Author: CSNews

Nigeria And Lebanon Look To Turn Decades Of Goodwill Into Fresh Business Ties

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed A Nigerian government official received in audience the Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to Nigeria, Dr Wissam Kalakeche, in an engagement that underscored the warm relationship and longstanding ties between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the important role of the Lebanese community in Nigeria as a longstanding bridge between the two nations, with many community members having established deep roots in Nigeria over several generations. Officials noted that Lebanese residents in Nigeria have contributed significantly to business, enterprise, commerce and broader people to people and socio cultural relations over the years. Discussions emphasised the need to promote closer economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Lebanon, and to deepen bilateral cooperation through the conclusion and implementation of pre existing agreements in various areas of mutual interest. Both sides identified opportunities for increased economic cooperation, committing to closer institutional engagement and the activation of practical frameworks to support stronger private sector partnerships. The two parties also agreed to evaluate customs free and zero tariff arrangements aimed at promoting business engagement between citizens of both countries going forward.

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Shettima Lands In New Delhi As Nigeria Chases Bigger Wins At BRICS Summit

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, part of Nigeria’s efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand trade and investment opportunities with member and partner countries of the bloc. The summit, held under the theme Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation And Sustainability, will see Shettima lead a high level Nigerian delegation comprising the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry Trade and Investment, Communications and Environment, among others. Speaking ahead of the summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, said Nigeria will explore new partnerships in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, drawing lessons from India’s experience in deploying technology to create opportunities for its youth population. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the Tinubu administration is working to deepen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, previously valued at about $14 billion, disclosing that major investors of Indian origin have expressed interest in meeting the Nigerian delegation. Oduwole noted that India used to buy Nigerian oil extensively, and officials are now looking at ways to expand that trade relationship amid shifting global market dynamics. At the summit, Shettima will join leaders of BRICS member and partner countries for high level discussions on inclusive global growth, resilience and sustainable development, alongside bilateral engagements aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South South cooperation and broaden its relations with major emerging economies. The Nigerian delegation is also expected to participate in the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled on the sidelines of the summit in the coming days.

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FAAN Brings Top 100 Customs Agents To The Table Over Air Cargo Bottlenecks

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, through its Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, has engaged the top 100 Licensed Customs Agents operating at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The stakeholder forum provided an opportunity for FAAN, Licensed Customs Agents, freight forwarders and other key players across the cargo value chain to discuss operational challenges and strengthen collaboration. Representing the Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement and a safer, more efficient air cargo ecosystem. He emphasised that the engagement would not be a one off initiative but part of a structured approach to addressing operational concerns and strengthening compliance across Nigeria’s airports. The forum identified practical ways to improve cargo processing, movement and service delivery, with stakeholders expected to work together on solutions in the weeks ahead. Officials say the continued engagement reflects FAAN’s broader push to build a more transparent and competitive air cargo business environment nationwide.

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FG Moves To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Says Care Should Replace Punishment

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Federal Government has taken a major step toward decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, following approval by the Federal Executive Council of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position on the matter. The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day in Abuja, held under the theme Changing The Narrative On Suicide. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the Minister said the matter would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, expressing optimism that it would be concluded without delay. He described the decriminalisation as both a legal and public health imperative, stressing that a person experiencing a mental health crisis should receive care and support rather than punishment, arguing that removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma and encourage help seeking. The Minister emphasised that legislation alone would not prevent suicide, noting that the government would continue strengthening mental health services, promoting early intervention and fostering open conversations around mental health. Officials highlighted the National Mental Health Act 2021, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework as key instruments guiding the national response, alongside extensive stakeholder consultations led by a national task force on the reform. Partners and stakeholders at the event welcomed the government’s decision, reaffirming their continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mental health services and advance the legislative process toward decriminalisation.

