The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has empowered producers of agro allied products in the country with the requisite skills and tools required to enable them compete with their counterparts, noting that the move is in line with the present administration’s plans to diversify the nation’s economy away from hydro carbon resources.

The Director-General/Chief Executive, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Faruok Salim, di
sclosed that Nigeria’s agro-allied products are sellable across the world, insisting that the body would not compromise its standards in its effort to make sure locally made goods are competitive at the global scene.

He said the organisation, in a bid to support the economy diversification agenda of the present administration will continue to intensify efforts to sensitise producers of agro-allied products across the country on strict compliance with SON’s standards sellable across the world.

Represented by the Director Southwest, SON,Talatu Ethan, at a workshop titled, Standard Adherence: Catalyst for Trade held in Osogbo, he said the organisation is at the fore of driving diversification into agricultural products as a means of generating revenue.
“Nigeria’s products are having global acceptance, the Federal Government and regulatory bodies are working with stakeholders to ensure that whatever they produce can meet up with the specifications of the foreign countries,” said.

He stressed: “The objective of this workshop is to create awareness on the importance of standards to ensure that the manufacturers, producers and processors meet up with the minimum requirements of the standards, we have standards for Garri, honey, dry and smoked fish etc. and looking at the focus of the current administration which is food security, the role of SON is to train, educate and create awareness among the agro-allied sector on quality production.”

He pointed out that the objective of the workshop is to create awareness on the importance of standards to ensure that the manufacturers, producers and processors meet up with the minimum requirements of the standards
“We have standards for Garri, honey, dry and smoked fish e.t.c and looking at the focus of the current administration which is food security, the role of SON is to train, educate and create awareness among the agro-allied sector on quality production,” he averred.

In his words: “Mandatory conformity assessment, will prepare our local producer to produce products that meet up with the minimum requirement of the standards so that the products would be able to compete with foreign products, our duty is to encourage and support them for production of quality and safe products.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Osun state chapter, Sulaiman Araokanmi, described the workshop as timely in a bid to empower agro-allied producers across the country.
According to him, the programme has further widened their understanding on the entailment of agro- allied production and exposed every producer to reason why their jobs should not be handled with levity.
He stressed that the workshop has equally opened their eyes to discover unknown things that will serve as guidance to them to succeed in their various engagements.

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Fidelity Bank’s upcoming trade expo tagged, the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC Houston), has received a major boost as the Mayor, City of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has termed it, “A catalyst to support bilateral trade between Nigeria and Houston; and an opportunity for the Houston community and the diaspora to explore emerging trends, forge new partnerships and unlock new possibilities”.

This was made known in a video message recently issued by the mayor. In the one-minute clip obtained by our correspondent, Mayor Turner highlighted the several side attractions scheduled for FITCC Houston and encouraged businesses to take advantage of the expo to expand their businesses beyond borders.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 and Wednesday, 25th October 2023 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas 77010. The bank will be hosting exporters, leading businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and regulators operating in the commodity, service, creative, fashion and FinTech sectors in Nigeria and the United States with the view of promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports and facilitating integrations to global supply-chain networks.

Watch Mayor Turner’s video on: https://www.instagram.com/p/CxKyXhsN9xn/

The need to tackle infrastructure deficit in the West African sub-region as well as embrace principles of sustainable finance in a bid to promote economic development are some of the issues to be discussed as the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria hosts the 3rd biennial West Africa Capital Market Conference (WACMaC) 2023.

The conference with the theme “Infrastructural Deficit and Sustainable Financing in an Integrated West Africa Capital Market” will be held in Lagos next month.

Mr. Lamido Yuguda, Director-General of SEC, who is also Chairman of the West Africa Securities Regulators Association (WASRA), in a press statement, explained that the conference was jointly hosted by WASRA, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the West Africa Capital Market Integration Council (WACMIC), and the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI).

