News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria-UK N16trn current trade value highest ever — High Commissioner
Foreign

Nigeria-UK N16trn current trade value highest ever — High Commissioner

By Mark Longyen

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, says the trade value between Nigeria and Britain, which currently stands at 7.9 billion pounds (16 trillion naira) has hit an unprecedented level.

Montgomery made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He lauded the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)which he said boosts trade relations by removing non-tariff trade and investment barriers to foster cooperation in priority sectors.

According to him, the ETIP, which also promotes collaboration with the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), would scale the trade value by providing generous trading terms and tariff reductions on Nigerian products.

“So I’m really delighted at our most recent trade figures. The 7.9 billion pounds or 16 trillion Naira trade is the highest that it’s ever been between the UK and Nigeria. And so it’s a very positive trajectory.

“The enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) is exciting because it’s a mutually agreed set of sectors and issues on which the UK and Nigeria government are going to work on.

“It’s happening under the umbrella of our respective ministers, the federal minister of industry, investment and trade, and the UK business and trade minister,” he said.

He added: “The exciting thing about ETIP is, and you’ve used the word leverage, that’s precisely right.

“It identifies through mutual agreement the areas that the UK feels it has a comparative advantage in and the areas that Nigeria wants to create more economic opportunities in.”

Montgomery said the UK was not competitive in all sectors, but has major advantages in various sectors, including the financial services, new technology, financial technology, artificial intelligence and other digital platforms.

The British envoy said that in the creative economy, his country has some advanced manufacturing and advanced energy solutions, which are worth looking at, and credible in the Nigerian context.

He said the UK was doing a lot in higher education investments in the Nigerian education sector, as well as in the agricultural sector to boost Nigeria’s agricultural exports, considering its high potential.

“So, the ETIP identifies these priorities and we have ways of following up in each sector with the businesses and the government agencies on both sides that can unlock more investment and growth.

“The aim is mutual growth, it’s creating jobs in both our countries, and that’s why it’s really important that we realise that ETIP is mutually agreed and negotiated, it’s in both our interests,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, others seek partnerships, investments to bridge irrigation gap – FAO
Environment

Nigeria, others seek partnerships, investments to bridge irrigation gap – FAO

By Patricia Amogu

Nigeria and 10 other countries in the Sahel region are seeking $6 billion to irrigate 1.2million hectares of land across the region.

Mrs Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for West Africa and FAO Representative for Senegal, said this a two-day National and Subregional Hand in Hand Investment Forum, on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

“In West Africa and the Sahel, the challenges we face, notably climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, food insecurity, and youth unemployment, are complex and interconnected.

 

“However, the good news is that the solutions are also interconnected, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative particularly offers a pathway to unlock these solutions.

This Forum is therefore a strategic platform to turn priorities into action.

 

” First, irrigation is not just a technical solution; it is a strategic enabler, it enhances productivity, builds resilience against climate change, and empowers communities.

 

” The investment cases we will discuss in the next two days will demonstrate how irrigation can be a driver of food sovereignty and adaptation to climate change.

 

“FAO has outstanding experience in supporting irrigation globally and in the sub-region ,by organising this forum, FAO reaffirms its commitment to supporting irrigation in the sub-region and calls for your collaboration in order to reach results on a bigger scale.

 

‘In particular, the 10 Sahel countries participating in the HiH Regional Initiative—Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal—together with sub-regional organizations (CILSS and ECOWAS), will present their five-year irrigation investment plans

 

“Collectively, these plans target the irrigation or rehabilitation of 1.2 million hectares, requiring about USD 8 billion, of which USD 2 billion is already committed by the countries.

 

“Countries are therefore seeking partnerships with resource partners to help bridge the USD 6 billion gap.

 

 

“In addition, market linkages and value chain development are being factored in to ensure reliable outlets for produce from irrigated areas.

 

 

“Therefore, this Forum will serve as a space for matchmaking between countries and partners, with the aim of mobilising the needed investments and contributing to the fight against poverty and malnutrition—at a time when nearly one in five people in Africa (307 million) still experienced hunger in 2024,” she said.

