Day: September 25, 2024

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on member states to mainstream gender into their trade policies to achieve the objectives of the African Continental Trade (AfCTA).

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, made the plea at the opening of a regional meeting on trade and gender in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said that promoting inclusive sub-regional trade by empowering women in business was in line with regional approaches and guidelines, as well as international best practices.

Toure-Litse described international trade as a powerful driver for wealth creation and development with women representing about 50 per cent of the global workforce facing barriers to participating in it.

‘Women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets, and women workers are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors.

‘Trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs and perspectives, exacerbating existing inequalities,’ the commi
ssioner said.

She said that addressing these disparities was crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and workers, and ensuring that international trade benefited all.

‘However, increased trade supported by discriminatory trade policies is acknowledged to be a catalyst for the possible widening of the inequality gap between men and women involved in trade.

‘According to UN Women, it is estimated that 70 per cent of informal cross-border trade in Africa is conducted by women traders.

‘I am pleased to note that ECOWAS has already developed several community texts and initiatives to promote gender-inclusive trade.

‘These efforts align with our commitment to deepening regional integration and accelerating development through inclusive trade,’ the commissioner said.

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The commissioner urged participants to share their expertise and constructively discuss the is
sue of gender mainstreaming in trade to enrich the ECOWAS draft action plan on trade and gender.

‘A well-crafted action plan will definitely contribute to achieving the Vision 2050, AfCTA, the AU Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals,’ she said.

Toure-Litse said the entry into force of AfCFTA had culminated in great opportunities for increased intra-African trade, and solicited necessary steps for it to provide equal opportunities for men and women.

‘In this regard, the regional AfCFTA implementation strategy aims to achieve objectives such as gender equality and structural transformation of state parties.

‘Specifically, the strategy aims to contribute to the positive gender and youth impact of AfCFTA through women and youth-led-business activities, employment and social protection as well as informal cross-border traders,’ she added.

Declaring the event open, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that mainstreaming gender in regional trade policies aimed at
creating a prosperous and equitable trade policy.

Represented by the ministry’s Director, Special Duties, Dr Simon Ozomo, the minister said that gender trade mainstreaming was in line with the Federal Government’s trade facilitation policy and relevant community texts.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the unemployment rate in Nigeria increased to 5.3 per cent in Q1 2024 from the 5.0 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

The NBS said this in its Nigeria Labour Force Survey for Q1 2024, released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The bureau said the unemployment rate was defined as the share of the labour force who were not employed but who were actively searching and were available for work.

In terms of educational attainment, the report said the rate of unemployment among persons with post-graduate education was 2.0 per cent in Q1 2024.

‘While unemployment among those with post-secondary education was 9.0 per cent, while those with secondary education was 6.9 per cent, and 4.0 per cent for those with primary education.’

It said the unemployment rate among youth aged (15-24 years) in Q1 2024 was 8.4 per cent, which was a decrease of 0.2 per cent compared to the 8.6 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

The report said the unemployment rate among males was 4.3 per cent and 6.2 per cent
among females in Q1 2024.

‘The unemployment rate was 6.0 per cent in urban areas and 4.3 per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024.’

The NBS said time-related underemployment in Q1 2024 was 10.6 per cent, indicating a decrease of 1.7 per cent from the 12.3 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

It said time-related underemployment rate was the share of employed people who were working less than 40 hours per week, but who would be willing and available to work more.

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‘The share of the underemployed men was 8.5 per cent, while the share of underemployed women was 12.5 per cent in Q1 2024.

‘The underemployment rate was 9.7 per cent in urban areas and 11.8 per cent in rural areas.’

The NBS said the labour force participation rate among the working-age population in Nigeria dropped to 77.3 per cent in Q1 2024 compared to 79.5 recorded in Q3 2023.

The report said the participation rate among males was 77.5 per cent while for females it was 77.1 per cent.

It said the employment-to-population ratio, which was the proportion of the working-age population that was employed was 73.2 per cent in Q1 2024

‘This indicates a decline of 2.4 per cent compared to a ratio of 75.6 recorded in Q3 2023.

‘The ratio in urban areas was 69.5 per cent and 78.9 per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024, indicating a decrease in the ratio compared to the 71.1 per cent and 80.7 per cent in Q3 2023, respectively.’

The report said there was a 3.3 percentage point increase in the proportion of workers in wage employment, from a record 12.7 per cent recorded in Q3 2023 to 16.0 per cent in Q1 2024.

‘By gender, 20.1 per cent of males were in wage employment, compared to 12.1 per cent of females.