According to Yuguda, “This year’s conference is particularly significant as over 300 stakeholders will convene in the vibrant city of Lagos at the Eko Hotel & Suites from 25- 26 October 2023 to discuss the general theme “Infrastructural the deficit and Sustainable Financing in an Integrated West Africa Capital market.
‘’The WACMAC 2023 provides us with a unique platform to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and forge partnerships that will help shape the future of our capital markets, we have brought together a distinguished array of experts, regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders who will share their knowledge, experiences, and strategies to proffer solutions to the region’s infrastructure deficit.” the Director-General, said.

Yuguda added that the deficit posed a significant challenge to the region’s sustainable development adding that to address this gap, there is a growing need to adopt innovative financing mechanisms, and sustainable financing options to mobilize the desired funds to meet the region’s critical infrastructure needs, foster economic growth, and achieve sustainable development goals.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) says it has concluded preparations to pay the first liquidation dividend to depositors and deposits of former staff of the defunct Peak Merchant Bank.

According to a release signed by the Director, Communication & Public Affairs NDIC, Bashir Nuhu, the Corporation has commenced verification process to allow Depositors cross-check their account information and other details ahead of the payment.

The statement reads in parte ‘As the official Liquidator of the failed Banks in Nigeria, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), in line with its mandate wishes to inform the depositors & ex-staff (deposits) of defunct Peak Merchant Bank that it has concluded preparations to pay their first liquidation dividend.”

The statement signed by Director, Communication and Public Affairs, NDIC, Bashir A. Nuhu, notes that the verification exercise would enable depositors of the defunct bank to cross-check and ascertain their account information as well as balances with the bank as at closure.

Meanwhile, the statement asked all all legible beneficiaries to visit NDIC website or offices for the verification of claims with effect from Monday September 18, 2023 as the excercise is scheduled to last for one month lose on October 16,2023.

“We enjoin all eligible stakeholders of the defunct bank to visit any NDIC offices or visit NDIC Website on www.ndic.gov.ngfor verification of their claims commencing from Monday, 18th September to 16th October, 2023 while the duly completed verification forms can also be sent to the Corporations email address at: claimscomplaints@ndic.gov.ng” the statement added.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has adjudged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a worthy telecom regulator in Nigeria for its dedicated efforts in promoting awareness and knowledge of Information Communications Technologies (ICT), among the judiciary in particular, and the Nigerian public.

The CJN who is the Chairman, Board of Governors of the NJI, spoke in an opening remark at the 2023 edition of NCC-hosted annual workshop for judges on telecommunications issues, which began in Kano on Monday (today).

Justice Ariwoola said that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court service delivery, as the use of the Internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public, hence the crucial nature of the workshop.

Addressing the theme of the workshop, “The Adjudication Path in a Digital Era,” the CJN said it strikes a chord with the current realities that judicial officers face technologies that has fundamentally transformed how they communicate, access information and conduct legal proceedings.

“We are obliged to embrace this transformation while ensuring that doing justice remains at the forefront of our efforts,” he said.

The CJN and other Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, Federal High and States High Courts, and the NJI, were welcomed to the workshop by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who greeted them with the news that the Nigerian Communications Act,(NCA) 2003, is currently undergoing a fundamental review to update its provisions.

The nation’s number one judiciary officer explained that the workshop presents a platform where the challenges facing the judiciary by the digital revolution would be effectively discussed and that it is also an opportunity to equip the judiciary with the necessary information to deal with the digital era.

“It is also crucial to prioritize the examination of the convergence of data privacy and information security law. The enormous amount of data generated and collated in the digital realm raises critical questions regarding privacy, security, and the protection of individual rights.

“As Judicial Officers, you are responsible for carefully assessing the legal implications of data collation, storage, and utilization and by striking a harmonious balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding privacy, your Lordships would cultivate trust in the digital ecosystem while upholding individual rights” Ariwoola said.

The EVC/CEO of NCC, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the CJN and the top echelon of the judiciary for finding time to attend the workshop and promised the Commission’s resolve to deepen knowledge of the digital future on the judiciary as a very critical and indispensable arm of government.

Danbatta said the Commission is responsive to the rapid changes in the telecommunications and technology space and that NCC has taken steps to start the review of its enabling legislation, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA, 2003) while assuring that stakeholders will get the opportunity to make input to the amendment.

Speaking on the importance of the workshop, Danbatta noted that the telecommunications sector has evolved since the NCA 2003 came into existence hence the need to be responsive in readiness to keep pace with the dynamics of technologies that will come.

The EVC noted that the workshop afforded the Commission ample opportunity to engage the Judiciary on how to adopt digital technologies in advancing the course of justice.

He said, “The communications sector, through infrastructure deployment, has continually ensured that the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government is established on a solid foundation. It has also proven to be the catalyst for entrenching the activities of both the public and private sectors in the digital space, seamlessly.

“However, we recognise that in any digital economy, the development of a complex web of commercial transactions and social interactions is inevitable. Thus, to instill societal confidence in the digital economy, at least, two things are required: a safe and effective backbone infrastructure, as well as an efficient adjudicatory mechanism, which is easily accessible in the digital space,” he stated.

The EVC said this reality informs the NCC’s steadfast partnership with the NJI to develop capacity for judges in this area, saying this would ensure that the Court, being the last hope of the common man, is firmly woven into the fabric of the digital economy.

In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop, Danbatta further stated, “We have the Nigerian Communications Act, which established the NCC in 2003, more than 20 years ago. At one time, the Chief Justice of the Federation said this Act is anachronistic, which means it is old and therefore, has to be reviewed and I assured members of the judiciary that this review is going on as we speak.

“At the appropriate time, members of the media will be invited to witness the public presentation of the reviewed NCC Act to an engagement forum with critical members of the industry as well as Nigerians, who subscribe to telecommunications services. They will have a say during the presentation of the reviewed Act to the Public.”

The NCC hosted the 2023 National Workshop for Justices and Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunication Matters in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON says advocacy on awareness and prevention of Tuberculosis is a priority even as she reechoed the fact that every child deserves a chance at a healthy and fulfilling life.
She was speaking at the side event organized by Concordia at the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The First Lady spoke at the two separate sessions on Importance of innovation towards achieving an AIDS free generation and health standards and investment towards effectively financing the eradication of tuberculosis.
She said, on both tuberculosis and AIDS in children, Nigeria’s advocacy especially at the national, state and community levels would be pursued vigorously as Nigeria has no reason to have high statistics of prevalence in both areas.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that with the heightened drive of the President Bola Tinubu Administration in the health sector, she will be advocating enhanced actions by the wives of governors from the states of the Federation to take the campaign about awareness and prevention to the grassroot.
“Innovative approaches can be employed to develop effective methods for HIV prevention. Educational technology hubs, educational apps and digital platforms can all be used to disseminate accurate information specific to HIV care and control. Advancement in testing facilitates early detection and prompt linkage to care thus preventing progression and transmission”.
“Creative and culturally tailored age-appropriate interventions using technology and social media, can promote and amplify safer sexual and reproductive practices”.

The First Lady seized the opportunity to explain that in Nigeria, there is a robust program for combating TB through the National TB and Leprosy control program which is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Health supervised by the Minister for Health.
She said the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has come up with the Renewed Hope Agenda and has emphasized severally, the commitment to restructure the Health System in the country through improved financing, provision of modern equipment for diagnosis, capacity building, training of health care workers and transparency in governance as it regards TB response and health care delivery as a whole.
“We need to get people to speak up and know that early detection makes it treatable and we need to see that stigmatization is removed”.
Other panelists included Dr Lucica Ditiu and Dr Jay Rajda who both harped on the need for sustainable patnerships and improved funding.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was one of the panelists at strategies to advance global health standards and investments towards effectively financing the eradication of tuberculosis.

The promise by BUA to slash the price of its cement products is no doubt generating some controversy on different quarters as many Nigerians believe it is simply an attempt to deceive the the unsuspecting masses.

The Chairman of BUA Cement Plc Abdusamad Rabiu had on September 15, after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock announced that he will reduce the price of his cement brand to about N3,000 by January 2024.