 

Also, FAO representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Dr Hussein Gadain, highlighted three strategic pillars for action; sustainable land and water management, transformation of agri-food production systems and stronger research and innovation capacity.

 

He noted the need for Governments to put agriculture at the centre of their development agendas.

 

“Your leadership is critical and catalytic, simplify political processes for investors and ensure that your national policies create an enabling environment for climate-smart, inclusive businesses”, Gadain said.

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Nigeria one of biggest beneficiaries of Brexit — UK envoy
Foreign

Nigeria one of biggest beneficiaries of Brexit — UK envoy

By Mark Longyen

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has said that Nigeria is one of the countries that benefited the most from Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU), better known as Brexit.

The High Commissioner stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that UK-Nigeria trade and investment relationships are currently being built on a post-Brexit set of rules that bolster trade ties with the potential for mutual economic benefits.

Montgomery said Brexit had allowed more Nigerians to come and live, work, and study in the UK, culminating in the number of diaspora Nigerians in the UK increasing from 300,000 in 2021 to 550,000 in 2025.

“I’d say in the relations to the Nigeria-UK relationship, Nigeria has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brexit in terms of our visa regime, which has allowed more Nigerians to come and live and work and study in the UK.

“In 2021, we had an estimate that there were 300,000 people of Nigerian descent or nationality in the UK, a diaspora of 300,000, and now that has risen to 550,000.

“The diaspora from Nigeria has increased partly because of the post-Brexit immigration regime. So Nigeria has been a big beneficiary of Brexit,” he said.

The British envoy explained that following Britain’s exit from Europe, the UK has had realignment in its economic relationships and freedom to do trade deals with wider countries outside the EU.

“So, Brexit is something that has caused a realignment in a lot of our economic relationships and some of those may look positive and some of them may look negative.

“I think that overall, UK has a lot more, if you like, independence and freedom to do trade deals with wider countries outside EU.

“At the moment I’d say the most obvious example is that our relationship with the U.S. is particularly constructive and is leading to these massive U.S. investments in the UK because of the economic freedoms enabled by Brexit,” he said. (NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Think-tank projects inflation drop to 17% by December
General News

Think-tank projects inflation drop to 17% by December

By Lucy Ogalue

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI),  a Nigerian policy think-tank, has projected that Nigeria’s headline inflation will fall to 17 per cent by December.

The IMPI Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, in a statment on Wednesday, said the projection would be recorded, following consecutive declines that brought the figure down to 20.12 per cent in August.

Akinsiju said the trend represented the country’s longest spell of disinflation in nearly a decade, adding that it expected the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to ease interest rates in response.

The IMPI boss said Nigeria’s inflation rate had dropped steadily from 24.5 per cent in January to 20.12 per cent in August.

He described the 17.5 per cent decline as the sharpest mid-year slowdown in over a decade.

According to the him, Nigeria’s disinflationary pattern in 2025 places it alongside 2017 and 2018 as rare years when consumer prices slowed after several years of steady increases.

“Accordingly, Nigeria’s inflation story in 2025 is taking an unusual turn because, for the first time in nearly a decade, the country is witnessing a meaningful and sustained slowdown in consumer prices.

“The initiative identifies three key drivers of the inflation slowdown.

“The CBN’s tight monetary stance which kept the policy rate at 27.5 per cent, relative stability in the foreign exchange market aided by oil receipts, remittances and non-oil exports, as well as better harvests from food-producing regions.

“With the momentum being generated in the economy, we can safely aver that inflation may decline to 17 per cent in December 2025, a target near the 15 per cent set by the federal administration,” he said.

Akinsiju projected that the MPC would consider easing the policy rate by at least 50 basis points at its next meeting, and by up to 200 basis points before December.

“We also expects a review of the cash reserve ratio (CRR) from 50 per cent to 35 per cent.

“This review will impact the cost of production, enhance business expansion, and create jobs because of the cheaper cost of credit and the quantum of cash available to money deposit banks to perform their financial intermediary roles,” he said.

On corporate performance, he reiterated the rebound of major Nigerian companies after steep foreign exchange-related losses in 2023 and 2024, following the federal government’s decision to float the naira.

