our focus is on collaborative efforts to overcome the economic, governance, and security challenges that are crucial for…
U.S. manufacturing output unexpectedly fell in April, driven by a decline in motor vehicle production, according to data released by the Federal Reserve on Thursday. Manufacturing output dropped by 0.3% last month, following a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in March. This downturn defied economists’ expectations of a 0.1% rise after a previously reported 0.5% increase in March. Year-over-year, factory production declined by 0.5% in April. The manufacturing sector, which constitutes 10.4% of the U.S. economy, continues to struggle under the weight of higher borrowing costs. The recent data aligns with a survey from the Institute for Supply Management, which indicated…