While some Nigerians may be getting ready for the outcome oj this promise, others are quick to refer to antecedents of BUA Group in keeping to their promises as the group had made similar promise two years ago without fulfilling it..

One of our respondents Mr Babatunde Fehintolu opined that the BUA Cement boss has made multiple promises to down cement price only to increase the price a few months after.

According to Fehintolu,  Nigerians shouldn’t be carried away with sweet promise of Abdulsamad Raniu, because he has done same in the past without keeping them.

” The media was awash few days ago, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had a meeting with the Chairman of BUA Group Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, where the later is quoted to have promised to crash the price of his cement brand from about the current N5,000 to about N3,000 beginning from January 2024.

“I will not be carry away by that promise untill he proves me wrong. He has deceived Nigerians many times so I will wait and see before I will believe him” he stated.

His view is shared by a major cement seller in Korodu  who while speaking with the media recently said the BUA Group boss is playing to the gallery after meeting with the president, he just wants to says what Mr President will like to hear.

“Why do some of us like to play games with us?. In 2021 he promised to reduced the price of cement few weeks after the price went up. I can still remember in 2021, price of cement was sold for about N3,500 per bag, the BUA Cement boss said the price of his brand can fall by some 40 percent to about N2,200 if there is an increase in capacity and production.”

He said stronger competition and opening up of the sector to more players as well as imports will crash the price of the the commodity.

It would be recalls that the BUA Group boss in an interview with a journalist,  said, “The price of cement is high in Nigeria, simply because we don’t have enough supply. That is the simple answer, a reflection of economics on the theory of the laws of supply and demand”  the industrialist stressed.

Speaking with a Cement dealer in Kano, Abdullahi Mohammed, the story is different as he simply dismissed the promise, saying that he BUA Chairman wanted to score a cheap political goal.

He noted that if there would ever be a price reduction in BUA Cement brand, it would be a magic, adding that with the current level of inflation affecting every commodity, Rabiu was not sincere.

On his part, another dealer, Adewale Afolabi who spoke to our correspondent in Oshogbo stated the promise should be treated as a campaign promise that can never be fulfilled once elections are over.

Afolabi pointed out that the Rabiu has made numerous promises in the past and failed, advising that Nigerians should not take him serious.
    
However, to Dr. Kester Okeogene, an economic analyst, reduction in food prices is what Nigerians need most, not a political deception. 

Okeogene pointed out that the BUA Chief Executive has not mentioned anything concerning escalating prices of his food stuff irrespective of the untold hunger ravaging the land.

The Economist who described Rabiu’s promise as hypocritical stated, “BUA Foods Plc, has recorded growth in its Profit after tax by 142 percent to N95. 2 billion in unaudited results for the half-year ended June 30, 2023. The food company’s Profit before tax increased significantly by 156 percent to N109. 4 billion as against N42.”

He said, if he had meant well for the country, he could have considered crashing the price of flour, spaghetti, noodles and others, adding that majority Nigerians hungry as cement price does not matter to them.

In a bid to foster sustainable agricultural practices, Ado Ekiti is set to host the fourth edition of the SAFE SUMMIT, a national agricultural extravaganza that promises to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s food system.

According to the organisers, SAFE SUMMIT 2023, acronym for “Speak Agriculture for the Future Economy,” is not merely a regional event, but “a national initiative that will hold on 14th November 2023 and has already captured the attention of agricultural enthusiasts from all corners of Nigeria.”

“SAFE SUMMIT is not just an event; it’s a movement aimed at advancing agriculture on a national scale. By participating, attendees contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Nigeria, benefiting communities far and wide.”

This year, the SAFE SUMMIT goes beyond its Ekiti roots to welcome participants and stakeholders from across the nation. With registration now open, the summit is gearing up to host over 500 eager participants who are ready to engage, learn, and drive positive change in the agricultural landscape.

“What makes this year’s event even more special is the collaboration with esteemed partners: African Farmers Stories Initiative and the Netherlands Embassy”, the organisers said.