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NNPC Retail Unveils Its First Fully Self Service Smart Station In Abuja

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed NNPC Retail has commissioned its first technology powered self service smart station along Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja, marking a key milestone in the evolution of the company’s retail operations. Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Dr Mumuni Dagazau, described the facility as a reflection of NNPC Retail’s commitment to innovation, convenience and improved customer experience, commending the Nigeria Immigration Service for providing the land that made the project possible. Managing Director, NNPC Retail, Huub Stokman, said the facility demonstrates the changes taking place in Nigeria’s downstream industry and the company’s commitment to meeting consumer expectations for quality and reliable service. The 24 hour facility offers self service fuel dispensing, enabling customers to independently complete transactions and dispense the exact quantity of fuel required without staff assistance. It also features electric vehicle charging points, an automated car wash, a lubricant service bay and LPG dispensing, with plans to expand its energy solutions to include CNG in the near future. The commissioning marks a new chapter in NNPC Retail’s drive to transform conventional filling stations into smart energy, mobility and lifestyle destinations across Nigeria.

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Power Minister Leads Delegation To Beijing To Turn Nigeria China Ties Into Real Power Projects

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, led a Nigerian delegation to Beijing for strategic engagements with leading Chinese engineering, financing and industrial institutions, advancing efforts to translate Nigeria China cooperation into bankable projects and completed power infrastructure. Engagements with CMEC, Sinomach Group, SINOSURE, Standard Chartered Bank and CNEEC focused on expanding transmission capacity, strengthening grid reliability, developing generation and hydropower projects, and unlocking financing for critical electricity infrastructure. The delegation also witnessed the factory acceptance test of transmission cables at Hengfei Cable’s Changsha Industrial Park, reinforcing the focus on quality, delivery and execution across priority power projects. Beyond electricity, the Minister invited Chinese investors to explore opportunit ies in steel, automotive manufacturing, digital infrastructure and data centres, cold chain logistics and sugar processing, as Nigeria builds a structured industrial cooperation platform. Officials say the engagement reflects Nigeria’s broader push to align its industrialisation priorities with strategic international partnerships capable of delivering measurable economic impact. The message from the visit is clear, Nigeria is seeking partnerships that deliver investment, infrastructure, industrial capacity and jobs, moving from agreements to execution.

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Nigeria Begins Local Manufacture Of Next Generation Mosquito Nets Built To Beat Resistance

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Nigeria has commenced local production of next generation dual active ingredient insecticide treated mosquito nets, marking a significant step in strengthening malaria prevention and domestic manufacturing of essential health products. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the development aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and its focus on unlocking the healthcare value chain through investment, local production and stronger domestic capacity. The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, wholly owned by Vestergaard Sàrl, is the first in Nigeria to manufacture dual active ingredient insecticide treated nets, producing PermaNet Dual, a net designed to address growing insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organisation in 2023. At full scale, the facility is expected to produce approximately 10 million nets annually and create more than 600 jobs, with about 80 employees already recruited and undergoing training in manufacturing excellence, product quality and regulatory compliance. The establishment of Health Textiles Nigeria follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain to strengthen local production capacity for essential health products. Pate described the commencement of production as an important step in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, stressing that the investment demonstrates what is possible when government policy, private sector investment and technology transfer come together. Vestergaard Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, said the company was pleased to commence production in Nigeria, noting that the facility brings the company’s manufacturing expertise together with Nigerian talent to produce the nets locally. The development comes as Nigeria continues to bear a substantial share of the global malaria burden, with the World Health Organisation estimating that malaria caused 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for the overwhelming majority. With production now underway, Health Textiles Nigeria is expected to fulfil its first commercial orders in the coming months, expanding Nigeria’s capacity to produce a critical malaria prevention commodity locally.

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Kifayat Global Energy Takes Free Healthcare To Ahor, 102 Residents Screened In Two Day Outreach