He recalled that seven major consumer goods companies, including BUA Foods, Cadbury Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Dangote Sugar, and Nestlé Nigeria, reported a combined loss of N418 billion in Q1 2024.

He said this was acompanied by a cumulative losses rising to N867 billion in two years.

“By the end of Q2 2025, all the consumer goods companies returned to profitability with a combined pre-tax profit of about N264 billion, meanwhile, currency stability and internal cost controls had driven the turnaround, ” he said

The group’s chairman emphasised that these gains, alongside a more stable naira, are evidence of renewed confidence in the Nigerian economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Dangote Cement Obajana, Jakura community seal dev’t. pact
General News

Dangote Cement Obajana, Jakura community seal dev’t. pact

By Nana Musa

The Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura Community on Wednesday sealed an historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) that will enable the company to implement mutually agreed social projects in the next five years.

 

The CDA is one of many CDAs that the Company have with its host communities, which serves as pathways for transfer of several impactful socio-economic development programmes  and projects.

 

At the ceremony, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Azad Nawabuddin, said the pact was in fulfilment of the provisions of section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, and section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Represented by John Gwong, Chief General Manager, Production, Nawabuddin said the Agreement demonstrated the company’s commitment to the development and overall well-being of Jakura community.

 

“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra, good neighbourliness is good business, hence we do everything conceivable to maintain harmonious relationship with the communities where we operate.

 

“We look forward to the support of the State and Local Government as we seek to collaborate with relevant agencies of the state to implement some of the developmental programmes cited in this Agreement.”

 

According to him, a governing structure will be set up for the implementation of the content of the Agreement.

 

The Group Head,  Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Wakeel Olayiwola, said the Agreement followed the stipulated steps as per the CDA development guideline as amended in 2023.

 

He said though the year has almost ended, the company would begin implementation of the content of the CDA, while assuring of commitment to a robust company-community relations.

 

The Group Head, Health, Safety,  Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL), Mr James Adenuga, said the company was a responsible corporate entity, adding that it was the right thing to do to smoothen the company’s social license to operate.

 

General Manager, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, commended the Jakura community for being supportive throughout the process of drafting the Agreement.

 

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, said the government was proud of the Dangote Cement for being a responsible corporate citizen, urging the community to continue co-existing with the company peacefully.

 

The Minister, who was represented by Mrs Bimbo Olaoye, said the government would continue to ensure that the company enjoys smooth operational turf, while also creating jobs and implementing social programmes.

 

Also, in attendance and sharing the same view are Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Olufemi Olaitan, Director, Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mrs Atinuke Onimode, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Kogi Sate House of Assembly, Mrs Omotayo Ishaya and her Vice, Jibril Abu.

 

Speaking on behalf of his community, the Obaro of Jakura community, Usman Adoga said: “This is a dream come true. Some of us who aspire to see this come true are not alive. It is indeed an historic event, and the Jakura community will never be the same again.”

 

He commended Dangote Cement Plc for its unwavering interventions in several communities in Kogi.

 

In his remark, the Olu of Apata, Frederick Balogun, said Mr Aliko Dangote is a God-sent, promising that the communities would continue to be peaceful and be the ambassador of the Dangote Group.

 

Representative of the Chairman Lokoja Local Government Area, Danjuma Abubakar, said the people of Kogi would continue to be the Ambassadors of Mr Aliko Dangote for his numerous interventions in their lives.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Fubara returns as emergency rule lifted ‎
Politics

Fubara returns as emergency rule lifted ‎

By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎President Bola Tinubu has lifted the State of Emergency in Rivers State, and directed that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly to resume duties on Thursday.
‎
‎In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja, the President said the decision followed the restoration of peace and order in the state.
‎
‎“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers shall end with effect from midnight today.”
‎
‎”The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from Sept. 18.”
‎
‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emergency rule  was imposed on March 18 amid political tensions and a breakdown in governance.
‎
‎With calm restored, Tinubu emphasised the importance of returning to democratic governance and institutional stability in Rivers.

‎The sole administrator appointed by Tinubu, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas who has led the state since March, had prepared his exit with an interdenominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday in Port Harcourt.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
‎
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tinubu lifts state of emergency in Rivers
General News

Tinubu lifts state of emergency in Rivers

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state.

In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration.

The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together.

Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised.

The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups.

Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker.

As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs.

That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill.

Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State.

My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.

The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance.

The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State.

I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration.

That is the way it should be in a democratic setting.

Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security.

Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State.

It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level.

The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy.

However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.

This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us.

I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today.

The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.

I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

I thank you all.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja
September 17, 2025

50th anniversary of China-Mozambique relations marked with photo exhibition
Foreign

50th anniversary of China-Mozambique relations marked with photo exhibition

A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo.

 

By Nana Musa

A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo.

It was jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in Mozambique, the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau.

The event brought together about 200 participants, including Mozambican Secretary of State for Tourism Fredson Bacar, Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan, representatives from various Mozambican sectors, Chinese enterprises operating in Mozambique, and members of the Chinese community.

 

 

Nearly 150 photos on display are divided into three sections, highlighting major historical moments and cooperation outcomes since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago.

The section “Traces of 50 Years of China-Mozambique Friendship” highlights China’s support for Mozambique’s independence struggle and the growth of political, economic, and cultural exchanges.

“Pioneers of People-to-People Exchanges — Chinese Enterprises in Mozambique” showcases Chinese companies’ contributions to local development and livelihoods.

“Lens of Xinhua, Images of the Century” presents classic works by Xinhua, chronicling China’s remarkable development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

At the opening ceremony, Bacar expressed gratitude for China’s contribution to Mozambique’s social and economic development over the past 50 years.

He noted that the exhibition vividly illustrates the growth of bilateral ties, a history of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation marked by fruitful results and mutual benefit.

He noted that in recent years, cooperation between Mozambique and China has achieved remarkable outcomes in such areas as finance, infrastructure, energy, transport, telecommunications, science and technology, agriculture, health, education, culture, and tourism.

”Mechanisms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao), and the Belt and Road Initiative have opened a broader space for collaboration, providing platforms to turn Mozambique’s abundant natural resources and agricultural potential into drivers of sustainable development,” Bacar said.

 

Zheng emphasised that traditional friendship between China and Mozambique, which dates back to their joint struggles against imperialism and colonialism, has been continuously strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

“The two countries have firmly supported each other, deepening practical cooperation and consolidating friendship while jointly pursuing national development and revitalization,” she said.

She said that the exhibition showcases both the history of bilateral relations and tangible achievements in such fields as infrastructure, health, education, and culture.

Samo Gudo, editor-in-chief of the Mozambican News Agency, said he was impressed by the exhibition, which highlights the tremendous changes Mozambique has undergone since independence in 1975 with China’s support.

“We firmly believe that with mutual support, Mozambique and China will go further together,” Gudo added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

2027 elections: CDD-West Africa decries 5m uncollected PVCs
Politics

2027 elections: CDD-West Africa decries 5m uncollected PVCs

By Angela Atabo/Perpetua Onuegbu

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has expressed concern over five million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Nigeria.

Director, CDD-West Africa, Dr Dauda Garuba, said this while unveiling the new Chair of the CDD Election Analysis Centre (EAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Garuba, as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, CDD-West Africa continues to reflect on the state of Nigeria’s democracy through the lens of recent developments.

“Nationwide, the issue of over five million uncollected PVCs is a silent ‘crisis.’

“If unresolved, millions of citizens risk exclusion from the 2027 elections, a development that could erode both participation and legitimacy,” he said.

Garuba suggested that to safeguard the credibility of the Anambra off-cycle governorship election, future by-elections, and the 2027 general polls, urgent actions were required.

He said that CDD called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve its technological infrastructure, logistics, and voter outreach strategies.

“PVC Collection must be given a coordinated national campaign, decentralised collection points, deliberate grassroots outreach, and targeted voter education.”

He added that security agencies should deploy personnel with neutrality and professionalism, resisting pressure from incumbents.

The director also urged political actors to commit to issue-based campaigns and reject vote buying and weaponised violence.