‘Wage employment was also higher in urban areas, at 21.8 per cent than in rural areas, where it stood at 8.1 per cent.’

It said in Q1 2024, the percentage of youth (15-24 years) identified as Young Persons Not in Employment, Education nor Training (NEET) was 14.4 per cent.

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‘This indicates a 0.7 percentage point increase from 13.7 per cent in Q3 2023.’

The report also showed in Q1 2024, there were more females in NEET with 15.9 per cent compared to 15.5 per cent in Q3 2023.

‘ Males in NEET accounted for 13.0 per cent in Q1 2024.’

The NBS said 1.5 per cent of employed Nigerians spent between one to nine hours a week working, while 4.8 per cent spent between 10 to 19 hours a week.

‘Approximately 25 per cent worked between 20 to 39 hours, while 22 per cent spent between 40 to 48 hours, and 46 per cent worked 48 hours and above in a week.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sports Stakeholders have called for better funding and early preparation of athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, for Nigeria to make appreciable impact at the Games.

The stakeholders comprising of officials from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sports Federations, Technical departments of the Sports Ministry among others made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at a Ministerial Post Games Audit Review Meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, convened the meeting to review Team Nigeria’s poor outing at the Paris 2024/Paralympic Games.

After the closed door meeting which lasted for hours, NAN reports that the stakeholders highlighted the need for early release of funds for preparation, and grooming of younger athletes to replace the ageing ones.

They also called for more support for athletes, coache and other officials, while stressing the need for a more robust anti-doping strategy and training facilities for athletes.

President
of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, told NAN that in spite of the challenges leading to the Paris Games, the D’Tigress were able to make history at the Games.

‘Since our participation in Tokyo four years ago, we have seen significant improvement, building on our 2021 Africa Cup win in Kigali.

‘The team’s (D’Tigress) resilience, coaching, and consistent preparation contributed to their success,’ Kida said.

He, however, said that the issue of delays in releasing funds and the budgeting system remain a major challenge in Nigerian sports.

The NBBF boss, therefore, called for a more proactive approach in line with international best practices.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said the meeting was apt in addressing the challenges facing Team Nigeria at international competitions.

He stressed the need for the meticulous implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy to galvanise the holistic development of sports in Nigeria.

‘I feel that it’s a good d
evelopment that we were able to have this kind of review meeting and if we can implement the recommendations.

‘I am also very happy for the National Sports Industry Policy that creates the enabling environment for sports to be managed like a business.

‘So, the implementation of the policy is very important,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Socio-cultural group, the Egbira Voice of Nigeria (EVON), has expressed deep concern over recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Convener, Dr Kenneth Enebe claimed that the EFCC’s actions were meant to humiliate Bello.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello before Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court, Abuja.

NAN reports that the Kogi House of Assembly on Monday Sept. 23 reacted to the allegation of Fraud against the Former Kogi Governor, and declared that no money belonging to the state was missing to that effect.

The Convener, however, decried the reported attack on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Abuia, urging the nation’s anti-corruption agency to always observe the rule of law.

He requested the EFCC chairman to ensure President Bola Tinubu’s rule of Law initiative achieves its intended impact.

‘
We are constrained to bring to the attention of Your Excellency that the whole dust raised by the infamous EFCC/Former Kogi Governor ,Yahaya Bello saga has its roots in the ethnic complexities.

‘This also includes the political servant-master relationship that bedevilled our dear Kogi State since its creation in 1991.

‘Our worry is the way a supposed important organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria like the EFCC got enmeshed in the whole conundrum that is capable of tarnishing the image of the good work of the present administration, led by your humble self.

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‘When the former governor was yet to be officially invited by the anti-graft agency, some notable Igala sons and daughters, led by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba, and one Austin Okhai had, at various times, staged protests to the EFCC office in Abuja,’ he said.

Enebe, however, questioned the EFCC’s motives, citing inconsistencies in their treatment of Bel
lo compared to other politicians.

He expressed concerns for Bello’s safety and urged President Tinubu to ensure the EFCC operated professionally and without bias.

He said that the EFCC’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had reportedly denied Bello’s voluntary appearance at the commission’s office, citing a violation of invitation protocol.

‘If the Yahaya Bello they declared wanted over alleged refusal to honour their invitation, walked into the EFCC office voluntarily, why would they turn him back?

‘Then, only to return at night to embarrass the governor of Kogi State in the Governor’s Lodge by attempting to arrest someone who was in their office earlier?

‘Is it by dragging Yahaya Bello on the ground like a bandit or terrorist that the EFCC would be seen to be effective?