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Ahor community in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State came alive this week as no fewer than 102 residents benefited from a two day free medical outreach organised by Kifayat Global Energy Limited, with a nearby police division and members of the host community among the direct beneficiaries of the initiative. Held on Wednesday and Thursday, the outreach provided medical screening and health education to residents, with the beneficiary list cutting across business owners, commercial motorcyclists, drivers, officers from the local police division and other members of the Ahor community. According to the company’s auditor, Busuyi Olowoniyi, who represented the Director of Kifayat Global Energy, Ismael Kola, the programme was designed to encourage residents to pay closer attention to their health, with the pilot edition originally targeting 100 residents before ultimately reaching 102. For Olowoniyi, the inclusion of the nearby police division and community members reflected the company’s intention to serve everyone within its immediate operating environment, not just those who do business with it directly, describing the outreach as a way of giving back to a community that has hosted the company for seven years. Looking ahead, he said the plan is to make the medical outreach an annual programme, allowing residents to benefit continuously while reinforcing that the company’s presence in Ahor goes beyond business interests to genuine investment in the wellbeing of its host community. Seven medical personnel, comprising doctors, nurses and medical laboratory scientists, attended to residents throughout the two day exercise, according to the medical team’s leader, Nafisat Allinson. On the first day, participants received health education on high blood pressure, while the second day focused on high blood sugar, with medical tests conducted across both sessions to check for malaria parasites, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Allinson added that drugs were administered to residents based on the outcome of their tests, while those found with more serious health concerns were referred to nearby medical facilities for further attention and follow up care. By the close of the exercise, the organisers expressed satisfaction with the turnout, particularly the strong participation from the police division and other community stakeholders, and disclosed that eye tests would be added to the programme in its next edition as the initiative continues to expand.

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INEC Turns To Nigeria’s Monarchs To Drive Voter Turnout And Cool Political Tempers

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on traditional rulers across the country to deploy their moral authority to mobilise eligible voters for the 2027 General Election and promote peaceful, issue based political campaigns. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the appeal in Lagos when he led the Commission’s leadership on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, at the Iga Idunganran Palace, as part of the Commission’s South West Zonal Readiness Assessment ahead of the 2027 polls. Amupitan formally informed the Oba of the election dates, with the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections holding on Saturday, February 6, 2027. He said INEC is working toward an election that is technologically driven, transparent and inclusive, but stressed that technology alone could not guarantee a successful election, insisting that people, not systems, ultimately build a democracy. The Chairman appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence to encourage residents to complete voter registration processes and collect their Permanent Voter Cards as statutory deadlines approach. He further sought the intervention of the Oba of Lagos and the Lagos Traditional Council in promoting issue based political campaigns and discouraging hate speech, character assassination and inflammatory rhetoric as political activities intensify ahead of the elections. The Oba of Lagos welcomed the Commission’s decision to begin its zonal readiness assessment in Lagos, expressing optimism about the success of the exercise under Amupitan’s leadership.

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Okpebholo Throws Open The Gates For Edo Queens, Hands Champions N50 Million Hero’s Welcome

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed. Edo erupted in celebration as the victorious Edo Queens returned home to a hero’s welcome, with Governor Monday Okpebholo receiving the WAFU B champions in Benin City and announcing a N50 million cash reward for the team. The atmosphere was electric as the Queens, who successfully defended their WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying title in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, arrived at the Benin Airport to a colourful reception by government officials, sports administrators and jubilant fans, before embarking on a victory parade through Airport Road to Osadebey Avenue. The triumph secured Edo Queens a place in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League in South Africa, after the Nigerian champions defeated Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies in a dramatic final that went all the way to penalties. Speaking at the reception, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the feat as another historic milestone in the state’s sporting resurgence, attributing the team’s back to back successes to the commitment of players and coaches alongside sustained investment by the state government. He singled out several players for their outstanding performances, applauding Doosuur Atume, Esther Chioma Moses, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and assistant captain Valentina Uroko, while praising Coach Moses Aduku as one of the finest female football coaches in Nigeria. With Aduku away on national duty with the Falconets, Bendel Insurance FC head coach Kennedy Boboye stepped in to lead the team to another continental triumph. Enabulele also praised Edo APC Chairman, Chief Jarrett Tenebe, for his consistent support of the team, describing the gesture as one rooted in gratitude rather than politics, and disclosed that six Edo players currently feature in Nigeria’s Falconets squad at the FIFA Women’s Under 20 World Cup in Poland, alongside seven Edo players in the country’s Under 19 girls’ cricket team that has qualified for its own World Cup. Governor Okpebholo, addressing the players, praised their fighting spirit and said he had remained confident they would overcome Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the final, recalling the dramatic penalty shootout and singling out the goalkeeper’s composure as the turning point that shifted momentum in Edo’s favour. The high point of the reception came when the governor announced the N50 million cash reward, assuring the players of continued government support and more opportunities to excel as they now turn their attention to the continental stage in South Africa.

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