With its potential to catalyze a sustainable agricultural revolution that will positively impact the entire nation, Nigerians from every state are encouraged to secure their spots at SAFE SUMMIT 2023 website to join in shaping the future of agriculture nationwide. “Together, we can cultivate a brighter, more prosperous Nigeria,” the organisers enthused.

The organisers also disclosed that the impact of SAFE SUMMIT 2023 will extend far beyond the boundaries of Ado Ekiti and should be on the radar of every Nigerian as agriculture is all encompassing.

“SAFE SUMMIT is an inclusive platform that caters to a diverse audience, from experienced farmers and budding agripreneurs to urban dwellers with a newfound interest in agriculture. It represents an opportunity for Nigerians from all walks of life to engage with the vital sector of agriculture,” they said.

The summit is expected to converge leading experts, visionaries, and innovators in the agricultural field and will offer a rare chance for participants to tap into their expertise and gain insights into the latest trends and sustainable practices.

“SAFE SUMMIT provides a unique networking opportunity on a national scale. Attendees can connect with fellow agricultural enthusiasts, potential partners, and stakeholders from various states, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas,” they said.

The summit will provide the opportunity for practical Learning, through interactive workshops that will cover an array of agricultural topics, from modern farming techniques to agribusiness strategies, giving participants the chance to acquire practical skills that can be implemented nationwide to enhance food security and economic growth.

Distinguished keynote speakers at the summit will share their journeys and successes in the agricultural sector, inspiring attendees to take their own initiatives to greater heights.

The summit will also feature an exhibition showcase to spotlight the latest agricultural innovations, tools, and technologies. This, according to the organisers, “serves as a national stage for companies and organizations to present solutions that can drive agricultural advancement across Nigeria.”

The national target to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025 is receiving renewed attention from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which promises 50 per cent before the end of 2023.

This promise was one of the highlights of the special media chat with executive editors and media chiefs in the northern part of the country, hosted by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, to unveil his achievements since the resumption of office till date.

At the occasion, where Danbatta informed the media chiefs that Fifth Generation (5G) services subscriptions have already hit half a million in subscription, the various efforts of the Commission to improve broadband penetration are yielding fruitful results with the current estimates as at July 2023 standing at 47.01 per cent.

Using the extant reviewed five-pillar Strategic Vision Plan as building block, the EVC spoke to 119 milestones achieved under the five strategic pillars, including regulatory excellence, universal broadband, market development, digital economy and strategic collaboration.

Danbatta said through effective implementation of NCC’s mandates under his leadership and cooperation of internal and external stakeholders since 2015, telecommunications industry in Nigeria has achieved remarkable milestones under our leadership. “While we acknowledge the challenges encountered by the industry, we have also witnessed explosive growth, improved regulatory standards, and digital innovations that have garnered global recognition,” he said.

While reeling out impressive statistics that have characterized his leadership at NCC from 2015 to date, the EVC said active telephone subscribers had increased from less than 150.7 million to 218.9 million, representing a teledensity growth of 115.70 per cent from 107.87 per cent in 2015.

Through stimulating broadband infrastructure across the country, Danbatta said broadband penetration, which stood at 6 per cent in 2015 has increased significantly to 47.01 per cent as of July, 2023, enhancing over 89.73 million subscriptions on 3G, 4G and 5G networks in the country. Additionally, general Internet subscriptions have reached 159.5 million up from less than 100 million in 2015.

“Also, from 8 per cent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015, telecommunications sector now contributes 16 per cent quarterly to the Nigerian economy as of the second quarter of 2023. besides, following the authorization of more telecommunications companies to operate in the Nigeria’s telecoms sector, the investments profile has increased tremendously from $38 billion in 2015 to $75 billion currently and this keeps growing daily. From the sales of Fifth Generation (5G) C-Band Spectrum, the NCC has generated over $847.8 million for the Federal Government,” he said.

Danbatta, who has received a gallery of awards nationally, regionally and globally in recognition of the outstanding performance of Nigeria’s telecom industry also listed several achievements recorded since 2015.

“Other milestones and initiatives recorded aside the regulatory activities that culminated in the landmark launch of 5G services in Nigeria include the introduction of Spectrum Trading Guidelines, re-farming and re-planning certain spectrum band for efficiency, the emplaced collaborative process for the release of C-Band Spectrum by Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, and introduction of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS) to address revenue leakages and improve government revenue from the telecoms industry.

“These initiatives also include Licensing of Satellite Earth Stations, issuing of operating licence to SpaceX Satellite, facilitating the landing of additional submarine Cables, such as the Google 2,000km Equiano subsea Internet cable in 2022, listing of MTN on the Nigerian bourse, licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), introduction of new unlicensed millimeter wave spectrum, and regulation of white space spectrum,” Danbata said.

Also as part of NCC’s commitment under Danbatta’s leadership, the Commission has endowed professorial chairs in Nigerian universities and committed over N500 million naira to Research and Development (R&D) in the telecoms sector. “The creation of the Digital Economy Department, the mandate to drive the implementation of the indigenous telecoms sector growth through the operation of the Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS), are also important strides made by the Commission,” he said.

Danbatta said other consumer-focused initiatives of the Commission have also centered on the establishment of Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) in over 30 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). All these centres are operational, as well as the creation of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). The EVC said these two initiatives have been helping consumers to get succour in times of emergencies as well as ensuring effective protection for telecom consumers while online.

The NCC Chief Executive said the Commission has also taken very clear actions on consumer protection, advocacy, information-sharing and education. “These include introduction of data roll-over just before the expiration of subscribed data plans, introduction of the 622 toll-free number for lodging service-related complaints to the Commission, the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code for tackling the menace of unsolicited text messages, elimination of forceful/deceitful subscriptions to telecom services on mobile networks, tackling the issue of call masking, ensuring effective Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration, launching of National Roaming service and reduction of access gaps to telecom services from over 217 to 97, thereby enhancing access to telecom services by more Nigerians,” Danbatta said.

However, Danbatta said while the industry still faces a number of challenges such as vandalism, securing equitable Right of Way (RoW) from governmental stakeholders, as well as multiple taxation and regulation, the Commission has put framework in place to work with necessary stakeholders to overcome the obstacles possed by these challenges and to sustain the growth trajectory which has been the hallmark of telecoms sector as an enabler of socio-economic development in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Halilu and the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad have agreed to work together to deploy NASENI Solar resources and other renewable energy technologies, to increase electricity supply to Nigeria’s rural areas.

This commitment was the outcome of discussions between the two chief executives in Abuja on Friday September 15, 2023, when the EVC/CEO of NASENI visited the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) office as part of his efforts to engage with stakeholders to promote the adoption of NASENI’s technologies.

Mr. Halilu, who assumed office two weeks ago as NASENI’s chief executive, said, “The focus is to hit the ground running by nurturing effective collaborations with the right stakeholders who will assist NASENI to fulfil its mandate of providing the science and engineering infrastructure base for Nigeria’s businesses and economy to thrive.”

According to him, “The strategy, going forward, for NASENI includes knocking on the doors of potential end-users of the Agency’s technology and engineering products, making off-take of our Research & Development (R&D) easy, while also bringing the direct impact of our work to bear on the Nigerian economy.”

The two chief executives pledged to work together to bring down the cost of solar power installation in rural areas, through efforts such as increased local production of solar panels by NASENI. The overall goal, according to the REA MD, Ahmad Salihijo, is to facilitate the Federal Government’s ambition to achieve the electrification of Nigeria’s rural areas in record time.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Halilu visited the Director General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, on a similar mission. The two CEOs emphasized the need to look inward and develop local content (human and material) capacity to transform the economy.

Halilu sought to leverage on the long-standing relationship between himself and the NITDA boss, and also between the two organisations, to share experiences and best practices in management and in resource optimization.

Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA’s strategy of focusing on changing both the mind-sets and skill-sets of its staff are two critical factors that have helped the Agency achieve up to 62 percent of its goals and objectives within two (2) years, ahead of its four (4) year projection. He noted that the same approach would work for NASENI, as long as there was a well-thought-out strategic plan, and clarity of vision and goals.