He said Civil society Organisations (CSOs) should also sustain monitoring efforts, amplify citizen voices, and demand accountability.

Garuba urged citizens should resist inducement and reclaim the power of their votes.

“The stakes ahead of 2027 are not just about whether democracy will survive; they are about the kind of democracy Nigerians will inherit,” he said

Speaking on the unveiling of the new Chair of CDD-West Africa’s Election Analysis Centre(CDD-West Africa EAC), Garuba said Prof. Victor Adetula succeeded an 82-year Professor, Adele Jinadu who diligently chaired the EAC for about 14 years.

He said that Adetula would bring on-board a wealth of experience in democracy, governance, peace and conflict and international relations and assured him of CDD’s support.

Responding, Adetula, the new Chair of CDD-West Africa’s EAC, extended gratitude to the leadership of CDD West Africa for entrusting him with the responsibility.

“I humbly accept the role, fully aware of the weight the responsibility entails.

“Over the years, CDD’s EAC has distinguished itself as an impartial and insightful institution, supporting stakeholders, policy makers and citizens as they navigate the intricacies of our electoral system.

“As we look towards 2027, our priorities must expand beyond the conventional aspect of electoral monitoring.

“We are committed to deepening our focus on transparent evidence-based electoral analysis, while also addressing the economic and political factors that threaten the integrity of our electoral processes.”

Adetula said that the commitment included nurturing the next generation of electoral analysts, equipping them with the necessary tools and framework to proactively address challenges and propose effective solutions.

He added that above all, the EAC would remain vigilant, monitoring electoral trends to better understand the present and help shape a credible future for all Nigerians.(NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Commission Boss Urges Staff to Embrace Automation, Digital Tools
General News

Commission Boss Urges Staff to Embrace Automation, Digital Tools

By Vivian Emoni

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Shehu, has urged staff of the Commission to embrace automation and digital tools in their operations.
Shehu made this known at a two-day workshop on Performance Management System (PMS) held in Abuja.
Represented by Alhaji Shuaibu Agaka, the Commissioner representing Kwara State on the Commission, Shehu said the use of digital tools would minimise human error and enable more accurate data collection, processing, and analysis.
He explained that the workshop aimed to improve staff performance and enhance overall productivity.
“This training we are having today on the Performance Management System is intended to replace the Annual Performance Evaluation Report previously used by the Commission,” he said.
According to him, the Federal Government’s digital transformation drive encourages workers to adopt technology to streamline processes, reduce reliance on manual tasks, and enhance productivity.
“Automation and digital tools reduce human error and enable more accurate data collection, processing, and analysis. This is what we want our staff to embrace so that the analogue system becomes a thing of the past,” Shehu said.
He further revealed that the Commission had recently conducted a promotion examination using a digital platform, describing it as a step towards encouraging staff to fully adopt technology.
“Digital transformation will lead to more efficient, effective, and citizen-centric services,” he added.
Shehu also urged the staff to mentally prepare for the evolving work environment.
“If you do not shake into the system, the system will likely shake you out,” he warned.
“You must change your mindset, mental orientation, and attitude to fully embrace the changes ahead.”
He called on participants to make the most of the training and commit themselves to continuous improvement as the Commission transitions to the new system.
Also speaking, the Commission’s Secretary, Mr Joseph Nwanze, described RMAFC as a strategic institution that must remain forward-looking. He said the training was designed to equip staff for digital transformation.
“This training is also intended to encourage staff to develop new skills, enhancing their employability,” Nwanze said.
“Learn as much as you can and be ready to unlearn practices that no longer align with our new orientation.”
He also advised participants to maintain professionalism, adding that proper dress codes and punctuality fostered respect, discipline, and productivity in the workplace.
On his part, Mr Emmanuel Ohiro, a PMS consultant from Relief Line Nigeria, commended the initiative and urged participants to take the training seriously, stressing that it would significantly improve service delivery.
One of the participants, Mrs Elizabeth Keghku, thanked the Commission for the opportunity, noting that the training would help staff better understand RMAFC’s goals, objectives, and expectations.
(NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

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