‘We appeal to you to wade into the matter to ensure that the right things are done. We wish to appeal to Your Excellency to please stop this proxy war being waged against Yahaya Bello and by extension, the Ebira people through the EFCC.

‘Sir,
if these actions of the EFCC are not checked, we might be left with no other options than to put the international communities, Civil Society Organisations in and outside Nigeria on notice about the unprofessional conducts of the EFCC,’he said.

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Enebe highlighted Bello’s achievements during his tenure, including infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and reconciliation efforts between ethnic groups in Kogi State.

He said that Bello’s achievements were numerous and impactful adding that he made history by appointing Edward Onoja, from the Igala ethnic group, as his Chief of Staff, breaking the tradition of choosing someone from his own ethnic group.

‘Others are rebuilding of Igala Unity House which was abandoned for over 50 years, constructions and rehabilitations of rural and township roads in Igala land, built and equipped Teaching Hospital of Prince Abubakar Audu University in Igala land.

‘Establishment of two additiona
l state universities in Kogi central and Kogi west and other Economic and Social Progress and Oil Production among others.

‘We would like to bring to your attention, your Excellency, that the former governor has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and would never evade its provisions.

‘The whole gamut of these orchestrated ethnic prejudice, historical perspective of his coming to power that demystified the age-long belief that the seat of power of Kogi State was the exclusive reserve of one ethnic group.

‘Also, the modus operandi of the EFCC are making discerning minds believe that Yahaya Bello’s life is not safe in the hands of the EFCC.

‘Contrary to the false narratives being put out in the media about the performance of the former governor, we make bold to say Sir, that he had unequalled and exemplary achievements, all geared towards healing the wounds and uniting the people of the state,’he said.

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N
AN reports that other co conveners at the press conference includes, Dr Nasir Onujabe, Alhaji Ibrahim Anas, Abdul Kokori, Malam Usman Jamdalla and Alhaji Nuhu Shaibu among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate rehabilitation and furnishing of the former Federal Ministry of Agriculture building, for the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, stated this on Wednesday, when he inspected the building, located at the Central Business District, Abuja.

Wike explained that the inspection was to see the state of the building, adding that FCT Administration would invite some companies to look at the building and submit quotations for the rehabilitation and furnishing.

‘It is an emergency work following the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, and as you can see, people are happy and waiting for it to commence operation.

‘So, now that the place has been identified, the President has ordered the FCT Administration, through the Federal Capital Development Authority, to look at it.

‘We have seen the integrity test of the building, which is okay, and we have to rehabilitate an
d furnish it,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Tinubu had, on July 9, announced the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock Development.

The president explained that the move was part of efforts to resolve the lingering conflict between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked for a renegotiation of FCT’s stake in the Kugbo International Market, Abuja.

Wike gave the order when he inspected the market, being developed by a private investor, Mesotho Group Ltd, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He explained that the market was being developed under a Public Private Partnership between the Abuja Investment Company, a private company.

‘We have a stake in the market; the land belongs to the FCT, and then the company invests.

‘I hear there is a sharing formula which is not acceptable to me in the first instance. For now, the way it is, is not favourable. It is only favourable to the investor.

‘I have directed the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company to see that they meet with the investor, to see how we can have an arrangement that will be suitable to all of us,’ he said.

To encourage the investor, the minister also directed the Department of Development Control to demolish any structure that stands in the
way of the project to ensure timely completion.

He explained that some persons have encroached into part of the land allocated for the project, including a road corridor.

‘This is a road corridor, and we will not allow that. The Director of Development Control has been ordered to move in with his men to demolish whatever is an obstacle,’ he added.

He said that the Phase 1 of the project had been completed while the Phase 2 will be completed in January 2025, as promised by the investor.

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Wike said that the FCTA would work with the investor to put the first phase of the project to use.

This, according to him, would enable traders causing traffic congestion on the road to get space in the market to sell their goods.

‘We will do everything we can to support our traders; we will do everything possible to see that people move into this market as quickly as possible.’

On the affordability of the shops, Wike promised not to allow the investor to take advan
tage of the traders.

He added that the Chief Executive of the Abuja Investment Company would sit with the investor, to agree on how people would get allocations in the market.

Wike expressed confidence that the market would create job opportunities through various economic activities that would be taking place in the market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kugbo International Market would constitute 2880 lock up shops, 35 terrace duplex shops, 60 warehouses, cold room, restaurants, banks, car parks, fire station, and police station.

Other facilities will include petrol station, Church, Mosque, clinic, including tourists’ sites, children playground and a four-star hotel among other modern facilities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria